Internet Providers in Tacoma, WA

Tacoma is the third-largest city in Washington, and numerous internet service providers (ISPs) offer internet to the city’s residents. The two most popular options in Tacoma are Xfinity and CenturyLink, both of which have high speeds, large networks, and low premiums. A few smaller providers — including T-Mobile Home Internet and Rainier Connect — also offer home internet service to people who live outside the Xfinity or CenturyLink networks.

Fastest Internet Providers in Tacoma

CenturyLink is the fastest provider, since it offers fiber internet with download and upload speeds of up to 940 Mbps. CenturyLink also offers DSL internet with speeds of up to 100 Mbps, but we recommend Xfinity or Rainier Connect if you need faster internet.

Xfinity offers the fastest advertised download speeds in Tacoma at up to 1,200 Mbps, along with upload speeds of up to 35 Mbps.

Rainier Connect is the only other ISP to offer up to 1,000 Mbps plans in Tacoma. Nearly 80 percent of residents can get access to Rainier Connect’s cable internet, specifically people in south and central Tacoma.

Cheapest Internet in Tacoma

Xfinity offers the cheapest internet-only plan in Tacoma at just $29.99 per month for up to 50 Mbps download speed. The second cheapest plan comes from Rainier Connect, which charges $34.95 per month, but its download speed reaches only 10 Mbps. CenturyLink’s cheapest plan — with 100 Mbps download speeds — starts at $50 per month.

When you start looking for higher-speed plans, CenturyLink becomes a better value. The 400 Mbps Xfinity plan is $64.99 per month, while the 940 Mbps CenturyLink plan is $65 per month. You can get nearly double the speed for just one cent more per month if you choose the CenturyLink gigabit plan over Xfinity.

Comparing Xfinity and CenturyLink

Most internet users in Tacoma choose between Xfinity and CenturyLink. These providers have the largest coverage areas and best cost-per-Mb ratios of any ISP in Tacoma, and both offer various TV, phone, and entertainment bundles.

Xfinity has its own in-house cable TV and phone services, while CenturyLink partners with various satellite providers and streaming platforms to provide bundled packages. Depending on the package you choose, bundling with either provider will add at least $50 to your monthly bill.

Digital Equity Programs in Tacoma

Compared with many other cities throughout the country, Tacoma dedicates a great deal of time and effort to providing free and low-cost internet to its residents. The city has partnered with various companies to offer digital equity programs to low-income households. These programs include Comcast’s Internet Essentials, CenturyLink’s Internet Basics, AT&T Access, InterConnection, and PCs for People.

Internet Statistics for Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma, known as “The City of Destiny,” with its spectacular views of Mt. Rainier, is the 7th most-connected city in the state. With an average download speed of 164.3 Mbps and almost 100 percent of its residents having access to multiple providers, Tacoma is more connected than ahead of Lakewood, Federal Way, University Place, Milton, and Fox Island. However, about 3,000 people in the county have access to no more than one internet provider. Those with access are likely to choose between Xfinity, CenturyLink and Rainier Connect, the most available providers in the city excluding satellite internet providers.