Internet Providers in Boston, MA

Cable internet from Xfinity and fixed wireless internet from NetBlazr and Starry Internet are the top choices if you’re shopping for high-speed internet in Boston. Xfinity has the widest coverage, available to 96 percent of residents, while NetBlazr is available to roughly 91 percent of residents. Currently, residents in the 02127 ZIP code (near South Boston and City Point) have the fastest speed on average based on our speed tests.

Fastest Internet Providers in Boston

It’s not often you’ll find fixed wireless internet that’s faster than cable or fiber in a city. However, NetBlazr offers upload and download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps to areas in the northern side of Boston. Starry Internet, which is available in similar neighborhoods, offers download and upload speeds up to 200 Mbps and is a good alternative if you’re not fond of, or looking to switch from, NetBlazr.

Residents in southern neighborhoods like Dorchester and West Roxbury can rely on Xfinity for gigabit (1,000-plus Mbps) speed. Xfinity cable internet offers the fastest download speed (up to 1,200 Mbps), but its upload speed can only reach up to 35 Mbps. Still, Xfinity is one of the fastest providers in Boston since cable internet is subject to less interference than fixed wireless, making it more reliable overall.

If you prefer the speeds of Starry Internet and NetBlazr but not the providers themselves, you may want to consider T-Mobile Home Internet. The service launched in Boston in 2021 with download speeds averaging around 100 Mbps for most customers.

Fiber internet is available with Verizon Fios, Starry Internet, and NetBlazr; however, it is only available to about 12 percent of Bostonians, primarily those near Brookline and the Financial District.

Cheapest Internet in Boston

If you want speeds up to 100-200 Mbps, Xfinity and NetBlazr have the lowest prices starting at $34.99 a month with Xfinity and $39.99 a month with NetBlazr. To be fair, NetBlazr offers the better deal; plan speeds vary by location, which means you could pay $39.99 a month for either 100 Mbps or 200 Mbps with NetBlazr.

NetBlazr also offers annual pricing, which is nearly $100 less than what you would pay for month-to-month service. Even if you stick to the month-to-month plan, NetBlazr has the cheapest gigabit plan in Boston, costing $59.95 a month with no rate hikes guarantee. Expect to pay around $80 a month for a gigabit internet-only plan with Xfinity or Verizon Fios if you can get it.

Comparing Xfinity to Fixed Wireless Providers (Starry Internet and NetBlazr)

While NetBlazr is the lower-priced provider, most residents looking for bundle plans choose Xfinity. NetBlazr and Starry Internet are internet-only providers, while Xfinity offers a full range of home services and discounts when you bundle.

NetBlazr and Starry Internet are cord-cutter friendly since they offer low prices and more than enough speed to stream on multiple devices without requiring a contract or enforcing a data cap. Although you won’t get a discount, you could save more money choosing an internet-only plan and your preferred TV package. You can even choose an internet-only plan with NetBlazr and a TV package from Xfinity to get the best of both worlds for a low price.

Digital Equity Programs in Boston

The City of Boston has a free outdoor wireless network called Wicked Free Wi-Fi. You’re able to access this service at many restaurants, parks, and shopping centers throughout Boston. Just be mindful the Wi-Fi is for outdoor use; coverage will drop or severely decrease when you move indoors.

Students and residents in need of an in-home internet connection can contact their school directly to receive a free Chromebook or hotspot, or contact Xfinity to see if you qualify for their low-income Internet Essentials program.