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Internet providers in Chicago, IL

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1. AT&T
90% available in Chicago
Connection:
Fiber
Download speeds up to
5000Mbps

User Rating(1603)

Click to learn how to get up to $300 in reward cards when ordering online - Ltd. avail./areas.

2. Spectrum
20% available in Chicago
Connection:
Cable
Download speeds up to
1000Mbps
(wireless speeds may vary)

User Rating(2800)

Speed based on wired connection and may vary by address. Wireless speeds may vary. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply.

3. Xfinity
99% available in Chicago
Connection:
Cable
Download speeds up to
1200Mbps

User Rating(1916)
4. EarthLink
91% available in Chicago
Connection:
Fiber
Download speeds up to
5000Mbps

User Rating(69)

Ranked #1 Overall by Highspeedinternet.com customer satisfaction survey for 2021 & 2022.

5. T-Mobile Home Internet
69% available in Chicago
Connection:
5G Home
Download speeds up to
245Mbps

User Rating(319)

Order online and get a $150 prepaid Mastercard when you switch to T-Mobile Home Internet. Limited-time offer.

6. Astound Broadband
69% available in Chicago
Connection:
Cable & Fiber
Download speeds up to
1200Mbps

User Rating(173)
7. Rise Broadband
99% available in Chicago
Connection:
Fixed Wireless
Download speeds up to
25Mbps

User Rating(51)
8. HughesNet
99% available in Chicago
Connection:
Satellite
Download speeds up to
100Mbps

User Rating(220)

New unlimited data plans: Order now and receive a $100 Prepaid Card via rebate (terms apply). Offer expires 1/31/24.

9. Viasat
99% available in Chicago
Connection:
Satellite
Download speeds up to
100Mbps

User Rating(327)
10. ispMint
99% available in Chicago
ispMint
Connection:
DSL
Download speeds up to
100Mbps

User Rating(13)
11. Google Fiber Webpass
34% available in Chicago
Connection:
Fiber
Download speeds up to
1000Mbps

User Rating(2)
12. Easy Internet Now
97% available in Chicago
Easy Internet Now
Connection:
DSL & Fiber
Download speeds up to
5000Mbps

User Rating(14)
13. ConVergence Technologies, Inc.
37% available in Chicago
Connection:
Fixed Wireless
Download speeds up to
10Mbps

User Rating(0)
14. Upstream Network
45% available in Chicago
Connection:
Fiber
Download speeds up to
1000Mbps

User Rating(0)
15. e-vergent
57% available in Chicago
Connection:
Fixed Wireless
Download speeds up to
60Mbps

User Rating(0)
16. Urban Communications
72% available in Chicago
Connection:
Fixed Wireless
Download speeds up to
100Mbps
17. Everywhere Wireless
99% available in Chicago
Connection:
Fiber
Download speeds up to
1000Mbps

User Rating(0)
1. Comcast Business
99% available in Chicago
Connection:
Cable
Download speeds up to
1000Mbps

User Rating(40)
2. Spectrum
20% available in Chicago
Connection:
Cable
Download speeds up to
1000Mbps
(wireless speeds may vary)

User Rating(2800)

Speed based on wired connection and may vary by address. Wireless speeds may vary. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply.

3. Earthlink Business
90% available in Chicago
Connection:
Fiber
Download speeds up to
5000Mbps

User Rating(69)
4. Astound Broadband
69% available in Chicago
Connection:
Cable & Fiber
Download speeds up to
1200Mbps

User Rating(173)
5. Rise Broadband
99% available in Chicago
Connection:
Fixed Wireless
Download speeds up to
25Mbps

User Rating(51)
6. HughesNet
99% available in Chicago
Connection:
Satellite
Download speeds up to
100Mbps

User Rating(220)

New unlimited data plans: Order now and receive a $100 Prepaid Card via rebate (terms apply). Offer expires 1/31/24.

