Best fiber internet
What is fiber internet?
Fiber internet is a type of broadband connection that uses light and glass cables to transmit data signals to deliver an internet connection. This method of transmitting data results in fiber internet being the fastest and most reliable internet type available.
Fiber internet providers are almost always the fastest option because they provide symmetrical upload and download speeds, ranging from 100 Mbps to 10+ Gbps. Fiber is also one of the most expensive internet technologies but has the least latency issues.
Fiber internet providers compared
Check to see how fiber internet connections differ from cable. Compare costs and check to see fiber internet near you. Optimum and Windstream have the lowest starting prices, but Frontier, AT&T and Xfinity have the fastest max download speeds.
| Provider | Price range* | Download speed range | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Fiber | $70.00 – $100.00/mo. | 1,000 – 2,000 Mbps | 4.50/5 |
| AT&T | $55.00 – $250.00/mo.** | 300 – 4,700 Mbps | 4.43/5 |
| Verizon Fios | $49.99 – $109.99/mo. | 300 – 1,500 Mbps | 4.42/5 |
| Frontier Fiber | $39.99 – $154.99/mo. | 500 – 5,000 Mbps | 4.27/5 |
| Ziply Fiber | $10.00 – $300.00/mo. | 100 – 10,000 Mbps | 3.71/5 |
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 06/19/24.
**Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply.
How we score internet providers
We evaluate broadband providers in four categories: affordability, performance, value and customer satisfaction. Each category contains multiple sub-factors, all of which are weighted differently to impact the provider’s overall score.
For each sub-factor, we score all providers on a continuous scale of 1 to 5, relative to the industry as a whole. Because the average download speed in America is currently 180 Mbps, for example, we assigned all plans with download speeds between 100 and 299 Mbps a score between 3 and 4. Xfinity’s 200 Mbps plan received a 3.50 score for download speed, while Spectrum’s 400 Mbps plan got a 4.16.
We only considered standardized data points in our scoring system. More abstract data like consistency of service and brand reputation is still part of our analysis, but we opted to let our writers address them in the context of each review.
More details on the top fiber internet providers
AT&T Fiber: Best overall
AT&T is Allconnect’s pick for best fiber provider overall with prices from $55 to $250/mo. Speeds run from 300 Mbps to 4,700 Mbps. AT&T’s Allconnect rating for AT&T fiber service is 4.43 out of 5 stars due to its availability, fast starting speeds, unlimited data policy and no contract requirements.
It has more availability than most fiber providers, and competitive pricing considering its multi-gig speed tiers. AT&T consistently ranks high in customer satisfaction. It is currently ranked first in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) with an 80/100, ahead of major providers like Verizon Fios and Google Fiber.
Although Google Fiber is the best fiber provider out there, serviceability is limited and users are more likely to find AT&T available in their area.
AT&T is mainly available in the Southern and Midwest regions of the country, with limited availability in the Western region. Depending on your location, AT&T fiber speeds go up to 4,700 Mbps.
Frontier: Best for low prices
Frontier has some of the lowest prices among fiber providers. With a starting price of $39.99/mo. for 500 Mbps, it’s hard to beat. Its multi-gig plans are also competitively priced – its fastest 5,000 Mbps is $155/mo., cheaper than AT&T’s 5 gig plan. Frontier also has unlimited data, no contracts and no equipment fees.
Frontier’s availability is concentrated in parts of the Midwest and Northeast, but it rolled out its multi-gig service to its entire footprint.
Verizon Fios: Best for promotions
Verizon Fios has competitively priced plans from $49.99 – $109.99/mo. for 300 – 2,300 Mbps, but its real value lies in the promotional perks offered with its plans. Verizon consistently offers deals and perks with its fiber plans, whether it be discounted internet, giftcards, electronics or subscriptions.
Verizon’s fiber availability is limited, mainly concentrated in the Northeast – but if you’re within its service footprint, Verizon offers great value for its fiber plans.
Google Fiber: Best for gig internet
Google Fiber only offers gig plans from 1,000 – 2,000 Mbps, so it’s one of the best providers if you are looking for a high-speed gig plan. Its competitive pricing starts at $70/mo. to $100/mo. and that makes it a desirable choice – its 2,000 Mbps is only about $10 more than Verizon’s 1,000 Mbps plan. Google Fiber also includes equipment with its plans and has no data caps or contracts.
A main drawback is Google Fiber’s availability, but it is currently rolling out more multi-gig plans and expanding its current footprint.
Fiber internet coverage and availability in your area
Fiber is extremely expensive for ISPs to build out, so if there is a small population or the area is geographically undesirable, it most likely will not have fiber connections available in the near future.
Large metro areas are the most common service areas for fiber optic connections, but actual availability may be limited to certain ZIP codes or neighborhoods within a city. For a comprehensive look at available internet connections in your state, you can check the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) broadband map.
