Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Discovering the Best Internet Provider in Seattle
Finding the best internet provider in Seattle is crucial for residents and businesses alike. For those seeking high-speed, reliable connectivity, Quantum Fiber emerges as a top recommendation. Offering symmetrical download and upload speeds, coupled with unlimited data, their plans start at an accessible $50 per month for 500Mbps. Demanding users can even upgrade to a 2Gbps plan for $95. Should Quantum Fiber not be available in your location, Astound Broadband, T-Mobile Home Internet, and Xfinity stand out as dependable alternatives in the Seattle internet market.
For budget-conscious consumers, cheap internet options in Seattle are available from Ziply Fiber, Xfinity, and Astound Broadband. These providers offer entry-level plans ranging from $20 to $30 per month. Ziply Fiber provides speeds up to 100Mbps, Xfinity delivers 150Mbps, and Astound Broadband offers a faster 300Mbps at these price points.
For users requiring the absolute fastest connections, Ziply Fiber’s premium 50Gbps plan is available, albeit at a higher price of $900 per month. More realistically high-speed options from Ziply Fiber and Xfinity feature 10Gbps plans in select neighborhoods.
Top Internet Services in Seattle, Washington
Seattle Internet Provider Comparison
| Provider | Internet Technology | Monthly Price Range | Speed Range | Monthly Equipment Costs | Data Cap | Contract | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astound Broadband | Cable | $30-$70 | 300-1,500Mbps | None | Varies; 500GB-1TB or unlimited | None | 7 |
| CenturyLink | DSL | $55 | 10-100Mbps | $15 modem | None | None | 6.7 |
| Google Fiber Webpass | Fixed wireless | $63 | 1,000Mbps | None | None | None | 7.5 |
| Quantum Fiber | Fiber | $50-$95 | 500-2,000Mbps (varies by location) | None | None | None | 6.7 |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | Fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$55 for eligible phone plan) | 87-415Mbps | None | None | None | 7.4 |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | Fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$45 with qualifying Verizon 5G mobile plans) | 80-1,000Mbps | None | None | None | 7.2 |
| Xfinity | Cable | $20-$115 | 150-2,000Mbps | $15 (optional) | 1.2TB | 1-2 years for some plans | 7 |
| Ziply Fiber | DSL/Fiber | $20-$900 | 100-50,000Mbps | $15 | None | None | 7.2 |
Additional Internet Providers Serving Seattle
- Google Fiber Webpass: Despite incorporating “fiber” in its name, Google Fiber Webpass is a fixed-wireless service specifically designed for apartment complexes. Although not fiber optic internet, it still delivers impressive symmetrical gigabit speeds for $70 per month, or an average of $63 per month with a yearly plan paid upfront at $750. Webpass also includes complimentary installation, unlimited data, and no equipment charges. Pricing may be adjusted if your building cannot support full gigabit speeds. Google Fiber Webpass is accessible within Seattle’s city boundaries, including neighborhoods like Belltown, Capitol Hill, First Hill, Fremont, Queen Anne, and Uptown.
- Satellite Internet: Satellite connectivity represents a universally available internet solution across the US, regardless of location. However, for Seattle city dwellers, it is not a preferred choice due to the availability of faster and more economical alternatives. While satellite might be considered in truly rural areas beyond Tacoma or Everett with limited options, urban and suburban Seattle residents have access to superior services. Hughesnet and Viasat are primary satellite providers, both requiring two-year contracts. Starlink, a newer entrant in the Seattle area since 2023, offers potentially faster download speeds and avoids term agreements, presenting a more appealing satellite option.
- Verizon 5G Home Internet: When comparing Verizon 5G Home Internet to T-Mobile Home Internet, Verizon boasts significantly faster average download speeds, averaging 300Mbps. For Verizon Wireless subscribers, it can also be more cost-effective, featuring an “all-inclusive” pricing structure covering equipment, installation, and fees within a fixed monthly rate. However, Verizon’s reliance on its 5G network for coverage, unlike T-Mobile’s broader use of 4G LTE in conjunction with 5G, results in more limited availability compared to T-Mobile Home Internet.
