How to buy internet: Guide to choosing the best internet service

Robin Layton
RL
Robin Layton

Feb 17, 2025 — 5 min read

Choosing an internet service can be overwhelming, but our internet experts review what to look out for, including price, speed, connection type and more.

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Key takeaways

  • Before searching for the right internet plan, decide what speed and type of connection you need
  • Compare providers in your area
  • Learn to set up your internet connection

If you’re a first-time internet buyer and feel intimidated by the process, you’re not alone. Most internet service providers (ISPs) make understanding what speeds you need (both download and upload), how much you will actually be paying each month and what type of equipment you need to either rent or buy as confusing as possible. 

On top of all that, you will also want to consider contracts, data caps and installation. It’s a lot to think about but we have broken it down for you so you can be sure that you are getting exactly what you need for the best deal possible.

A guide of the steps to take for a first time internet buyer

1. Find internet providers near you

  • Top tip: Enter your ZIP code to see what internet providers are available to you

The first step to buying internet is to find internet service providers (ISPs) available in your area. ISPs are not available everywhere; even if your neighbor has a certain ISP, it may not be available at your home, which is why Allconnect asks you for your address. We can help you find the right provider for you, whether you’re looking for cheap internet, fast internet or rural internet. 

Not all ISPs can service all areas, so ZIP codes are used by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to determine what providers and types of connections are available in each area. 

Infrastructure is expensive for fiber and cable, so it’s not unusual for providers to only service part of a city or semi-rural area.

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2. Determine the type of internet you need

  • Top tip: Fiber is the best connection if your address is serviceable

When determining the type of internet you need, it’s important to consider both technology types and the speed you need. 

There are different internet technology types you can choose from: satellite, cable, fiber and fixed wireless. Your location may narrow down this choice since some tech types aren’t widely available, but cable and fiber generally offer the fastest internet connection.

Fiber internet

  • Fast upload and download speeds

  • The most reliable connection compared to others

  • Proven to support the most connected device

  • Price

  • Availability limits

  • Expensive to deploy

Cable internet

  • Largely available

  • Can reach gig download speeds

  • Supports both streaming and gaming

  • Bundles with TV options

  • Slower speeds during peak hours

  • Limited availability in rural areas

  • Moderate to high prices

You also need to decide how much speed you need, and this depends on the number of people in your household and the types of internet activities they will partake in.

Download speeds

Download speeds are the speeds advertised by internet providers. They measure the time it takes to download data to perform activities such as watching videos, browsing the internet or downloading files. The faster the internet speeds, the faster one can perform these tasks. We recommend at least 100 Mbps for a small household.

Upload speeds 

Unless you have a fiber connection, your upload speed will be considerably lower than your download speed. It most likely won’t make a noticeable difference. However, if you routinely live stream or game, make video calls, send emails or upload files, you will want to ensure sufficient upload speeds.

Learn more about popular internet speeds

Top tip for determining the speed you need 

Divide the number of devices in your household by the speed plan you are considering. You will want the result of that equation to be between 25 and 40 Mbps. For instance, if you have a household of four people who only use one device at a time, then a plan around 100 Mbps will be best (100/4 = 25). 

If everyone in your household uses multiple devices at a time, however, you will want to consider a slightly faster plan. If each person in your household of four uses two devices at a time (a smartphone and a laptop, for example), then consider a plan between 200 and 300 Mbps (300/8 = 37.5). 

Learn more about the speeds you need

3. Compare ISPs available in your area

  • Top tip: Compare the promotional pricing to the regular pricing to make sure you can afford it once the promo ends

Now that you know what connection type and internet speed you want, compare the ISPs available in your area. Compare their plans by price, speed, hidden fees, contracts, equipment costs, etc.

Promotional vs. standard pricing

It’s important to know that all pricing advertised for internet service for new customers is, in most cases, a promotional rate. This means that after a certain period, usually 12 months, your internet bill will increase to the plan’s standard price. The difference in price between the promotional rate and the standard pricing is usually between $5 and $60/mo.

To access the internet, you will need a modem device, and to access the internet wirelessly, you will need a router. All internet providers offer to rent you their equipment, which comes with customer support. You can also purchase your own but know that the ISP won’t be able to troubleshoot it.

Most providers offer the choice of free (or close to free) self-installation or professional installation. Professional installation can cost anywhere between $50 and $150.

Learn more about buying vs. renting equipment

Learn more about hidden internet fees

Before selecting an internet provider, determine what type of contract makes the most sense for you. Although many providers now offer monthly instead of long-term contracts, some still stick to the one- or two-year contract agreements.

A data cap is when internet providers limit the amount of internet a customer is allowed to consume each month. Some internet service types — including cable, DSL, satellite and fixed wireless internet — are more likely than others to impose data caps. Most fiber companies, in contrast, rarely impose data caps.

Learn more about average data usage

4. Choose an ISP and internet plan

  • Top tip: Compare all the available providers for price, promotions, data caps and equipment fees before you pick

Once you understand internet pricing and speeds, you should combine this information to determine what plan and provider is best for you. We recommend a fiber provider if it’s available at your home due to its faster speeds, competitive pricing, lower latency and fewer data caps.

If price is a pain point, consider reviewing our list of the best cheap internet providers to help you decide. 

Researching customer reviews can also be a great way to see how current customers are feeling about their ISP.

See reviews from some top providers:

5. Setting up your Wi-Fi network

Once you purchase a plan from an ISP, you can choose to install your own connection or pay the provider to have a professional installer visit your home.

You will also need to decide on renting or purchasing a modem or gateway device. It’s important to consider your network’s password setup to ensure your connection’s safety. This includes determining if you want a Wi-Fi network, which will allow multiple devices to connect wirelessly, or if you prefer to connect every device with Ethernet cables, which can get cumbersome.

Picking the right internet

Buying internet can sometimes be overwhelming, and in general internet has some pain points. Remember to keep an eye out for hidden fees, promotional vs. standard pricing and other factors like contracts and data caps when choosing your provider. Also, look for a provider offering the best value for your money; one ISP may offer a cheaper plan, but another could offer more speed, a higher data cap and no hidden fees for not too much more per month. 

Shop internet providers, plans and speeds in your area with our internet experts. We’ll help you find and compare plans with good internet speeds for your home and unique needs.

Get more of your internet questions answered at the Allconnect FAQs hub.

How to buy internet FAQs

What key things do I need to know about internet plans?

Key things to know when choosing an internet plan include watching promotional pricing and knowing what the regular pricing will be once the promo ends. Also, consider speed tiers since you may get a lot more speed in a mid-tier plan for just a few dollars above the cheapest price.

Once you decide on a provider and a plan, you’ll have the option to install your internet yourself or pay for a professional installer. Remember that if you use a satellite internet provider, they will install the dish and other equipment.

Enter your ZIP code, and Allconnect will show you the providers in your area by breaking down type, pricing and plans for easy comparison.

Allconnect: Let us compare providers for you

Why should you choose Allconnect? We’re the #1 broadband marketplace in the U.S., meaning you can trust us to search, compare and order internet and TV service for your home.

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Illustration of a father and daughter in a living room. The father is sitting in an armchair and reading a newspaper, and the daughter is playing with a toy on the floor.
Robin Layton

Written by:

Robin Layton

Senior Editor, Broadband Content

Robin Layton is a Senior Editor for Allconnect, dedicated to helping consumers navigate the often-complex world of internet service providers. With 30 years of experience in journalism and marketing, Robin empow… Read more

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