Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Best Internet Providers in Baltimore, Maryland: Finding the Right Connection
For residents seeking the best internet provider in Baltimore, Maryland, thorough evaluation indicates Xfinity as a leading choice for most households. FASTNET experts cite Xfinity’s extensive availability throughout Baltimore and its range of budget-friendly, high-speed internet plans as key factors. Alternative reliable options include Verizon Fios and Viasat, a satellite internet provider, particularly if Xfinity service is unavailable at your specific location.
In Baltimore, Xfinity presents a cost-effective internet plan, delivering speeds of 400 Mbps for a monthly price of $30. Customers in Baltimore desiring the most rapid internet speeds can opt for Xfinity’s premium broadband service, boasting download speeds up to 2,100 Mbps for $85 per month.
Baltimore Internet Providers: A Comparison
Baltimore Internet Service Provider Options Compared
| Provider | Internet Technology | Monthly Price Range | Speed Range | Monthly Equipment Costs | Data Cap | Contract | FASTNET Review Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hughesnet | Satellite | $50-$65 ($75-$90 after 12 months) | 50-100Mbps | $15-$20 per month or $400-$500 one-time purchase | 100-200GB | 2 years | 6 |
| 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 qualifying Verizon 5G mobile plans) | 80-250Mbps (varies by location) | None | None | None | 7.2 |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | $50-$90 ($35-$65 with select 5G mobile plans) | 300-1,000Mbps | None | None | None | 7.6 |
| Viasat | Satellite | $120 | 25-150Mbps | $15 or one-time $250 purchase | None | None | 6.1 |
| Xfinity | Cable | $30-$85 | 400-2,100Mbps (varies by location) | $15 included in some plans | None | 1 year | 7 |
Other Internet Service Options in Baltimore
- Altius Broadband: Offering speeds up to 30Mbps, Altius Broadband’s equipment fee is $95, but it can be waived. Contact the provider for specific pricing details.
- EarthLink: EarthLink leverages other providers’ networks to deliver internet service. Service specifics, including provider, availability, and precise speeds, fluctuate based on your Baltimore address. A 12-month contract and a $15 equipment fee are standard for all plans.
- Hughesnet: Satellite internet from Hughesnet is accessible to all Baltimore residences. Promotional pricing ranges from $50 to $65 per month for download speeds of 50Mbps to 100Mbps. Plan variations are based on data allowances, ranging from 100GB to 200GB monthly. Equipment fees involve either $15 monthly or a one-time purchase of $300 to $450, alongside a mandatory two-year contract.
- Port Networks: Utilizing fixed wireless technology, Port Networks provides plans from $50 to $95 per month. Speeds fluctuate by location, typically varying between 100Mbps and 1,000Mbps.
- T-Mobile Home Internet: T-Mobile’s home internet plans are priced between $50-$70 (or $35-$55 for qualifying mobile subscribers) with speeds spanning from 87Mbps to 415Mbps. These plans feature no data caps, contracts, or equipment charges.
Affordable Internet Plans in Baltimore
The typical starting price for internet service in Baltimore is approximately $51 per month. Xfinity presents the most economical starting plan at $30 for speeds reaching 400Mbps, although the price increases by $63 after the initial year.
Port Networks also provides a budget-conscious option, offering plans at $50 per month, where available, for download speeds up to 100Mbps.
Cheapest Internet Plans Available in Baltimore
| Provider | Starting Price | Max Download Speed | Monthly Equipment Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity Connect | $30 | 400Mbps | $15 modem and router | |
| Port Networks | $50 | 100Mbps | None | |
| Verizon Fios 300 | $50 ($35 with eligible phone plans) | 300Mbps | None | |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | $50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans) | 318Mbps | None | |
| Hughesnet | $50 ($75 after 12 months) | 50Mbps | $15 a month or $300 one-time purchase |
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Finding Internet Deals and Promotions in Baltimore
Optimal internet deals and promotions in Baltimore fluctuate based on current discount offerings. While most deals are temporary, continuous monitoring helps identify the latest available offers.
Baltimore internet providers like Xfinity, T-Mobile Home Internet, and Port Networks may feature reduced introductory rates or bundled streaming services for limited periods. Conversely, providers such as Verizon Fios might consistently maintain standard year-round pricing.
For a broader selection of current promotions, refer to resources detailing best internet deals.
Broadband Speeds in Baltimore: What to Expect
Median download speeds in Baltimore, recorded at 197Mbps, are below both the state average of 226Mbps and the national average of 280Mbps, according to recent Ookla speed test data. It is important to note that FASTNET and Ookla share a parent company, Ziff Davis. Speed test outcomes can be influenced by various elements, including hardware, connection type, and the internet plan itself, meaning individual results may significantly differ.