- Ziply Fiber: Established in 2020, Ziply Fiber has become a notable internet option, especially where its fiber service is accessible. Ziply Fiber provides unlimited data and requires no long-term contracts. Despite its brand name, some of its service area still utilizes slower DSL technology. Ziply is actively upgrading to fiber in these regions, with over 112 projects underway in Seattle and the broader Northwest. Ziply Fiber is also progressively deploying multi-gigabit plans, with 10Gbps and 50Gbps options already available in surrounding Seattle cities like Bellevue, Bothell, Brier, Edmonds, Everett, Kenmore, Kirkland, Lake Stevens, Lynnwood, Marysville, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, Redmond, Shoreline, Snohomish, and Woodinville.
Affordable Internet Plans in Seattle
The average monthly cost for internet service in Seattle is just under $42. For those seeking cheap internet in Seattle, Ziply Fiber offers the lowest starting price at $20 per month for their 100Mbps plan. Following closely are budget plans from Xfinity and Astound Broadband, priced between $20 and $30 per month, delivering speeds up to 150Mbps and 300Mbps respectively.
Seattle’s Cheapest Internet Plans Compared
| Provider | Starting Monthly Price | Max Download Speed | Monthly Equipment Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ziply Fiber 100/100 | $20 | 100Mbps | $15 |
| Xfinity Connect | $20 | 150Mbps | $15 (optional) |
| Astound Broadband 300 | $30 | 300Mbps | None |
| Quantum Fiber 500 | $55 | 500Mbps | None |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | $50 ($35 for eligible mobile customers) | 300Mbps | None |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | $50 ($35 for eligible mobile customers) | 300Mbps | None |
Finding Internet Deals and Promotions in Seattle
The most advantageous internet deals and promotions in Seattle vary depending on current discounts. While most offers are temporary, staying informed about the latest opportunities is key.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Internet providers in Seattle, including Astound Broadband, T-Mobile, Ziply Fiber, and Xfinity, frequently present reduced introductory prices or bundled streaming services for limited durations. Conversely, CenturyLink, Quantum Fiber, and Verizon 5G Home Internet tend to maintain consistent standard pricing throughout the year.
For a wider array of promotional deals, consult resources dedicated to identifying current internet offers.
Seattle Broadband Speed Analysis
Seattle’s ranking in high-speed internet access is not among the nation’s leaders. Despite the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area being a top 20 most populous region, it only achieved a 97th-place ranking for broadband speed among US cities. With a median download speed of just over 118Mbps, Seattle’s broadband performance is considered relatively slow compared to other major US cities.
For those seeking the fastest internet in Seattle, Ziply Fiber leads with its 50Gbps (50,000Mbps) plan, priced at $900 monthly. Ziply Fiber and Xfinity also both provide 10,000Mbps options, offering extremely high speeds for residential broadband. However, wider availability of these top-tier plans may be limited to specific locations.
Seattle’s Fastest Internet Plans
| Provider | Starting Monthly Price | Max Download Speed | Max Upload Speed | Data Cap | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ziply Fiber 50 Gig | $900 | 50,000Mbps | 50,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| Xfinity Gigabit Pro | $300 | 10,000Mbps (available only in select areas) | 10,000Mbps | None | Cable |
| Ziply Fiber 10 Gig | $300 | 10,000Mbps | 10,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| Ziply Fiber 5 Gig | $80 ($105 after 12 months) | 5,000Mbps | 5,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| Ziply Fiber 2 Gig | $70 ($95 after 12 months) | 2,000Mbps | 2,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| Astound Broadband/Wave | $70 | 1,500Mbps | 1,000Mbps | None | Cable |
| Google Fiber Webpass | $63 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | None | Fixed wireless |
| Verizon 5G Home Plus Internet | $70 ($45 for eligible mobile customers) | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | None | Fixed wireless |
| Ziply Fiber Gig | $60 ($90 after 12 months) | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| Quantum Fiber | $75 | 940Mbps | 940Mbps | None | Fiber |
Internet Providers in Neighboring Cities Near Seattle
- Internet Options in Bellingham, WA
- Internet Options in Bend, OR
- Internet Options in Boise, ID
- Internet Options in Eugene, OR
- Internet Options in Idaho Falls, ID
- Internet Options in Portland, OR
- Internet Options in Salem, OR
- Internet Options in Spokane, WA
- Internet Options in Tacoma, WA
- Internet Options in Vancouver, WA
Explore internet options across Washington State.
