Broadband Internet service has changed the landscape of home entertainment. Whether playing online games, streaming movies or browsing the Web, having a stable high-speed Internet connection can make all the difference in the world. That's why we recommend doing business with only the best Internet providers. We've reviewed the nation's best ISPs to find the ones that offer the most attractive discounted rates for new subscribers as well as some of the lowest regular rates in the industry. In addition, each of these Internet service providers offers a variety of deals and bundles to meet the various needs of customers. Our three leading broadband Internet providers are Comcast XFINITY, Verizon Fios and AT&T DSL. Need new services, or are you thinking of switching providers? If so, read on to learn more about these top-rated broadband Internet services.
Before agreeing on an Internet service plan, always make sure the plan doesn't require a long-term service agreement. These contracts aren't necessarily bad, but some people enjoy having the flexibility to change providers at a moment's notice. By signing long-term contracts, the best Internet providers will often offer high-speed connections bundled with cable packages that save you lots of money over time. Most providers offer both month-to-month and contract plans.
Always confirm whether there are fees or charges for getting your services hooked up. If you see an offer that looks too good to be true, it might be because it's ommitting these installation fees.
Cable and DSL Internet connections are both great options for consumers. Cable Internet is generally faster, with some cable packages offered at speeds above 50 mbps. DSL Internet connections are slower, but they're cheaper and just as reliable.
Comcast offers Internet services of up to 200 mbps for just under $100 per month. Along with blazing-fast Internet speeds, customers who sign up for this plan also get more than 140 cable channels with the X1 home cable receiver.
Don't be distracted by the high Internet speeds advertised by service providers. Most people don't need speeds faster than 10 or 20 mbps, even when several people in a household are using the Web or streaming movies simultaneously. A connection of just 15 mbps is adequate for two people who use the Internet at the same time.
The DSL broadband service offered by AT&T isn't as fast as Comcast or Verizon. With Verizon FiOS, you get Internet speeds up to 6 mbps along with a Gateway router and a McAfee-powered Internet security suite. That said, most of the best Internet providers offer either cable or fiber optic connections, both of which are much faster.
Verizon FiOS offers a variety of packages that take advantage of fiber optic Internet connections, which are the gold standard of modern connections. You can get Verizon broadband FiOS with speeds of 500 mbps for less than $270 per month, although that's more speed than most will ever need. You can get Verizon Internet that's plenty fast enough for less than $70 per month.
AT&T's DSL service is slower than the other two leading broadband Internet providers, but the monthly fee for this service is just $30 per month. You can upgrade to a plan that also provides DirecTV services and premium movie channels for just $50 more per month.