The best internet connection for you depends primarily on where you live and what download and upload speeds you need:
- is the fastest on the market but has limited availability and is often the most expensive.
- is both fast and widely available, making it a great option for most customers, but may be limited in rural areas.
- operates through telephone networks, making it accessible to rural customers, but provides slower maximum speeds than cable.
- also connects to remote locations, but suffers from spotty service and notoriously slow speeds.
When it comes to our internet service, we're all looking for the same thing: a fast, reliable connection that isn't going the break the bank. Luckily for us, there are multiple options from which to choose, including cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite internet. But which of these internet connection types gives you the most bang for your buck?
In this guide, we'll go through each type of internet connection and help you decide which one is best for your location, budget, and online habits.
Types of Broadband Internet Connections
There are four main types of high-speed internet services: fiber, cable, DSL, and satellite.
Fiber Internet
Fiber internet is unique in that it uses fiber-optic cables containing glass or plastic filaments. Instead of using electricity to send data, these delicate fibers use light pulses to transmit information—literally delivering your internet connection at the speed of light.
This ultra-fast broadband internet offers yet another advantage—symmetrical download and upload speeds. Typically, upload speeds are significantly slower, as most people use more bandwidth to download information to their devices. But with fiber internet, upload speeds are nearly always equal, making it an excellent choice for activities drawing heavily from your device, such as video conferencing or live gaming.
The biggest downside: Fiber internet is not yet widely available, due to the costly nature of building the infrastructure from scratch. Still, the technology is steadily making its way through the U.S., led by the likes of Google Fiber, Verizon Fios, and AT&T. If you're lucky enough to have it in your area, it's highly worth consideration, especially since plan prices have been steadily dropping as more ISPs build out their fiber networks. See how two of these ISPs stack up against each other in our comparison of AT&T and Google Fiber.
Pros:
- Very fast
- Very reliable
- Equal download and upload speeds
Cons:
- Not widely available at this time
- Plans can be more expensive
Popular Fiber Internet Plans
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#1
Verizon Fios
Verizon Fios
Internet 300/300 Mbps
- Speed 300 Mbps
- Fiber Connection
- No Term Contract
$39.99/mo
Go
$39.99/mo
Go
#2
Frontier
Frontier
Fiber 500
- Speed 500 Mbps
- Fiber Connection
- Contract [12 mths]
- Deal: $50 Visa rewards card!*
$49.99/mo
Go
$49.99/mo
Go
#3
CenturyLink
CenturyLink
Internet Only 200Mbps
- Speed 200 Mbps
- Fiber Connection
- No Term Contract
$30/mo
Go
$30/mo
Go
#4
AT&T
AT&T
Internet 1000
- Speed 1 Gbps
- Fiber Connection
- No Term Contract
- Deal: HBO Max and $250 rewards card with AT&T Gig plan
$90/mo
Go
$90/mo
[plan + modem]
Go
#5
EarthLink
EarthLink
HyperLink 5Gbps
- Speed 5 Gbps
- Fiber Connection
- Contract [12 mths]
$189.95/mo
Go
$189.95/mo
Go
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Cable Internet
Cable is one of the most common types of internet. It uses the same coaxial cables as—you guessed it—a cable TV connection, sending information through the copper wires via electricity. That means buildings routed for cable television already have the infrastructure for internet access. It's also quite fast, with many cable internet providers offering speeds ranging from 25-400Mbps, and sometimes up to 1Gbps. And because cable networks are already built out, unlike emerging fiber networks, cable internet prices tend to be wide-ranging to meet a variety of budgets.
Keep in mind, though, that your cable internet bandwidth is shared among other network users in your area. When you get home from work and finally start streaming your favorite shows, all of your neighbors are likely doing the same thing. If they have cable internet too, you could experience network congestion, leading to deprioritization and slower speeds.
Rural customers may find cable internet hard to come by altogether, because of the difficulty connecting miles of cables to reach remote areas and/or laying underground wires in rugged terrain.
Pros:
- Widely available for most customers
- Lower costs than fiber
- Faster speeds than DSL or satellite
Cons:
- Subject to slowdowns during peak usage
- Lower accessibility in rural and remote areas
Popular Cable Internet Plans
Filters
#1
WOW!
WOW!
Internet 100Mbps
- Speed 100 Mbps
- Cable Connection
- No Term Contract
$9.99/mo
Go
$9.99/mo
Go#2
Cox
Cox
Internet Essential 100Mbps
- Speed 100 Mbps
- Cable Connection
- No Term Contract
$49.99/mo
Go
$49.99/mo
Go
#3
Astound Broadband Powered by Grande Communications
Astound Broadband Powered by Grande Communications
Power 300
- Speed 300 Mbps
- Cable Connection
- No Term Contract
$25.99/mo
Go
$25.99/mo
Go
#4
Xfinity
Xfinity
Performance Plus 60
- Speed 60 Mbps
- Cable Connection
- No Term Contract
$49.99/mo
Go
$49.99/mo
Go
#5
Optimum
Optimum
Optimum 1 Gig
- Speed 940 Mbps
- Cable Connection
- No Term Contract
- Deal: $200 Visa prepaid card
$85/mo
Go
$85/mo
Go
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DSL Internet
DSL stands for "digital subscriber line." Like cable internet, it utilizes the copper wires inside cables to transmit data via electricity. But unlike cable, it does this through your landline phone network, rather than your television network.
