Internet Providers in Chicago, Illinois

Top Internet Providers in Chicago, Illinois:

  • AT&T Internet
    Speeds Up To
    5 Gbps
    *Not all internet speeds available in all areas.
    Plans Starting At $55
    *Prices may vary depending on the plan.
    Connection: IPBB, Fiber
    Availability: 95.1%
  • Xfinity
    Speeds Up To
    6 Gbps
    *Not all internet speeds available in all areas.
    Plans Starting At $25
    *Prices may vary depending on the plan.
    Connection: Cable, Fiber
    Availability: 98%
  • T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
    Download Speeds:
    33 - 182 Mbps
    *Not all internet speeds available in all areas.
    Plans Starting At $50
    *Prices may vary depending on the plan.
    Connection: 5G Internet
    Availability: 99%
  • Viasat
    Speeds Up To
    100 Mbps
    *Not all internet speeds available in all areas.
    Plans Starting At $49.99
    *Prices may vary depending on the plan.
    Connection: Satellite
    Availability: 99%
  • HughesNet
    Speeds Up To
    25 Mbps
    *Not all internet speeds available in all areas.
    Plans Starting At $49.99
    *Prices may vary depending on the plan.
    Connection: Satellite
    Availability: 99%
  • Spectrum
    Speeds Up To
    1 Gbps
    *Not all internet speeds available in all areas.
    Plans Starting At $49.99
    *Prices may vary depending on the plan.
    Connection: Cable
    Availability: 0.2%
  • EarthLink
    Speeds Up To
    940 Mbps
    *Not all internet speeds available in all areas.
    Plans Starting At $59.95
    *Prices may vary depending on the plan.
    Connection: DSL, Fiber, 5G Internet
    Availability: 97.2%
  • Verizon
    Speeds Up To
    1 Gbps
    *Not all internet speeds available in all areas.
    Plans Starting At $50
    *Prices may vary depending on the plan.
    Connection: 5G Internet
    Availability: 75%
  • Lynx Communications
    Speeds Up To
    200 Mbps
    *Not all internet speeds available in all areas.
    Connection: Fixed Wireless
    Availability: 56.3%
  • Astound Broadband Powered by RCN
    Speeds Up To
    1.2 Gbps
    *Not all internet speeds available in all areas.
    Plans Starting At $20
    *Prices may vary depending on the plan.
    Connection: Cable
    Availability: 49.2%
  • Zentro
    Speeds Up To
    2 Gbps
    *Not all internet speeds available in all areas.
    Plans Starting At $29
    *Prices may vary depending on the plan.
    Connection: Fixed Wireless
    Availability: 3.9%
  • Google Fiber Webpass
    Speeds Up To
    1 Gbps
    *Not all internet speeds available in all areas.
    Connection: Copper, Fixed Wireless
    Availability: 2%
  • Mediacom
    Speeds Up To
    1 Gbps
    *Not all internet speeds available in all areas.
    Plans Starting At $29.99
    *Prices may vary depending on the plan.
    Connection: Cable
    Availability: 0.3%
  • 12Global
    Speeds Up To
    500 Mbps
    *Not all internet speeds available in all areas.
    Connection: Fixed Wireless
    Availability: 0.3%
  • Northern Connections
    Speeds Up To
    940 Mbps
    *Not all internet speeds available in all areas.
    Plans Starting At $89.99
    *Prices may vary depending on the plan.
    Connection: Fixed Wireless
    Availability: 0.2%
  • AccessMedia3
    Speeds Up To
    250 Mbps
    *Not all internet speeds available in all areas.
    Connection: Cable
    Availability: 0.2%
  • Consolidated
    Speeds Up To
    300 Mbps
    *Not all internet speeds available in all areas.
    Plans Starting At $31
    *Prices may vary depending on the plan.
    Connection: DSL
    Availability: 0.1%
  • Upstream Network
    Speeds Up To
    940 Mbps
    *Not all internet speeds available in all areas.
    Connection: Copper, Cable
    Availability: 0.1%

Best Internet Providers in Chicago, IL

The best internet provider in Chicago is AT&T, which uses fiber-optic connections to deliver the fastest internet speeds in the city. AT&T’s download speeds are remarkable: The company advertises speeds of up to 5 Gbps. Customers can also expect very reliable performance and very fast upload speeds (on a fiber network, upload speeds can be just as fast as download speeds).

Chicago’s other major provider, Xfinity, is also a strong option. Xfinity offers gigabit plans to many Chicago residents. Xfinity’s cable connections don’t impress us as much as AT&T Fiber, but they stack up much better in areas of Chicago that don’t have access to AT&T’s fiber network.

Fastest Internet Providers in Chicago, IL

AT&T Fiber offers the speediest plans in Chicago. The fastest AT&T plan tops out at a dizzying 5 Gbps in advertised download speeds, which is far faster than most internet users are accustomed to.

If you can’t get AT&T Fiber, consider its rival Xfinity’s plans, which offer speeds of up to 1.25 Gbps.

How can AT&T deliver such fast internet? The answer is that AT&T has a fiber-optic network. Fiber networks are faster than older connection types like DSL and dial-up — and even cable, though cable networks can often offer speeds of 1 Gbps or more.

Internet Availability in Chicago, IL

If you live in Chicago, then you almost certainly have access to AT&T internet plans. AT&T’s coverage area reaches 95.1 percent of Chicago. However, AT&T Fiber covers a little less of the city — 95.1 percent, to be exact. Check out our AT&T availability map for all the details.

Xfinity, like AT&T, has impressive coverage in Chicago. Xfinity’s service area covers 30.7 percent of the city.

Most Chicagoans will find that AT&T and Xfinity are their only two major options for wired internet, but there are a few other ISPs at play in select parts of the city. Astound Broadband by RCN covers 49.2 percent of Chicago; you’ll rarely encounter it south of Hyde Park or west of I-90, but there’s a good chance you’ll have access to RCN if you live on the Near North Side or the near South Side (Astound’s coverage in the Loop is a little spottier). RCN is also available in Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville, and beyond (Astound is very popular with our neighbors up in Evanston). Meanwhile, folks in South Chicago neighborhoods like Roseland may have access to WOW!, a cable internet provider.

Frequently Asked Questions About Internet in Chicago, IL

  • Which is the best internet provider in Chicago?

    The best internet option in Chicago is AT&T Fiber. This speedy fiber internet option is available only to about a quarter of Windy City denizens, but if you can get it, we recommend it: It’s the fastest option and one of the best deals for your money.

  • Which internet provider in Chicago is the fastest?

  • Which Chicago internet provider is the cheapest?

  • Is T-Mobile 5G Home Internet Available in Chicago?

  • Is Verizon 5G Home Internet available in Chicago?

  • Is there financial assistance for internet service in Chicago?

Internet Provider Store Locations in Chicago

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