Best Internet Providers in Texas

Finding the Best Internet Provider in Texas

For most Texas residents, AT&T Fiber stands out as the premier internet service provider, according to industry experts at FASTNET. This provider consistently receives high customer satisfaction scores within the state and boasts a diverse range of competitively priced, high-speed plans. For customers where AT&T Fiber is accessible, it emerges as the clear frontrunner. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to recognize that the optimal internet provider is contingent on the services available at your specific location. This guide will explore the top internet options in Texas.

Should AT&T Fiber not meet your needs or availability, numerous alternative high-speed choices exist throughout Texas. Frontier Fiber and Google Fiber lead as the speediest internet providers in the region, delivering remarkable maximum download rates reaching 8,000 Mbps (8 Gigabits per second). Whether you’re a solo user or part of a family, seamless streaming and online gaming experiences are readily attainable. For those seeking budget-friendly options, Xfinity and Astound present the most economical plans, initiating at just $20 per month for 150 Mbps and 300 Mbps, respectively.

Spectrum and Astound are also solid contenders in the realm of cable internet services. Alternatively, 5G home internet emerges as a viable substitute for conventional wired connections. Wireless home internet, offered by providers like T-Mobile Home Internet and Verizon 5G Home Internet, proves particularly advantageous for individuals residing in rural locales. These services offer essential internet access, mitigating the need for satellite internet commitments.

Texas Internet Providers: A Detailed Comparison

Source: FASTNET analysis of provider data.

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.

Brightspeed: Recently assuming Texas operations from Lumen Technologies (CenturyLink, Quantum Fiber), Brightspeed is a new DSL and fiber ISP servicing areas such as Denton, Killeen, Kingwood, and San Marcos. Prices begin at $40 per month, varying based on the service type available at your residence.

Frontier Communications: Frontier Fiber could be considered a leading internet provider in Texas with slightly broader availability. Its entry-level 200 Mbps plan, priced at just $30 per month in select locations, represents an exceptional internet value. Elevated speeds are also obtainable and competitively priced compared to numerous competitors.

Google Fiber: For gigabit speed enthusiasts in Austin and San Antonio, Google Fiber’s plan selection is appealing: 1 or 2 Gbps starting at $70 and $100 respectively. Austin residents also have a 5 Gbps option for $125 per month. Furthermore, a new 8 gig option provides even faster speeds at $150 per month. All plans include no equipment fees, data caps, or contracts.

Kinetic by Windstream: Kinetic as a fiber internet provider presents speed and pricing that can compete with any rival. As a DSL provider, its speed capabilities and service agreements are highly competitive. Anticipate monthly payments ranging from $40 to $70 for either service, unless you choose the 2-gig fiber plan at $100 per month.

Optimum: Texas customers may recognize this cable provider as Suddenlink, but its parent company, Altice, has recently consolidated its home internet services under the Optimum brand. Expect three plan options (300, 500, and 1,000 Mbps for $40, $50, and $60 per month respectively). However, be aware of reports indicating subpar customer satisfaction.

Xfinity: Although the nation’s largest cable internet provider doesn’t have extensive reach in Texas, it’s the primary cable ISP in the Houston area and the Texas portion of Shreveport. Expect five to six plan options ranging from $20 to $75 monthly, offering speeds from 150 to 1,300 Mbps.

Rural Internet Access in Texas

Texas encompasses numerous small towns and rural communities, from Alpine to Zephyr. Securing dependable broadband in these regions can prove challenging. However, non-satellite connections are accessible to approximately 96% of Texas households, according to FCC data.

In some rural areas, this translates to cable, DSL, and potentially fiber connections. In others, fixed wireless is the dominant connection type. The remaining 4% may need to rely on satellite internet. Below are possible internet solutions – besides T-Mobile, our top recommendation for rural ISPs mentioned earlier – available in rural Texas areas.

Nextlink: Fixed wireless service encompasses a large portion of the Texas Triangle, with potential service for areas westward to San Angelo and Sweetwater. Speeds and pricing vary by network type (Standard or Enhanced), spanning from 25 to 100 Mbps for $50 to $90 per month, and 50 to 500 Mbps from $70 to $140 per month.

Rise Broadband: Rise also provides service to much of the Texas Triangle via fixed wireless, extending to areas south to Victoria and Lake Jackson, and northwest to Lubbock and Pampa. With typical speeds of 300 to 1,000 Mbps, the pricing ($60 to $80 per month) and lack of data caps present a distinct advantage over satellite. Rise also offers fiber connectivity, with plans spanning 250 Mbps to 1 Gbps, and prices from $45 to $65 monthly.

Satellite Internet: Texas’s expansive size makes deploying internet connections to every residence impractical. In such cases, satellite internet from Hughesnet or Viasat may be the most viable broadband option. Service costs are relatively high (starting from $50 to $95 for Hughesnet and $70 to $300 for Viasat) and speeds may not be exceptionally fast, but they facilitate online connectivity. Satellite newcomer Starlink offers potential for faster speeds and reduced latency, but expect prices to remain elevated.

