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#1 Recommended Plan
AT&T 
Speeds Up To5 Gbps*Ltd. avail/areas. Speeds vary, not g’td. Single devices wired speed maximum 4.7 Gbps.Connection: Fiber, IPBB, 5G InternetAvailability: 64.2%LIMITED TIME OFFERLimited Time Deal. Get up to $32 off AT&T Fiber for 12 monthsDisclaimer: “New customers only. $15 savings with 300/500Mb or $32 savings w/ 1Gig or higher plan. Ltd. avail/areas. See details. -
Spectrum 
Speeds Up To2 GbpsSpeeds up to 2G in Select Markets.Speeds up to 2G in Select Markets.Connection: Cable, FiberAvailability: 89.8%Hickory speed tests confirm high speeds for Spectrum -
Brightspeed 
Speeds Up To940 MbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Not all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: Fiber, DSLAvailability: 99% -
EarthLink 
Speeds Up To425 MbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Not all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: DSL, 5G InternetAvailability: 95% -
#1 Satellite Plan
Starlink 
Speeds Up To400 MbpsSpeeds referenced are maximum available speeds, are not guaranteed, and will be slower during times of congestion.Speeds referenced are maximum available speeds, are not guaranteed, and will be slower during times of congestion.Connection: SatelliteAvailability: 100%Why Starlink? Starlink offers a true high-speed alternative to traditional internet providers with easy self-installation, no contracts, and no upfront hardware costs in select areas. -
Viasat 
Speeds Up To150 MbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Not all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: SatelliteAvailability: 100% -
T-Mobile 
Speeds Up To2 GbpsNot available in all areas. Return each device undamaged or fee may apply. AutoPay discount requires bank account or debit card, otherwise $5 more/line/mo. May not be reflected on first bill. See Terms and Conditions (including arbitration provision) at https://fiber.t-mobile.com/legal/terms.Not available in all areas. Return each device undamaged or fee may apply. AutoPay discount requires bank account or debit card, otherwise $5 more/line/mo. May not be reflected on first bill. See Terms and Conditions (including arbitration provision) at https://fiber.t-mobile.com/legal/terms.Connection: FiberAvailability: 20.2% -
Mint Mobile 
Speed Range133 Mbps - 415 MbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Not all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: 5G InternetAvailability: 82.5% -
Verizon 
Speeds Up To300 MbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Not all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: 5G InternetAvailability: 38% -
XNET WiFi 
Speeds Up To2 GbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Not all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: Fixed WirelessAvailability: 69.4% -
Metronet 
Speeds Up To500 MbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Not all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: FiberAvailability: 29.2% -
RiverStreet Speeds Up To25 MbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Not all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: Fixed WirelessAvailability: 54.6% -
Open Broadband 
Speeds Up To100 MbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Not all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: Fixed WirelessAvailability: 38.4% -
Carolina West Wireless 
Speeds Up To25 MbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Not all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: Fixed WirelessAvailability: 89.3% -
Ripple Fiber 
Speeds Up To2 GbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Not all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: FiberAvailability: 2.9% -
Hughesnet 
Speeds Up To100 MbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Not all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: SatelliteAvailability: 100%
Internet Providers in Hickory, NC
Refine your search for better results:
Popular Hickory Internet Deals
| Provider | Featured deal |
|---|---|
| AT&T | Get up to a $200 Reward Card with purchase of AT&T Fiber! Redemption req’d. |
| Spectrum | Get Spectrum Internet® with a free modem, free antivirus software and no data caps! |
| Brightspeed | Get up to a $250 Reward Card when you sign up for Brightspeed Fiber! Limited time offer; subject to change. While supplies last. Applies to Brightspeed Fiber Internet product in select areas. Allow up to 14 weeks. Card issued by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC. Card terms and expiration apply. |
| EarthLink | Save $25 per month on the EarthLink Wireless 5G Home Internet Unlimited plan! |
| Starlink | Get fast and flexible satellite internet from Starlink for just $55 per month! |
Hickory Home Internet Providers
| Provider | Plans starting at | Speeds up to | Connections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metronet | $29.95/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 500 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Fiber |
| Brightspeed | $29.99/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 940 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Fiber, DSL |
| Spectrum | $30/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 2 Gbps Speeds up to 2G in Select Markets. | Cable, Fiber |
