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The best wireless internet providers for home Wi-Fi

As ranked by Reviews.com as of 09/05/18.

• AT&T - Stellar customer service
• CenturyLink - Best for business internet
• Charter Spectrum - Best cable internet provider
• Comcast XFINITY - Fastest max speeds
• Frontier Communications - Best for cheap internet
• HughesNet - Best satellite provider
• Verizon - Best fiber internet provider

Once you find a plan that suits your needs from one of the top internet service providers across the U.S., you’ll be ready to set up your home Wi-Fi. Depending on the provider and the plan you choose, you may even receive equipment, like a modem and/or wireless router, for free.

Reviews.com is owned and operated by an affiliate of Allconnect, Inc. However, Allconnect, Inc. is not involved in or responsible for the production of Reviews.com content, including the rankings cited on this page.

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How does home Wi-Fi work?

Wireless home internet is a technology that allows you to set up a home Wi-Fi network using radio frequencies so your devices are always on and connected. An internet modem translates the internet signal from your internet service provider. Then, your wireless router distributes your internet connection over airwaves to devices in your home. Instead of plugging in all your devices, they can communicate with each other, and the internet, wirelessly.

How to choose a Wi-Fi provider in your area

When setting up your home Wi-FI, consider the following factors to determine the best Wi-Fi provider near you:

• Connection type and availability: Multiple providers offer different types of connections—cable, satellite, DSL and fiber-optic—that each work a little differently. First, use Allconnect to find which internet service providers are available in your area, and then determine what connection type might be best based on your internet usage.
• Data usage and online activities: How you use the internet will determine what download speeds you need to set up a solid home Wi-Fi network. Most casual users need speeds of 2-10 Mbps to send emails and browse the web making DSL and satellite good choices. However, if you game or stream TV, music and videos regularly, then you’ll want a home Wi-Fi speed of 10-15 Mbps or above. This will help you minimize buffering and lag
• Number of devices: The more devices you have connected to your home Wi-Fi network, the more your wireless internet performance will suffer. Each connected device, and what it demands of the Wi-Fi signal, will affect how quickly the network performs. The higher your bandwidth, the more devices you can connect without causing lag
• Internet upload speeds: Many providers heavily advertise high download speeds because most people download more than they upload. But if you do a lot of online gaming or video chat from home, remember to check the internet upload speeds too. High upload speeds, which help improve live online interactions, usually come with download speeds that are twice as fast.

What equipment do I need to get home Wi-Fi?

In addition to choosing a wireless service provider, you’ll also need to get the proper Wi-Fi equipment. Here’s what you may need to get started:

• Modem: This device connects to the internet using a coaxial cable (same as your cable TV service) to bring the internet into your home. However, it doesn’t transmit Wi-Fi through the house.
• Router: In order to transmit your Wi-Fi signal, you’ll need to set up a wireless router. This device sends the signal to your devices, such as laptops, cell phones and smart TV.
• Wireless Gateway: Sometimes referred to as a cable modem router, this device functions as a dual modem and router. Combining the modem and router into one piece of equipment reduces the number of devices you have to set up.

Keep in mind that the cost of equipment may not be reflected in your initial plan costs. For instance, the Frontier Simply Broadband Core internet-only plan starts at $20 per month*, but also includes a $75 one-time installation fee, a $10 per month* broadband router fee, plus taxes, fees and surcharges. 

Some providers offer free equipment with select plans; however, in many cases, you may be able to buy your own. Just make sure that any modem and/or router you purchase is compatible with your provider and plan.

*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 09/07/2018.

How to choose a Wi-Fi service speed

When choosing your wireless internet plan, think about how you plan to use the internet and your home Wi-Fi network to choose internet speeds you really need. 

It’s important to remember that due to multiple factors, internet speeds may not perform at optimum speeds, so consider getting a speed slightly faster than your ideal Wi-Fi service speed, or you can try boosting your Wi-Fi signal.

Another thing to consider is your cell phone data plan. Having Wi-Fi for your home means you may be able to reduce your cell phone bill since you can connect your wireless devices to your Wi-Fi network.

Internet-only plans with Wi-Fi and unlimited data

Here are some internet only plans without data limits from some of our top internet with Wi-Fi service providers.

	Price	Term length	Internet speeds	Offers or perks	View offers
	$70/mo.* ($40/mo. + $30/mo. for unlimited data)	1 year	Up to 50 Mbps	Wi-Fi Gateway router included	Shop plans
	$20/mo.*	2 years	Up to 6 Mbps	Free Wi-Fi router rental with select plans	Shop plans
	$49.99/mo.*	2 years	Up to 25 Mbps	Built-in Wi-Fi means you only need a modem, no router	Shop plans
	$44.99/mo.*	2 years	Up to 200 Mbps	Free internet modem and antivirus with Security Suite	Shop plans
	$39.99/mo.*	No contract	Up to 100 Mbps	100% fiber-optic network	Shop plans
	$79.99/mo.* ($29.99/mo. + $50/mo. for unlimited data)	1 year	Up to 15 Mbps	XFINITY xFi allows you to control your home network remotely	Shop plans

*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 09/07/2018.

If any of these unlimited data plans don’t quite fit your price range, some providers, such as Cox, offer lower cost internet plans with additional data you can purchase. Multiple Wi-Fi providers offer an additional 50 GB per month for $10 per month. This may be an option to consider if you want to get cheap Wi-Fi and not pay for more data than you need.

Many of our providers offer great home Wi-Fi service deals available with TV and internet packages. A package can help you save money compared to getting internet only service and cable TV service from separate companies.

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Last updated 09/07/2018