Home Wi-Fi service providers

How Wi-Fi works

So, what is Wi-Fi? It is actually the technology that allows your devices to wirelessly connect to the internet. Accessing wireless internet or “Wi-Fi” requires two pieces of equipment: the modem and the router. The modem receives an internet signal from your internet provider and turns it into usable internet. Your Wi-Fi router then converts that internet into signals your Wi-Fi devices can actually connect to. In short, the modem is the reason there is usable internet and the router is the reason your devices can connect to the internet without a cord. Having both can lead to a strong and reliable home Wi-Fi connection.

The router, however, isn’t always necessary. You can connect to the internet directly from the modem using a wired Ethernet connection or you can plug a wireless router into the modem for Wi-Fi usability. You can also plug in an Ethernet cord to the router for both a wired and wireless experience around your home.

There are also modem-router 2-in-1 devices, known as gateway devices, that perform all the necessary functions to provide home Wi-Fi. This is becoming an increasingly popular option for Wi-Fi access as a gateway is easier to set-up and it takes up less space.

Caution: Wi-Fi speeds are slower than wired connections

Something to keep in mind is that a Wi-Fi connection will almost always be slower than your wired connection via an Ethernet cable. This slower connection is caused by signal quality, such as interference from objects, distance from the router, quality of the modem/router and latency (the time it takes for a request to be sent from your computer and the server’s answer). Network traffic also plays into this slowdown because all devices on a Wi-Fi network share that same network, which can easily become congested. Your Ethernet cable can provide a more consistent bandwidth and stable speeds, with no congestion.

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Home Wi-Fi service is available with all internet providers

Wi-Fi is not its own specific service to buy, so you won’t find “Wi-Fi” or “non-Wi-Fi” internet plans from your provider. Your internet plan represents the connection and speeds to the modem, Wi-Fi service is just a wireless extension of that connection.

Most providers present Wi-Fi as an add-on to their internet service, typically with an extra monthly fee for Wi-Fi equipment. Some may let you use your own equipment and avoid the fee for renting or purchasing a router through them.

If you aren’t interested in signing up for home internet, you do have options:

• Mobile hotspot: Your smartphone is an excellent way to get online through its Wi-Fi tethering option. Before you cancel your ISP contract, though, there are some things to consider before you rely wholly on your phone for a connection. One is speed, if you are a gamer or a high-volume video viewer, you may have some buffering issues. You should also consider the cost if you are on a restrictive cellular plan.
• MiFi: This portable router acts as a hotspot for your phone, tablet or computer. You can connect to Wi-Fi without worrying about using your cellular data. There are several data plans specifically available for a MiFi device.

Best home Wi-Fi providers

Xfinity – Best for Wi-Fi hotspot coverage

With Xfinity, customers have access to millions of hotspots around the country. Once connected to one by signing into an Xfinity account, you can automatically connect to Wi-Fi whenever you are out of your home and in an Xfinity service area so there is no need to waste your cellphone data.

Read our Xfinity internet review

Cox – Best for whole-home Wi-Fi equipment

Cox offers the Panoramic Wifi Gateway. The next-generation modem-router combination delivers whole-home coverage and comes with tools for managing in-home Wi-Fi networks. Panoramic Wifi also comes with advanced security for network protection, a mobile app and Elite Gamer to reduce gaming lag.

Read our Cox internet review

AT&T – Best for low-cost internet

AT&T’s standalone internet plans start at $55/mo with no additional equipment fees. If your address is only serviceable for DSL, your plan will come with the fastest speeds available, up to 100 Mbps.

Read our AT&T internet review

Spectrum – Best for low Wi-Fi equipment costs

Spectrum’s equipment costs are low compared to other providers. Spectrum charges $5/mo. for router rental — the modem is free — whereas most providers charge around $10-15/mo.

Read our Spectrum internet review

Verizon – Best for matching download and upload speeds

Verizon Fios is one of the few providers that offer matching download and upload speeds. This means you can handle high-definition video file sharing, video conferencing, or large file sharing or transfers with ease. With competitively-priced speed tiers of 200, 400 and 940/880 Mbps, Verizon Fios high-speed internet plan options can provide service to any size home.

Read our Fios internet review

Optimum – Best for minimal equipment

Optimum has a 2-in-1 gateway router, the Altice One, with a built-in TV box for your cable services. In one interface, you can use streaming apps, your DVR recordings and the available cable TV lineup. 

Read our Optimum internet review

Shop home Wi-Fi providers

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*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. As of 03/30/22.

Home Wi-Fi provider quick comparison

*Price 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. Last updated 06/10/22.
**Wireless speeds may vary

Unlimited data Wi-Fi plans

We use Wi-Fi home connections to stream videos and music on mobile devices, conveniently connect laptops and link IoT devices to our home network. Essentially, we use Wi-Fi for just about everything, which means your Wi-Fi service can use up a lot of data. 

Going over a data limit can result in added fees or slowed internet speeds. If you plan on using your Wi-Fi service for lots of streaming, gaming and downloading, you may want to consider an unlimited Wi-Fi plan. Here are some of the best unlimited Wi-Fi plans.