Understanding Good Internet Speed
Most current internet plans adequately support basic online activities like communication and productivity. However, for bandwidth-intensive applications such as video conferencing, streaming, or online gaming, a more substantial internet connection is recommended. The FCC provides guidelines for minimum recommended download speeds for various online activities. These are general recommendations, and actual internet speed and performance can fluctuate based on connection type, provider, and specific location.
For detailed insights, refer to resources that elaborate on determining necessary internet speeds.
- 0 to 5Mbps: Suitable for fundamental tasks including web browsing, email, and low-definition video streaming.
- 5 to 40Mbps: Enables higher-definition video streaming and video conferencing.
- 40 to 100Mbps: Generally sufficient for a single user engaging in modern telecommuting, video streaming, and online gaming.
- 100 to 500Mbps: Supports simultaneous high-bandwidth activities like video conferencing, streaming, and gaming for one to two users.
- 500 to 1,000Mbps: Accommodates three or more users concurrently performing high-bandwidth activities.
Methodology for Selecting Top Seattle Internet Providers
The internet service provider landscape is diverse and often geographically specific. Evaluating every ISP in a given city through direct testing is impractical. Our methodology involves leveraging a proprietary database compiling pricing, availability, and speed data. This database integrates historical ISP information, partner data, and mapping details from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at FCC.gov.
Our process includes cross-referencing FCC data to ensure comprehensive consideration of all ISPs in a service area. We also analyze provider websites using local addresses to ascertain precise options for residents. Customer satisfaction is assessed using indices such as the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power. It’s important to note that ISP plans and pricing are dynamic and subject to change; the information presented is current as of the time of publication.
Our evaluation framework is based on three core questions:
- Does the provider offer sufficiently high internet speeds?
- Is the service offered at a reasonable value relative to cost?
- Are customers generally satisfied with the service quality?
The answers to these questions are multifaceted. Providers that consistently align positively with these criteria are those we recommend. When identifying the most affordable internet services, we prioritize plans with the lowest monthly rates, while also considering factors like potential price increases, equipment fees, and contract requirements. Selecting the fastest internet options involves analyzing advertised download and upload speeds and incorporating real-world speed data from sources such as Ookla and FCC reports.
For a more detailed understanding of our evaluation process, consult our page on ISP testing methodologies.
Final Thoughts on Seattle Internet Providers
Compared to other major US cities, Seattle presents a somewhat more limited selection of internet providers. However, Seattle distinguishes itself with generally more affordable internet plans and a higher concentration of multi-gigabit service options. While these options are distributed across the region, they are indeed present. Xfinity’s extensive range of seven cable internet plans offers broad availability in Seattle. Astound Broadband’s cable internet tiers provide competitive pricing without mandatory contracts. For residents with access to fiber internet in Seattle, including Quantum Fiber, Ziply Fiber, or Xfinity’s Gigabit Pro plan, fiber optic service remains the optimal choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seattle Internet Providers
What is the Cheapest Internet in Seattle?
Seattle’s cheapest internet options are closely contested. Ziply Fiber offers the most economical plan starting at $20 per month, closely followed by Astound Broadband and Xfinity, with plans commencing at $20-$30 per month. Each provider’s entry-level plan offers varying speeds, with Ziply providing 100Mbps, Xfinity at 150Mbps, and Astound Broadband delivering the fastest entry-level download speed at 300Mbps.
Is Fiber Internet Available in Seattle?
Yes, fiber internet in Seattle is indeed an option. Quantum Fiber and Ziply Fiber provide fully fiber-optic internet plans featuring synchronous download and upload capacities. Note that while Ziply Fiber offers fiber services, their network also includes DSL connections. Therefore, it’s important to confirm fiber service availability at your specific address to ensure access to the higher-quality fiber internet rather than DSL.
Which Provider Offers the Fastest Internet Plan in Seattle?
Ziply Fiber is currently the provider offering the fastest internet plan in Seattle for residential customers, boasting symmetrical speeds of 50,000Mbps for $900 per month. Both Ziply Fiber and Xfinity also provide 10Gbps plans at $300 per month. Given that Xfinity’s network primarily uses a hybrid fiber-cable architecture, verifying plan eligibility at your specific address through Comcast Xfinity, potentially involving a site survey, is necessary. For many in the greater Seattle region, Ziply Fiber’s 50Gbps or 10Gbps plans may be more readily accessible.