Best fiber internet providers
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.
What is fiber internet?
Fiber internet is a type of broadband connection that uses light to quickly transmit data. Fiber internet uses light and glass cables to send 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.
How to shop for fiber internet
Before you pick a fiber provider, do your homework to determine if you really need fast and symmetrical internet. You may be able to get cable or 5G home internet cheaper in some areas, with plans starting around $40/mo. for 200 Mbps.
If fiber is your choice, the next steps include checking on availability, price, speed and equipment. You can check your ZIP code to see which internet providers are available in your area, but remember that few rural areas have fiber access.
Once you determine which internet types are available, decide what speed you need. Based on your budget, you can then look at each provider and pick which plan best suits your needs.
Compare fiber internet providers
Check to see how fiber internet connections differ from cable. Compare costs and 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 | Allconnect score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Fiber | $70.00 – $150.00/mo. | 1,000 – 8,000 Mbps | 4.34 / 5 |
| AT&T | $55.00 – $250.00/mo.** | 300 – 4,700 Mbps | 4.48 / 5 |
| Verizon Fios | $34.99 – $84.99/mo.† | 300 – 2,300 Mbps | 4.60 / 5 |
| Frontier Fiber | $29.99 – $154.99/mo. | 200 – 5,000 Mbps | 3.91 / 5 |
| Kinetic Internet by Windstream | $24.99 – $299.99/mo. | 100 – 8,000 Mbps | 4.04 / 5 |
| Quantum Fiber | $45.00/mo. – $165.00/mo. | 200 – 8,000 Mbps | 4.35 / 5 |
| Ziply Fiber | $10.00 – $300.00/mo. | 100 – 10,000 Mbps | 3.97 / 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 11/18/24.
**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.
†Taxes & terms may apply. Verizon mobile plan, Auto Pay & paper-free billing required. Add’l. cost without mobile plan. Subj. to credit approval & may require a deposit. Fios avail. in select areas. Wired speeds advertised. Wireless speeds may vary due to device limits, multiple users, network & other factors. See Verizon.com/yourspeed for more info. **w/ Auto Pay and paper-free billing discount + taxes & equip. charges. © 2024 Verizon
Fiber internet provider breakdowns
AT&T is our pick for best overall fiber provider due to the decent starting price of $55/mo. and its availability with speeds up to nearly 5 Gbps. Frontier is also a great choice if you are in its service area, offering the lowest starting price of all fiber providers at $29.99/mo. Verizon and Google Fiber are two solid providers, but their availability is more limited.
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 4.48 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 South 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 $29.99/mo. for 200 Mbps, it’s hard to beat. Its multi-gig plans are also competitively priced — its 5,000 Mbps plan is $154.99/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 $34.99 to $84.99/mo. for 300 Mbps to 2,300 Mbps with a Verizon Mobile plan, 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, gift cards, 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 has plans from 1,000 to 8,000 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 to $150/mo., and that makes it a desirable choice. Its 2,000 Mbps plan 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 internet service providers (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 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.
Fiber availability by internet provider
AT&T and Verizon have the most fiber availability of top fiber providers, followed by Frontier, Quantum Fiber, Google Fiber and Ziply Fiber.
| Provider | State availability | % of households with coverage in U.S. * |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | Parts of 22 states | 12% |
| Frontier Fiber | Parts of 27 states | 4% |
| Google Fiber | Parts of 10 states | 1% |
| Quantum Fiber | Parts of 18 states | 2% |
| Verizon Fios | Parts of 11 states | 9% |
| Ziply Fiber | Parts of 4 states | 0.5% |
Source: FCC National Broadband Maps. As of 11/18/24.
Who should purchase fiber internet?
Fiber internet is best for large families, smart homes, small home businesses and anyone who likes to game or edit and upload videos. Compared to other internet types, such as cable and DSL, fiber 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 76/100, compared to non-fiber internet providers, which come in at an average of 68/100. AT&T and Verizon Fios received the top two fiber scores overall in 2024 from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ASCI)
Disadvantages of fiber internet
- Fiber internet prices are 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 internet compared to other connection types
Fiber is the gold standard for home Wi-Fi, offering a faster and more reliable connection than DSL or cable internet. Fiber internet uses small strands of glass wrapped with plastic to transmit data as light, rather than coaxial cables that use electricity to send data, which results in faster internet speeds.
Fiber plans also provide symmetrical speeds — the same upload and download speeds — whereas cable internet and DSL usually have much slower upload speeds.
| Connection type | Speed range | Availability | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber | 100 – 10,000 Mbps | 46% | Outstanding |
| Cable | 25 – 3,000 Mbps | 82% | Satisfactory |
| 5G | 20 – 1,000 Mbps | Varies | Satisfactory |
| Satellite | 15 – 500 Mbps | 100% | Room for improvement |
| DSL | Up to 100 Mbps | 88% | Room for improvement |
Source: FCC National Broadband Maps. As of 11/18/24.
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
Is fiber internet available in my area?
Fiber internet is available to about 50% of the U.S. population, primarily in large metro areas. That footprint is continually growing, however.
What speeds can you get with fiber?
Speeds can range from 100 Mbps to 10,000 Mbps depending on the provider and plan. With a fiber 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.
How much does fiber internet cost?
Fiber internet costs can vary based on the provider, but some providers like Frontier offer plans starting below $50/mo., with others like Google Fiber offering plans starting at $70/mo.
Is there fiber internet in my area?
Fiber internet has more limited availability than other technologies, but check your address to find out if it’s available near you.
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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 on the site since January 2020, as well as on Allconnect’s sister site MYMOVE.com…
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Edited by:
Anine SusEditor I
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