Internet providers with unlimited Wi-Fi plans

*Price 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. Last updated 03/30/22.
**Wireless speeds may vary.

AT&T’s Fiber plans come with unlimited data, but their DSL plans come with a 1 TB/mo. data allowance. If you want unlimited data, you can opt for unlimited data for around $30/mo. extra, or get unlimited Wi-Fi data when you bundle with a qualifying AT&T service. Xfinity also offers unlimited data for an added monthly cost, around $50/mo. extra.

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Equipment needed to set up Wi-Fi in your house

As magical as a Wi-Fi home connection may seem, it doesn’t just happen on its own. In addition to your internet connection, you’ll need at the very least a modem and router to enjoy Wi-Fi.

• Modem – This device receives the internet connection from your provider and uses Ethernet cables to connect with other devices.
• Router – Along with your modem, this is the most important Wi-Fi device as it’s the one that turns your internet into wireless signals. There are many different router options and ways to set it up. Look to our list of best wireless routers for everything you need to know.
• Wireless network adapter – This device connects your desktop PC to a Wi-Fi network. This is not required for newer PCs, laptops and smart devices as they have built-in Wi-Fi receivers.
• Wi-Fi extenders (optional) – These devices can help boost your Wi-Fi signal so you get a stronger signal throughout your home.

Everything you need is likely available from your provider

Like the cable boxes from your TV provider, modems and routers are commonly available from the provider and are specific to their service. Many providers offer a “gateway” device, which serves as the modem and router in a single unit. Wi-Fi equipment fees, functionality and add-ons such as Wi-Fi extenders will vary by provider.

Is it better to buy your own equipment?

Some wireless internet providers, including CenturyLink, Verizon and Xfinity, give you the option to use your own products and save the monthly equipment fees. Buying your own equipment not only saves you money, but it can also get you access to the highest quality Wi-Fi equipment on the market.

If you rent your equipment through your ISP, you likely won’t get the most advanced Wi-Fi technology. Verizon and Spectrum’s gateways, for example, only go up to 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) standards. In contrast, many of the newer models available are on Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6e technology. This technology can offer faster speeds and more bandwidth than Wi-Fi 5. 

The only downside to buying instead of renting your equipment is that you will not have access to the same quality tech support as you would when renting your router with your Wi-Fi company. If you would rather use your own equipment, click on your provider below to view a list of compatible modems and routers.

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How to set up your home Wi-Fi connection

So you just signed up for internet service and want to ditch the wires? The good news is that setting up a Wi-Fi connection should only take about ten minutes. All you need is a modem (typically supplied by your internet provider), a wireless router (sometimes included as part of combination modem/router) and an active internet connection. Your internet provider should give you instructions to follow on setup, but you can also follow these steps to configure any wireless network:

1. Find a good location for your router. Where you put your router has a huge impact on your Wi-Fi speeds, and once you set it up you probably won’t want to relocate it again. Find an elevated spot in a central location in your home, and away from concrete or brick walls, microwaves or other electronic equipment (TVs are okay).
2. Connect the router to the modem with an Ethernet cable. This will go in the WAN (wide-area network) port on the back of your router and the Ethernet port on your modem. You can skip this step if you’re using a combination modem/router device. You’ll also need to plug the router in to a power outlet at this point.
3. Configure your Wi-Fi router. This can usually be done in a couple different ways. Most new wireless routers provide a quick-start guide with their own app, which helps simplify the process. You can also use the router’s dedicated configuration page to complete setup, which is a URL listed in the router’s documentation.
4. Set up your username and password. Your wireless router will come with a default login, but it’s often something simple like “admin.” You’ll want to change both the username and password as soon as possible.
5. Connect devices. Now that your Wi-Fi network is set up, you can start getting your devices online. Open up Wi-Fi settings on your device, find the Wi-Fi name you just created and log in using your new password.

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Tips for improving your Wi-Fi signal

There are many things that can slow your Wi-Fi speeds, such as connecting multiple devices or even running the microwave, which means there are many things you can do to help improve your connection. 

• Place your router in a central location – Considering the physics of Wi-Fi, the best place for your router is in a central location, preferably high on a shelf where your router is free of as many obstructions as possible. You can also physically move closer to your router if you don’t want to change your router’s location.
• Disconnect devices not in use – The average household has more than 10 connected devices and each one eats into available bandwidth. If you need a faster connection, try disconnecting some of the devices that are not currently in use.
• Reboot the router – Sometimes turning the router off and back on is all you need to do to restore the connection.
• Try a mesh network – One Wi-Fi alternative to improve your internet connection is to use a mesh network. A mesh network is when there is a group of devices around your house that act as a single Wi-Fi network. Each device is called a point and the purpose of having multiple points is to provide better coverage for more areas of the house.
• Use a Wi-Fi extender – A Wi-Fi extender connects to your router to extend your Wi-Fi connection to the parts of your home that are currently dead zones.

For more tips and tricks to get faster Wi-Fi, check out our guide on how to boost your Wi-Fi.

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