7. Viasat
99% available in Chicago
Connection:
Satellite
Download speeds up to
100Mbps

User Rating(327)
8. ispMint
99% available in Chicago
ispMint
Connection:
DSL
Download speeds up to
100Mbps

User Rating(13)
9. Easy Internet Now
97% available in Chicago
Easy Internet Now
Connection:
DSL & Fiber
Download speeds up to
5000Mbps

User Rating(14)
10. Ooma
50% available in Chicago
Ooma
Connection:
Wireless LTE
Download speeds up to
100Mbps

User Rating(0)
11. ConVergence Technologies, Inc.
37% available in Chicago
Connection:
Fixed Wireless
Download speeds up to
10Mbps

User Rating(0)
12. Zayo Group
53% available in Chicago
Connection:
DSL, Fiber, Fixed Wireless & Other Copper Wireline
Download speeds up to
1000Mbps

User Rating(1)
13. e-vergent
57% available in Chicago
Connection:
Fixed Wireless
Download speeds up to
60Mbps

User Rating(0)
14. Urban Communications
72% available in Chicago
Connection:
Fixed Wireless
Download speeds up to
100Mbps
15. Everywhere Wireless
99% available in Chicago
Connection:
Fiber
Download speeds up to
1000Mbps

User Rating(0)
1. Verizon Wireless
Available in Chicago
Connection:
Mobile
Verizon Wireless
4GLTE Speeds may vary

User Rating
2. AT&T Wireless
Available in Chicago
Connection:
Mobile
AT&T Wireless
5G Speeds may vary

User Rating
3. Xfinity Mobile
Available in Chicago
Connection:
Mobile
Xfinity Mobile
4GLTE Speeds may vary

User Rating
4. Mint
Available in Chicago
Connection:
Mobile
Mint
4GLTE Speeds may vary

User Rating
5. Visible
Available in Chicago
Connection:
Mobile
Visible
4GLTE Speeds may vary

User Rating

What’s a good internet speed?

Take our quiz to find out how much internet speed you need. Or use our internet speed test to test your current speeds.

0–5 Mbps

Works for:

  • Checking email
  • Streaming music on one device
  • Searching on Google

5–40 Mbps

Works for:

  • Streaming video on one device
  • Video calling with Skype or FaceTime
  • Online gaming for one player

40–100 Mbps

Works for:

  • Streaming HD video on a few devices
  • Multiplayer online gaming
  • Downloading large files

100–500 Mbps

Works for:

  • Streaming video in UHD on multiple screens
  • Downloading files quickly
  • Gaming online for multiple players

500–1,000+ Mbps

Works for:

  • Doing a lot of almost anything

 

What is the fastest internet provider in Chicago?

AT&T is the fastest internet provider in Chicago with fiber speeds up to 5000 Mbps—that’s really fast, but probably more speed than you need. The Chicago area also has access to the smaller fiber internet service providers (ISPs) Upstream and Everywhere Wireless, each offering plans up to 1,000 Mbps. 

Chicago has two very fast cable ISPs for those that don’t have access to fiber. Xfinity is the fastest, with plans up to 1,200 Mbps. Xfinity came in at second in our fastest internet providers in 2022 analysis, higher than any other cable ISP.

ProviderMax speeds (download/upload)Internet typeView plans
AT&T5,000 Mbps/5,000 Mbps*Fiber, DSLView Plans
Xfinity1,200/35 MbpsCableView Plans
Astound BroadbandUp to 1,200/20 MbpsCable
EarthlinkUp to 5,000/5,000 MbpsFiber, DSLView Plans

Looking for an easy way to test and track your internet speed anywhere?

Download our free, easy-to-use speed test app for quick and reliable results.

 

What is the cheapest internet provider in Chicago?

Astound Broadband is the cheapest major ISP in Chicago, with its 110 Mbps plan starting at $19.99 per month. Xfinity also offers affordable plans starting at $25, but its budget plan offers less than half the speed at just 50 Mbps. While we recommend going with Astound Broadband’s speeds if your can, both of these reliable cable internet plans offer good value.  

 

ProviderPriceMax speedsView plans
Astound Broadband$25.00/mo.*Up to 300 MbpsView Plans
Xfinity$25.00/mo.**200 MbpsView Plans
Viasat$30.00/mo.***12 MbpsView Plans
AT&T$55.00/mo.*****300 MbpsView Plans

*Regional price differences may apply. 24 Month Internet Pricing. No contract required. Equipment priced separately. Includes $5 discount for 12 months w/ ebill & autopay. Experienced speeds may vary. New residential customers only.