Despite the city’s moderate average download speed, faster options are available through most Baltimore providers. Xfinity, for example, features plans reaching up to 2 gigabits per second in the Baltimore region. Verizon’s fiber-optic internet service in Baltimore delivers download speeds up to 1 gigabit per second and upload speeds of 880Mbps.
Fastest Internet Plans in Baltimore
| Provider | Starting Price | Max Download Speed | Max Upload Speed | Data Cap | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity Gigabit X2 | $85 | 2,100Mbps (varies by location) | 35Mbps | None | Cable |
| Xfinity Gigabit | $50 | 1,100Mbps | 20Mbps | None | Cable |
| Verizon Fios 1 Gig | $90 ($75 with select 5G mobile plans) | 940Mbps | 880Mbps | None | Fiber |
Understanding Good Internet Speed
Today’s standard internet plans are generally adequate for basic online tasks and communication. For activities like videoconferencing, video streaming, or online gaming, a more robust internet connection is beneficial for optimal performance. The FCC provides guidelines for minimum recommended download speeds for various online applications. It’s important to remember these are estimates and actual internet speed and performance can differ depending on connection type, provider, and location.
For detailed insights, consult our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
- 0 to 5Mbps: Suitable for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and low-resolution video streaming.
- 5 to 40Mbps: Enables higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
- 40 to 100Mbps: Sufficient for a single user engaging in contemporary telecommuting, video streaming, and online gaming.
- 100 to 500Mbps: Allows one to two users to simultaneously participate in bandwidth-intensive activities like videoconferencing, streaming, and gaming.
- 500 to 1,000Mbps: Supports three or more users concurrently engaging in high-bandwidth online activities.
FASTNET’s Methodology for Evaluating Baltimore Internet Providers
Internet service providers are numerous and often localized. Direct testing of every ISP in every city is impractical. FASTNET’s approach involves initial research into pricing, availability, and speed data, using historical ISP data, provider websites, and FCC mapping information.
Data is cross-referenced with the FCC website to ensure comprehensive coverage of ISPs in each area. Provider websites are also used to verify specific options at different addresses. Customer satisfaction metrics, from sources like the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, are considered. ISP plan details and pricing are frequently updated, ensuring information accuracy at the time of publication.
This localized data drives the evaluation process, which centers around three core questions:
- Does the provider offer access to acceptably fast internet speeds?
- Is the service offering good value for the price?
- Are customers satisfied with the service quality?
Provider evaluation considers these factors in depth. Providers that best meet these criteria are recommended. Assessing the most affordable internet options involves examining plans with the lowest monthly costs, along with factoring in potential price increases, equipment fees, and contract terms. Identifying the fastest internet services focuses on advertised speeds and real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
For a more detailed explanation of our evaluation process, visit our how we test ISPs page.
Final Thoughts on Baltimore Internet Services
Baltimore, like many urban areas, has faced challenges related to digital equity. The Baltimore Community Foundation reported that approximately 40% of city households lacked internet access during the pandemic, impacting remote learning and telehealth access.
The city is actively addressing this through initiatives like the Office of Broadband and Digital Equity, aiming to achieve universal internet access by 2030.
While fiber internet is often preferred, it’s not the primary choice for Baltimore due to limited Verizon Fios availability. For residents who can access it, Verizon Fios is a strong option. However, for most Baltimore households, Xfinity stands out as the premier choice, providing dependable service and a range of plans for diverse needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baltimore Internet Providers
Which is the best internet service provider in Baltimore?
Xfinity is considered the optimal internet service provider in Baltimore, offering affordable plans, rapid speeds, and widespread service availability.
Is fiber internet available in Baltimore?
Yes, Verizon Fios provides fiber internet services to Baltimore residents.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Baltimore?
Xfinity offers the most affordable internet plans, commencing at $30 per month for 400Mbps. Port Networks provides plans from $50 monthly for 100Mbps. Verizon Fios also has a $50 monthly plan for 300Mbps, reducing to $35 for eligible phone plan customers.
Which internet provider in Baltimore offers the fastest plan?
Xfinity’s Gigabit X2 tier plan, delivering download speeds of 2,100Mbps, is accessible to most Baltimore households within their service area.
Is Xfinity or Verizon better?
Xfinity and Verizon are leading internet providers nationwide. Xfinity offers broader availability, more attractive promotional pricing, and superior maximum download speeds compared to Verizon Fios. However, Verizon Fios’s fiber service excels in upload speeds and consistently receives high customer service ratings.
Can I get free Wi-Fi in Baltimore?
Yes, free Wi-Fi access is available in Baltimore. Project Waves provides complimentary home internet service and public high-speed Wi-Fi in numerous locations across Baltimore.