Gigabit ISPs That Will Rev Up Your Internet Speeds

If you’re looking for an uninterrupted internet connection with blazing-fast speeds, consider switching to a gigabit internet provider. With gigabit internet, you won’t have to worry about video buffering, low bandwidth, or slow downloads. If that sounds ideal, the next step is to find out which providers offer gigabit internet. Below we recommend the top seven gigabit internet service providers (ISPs) that will give your internet speed the boost it needs.

Gigabit Speeds

With faster speeds and a more reliable connection, gigabit internet is the gold standard. It’s the future of internet connectivity, and it’s ideal for the following activities:

• Online gaming that requires low latency
• Video conference applications such as Zoom and Google Meet
• Smart-home devices
• 4K streaming services including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime
• Posting high-resolution photos online
• Downloading large files

Gigabit via a fiber-optic connection allows for symmetrical download and upload speeds. Most gigabit internet providers offer speeds up to 940 Mbps or 1 Gbps, but some have already reached speeds beyond that. Take an internet speed test to see how your internet compares to the speeds you’ll get by switching to a gigabit plan.

In areas where fiber internet infrastructure is unavailable, gigabit speeds can be achieved through cable. Cable download speeds can match a fiber connection’s speeds, but upload speeds aren’t symmetrical. That’s why, with fiber internet providers — which are also gigabit ISPs — your internet is less susceptible to interference and has higher bandwidth and improved latency.

Gigabit Internet Providers

As gigabit internet service expands, customers get to choose from several ISPs. Take a look at the gigabit internet providers below and compare the ones that stand out most.

Xfinity

Xfinity offers gigabit internet through its cable and fiber connections. It offers the fastest and most reliable fiber internet plans, starting at $35 per month. Download speeds go up to 10 Gbps, and its top plan is priced at $299.95 per month.

Download speeds reach up to 1 Gbps with its cable internet plans, and prices start at $35 per month. It’s not as fast as its fiber plans, but Xfinity still races ahead as one of the fastest gigabit internet providers on the market.

AT&T Fiber

AT&T Fiber plans start at $35 per month. The fastest plan offers download speeds of up to 5 Gbps. AT&T Fiber often runs promotions for its internet plans, so keep an eye on special offers. Compared to Xfinity, AT&T Fiber is more affordable, so it’s a great choice for users who are new to gigabit internet and prioritize affordability.

Spectrum

Spectrum® offers download speeds up to 1 Gbps (wireless speeds may vary) on a cable connection, and its internet-only plans start at $49.99 per month for 12 months. It’s also widely available across the U.S.

Spectrum’s coverage, reliability, and speeds make it an appealing gigabit internet provider. Plans come with no data caps, and customers don’t have to commit to any contracts. New customers may also enjoy free equipment. Spectrum even offers a contract buyout program to reward customers who switch to its service.

Verizon Fios

Verizon Fios is often rated as one of the fastest ISPs. With its relatively low prices and no setup charges, it’s one of the best all-around gigabit internet providers on the market. Its plans start at $24.99 per month. Download and upload speeds reach up to 2 Gbps thanks to its fiber connection.

Like Spectrum, Verizon Fios plans don’t have a data cap.

Windstream

Windstream is another gigabit internet provider that offers download speeds up to 8 Gbps via a fiber connection. It mainly covers rural areas in various states, including locations where other gigabit providers are unavailable.

Windstream plans don’t require a contract and come with unlimited data. The provider also offers flexibility in upgrading or switching services. Its cheapest fiber internet-only plan starts at $39.99 per month.

Google Fiber

You can’t mention gigabit internet service without Google Fiber. It offers speeds of up to 8 Gbps in addition to no contract requirements and unlimited data. Google Fiber covers only a small portion of the U.S., but it’s steadily growing its coverage area. Google Fiber plans range between $70 per month and $150 per month.

Optimum by Altice

Optimum by Altice is a newcomer to the gigabit universe. Its top speeds reach up to 8 Gbps on either a cable or fiber connection. Its internet-only plans start at $40 per month. Optimum runs promotions every now and then, so new customers should take advantage of them while they can.