**For 24 months. No term contract. Taxes not included. Includes $10/mo automatic payments and paperless billing discount.

***Offer available to new qualifying customers. One-time standard installation fee may be due at checkout. Minimum 24-month service term required. Equipment lease fee is $12.99/mo. Taxes apply. Service is not available in all areas. Offer may be changed or withdrawn at any time.

****Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes & fees. Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. Ltd. avail/areas. Call or go to www.fiber.att.com to see if you qualify. 

 

 

 

HSI badge deals

Internet deals and promotions in Chicago

ProviderAvailable DealView on Provider’s Site
AT&T Order a fiber internet plan to get a reward card worth $100 or $150. You get the $100 card with the 300 Mbps and 500 plans and the $150 card with the gigabit plan or faster. You can also get up to $300 gift card with the promo code HOLIDAY150.

Order a fiber plan of 300Mbps or higher online and get up to a $150 reward card.
Get the Deal
Spectrum Get a free Unlimited Mobile line for 12 months when you sign up for an internet plan with speeds of 300Mbps or faster.

Get a free mobile line with unlimited talk, text and data and free Advanced WiFi for enhanced network security when you sign up for Spectrum One Stream and get 300Mbps Spectrum Internet®. You can also get a free Xumo Stream Box when you add Spectrum TV®.
Get the Deal
EarthLink EarthLink's fiber plans include unlimited data without an extra fee.Get the Deal
Xfinity Add Xfinity mobile and get $25 a month off internet faster than a gig. Also, get unlimited data and Wi-Fi equipment for 24 months.Get the Deal
Astound Broadband Get a $100 gift card and free installation with code CYBER23. Also, get Max for one year on 1 Gig or higher plans.Get the Deal
HughesNet Receive a $100 Prepaid Card via rebate when you order one of Hughesnet's new unlimited data plans. Terms apply and offer expires 1/31/24.Get the Deal
Viasat Get free installation when you sign up for a qualifying home internet plan.Get the Deal

What are the fiber internet providers in Chicago?

The main fiber internet provider in Chicago is AT&T, with fiber speeds up to 5,000 Mbps. Earthlink also provides fiber internet in Chicago, with symmetrical speeds up to 5,000 Mbps.

The smaller fiber ISPs, Upstream and Everywhere Wireless also gigabit fiber internet plans in the Chicago area. 

Fiber internet providers in Chicago

  • AT&T—Fiber speeds up to 5,000 Mbps
  • EarthLink—Fiber speeds up to 5,000 Mbps
  • Everywhere Wireless—Fiber speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
  • Upstream—Fiber speeds up to 1,000 Mbps

 

Chicago residential internet coverage

Most of the greater Chicago area has only two major options for broadband internet, but people living near the shoreline—either in the Hyde Park area or around Wrigley Field—will have a few more.

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) defines broadband as internet service with at least 25 Mbps download speed and at least 3 Mbps upload speed. Those speeds are enough for most internet activities, including streaming video or playing games online.

(5/5)

 

“My At&t internet service is fast and reliable and they have been more than generous in giving me good deals in pricing my service.”

Willie Listenbee | Chicago, IL

AT&T Customer

2014-10-17

See More Customer Reviews

Based on the latest available census data, 100% of Chicagoans have access to broadband internet. AT&T and Xfinity offer broadband to most communities around Chicago. RCN and Atlantic Broadband also offer broadband internet service to some neighborhoods close to Lake Michigan.

The provider WOW! also offers internet service in a few blocks around UIC (University of Illinois at Chicago) and in areas north of O’Hare or south of Midway, as well as some of the western suburbs. If these options don’t work for you, Viasat offers satellite internet service to nearly the entire Chicagoland area.

Most of these providers also offer TV service, which means you can save when you bundle the two services together. Even AT&T, the major internet provider for much of Chicago, offers discounts when you bundle with DIRECTV.

