Internet Providers in Chicago, Illinois

We recommend AT&T Fiber as the best home internet provider for most users in Chicago. Not to be confused with AT&T’s IPBB offering, AT&T Internet, AT&T Fiber is the brand’s lightning-fast fiber-optic internet service. It offers speeds between 300 Mbps and 5 Gbps, and the best part is that these speeds are symmetrical. AT&T Fiber’s internet-only plans are also affordable, with prices ranging between $55 and $245 per month.

If AT&T Fiber isn’t available in your area of Chicago, look for Astound Broadband Powered by RCN. Formerly just RCN, the broadband provider is a longtime favorite of Chicago locals, and it offers fiber internet in some parts of the city. Its cable options aren’t as quick as its fiber connections, of course, but they’re still worth considering if they’re available in your area. Its top download speeds reach up to 1.5 Gbps, and depending on where you live, you might have access to its cable or fiber internet service.

If you don’t have access to AT&T Fiber or Astound Broadband, your next-best option is the city’s ubiquitous cable provider, Xfinity. Xfinity offers speeds between 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps on a cable connection. Its internet-only plans start at $30 per month, with the higher end at $95 per month. If you’re looking for bundles, Xfinity offers internet, home phone, home security, mobile and TV services that start at $55 per month. Unlike AT&T Fiber, Xfinity plans do have data caps, so we recommend going for fiber internet if you prefer unlimited data.

Beyond fiber and cable internet providers is T-Mobile 5G Home Internet. We like T-Mobile 5G Home Internet as an alternative to these providers because it is easy to setup and it has a simple pricing structure starting at $60 per month (with AutoPay). With speeds between 72 and 245 Mbps, it is also equipped with enough speed to handle most online activities.

Most ISPs offer deals and promotions to new and sometimes current subscribers. For example, some of AT&T’s current promotions include 20 percent off AT&T Fiber when paired with an unlimited wireless plan, an extra $75 reward card when you order AT&T Fiber over the phone using promo code “BACK2SCHOOL” at checkout, and a $150 Visa Reward Card with an AT&T Fiber Internet 1000 plan or higher. While it’s not as much as what AT&T is offering (though AT&T plans can be more expensive overall), T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is also throwing in a $100 Virtual Prepaid Mastercard when you sign up today. These promotions don’t last and change monthly, so be sure to check back frequently for the latest deals so you don’t miss out.