| Mint Mobile | $30/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 133 Mbps - 415 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | 5G Internet |
| AT&T | $35/mo Price is per month, plus taxes. Price after discounts: 20% off w/elig wireless svc. and $10/mo w/elig Autopay & Paperless bill. Discounts start w/in 2 bills. | 5 Gbps Ltd. avail/areas. Speeds vary, not g’td. Single devices wired speed maximum 4.7 Gbps. | Fiber, IPBB, 5G Internet |
| T-Mobile | $35/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 2 Gbps Not available in all areas. Return each device undamaged or fee may apply. AutoPay discount requires bank account or debit card, otherwise $5 more/line/mo. May not be reflected on first bill. See Terms and Conditions (including arbitration provision) at https://fiber.t-mobile.com/legal/terms. | Fiber |
| Verizon | $35/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 300 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | 5G Internet |
| Hughesnet | $39.99/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 100 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Satellite |
| RiverStreet | $40/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 25 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Fixed Wireless |
| EarthLink | $49.95/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 425 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | DSL, 5G Internet |
| Open Broadband | $49.99/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 100 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Fixed Wireless |
| Starlink | $55/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 400 Mbps Speeds referenced are maximum available speeds, are not guaranteed, and will be slower during times of congestion. | Satellite |
| XNET WiFi | $65/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 2 Gbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Fixed Wireless |
| Ripple Fiber | $65/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 2 Gbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Fiber |
| Viasat | $69.99/mo Price shown includes promotion; Get $30/mo. off for first 3 months. For new customers only. You must mention this offer when ordering service to receive the discount. | 150 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Satellite |
Best Internet Providers in Hickory, NC
Metronet is the best internet provider in Hickory thanks to its fast, reliable fiber connection. Residents can get symmetrical speeds up to 500 Mbps with Metronet starting at $29.95 per month. Spectrum is a strong alternative, covering 89.8% of the city with cable internet starting at $30 per month.
| Provider | Why they're great | Who they're great for |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | Fastest provider | For customers with lots of devices and competitive gamers, AT&T Fiber provides the extreme speeds needed to handle heavy daily internet use. |
| Spectrum | No annual contracts | Spectrum is a smart choice for renters and flexible households who want high-speed internet without being locked into a long-term commitment. |
| Brightspeed | Straightforward pricing | For customers who want predictable monthly bills completely free of hidden fees or surprise rate hikes, Brightspeed is a perfect fit. |
| Verizon | Easy installation | Customers who want a fast, plug-and-play setup with a simple self-install gateway will find Verizon 5G Home Internet perfect. |
| Metronet | Cheapest provider | Metronet is a top choice for budget-conscious families looking to access a highly reliable, premium fiber connection at a very competitive price. |
Hickory Cheapest Internet Plans
Metronet offers the cheapest internet in Hickory for budget-conscious households. Metronet plans start at just $29.95 per month for symmetrical speeds up to 500 Mbps. Brightspeed also provides an affordable fiber alternative, pricing service at $29.99 per month, but Brightspeed only covers 4.9% of the area.
| Provider | Plan name | Price | Speeds up to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metronet | 150 Mbps Internet | $29.95/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 150 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. |
| Brightspeed | Fiber Internet 200 Mbps | $29.99/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 200 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. |
| Spectrum | Spectrum Internet® Advantage | $30/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 100 Mbps Speeds up to 2G in Select Markets. |
| Mint Mobile | 3-month w/ Mint Phone Plan | $30/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 415 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. |
| AT&T | Internet 300 | $35/mo Price is per month, plus taxes. Price after discounts: 20% off w/elig wireless svc. and $10/mo w/elig Autopay & Paperless bill. Discounts start w/in 2 bills. | 300 Mbps Ltd. avail/areas. Speeds vary, not g’td. Single devices wired speed maximum 4.7 Gbps. |
Fastest Internet Providers in Hickory, NC
Metronet provides the fastest internet in Hickory with excellent performance. Metronet delivers symmetrical speeds up to 500 Mbps through its advanced network. Spectrum is the next fastest choice, offering downloads up to 2 Gbps and uploads up to 35 Mbps, but Spectrum relies on a traditional cable connection.