Highest-rated internet service providers in Chicago

T-Mobile earned the highest ratings in our annual internet customer satisfaction survey, receiving the top ratings for price, customer service, and overall satisfaction. T-Mobile provides an excellent customer experience with a service that is extremely easy to set up, use, and maintain due to its wireless tech and thoughtful design. The plan and pricing are also very straightforward, with everything included for one flat rate ($50 per month) without any hidden fees or surprise costs; this explains why T-Mobile earned the highest price satisfaction scores we’ve ever seen for a national ISP.

Xfinity also scored well in our customer satisfaction survey, having earned the top rating for speed for the second year in a row and a high overall satisfaction rating of 3.9 out of 5.

Read more about internet providers in Chicago

How expensive is high-speed internet?

The average stand-alone internet service is around $50.00 per month and goes up to $60.00 per month after the promotional period.

Read more about How expensive is high-speed internet?

AT&T vs. Xfinity

If you need a lot of speed for your large household, go with AT&T Fiber. Opt for Xfinity to get its widely available high speeds.

Read more about AT&T vs. Xfinity

AT&T vs Spectrum

Choose AT&T Internet for easy setup and installation, and good pricing on gigabit plans. Choose Spectrum for simplified billing with fewer added fees.

Read more about AT&T vs Spectrum

How much speed do you need?

Take a quick quiz to decide what speeds are best for your household

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best internet service provider in Chicago?

AT&T, EarthLink, Xfinity, and Spectrum Internet services all have a lot to offer, but based on our annual customer satisfaction survey, Earthlink has the happiest customers. Earthlink customers scored their satisfaction with internet prices, speeds, reliability, and customer service higher than any other ISP. They can go toe-to-toe with any provider on speeds with their gigabit plans, and they have a customer-centered approach with no data caps and no deceptive teaser rates. 

AT&T also got high marks in our satisfaction survey (coming in second overall), but Xfinity and Spectrum fell in the rankings compared to last year. They both rank in the bottom third of the 12 ISPs included in the survey. Still, both offer fast speeds and reasonable prices for internet plans and are worth looking into. In fact, 87% of customers from both providers report that their internet speeds meet their internet needs.

What’s the best deal on internet service in Chicago?

If you’re simply looking for the lowest price, Xfinity offers internet services starting around $25.00 per month. (Keep in mind that this is a promotional price that increases after two years.)

If you want the most speed for the price, you want the Xfinity gigabit extra package (if it’s available in your area) for at least the first year. It costs over $80.00 per month, but it delivers the best ratio of speed to price.

For a good speed-to-price ratio in a more affordable price range, you have several provider options. Xfinity has the best promotional rates, but they go up after a year. Bundling with AT&T actually offers the best long-term deal. By bundling you can get AT&T internet service for $40.00 per month. And, since it’s a bundle, that price won’t increase, but you will have the additional cost of the TV, home phone, or mobile service you bundle with.

What’s the best Chicago provider for bundling TV and internet?

The best Chicago provider for bundling TV and internet is Xfinity. Astound Broadband is also a solid option if you’d rather go with a smaller provider with cheaper packages. Both providers offer discounts for bundling, but we’d recommend going with Xfinity if it’s available. With an Xfinity internet and TV bundle, you’d get access to X1 TV and Xfinity Flex—that’s enough entertainment to keep you happy for a long time.

Will my apartment management set up my internet service?

Many Chicago residents can get internet service included in their monthly rent. While this is common, it’s not universal. It will vary by area and even by each individual landlord.

Getting internet service through your apartment management can be a good deal because they can sometimes negotiate a bulk rate with the Internet Service Provider (ISP). However, because the ISP has a deal with the management instead of the individual customers, it may not be as responsive. Plus, going through your landlord can limit your choices.

Whether you should go with the internet option included with your apartment or find your own will vary in each individual case, but here’s some more information about internet for apartments to help you decide.

What do I need to install AT&T?

If you’re on a tight budget, you could save money up front by installing your internet service yourself. We recommend using the installation guides in our resources section. (Here’s the AT&T Installation Guide as an example.) They’ll walk you through the process and help ensure you don’t make any mistakes that will cost you more than you’re saving.