Internet Options by Texas City

Covering the internet landscape of an entire state, especially one as vast as Texas, while providing detailed city-specific information is challenging. Therefore, we have compiled lists of top internet providers in cities throughout the US, including numerous Texas cities. If your city isn’t currently listed, please revisit later, as we are continually expanding our coverage.

Affordable Internet Plans in Texas

Internet costs in Texas fluctuate based on provider availability in your area, your chosen plan, and potential equipment and data fees. However, most Texas residents can anticipate spending at least $50 per month for home internet, with expenses potentially exceeding $100 for higher speed tiers.

Xfinity offers the most inexpensive plan upfront, starting at $20 monthly for speeds up to 150 Mbps. Below is an overview of this plan and other economical internet plans in Texas.

Most Affordable Internet Plans in Texas

Source: FASTNET analysis of provider data.

Locating Internet Deals and Promotions in Texas

Optimal internet deals and promotions in Texas depend on current discount availability. While most deals are temporary, we consistently search for the latest offers.

Texas internet providers, such as Astound and Frontier, may present reduced introductory pricing or other limited-time benefits. Many providers, including AT&T, Optimum, and Spectrum, generally maintain consistent standard pricing throughout the year.

For a more comprehensive list of promotions, refer to our guide on the best internet deals.

Texas Broadband Speed Performance

Recent speed test data from Ookla ranks Texas as the 15th fastest state, with median speeds around 225 Mbps for downloads and 33 Mbps for uploads. AT&T demonstrated the fastest median speed in the state at 283 Mbps. It’s important to note that speed test results can vary due to numerous factors, including technology type and testing methodology (e.g., Wi-Fi). (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as FASTNET, Ziff Davis.)

AT&T Fiber and Frontier Fiber provide 5 gig plans, while Google Fiber now offers the most rapid speeds at 8 gig. Kinetic and Xfinity lag somewhat with a 2 gig plan, while maximum speeds from cable providers Astound and Spectrum range from 1,000 to 1,500 Mbps.

Top Speed Internet Plans in Texas

Source: FASTNET analysis of provider data.

Determining Adequate Internet Speed

The majority of current internet plans are capable of supporting fundamental productivity and communication tasks. For activities like video conferencing, video streaming, or online gaming, a more robust connection will yield a superior user experience. Below is an overview of recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to FCC guidelines. Keep in mind these are guidelines only, and actual internet speed, service, and performance can differ based on connection type, provider, and location.

Consult our guide on understanding your required internet speed for further details.

• 0 to 5 Mbps: Suitable for basic tasks such as web browsing, email, and low-quality video streaming.
• 5 to 40 Mbps: Enables higher-quality video streaming and video conferencing.
• 40 to 100 Mbps: Provides sufficient bandwidth for a single user engaging in modern telecommuting, video streaming, and online gaming.
• 100 to 500 Mbps: Accommodates one to two users performing high-bandwidth activities like video conferencing, streaming, and gaming concurrently.
• 500 to 1,000 Mbps: Supports three or more users simultaneously engaged in high-bandwidth activities.

FASTNET’s Methodology for Selecting Top Texas Internet Providers

Numerous internet service providers, often with regional focuses, operate in Texas. Unlike evaluating consumer electronics, directly testing every ISP in every city is impractical. Our approach involves utilizing a proprietary database encompassing pricing, availability, and speed data. This database draws upon historical ISP data, partner information, and mapping data from FCC.gov.

Our process extends beyond this database: We verify our data using the FCC’s website to ensure comprehensive evaluation of all ISPs providing service in a given area. We also utilize provider websites to input local addresses and identify specific options for residents. To assess customer satisfaction with ISP service, we consult sources including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power. ISP plans and pricing are dynamic and subject to change; all information presented is accurate as of the publication date.

With this localized information, we address three primary questions:

• Does the provider offer access to reasonably high internet speeds?
• Do customers receive good value for their expenditure?
• Are customers content with the service provided?

While the answers to these questions are often multifaceted, the providers most closely aligning with “yes” across all three criteria are those we recommend. When identifying the most economical internet service, we prioritize plans with the lowest monthly cost, while also considering factors such as price increases, equipment fees, and contracts. Selecting the fastest internet service is more direct; we consider advertised upload and download speeds alongside real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.

For a deeper understanding of our evaluation methodology, please visit our page detailing how we test ISPs.

Concluding Remarks on Texas Internet Providers

Fiber internet, whether from AT&T – our top choice for the best ISP in Texas – or alternatives like Frontier, Google Fiber, or Kinetic, often represents the optimal choice for high-speed internet access in Texas. This is due to its rapid, dependable speeds, competitive pricing, and favorable service terms commonly associated with fiber connections.

However, cable providers Xfinity and Astound offer the most budget-friendly internet plans in Texas, while Spectrum provides the broadest coverage and greatest pricing transparency among the state’s major cable ISPs. For those seeking alternatives to major cable or fiber providers, Verizon’s 5G home internet is worth considering.

Residents in more rural regions of Texas should explore fixed wireless internet options such as T-Mobile, Nextlink, and Rise Broadband. When other practical solutions are unavailable, satellite internet remains an option.

Frequently Asked Questions about Texas Internet Providers