| Provider | Speeds up to | Connection type |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | 5 Gbps Ltd. avail/areas. Speeds vary, not g’td. Single devices wired speed maximum 4.7 Gbps. | Fiber |
| Spectrum | 2 Gbps Speeds up to 2G in Select Markets. | Cable |
| T-Mobile | 2 Gbps Not available in all areas. Return each device undamaged or fee may apply. AutoPay discount requires bank account or debit card, otherwise $5 more/line/mo. May not be reflected on first bill. See Terms and Conditions (including arbitration provision) at https://fiber.t-mobile.com/legal/terms. | Fiber |
| XNET WiFi | 2 Gbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Fixed Wireless |
| Ripple Fiber | 2 Gbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Fiber |
Compare Top Providers in Your Area
- AT&T Internet vs. Spectrum
- AT&T Internet vs. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- AT&T Internet vs. Verizon 5G Home Internet
- EarthLink vs. AT&T Internet
- EarthLink vs. Spectrum
- Hughesnet vs. Viasat Internet
- Hughesnet vs. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- Hughesnet vs. Verizon 5G Home Internet
- Spectrum vs. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- Spectrum vs. Verizon 5G Home Internet
- Starlink vs. Viasat Internet
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet vs. Verizon 5G Home Internet
Check Your Current Speed
Internet Availability in Hickory, NC
Spectrum offers the widest primary availability in Hickory. Spectrum reaches 89.8% of the city with competitive plans starting at $30 per month for speeds up to 2 Gbps. For those outside the Spectrum footprint, Viasat Internet ensures connectivity by reaching 100.0% of the area via satellite.
| Connection type | Provider with most coverage | Hickory availability | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Satellite | Starlink | 100% | $55/mo |
| DSL | Brightspeed | 99% | $50/mo |
| Cable | Spectrum | 89.8% | $30/mo |
| Fixed Wireless | XNET WiFi | 69.4% | $65/mo |
| 5G Internet | EarthLink 5G Home Internet | 43.5% | $49.95/mo |
| Fiber | Brightspeed | 4.9% | $29.99/mo |
Hickory Internet Stats
| Average internet monthly cost | Available speed ranges | Available price range | Available connection types |
|---|---|---|---|
| $66.22 | 12 Mbps - 5 Gbps | $29.95/mo - $175/mo | 5G Internet, Cable, DSL, Fiber, Fixed Wireless, Satellite |
Internet Coverage Map and Store Locations for Hickory, North Carolina
Methodology
Our provider rankings rely on a rigorous, data-driven framework evaluating over 100 million rows of FCC data to bring transparency to local internet options. We track 8,000+ active plans from 2,000+ providers to cut through marketing jargon. We weigh technical factors against real-world experiences to match you with the best connections actually available at your address:
- Tested Technology: We utilize a fiber-first ranking system, prioritizing high-performance, structurally sound technologies (like fiber and cable) over slower legacy connections.
- Realistic Coverage: We filter out "ghost ISPs" with near-zero availability and actively flag providers that only cover a fraction of neighborhoods, ensuring you don't waste time on unavailable options.
- Transparent Pricing: We track base rates and downgrade providers that rely on hidden fees or sudden price hikes, exposing the true long-term cost beyond initial marketing promotions.
- Verified Speeds: We look beyond deceptive "up to" marketing claims to evaluate the actual download and upload speeds delivered, prioritizing the balanced, symmetrical performance necessary for seamless video calls and heavy streaming.
- User-Driven Personalization: We don't just look at the tech; we look at what people actually prefer. By analyzing millions of local connections, user reviews on downtime, and validated J.D. Power scores, we tailor our rankings to highlight the providers proven to satisfy users in your area.
For a complete breakdown of our scoring weights, independent research, and editorial standards, view our full Methodology page.
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Data valid as of 09/06/2026