Is a fiber connection available at your address?
Find out if fiber internet is available at your home by checking your address now.
| Provider | State availability | % of households with coverage in U.S. * |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | Parts of 21 states | 11% |
| Frontier Fiber | Parts of 40 states | 3% |
| Google Fiber | Parts of 10 states | 1% |
| Ziply Fiber | Parts of 4 states | .5% |
| Verizon Fios | Parts of 12 states | 9% |
*Source: FCC National Broadband Maps. Last updated 06/19/24.
Who should purchase fiber internet?
Compared to other internet types, such as cable and DSL, fiber optic internet is perfect for many uses, including some of the more demanding online tasks that require high-speed internet. If you have a smart home with several apps running, along with multiple internet users who are simultaneously gaming, streaming and working from home, a fiber plan is the best option for you.
Advantages of fiber internet
- Fiber internet has symmetrical download and upload speeds.
- Fiber is very reliable and not susceptible to weather-related outages.
- Fiber internet providers tend to rate higher in customer satisfaction, with scores averaging 75/100, than cable internet providers, which come in at an average of 64/100. AT&T and CenturyLink received the top two fiber scores overall in 2023 from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ASCI).
Disadvantages of fiber internet
- Fiber internet is generally more expensive than other internet technology types. Outside of plan costs, its installation fees can be costly as well which prevents many from investing in a fiber connection.
- Fiber internet is expensive to build out, so it’s not available in many rural areas of the U.S. About 50% of the country has access to fiber connections.
Fiber vs other technologies
Fiber is the gold standard for home Wi-Fi, offering a faster and more reliable connection than DSL or cable internet. Fiber optic internet uses small strands of glass wrapped with plastic to transmit data as light, rather than coaxial cables that use electricity to send data.
All of that adds up to significantly faster speeds. Most fiber plans get between 300 and 1,000 Mbps, but providers like AT&T, Frontier, Google Fiber and Xfinity all offer speeds even faster than that. At 1,000 Mbps, it would take you about 10 seconds to download a two-hour movie, compared to 10+ minutes on a 20 Mbps connection.
Fiber plans also provide symmetrical speeds — the same upload and download speeds — where cable internet and DSL usually have much slower upload speeds. That could translate to glitchy gaming or Zoom meetings, and longer wait times for uploading media.
The bottom line: If you have access to fiber, you should get it. Your internet speeds will be significantly faster and more reliable than cable, satellite, 5G and DSL, and the price is typically about the same. Unfortunately, fiber internet still only covers about half the area that cable does.
| Connection type | Speed range | Availability | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber | 100 – 10,000 Mbps | 43% | Outstanding |
| Cable | 25 – 3,000 Mbps | 85% | Satisfactory |
| Satellite | 15 – 500 Mbps | 100% | Room for improvement |
| 5G | 20 – 1,000 Mbps | Varies | Satisfactory |
| DSL | Up to 100 Mbps | 88% | Room for improvement |
Sources: Fiber Broadband Association, National Cable and Telecommunications Association,
Our final take on fiber internet
Fiber internet is popular for its fast, consistent download and upload speeds. While generally not the cheapest internet service available, the speeds and reliability that come with fiber internet can offer more value than you’d get with other internet types. Our favorite fiber internet provider is AT&T Fiber because of its competitive pricing and availability.
The one significant downside to fiber internet is availability. More than half of U.S. residents do not have access to fiber internet service. That said, if fiber internet is available in your area, it’s definitely worth considering as the speed potential and connection quality are unmatched. If you’re interested in other internet technologies, shop and compare all providers.
Fiber internet FAQs
Fiber internet is available to about 50% of the U.S. population, primarily in large metro areas. That footprint is continually growing, however.
You will likely need a new modem and router for fiber internet service as traditional cable and DSL modems are not compatible. Fortunately, fiber internet providers either include a modem or offer one to rent or purchase with their internet plans.
Gigabit internet is an internet service that delivers speeds up to 1 gig or 1,000 Mbps. Gigabit internet is typically offered by fiber internet providers, however, cable internet providers are also to provide the service using a hybrid coaxial cable connection.
Fiber internet uses thin glass or plastic wires to transmit data to your modem/router inside your home. The lines are typically buried, which makes them safe from most weather-related incidents.
Speeds can range from 50 to 10,000 Mbps depending on the provider and plan. With a fiber optic connection, you are likely to experience greater speed consistency, even during “peak” usage times, and speeds that are near or above your plan’s advertised speeds.
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Written by:
Robin LaytonEditor, Broadband Content
Robin Layton is an editor for the broadband marketplace Allconnect. She built her internet industry expertise writing and editing for four years on the site, as well as on Allconnect’s sister site MYMOVE.com. …
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