How to Find and Choose an Internet Service Provider

Shopping for internet service isn’t as confusing as you might think. Rather than turning the experience into a frustrating one, you can simplify the process and get the best internet that fits your needs in no time. Our guide breaks down everything you need to know before you choose an internet service provider (ISP), from optimal speeds to the fastest connection types. Before reading on, keep in mind that certain ISPs might not be available in your area. The good news is you might have a few options to compare and decide on the one that checks off all the boxes. Let’s dive in.

Finding an Internet Provider Near You

The first and most important step is to find an internet provider that offers service in your area. Simply enter your zip code in our ISP search tool and the results will show you all the available providers as well as their plans and pricing. This is the easiest way to compare your options at a glance, especially if you want to know which providers are available before the technicalities (price, speeds, data caps, etc.).

Comparing Your Internet Options

After you find providers near you, you’ll want to compare their plans, prices, speeds, data caps, and so on. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• How much internet speed do I need?
• How much data will my household use?
• Will there be multiple devices connected to the internet?
• What’s my budget per month? Do I want a contract or month-to-month plan?
• Do I want to bundle my internet plan with TV and/or phone service?
• Do I want to self-install my internet or hire a professional technician?

Once you figure out what you want from your internet service, you can cross off the providers that don’t fit the bill. If you’re unable to narrow down your choices, check out comparisons of the providers in your area for a closer look at what each one offers. You can also get a side-by-side comparison of two providers, such as AT&T vs Spectrum and Verizon Fios vs Xfinity.

The connection that internet providers use vary by provider and by region. A fiber, cable, and DSL internet provider can all offer the same service yet have a huge difference in speed and performance. Rural residents are normally limited to satellite internet, but may have access to mobile broadband, fixed wireless providers, or 5G home internet. Double-check what connections are available from the providers in your area.

Knowing Your Internet Speeds and Data

Along with internet connection types, you’ll want to know about internet speeds. Our guide on what is a good internet speed will give you an idea as to how much speed you need. Or, you can get a custom speed recommendation using our bandwidth calculator tool. Most households have multiple users and devices sharing the same Wi-Fi — not to mention smart TVs streaming Netflix or Spotify on the same connection. If this is you, you’ll want higher speeds and unlimited data. Most internet providers offer plans with and without data caps, so if you find your household using a large amount of data every month, unlimited data is your best option. This also helps you avoid data overage fees and throttling from your ISP.

Planning Your Budget

If you’re concerned about budget, free and affordable internet plans are available for fixed and low-income households. If not, you’ll want to decide whether a contract or month-to-month plan is better for you. Note that contracts come with early termination fees (ETFs), so avoid this option if you have a short-term living situation and foresee yourself canceling or switching providers when you move.

Faster speeds will also get you higher prices, especially if you choose fiber-optic internet, which utilizes the latest technology. If you have a household full of online gamers and streamers, you might have to rely on fiber speeds to carry everyone’s activities without buffering or lag. If you only need to check emails or surf the web, DSL internet is the most affordable connection type.

Most internet providers also offer bundles including TV and/or phone service (and sometimes home security systems). These packages are often more valuable for large households and families. However, some people save money by getting an internet-only plan and a streaming service. See our guide to cable TV vs streaming for help deciding which is better in your situation. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for promotions or discounts; these are typically exclusive to online shoppers or first-time subscribers. Select internet providers offer military, senior, and/or student discounts, so while doing your research, check to see if these are available and that you’re eligible.

Ordering, Installing, and Troubleshooting Your Internet Service

Once you’ve decided on what provider and plan you want, the last step is to call and order service. Some providers will let you order online, but in most cases they will require a follow-up call to confirm service. For help avoiding fees and getting your Wi-Fi working as quickly as possible, see our guide to internet installation. You might also be able to negotiate a better deal depending on the provider.

Once installed, it’s likely you’ll have to do some DIY troubleshooting a few times while setting up or throughout your service. To avoid waiting in line for customer service or technical support, we’ve written numerous guides on common issues like how to extend your Wi-Fi range or optimize your home network.

Even if you’re willing to wait for a service representation to fix the issue on their end, following the steps in our guides should shave time off how long you’ll sit on the phone with a rep.

The best way to avoid a problem is prevention, which is why we also include guides on cybersecurity like Wi-Fi security basics and how to secure your home network. However, if you find you’re constantly troubleshooting your network or have experienced data security issues, it may be time to cancel service and switch providers.