Importance Score: 15 / 100 🟠
Optimal Internet Service Providers in Chicago
For most Chicago households, FASTNET recommends AT&T Fiber as the premier internet provider in Chicago, lauded for its exceptional symmetrical speeds, transparent pricing, and widespread availability. Should AT&T Fiber not be accessible in your area, Xfinity, Verizon 5G Home Internet, and Rise Broadband present themselves as dependable alternatives for Chicago internet needs.
Selecting the best internet in Chicago, Illinois for your residence hinges on both your budgetary constraints and desired speed capabilities. To simplify this selection process, our broadband specialists have assessed the leading options, pinpointing the quickest speeds and most advantageous deals throughout Chicago. For individuals prioritizing affordability, Astound Broadband and Xfinity provide economical plans commencing around $30 monthly for speeds of 300Mbps and greater.
For users demanding peak performance, AT&T Fiber also furnishes the fastest internet in Chicago, delivering speeds reaching up to 5,000Mbps for $245 per month, devoid of data limitations or extended contracts.
Top Internet Options: Chicago, Illinois
Chicago Internet Provider Comparison
| Provider | Internet Technology | Monthly Price Range | Speed Range | Monthly Equipment Costs | Data Cap | Contract | FASTNET Review Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Wans | Fixed Wireless | $50-$100 | 3-15Mbps | $9 router (optional) | None | None | N/A |
| Astound Broadband | Cable | $30-$70 | 300-1,500Mbps | None | None | None | 7 |
| AT&T Home Internet | DSL Hybrid | $60 | 10-100Mbps | None | 1.5TB | None | 7.4 |
| AT&T Fiber | Fiber | $55-$245 | 300-5,000Mbps | None | None | None | 7.4 |
| AT&T Internet Air | Fixed Wireless | $60 | 90-300Mbps | None | None | None | 6.9 |
| Rise Broadband | Fixed Wireless | $40 | 50Mbps | $10 modem; $5-$15 router (optional) | None | None, but required for some promotions | 6.2 |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | Fixed Wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$55 for eligible mobile customers) | 87-415Mbps | None | None | None | 7.4 |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | Fixed Wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$45 with eligible Verizon 5G mobile plans) | 50-1,000Mbps | None | None | None | 7.2 |
| Xfinity | Cable | $35-$95 | 150-1,300Mbps | $15 (optional) | 1.2TB on some plans | 1-2 years on some plans | 7 |
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Additional Internet Providers in Chicago
Air Wans: Air Wans is a localized fixed wireless provider catering to rural regions of Illinois and Indiana surrounding Chicago. Pricing spans from $50 to $100 per month without contracts, data overage charges, speed throttling, or price escalations after the initial year. However, Air Wans’ speeds are notably slow, ranging from 3 to 15Mbps for combined downloads and uploads.
Astound Broadband: Astound presents appealing prices during the initial two years of service. Monthly rates for all four plans accessible to Chicago residents will increase by $20 post-introductory period. Furthermore, anticipate supplementary fees including a discretionary monthly network access fee, up to $17, which is not incorporated in the base rate.
Satellite Internet: Satellite internet utilizes a receiver dish, positioned externally, to establish connection via orbiting satellites. Providers include Hughesnet, Viasat, and potentially Starlink. Generally, satellite options are pricier, slower, and more data-restrictive relative to other internet options in Chicago. It is advisable only where alternative connections are lacking, which is uncommon in most of Chicago.
T-Mobile Home Internet: Similar to Verizon, T-Mobile now provides cellular home internet across numerous cities nationally, including Chicago. This service employs a cellular modem drawing signals from 5G and LTE networks, similar to mobile phones, rather than conventional wired infrastructure. T-Mobile features three plans priced from $50-$70 per month, with anticipated speeds between 87 to 415Mbps in areas with adequate signal strength. Plans feature no data caps or contracts and fixed pricing for at least 12 months.
Budget-Friendly Internet Choices in Chicago
For those seeking the most economical internet plans in Chicago, monthly expenses can be under $20. The Xfinity Connect plan delivers acceptable performance and broad availability, offering download speeds of 150Mbps and upload speeds of 10Mbps for $35 monthly. Within the greater Chicago vicinity, the Astound Broadband 300Mbps plan at $30 presents superior value amongst budget-conscious options.
Most Affordable Internet Plan in Chicago
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Finding Internet Deals and Promotions in Chicago
The optimal internet deals in Chicago and prime promotions fluctuate based on current discounts. While most offers are temporary, we diligently monitor for updated promotions.
Chicago internet providers like Xfinity and Rise Broadband occasionally feature reduced initial pricing or bundled streaming services for a limited duration. Conversely, numerous providers, including AT&T and Verizon, maintain consistent standard pricing throughout the year.
For a comprehensive compilation of promotions, consult our guide on the best internet deals.
Chicago Broadband Speed Analysis
Ookla speed test data positions Chicago near the bottom tier, ranking 95th among the top 100 most populated US cities. It records a median download speed of approximately 135Mbps, over 100Mbps slower than leading cities like North Las Vegas. Nevertheless, Chicago residents maintain ample avenues for securing high-speed internet at home. (Disclosure: Ookla shares a parent company, Ziff Davis, with FASTNET.)