How is DSL different from dial-up internet?
Instead of using the same frequencies as voice calls [and interrupting your phone service in the process], DSL signals travel through dedicated unused frequencies in the phone wires that bypass your voice connection completely.
Because telephone networks are quite robust, DSL is the most widely available and reliable type of internet connection in the world, making it an excellent choice for rural customers without access to cable or fiber. It also offers decent speeds for most basic internet uses, like browsing and light streaming. That said, download speeds top out around 100Mbps, so if you're a multi-device, data-heavy household, you might find DSL a little slower than you need.
DSL internet speed is also affected by how far away you are from your internet service provider—the farther away, the more delay [the rhyme makes it easy to remember]. And the aerial nature of your phone network leaves your internet connection open to weather-related interruptions.
One major plus for DSL: It is unaffected by network congestion. So even in times of peak usage, you can count on getting the same speed you would otherwise. Some popular DSL internet providers are AT&T, Windstream, CenturyLink, and EarthLink.
Pros:
- Widely available, even in rural areas
- Relatively inexpensive plans
Cons:
- Slower speeds than cable
- Quality is contingent upon your distance from ISP
- Subject to outages during storms
Popular DSL Internet Plans
Filters
#1
AT&T
AT&T
Internet 18
- Speed 18 Mbps
- VDSL Connection
- No Term Contract
- Deal: $250 rewards card with AT&T Internet Only plans Online Only
$55/mo
Go
$55/mo
[plan + modem]
Go
#2
EarthLink
EarthLink
HyperLink 300Mbps
- Speed 300 Mbps
- VDSL Connection
- Contract [12 mths]
$69.95/mo
Go
$69.95/mo
Go
#3
CenturyLink
CenturyLink
Internet 40Mbps
- Speed 40 Mbps
- VDSL Connection
- No Term Contract
$50/mo
Go
$50/mo
Go
#4
Windstream
Windstream
Premium Plus Kinetic Internet 50-100Mbps
- Speed 50 Mbps
- VDSL Connection
- No Term Contract
- Deal: Get $100 in billing credit and save up to $50 a month.
$29.99/mo
Go
$29.99/mo
Go
#5
Ziply
Ziply
DSL 3M
- Speed 24 Mbps
- DSL Connection
- No Term Contract
$35/mo
Go
$35/mo
Go
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Satellite Internet
Satellite internet sends and receives signals via a dish installed at your home, pinging satellites that orbit with the Earth's rotation. The main advantage of satellite internet is its versatility. Since it doesn’t require cables or wires to work, satellite internet can be accessed by customers living in rural areas where the infrastructure for cable, DSL, or fiber connectivity is absent.
That said, satellite offers the slowest speeds, especially its latency—the delay between when your signal pings the satellite and then receives a response. This makes sense, as you're sending data all the way to space and back, but it's definitely a roadblock to many activities that need quicker speeds for optimal performance, although Starlink and Project Kuiper are poised to improve download speeds and latency in the near future. It's also incredibly sensitive to weather, solar flares, and other natural phenomena; even a rogue tree branch can impede your signal. Satellite internet is also pretty pricey, considering the better service you'd get with cable or DSL plans for the same plan prices.
Pros:
- Accessible in rural areas
Cons:
- Significantly slower speeds
- More expensive
- Highly sensitive to obstructions
Popular Satellite Internet Plans
Filters
#1
HughesNet
HughesNet
15GB
- Speed 25 Mbps
- Satellite Connection
- Contract [24 mths]
$44.99/mo
Go
$44.99/mo
Go
#2
Viasat Exede
Viasat Exede
Unlimited Silver 25
- Speed 25 Mbps
- Satellite Connection
- Contract [24 mths]
- Deal: Free professional installation for new Exede customers.
$69.99/mo
Go
$69.99/mo
Go
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Other Internet Connection Types
Mobile Internet
Mobile broadband denotes a wireless internet connection via the same connectivity and coverage of cell phone carriers like Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, Cricket, and AT&T. It is typically connected via portable modem or hotspot, which is different than the fixed line modem that is connected via cable or telephone line. Many people prefer this type of connection for low data, on-the-go usage—the speeds are typically excellent, making it a great form of portable internet service.
