RSS
Follow us on:
  • Recommend:
  • 0 Comments
  • Print

The Best Broadband ISPs in America

Both cable and DSL connections are getting faster and cheaper, but you may not have the best one. To find out how your ISP rates, see what our readers say about their providers.

Cable and Fiber Optics Are Fastest (chart)

Internet service providers are boosting download speeds, but not all of our survey respondents are taking advantage of them, either because faster speeds aren't yet available in their areas, or because they aren't willing to pay a premium for them.

Click the image below for a comparison of the various Internet connection types' speeds, availability, and pricing.

Connection type Downloadspeeds offered 1 Survey respondents' average stated download speed 2 Survey respondents' average monthly cost 3Availability 4 Comments
Broadband over Power Line (BPL) 256 kbps-3 mbpsInsufficient dataInsufficient dataIN, OH, PA, VABPL allows high upload speeds, but unshielded power lines used to carry Internet communications may cause interference with radio communications.
Cable3 mbps-30 mbps5.7 mbps$42.45NationwideCable providers have boosted speeds of late, but they haven't cut prices to compete with DSL.
Dial-up56 kbps56 kbps$22.00NationwideSubscriptions are nose-diving in favor of broadband but it's still the most widely available service.
DSL768 kbps-7.1 mbps2.9 mbps$32.30NationwideAvailable for as little as $13 per month, DSL costs considerably less than cable, but it's significantly slower, too.
Fiber optic6 mbps-50 mbps9.6 mbps$36.35CA, CN, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, OR, PA, RI, TX, VA, WAThough still far less common than cable or DSL, the technology is catching on quickly with subscribers, and it has plenty of room to grow.
Fixed wireless256 kbps-3 mbps1.6 mbps$43.80CA, NM, PA, TXWhile you can find a wireless connection in almost any coffee shop, using one to connect directly to an ISP is a relatively new concept. A few municipalities offer inexpensive access.
Satellite512 kbps-1.5 mbps720 kbps$63.10NationwideYou no longer have to use a dial-up modem for uploads over satellite, and it's available where no other broadband option is, but it's still pricey and relatively slow.
FOOTNOTES: 1 Range of connection speeds offered nationwide. 2 Connection speed as promised by provider-not tested speeds. 3 Costs are for home Internet service. 4 Service in several states is still considered in the trial stage; states listed are ones in which providers offer connections to new customers.

Would you recommend this story? YES NO

  • Recommend:
  • 0 Comments
  • Print
Comments
  • Speed Up Everything!

    PCWorld shows you the secrets to improve performance on all your hardware.

Lenovo Laptop Deals

Subscribe to the Windows News & Tips Newsletter - weekly

See All Newsletters »
Today's Special Offers