The most rapid method for obtaining internet access in Chicago is opting for a fiber provider. However, fiber availability remains geographically limited. AT&T stands out as a prime choice, with its top-tier Chicago plan delivering symmetrical download and upload speeds of 5,000Mbps at a fixed monthly cost of $245. Across many Chicago locations, a cable plan offering download speeds up to 1,500Mbps and upload speeds of 50Mbps might represent the fastest attainable option, priced at $55 monthly without data caps.
Fastest Internet Plans in Chicago
| Provider | Starting Price | Max Download Speed | Max Upload Speed | Data Cap | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber 5000 | $245 | 5,000Mbps | 5,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| AT&T Fiber 2000 | $145 | 2,000Mbps | 2,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| Xfinity Gigabit X2 | $95 | 1,300Mbps | 35Mbps | 1.2TB | Cable |
| Astound Broadband 1500 | $70 | 1,500Mbps | 50Mbps | None | Cable |
| Astound Broadband 1000 | $60 | 1,000Mbps | 20Mbps | None | Cable |
| AT&T Fiber 1000 | $80 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| Verizon 5G Home Plus Internet | $70 ($45 with eligible mobile plan) | 1,000Mbps | 50Mbps | None | Fixed Wireless |
| Xfinity Gigabit | $60 | 1,100Mbps | 20Mbps | 1.2TB | Cable |
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Internet Providers in Popular Cities Near Chicago
Explore all results for internet providers in Illinois.
Understanding Good Internet Speed
Presently, numerous internet plans accommodate fundamental productivity and communication needs. For activities like video conferencing, streaming, or gaming, a more robust connection is beneficial. Below is an overview of FCC recommended minimum download speeds across different applications. Note that these serve as guidelines, with actual internet speed, service, and performance varying by connection type, provider, and location.
Further details are available in our guide: how much internet speed you really need.
- 0 to 5Mbps: Supports basic tasks – web browsing, email, and standard definition video streaming.
- 5 to 40Mbps: Facilitates higher definition video streaming and video conferencing.
- 40 to 100Mbps: Generally sufficient for individuals engaged in modern remote work, video streaming, and online gaming.
- 100 to 500Mbps: Enables simultaneous high-bandwidth activities (video conferencing, streaming, gaming) for one to two users.
- 500 to 1,000Mbps: Accommodates high-bandwidth activities for three or more concurrent users.
FASTNET Methodology: Best Internet Providers in Chicago
Internet service providers are abundant and geographically specific. Directly evaluating every ISP within a city is impractical compared to testing consumer electronics. Our approach involves initial research into pricing, availability, and speed metrics, utilizing our historical ISP data, provider websites, and FCC.gov mapping.
Our methodology is comprehensive: We utilize the FCC website for data verification and to ensure inclusion of all ISPs in a service area. We also examine provider websites using local addresses to determine resident-specific options. Customer satisfaction evaluations, using sources such as the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, are also incorporated. ISP plan details and pricing are dynamic; all information is current as of publication.
Post-localization, we address three primary questions:
- Does the provider offer access to adequately fast internet speeds?
- Do customers receive acceptable value relative to cost?
- Are customers satisfied with the service provided?
The answers are often nuanced. Providers closest to “yes” across all criteria earn our recommendations. For identifying the most economical internet service, we prioritize plans with the lowest monthly cost, while also considering price increases, equipment expenses, and contract terms. Choosing the fastest internet service in Chicago is more direct, focusing on advertised upload/download speeds and validating with real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
For deeper insights into our evaluation process, visit our how we test ISPs page.
Final Thoughts on Internet Providers in Chicago
Chicago presents numerous options for residential internet, encompassing both high-speed and budget-friendly services. When available, fiber optic connectivity, particularly AT&T Fiber, represents the optimal choice. Cable providers like Xfinity and Astound Broadband offer broader coverage across Chicago, potentially serving as necessary alternatives.
Internet Providers in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How much is internet per month in Chicago?
Pricing varies by provider and plan selection, but entry-level internet plans in Chicago generally range from $20 to $60 monthly. Faster plans cost more, with gigabit service from AT&T between $80 and $245 per month in Chicago. Some providers implement post-introductory price increases. For instance, Xfinity’s fastest Chicago plan (1,300Mbps downloads) costs $95 monthly for the first two years, then $126 thereafter.
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Can I get fiber internet in Chicago?
Fiber availability is address-dependent. AT&T offers fiber service in Chicago, but currently covers “hundreds of thousands” of residents within a city of 2.71 million. This implies relatively lower odds of fiber availability at a given address. Smaller regional providers like Zentro Internet also offer fiber to scattered buildings citywide.
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Does Chicago have Google Fiber?
Chicago is not a designated Google Fiber city, thus fiber plans from Google are unavailable. However, Google offers Google Fiber Webpass in Chicago – a high-speed fixed wireless service exclusive to select antenna-equipped buildings. Gigabit speeds are achievable at certain Webpass locations, priced at $70 or $63 monthly with a one-year contract. Serviceable addresses are listed on the Google Webpass site.
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What are the disadvantages of cable internet?
While cable internet can achieve rapid, gigabit-level download speeds using existing television cabling, upload speeds are considerably slower, usually capped at double-digit Mbps at best. This can constrain performance during data-intensive outbound activities such as video calls or large file uploads. Cable internet is also slightly more vulnerable to network congestion during peak usage periods than fiber connections.
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