Pros:
- Can be faster than fixed line internet
- No installation required
- Can move with you
Cons:
- Smaller data allowances
- Can be more expensive than a fixed line connection
- Won't work well if you don't have a good mobile signal at home
Popular Mobile Internet Plans
Filters
#1
Verizon
Verizon
5G Home [Existing Verizon Customers]
- Speed 300 Mbps
- Mobile Broadband Connection
- No Term Contract
- Deal: Router included and 2 year price guarantee.
$25/mo
Go
$25/mo
Go
#2
T-Mobile
T-Mobile
4G Home Internet
- Speed 25 Mbps
- Mobile Broadband Connection
- No Term Contract
$50/mo
Go
$50/mo
Go#3
AT&T
AT&T
50GB Wireless Internet
- Speed 12 Mbps
- Mobile Broadband Connection
- No Term Contract
$60/mo
Call for More
855-720-0636
$60/mo
Call for More
855-720-0636
#4
Rise Broadband
Rise Broadband
25 Mbps Internet
- Speed 25 Mbps
- Fixed Wireless Connection
- No Term Contract
- Deal: Half off Installation and FREE Unlimited data
$49.95/mo
Go
$49.95/mo
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5G Home Internet
5G home internet is similar to a mobile hotspot, but it's a little different because it's mobile broadband that has specifically been created for homes. To create the connection, mobile companies install small cell towers at or near a wired fiber source and then those towers deliver data to your 5G home router and WiFi modem—which delivers data to your devices. The latest WiFi 6 devices can significantly improve your home internet connection, especially if you have lots of users connecting to the same Wi-Fi signal.
Even though it's not widely available yet, all four of the top mobile companies: AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile have begun installing small cell towers throughout cities to deliver the service into homes.
Pros:
- Capable of gig speeds
- No installation required
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Not widely available yet
- No landline bundles
- Not a lot of feedback yet
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Choosing the Right Internet Connection
Consider Your Location
Your location is the number one factor in narrowing down the right kind of internet for you. Some internet types may not even be options for you because of where you live. For example, fiber internet is not yet available nationwide as the infrastructure continues to grow. Rural and other remote locations typically have limited access to cable internet, too.
You can find out what internet plans are available in your area by using WhistleOut's internet search tool. Type in your address to see only the internet options accessible at your home.
Evaluate Your Speed Requirements
Your online experience is directly affected by how fast your internet connection is. Basic web browsing and email doesn't require a super speedy connection for a smooth experience, but activities like live TV streaming, gaming, and video calling require a much faster connection to prevent lags—especially if you have multiple users and connected devices in your household. Here are a few common activities and their recommended speeds.
Please note that connection types have max speeds:
- Fiber: 2,000 Mbps [2 Gbps]
- Cable: 1,000 Mbps [1 Gbps]
- DSL: 100 Mbps
- 5G: 1,100 Mbps [1.1 Gbps]
- Fixed Wireless: 100 Mbps
- Satellite: 100 Mbps
Internet Speed Recommendations
Activity 1 UserUp to 4 UsersBasic Web Use 1Mbps4MbpsStreaming Music.5Mbps2MbpsStreaming Standard Video4Mbps16MbpsStreaming HD Video8Mbps32MbpsStreaming 4K Video25Mbps100MbpsStandard Video Call1Mbps4MbpsOnline Gaming4Mbps
16Mbps Virtual Reality - Low Res25Mbps100MbpsVirtual Reality - HD100Mbps400MbpsVirtual Reality - 360 Retina600Mbps2.4GbpsAugmented Reality - Low Res25Mbps100MbpsAugmented Reality - HD100Mbps400MbpsAugmented Reality - 360 Retina1Gbps4Gbps
All of these types of internet connections offer different maximum speeds, and it's important to note that your average daily speed may not meet this threshold. So, for example, if you have four or five power-users in your home, you'll need a connection that offers a higher maximum speed like cable or fiber [if it's available in your area]. Satellite provides the slowest speeds and least reliable connection, so if you're in a rural area, consider DSL first before opting for a satellite plan.
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Set Your Budget
Once you've evaluated what kind of internet is available in your area, and you've figured out the best range of speeds to fit your daily habits, the last factor to consider is cost. Fiber is the newest, fastest, and often most expensive type of internet service, but plan prices are quickly falling to costs on par with similar cable plans. AT&T's fiber-connected GigaPower Internet plan, for example, is very close in price to many cable-connected plans offering slower download speeds, making it an especially good value.
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DSL internet plan prices are also typically on par with cable internet prices—but you also get faster speeds with most cable plans, so take that into consideration for determining what you're getting for your dollar. Satellite tends to be the most expensive of the bunch, since your speeds are significantly slower and reliability much lower for the price you pay.
Find the Best Internet Plan
Now that you know the different types of internet services available to you, you can compare plans and providers in your area. Type your address into our state-of-the-art search engine so you can get the results you're looking for right away.
Remember, as the broadband infrastructure grows in your area, more options will become available. If you were hoping to get fiber or 5G internet, but it's not available to you right now, keep checking back—new plans are being introduced every day!