Internet Provider Availability Map

Click to Activate Interactive Map

Learn more about AT&T

Learn more about Spectrum

Learn more about Xfinity

Learn more about EarthLink

Learn more about T-Mobile Home Internet

Learn more about Astound Broadband

Learn more about Rise Broadband

Learn more about HughesNet

Learn more about Viasat

Learn more about ispMint

Learn more about Google Fiber Webpass

Learn more about Easy Internet Now

Learn more about ConVergence Technologies, Inc.

Learn more about Upstream Network

Learn more about e-vergent

Learn more about Urban Communications

Learn more about Everywhere Wireless

What is the best internet provider in Chicago?

Internet Provider Types in Chicago


Cable

85%
Coverage


DSL

97%
Coverage


Fiber

85%
Coverage

Internet Speed Availability in Chicago


3 Mbps

100%
Availability


10 Mbps

100%
Availability


25 Mbps

100%
Availability

Broadband Internet Availability

(Internet faster than 25 Mbps)

100%
Chicago
100%
Illinois
79%
USA

Find your provider's store locations

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Summary of Chicago internet providers

Provider Type Download speeds up to User rating Order online
AT&T Fiber 5000 Mbps 3.5/5 View Plans for AT&T
Spectrum Cable 1000 Mbps
(wireless speeds may vary)
3.5/5 View Plans for Spectrum
Xfinity Cable 1200 Mbps 3.5/5 View Plans for Xfinity
EarthLink Fiber 5000 Mbps 4.0/5 View Plans for EarthLink
T-Mobile Home Internet 5G Home 245 Mbps 3.5/5 View Plans for T-Mobile Home Internet
Astound Broadband Cable & Fiber 1200 Mbps 3.0/5 View Plans for Astound Broadband
Rise Broadband Fixed Wireless 25 Mbps 3.5/5 View Plans for Rise Broadband
HughesNet Satellite 100 Mbps 3/5 View Plans for HughesNet
Viasat Satellite 100 Mbps 3/5 View Plans for Viasat
ispMint DSL 100 Mbps 4.5/5
Google Fiber Webpass Fiber 1000 Mbps 5.0/5 View Plans for Google Fiber Webpass
Easy Internet Now DSL & Fiber 5000 Mbps 4.5/5
ConVergence Technologies, Inc. Fixed Wireless 10 Mbps N/A View Plans for ConVergence Technologies, Inc.
Upstream Network Fiber 1000 Mbps N/A View Plans for Upstream Network
e-vergent Fixed Wireless 60 Mbps N/A View Plans for e-vergent
Urban Communications Fixed Wireless 100 Mbps N/A View Plans for Urban Communications
Everywhere Wireless Fiber 1000 Mbps N/A View Plans for Everywhere Wireless

Availability and speeds displayed are not guaranteed and are subject to change.

Technology Type

DSL:

DSL provides internet service via phone cables and is up to ten times faster than dial-up service.

Cable:

Cable provides internet speeds faster than DSL through the same cables used for cable TV.

Satellite:

Satellite internet is widely available, but offers slower speeds due to a far-traveling signal.

Fiber:

Fiber relies on glass strands to relay digital code and is much faster than both DSL and cable.

Customer reviews of internet providers in Chicago

Astound Broadband

Overall:
Service:
Pricing:
Speed:

Tim K | 09-21-2023

The worst internet provider I've ever had. We tried to get the bill change from my girlfriend's name to my own at it increase more than 5x. When I called to have them fix it they had already deleted my girlfriend's account. We eventually moved and cancelled the service and are getting bills 3mo later despite having turned in all the equipment and getting confirmation it was received. I would never suggest this company to anyone.

Was this review helpful? Yes 7 No 0

XFINITY

Overall:
Service:
Pricing:
Speed:

Adam G | 09-18-2023

Absolutely awful customer service. Inconsistent speeds, always lower than advertised. Surprise, secret price increases annually.

Was this review helpful? Yes 4 No 0

Astound Broadband

Overall:
Service:
Pricing:
Speed:

Clydine F | 08-16-2023

Astound is always a spinning cicle on the screen and out throughout the day. Sometimes it's down completely and hard to get a reason saying there is no reason for its not working. They never give you money back for service lost. The guide is incorrect and limited on the information of the show. I miss RCN.

Was this review helpful? Yes 5 No 2
    IL    Chicago
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