Internet providers in Chicago, IL

Find internet providers in Chicago

Chicago internet at a glance

There are eight internet providers in Chicago that range in speed, price and internet type. If you live in Chicago or are planning to move there, we’ll help you compare your options so you can find the best internet service for you. Some of the best and largest internet service providers (ISPs) in Chicago, IL, are AT&T, Xfinity, RCN and WOW!

Best internet providers in Chicago

• AT&T– Best overall
• Xfinity – Best for fast internet speeds
• WOW! – Best for lower prices
• Astound (formerly RCN) – Best for no data caps

Internet coverage by technology type

• Cable – 99%

• DSL – 98%

• Fiber optic – 46%

Source: FCC

All available Chicago residential internet providers

These Chicago internet providers are available from the city and out into the suburbs. Whether you’re looking for super-fast fiber optic service or the best price available, there are multiple choices available in the Chicago, IL area.

*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 04/01/22.

How we evaluate internet providers

We evaluate broadband providers in four categories: affordability, performance, value and customer satisfaction.

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 one to five, 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 three and four. 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.

See how we review internet providers

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Fastest internet options in Chicago

Chicago, IL has above average access to fast internet speeds. The FCC reports speeds up to 250 Mbps or higher are available in more than 95% of Chicago. In comparison, speeds of 250 Mbps or more are only available to about half of the U.S. The providers that offer the top speed in Chicago are listed below. 

*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 04/01/22.

Chicago real-world internet speed performance

Overall, Chicago residents enjoy fast internet speed no matter who their provider is. Astound (formerly RCN) users get the fastest internet in Chicago. Its average download speed is nearly 200 Mbps — enough to stream Netflix in 4K on eight TVs at once. AT&T, Xfinity and WOW! are all close behind, with average download speeds well above the national average. AT&T, however, stands out as the best provider by far when it comes to upload speeds.

Chicago internet speed compared to the national average

Chicago download speeds are slightly slower than the state of Illinois, but still faster than the national average. Its upload speeds, on the other hand, lag behind the nation significantly — just 33 Mbps compared to the 42 Mbps average.

• Download speeds

  Chicago – 124 Mbps

  Illinois – 136 Mbps

  U.S. – 118 Mbps

• Upload speeds

  Chicago – 33 Mbps

  Illinois – 31 Mbps

  U.S. – 42 Mbps

Cheap internet available in Chicago

Residents of Chicago, IL have several options for cheap internet. In fact, four internet providers in the Chicago area offer cheap internet plans that start below $30/mo. Take a look at the best internet deals you can get for your money. 

*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 04/01/22.

Allconnect’s affordable choice: WOW!

If you are looking for a plan that costs less than $30/mo., WOW! offers the best value for high-speed internet. For just $19.99/mo., you can get speeds up to 100 Mbps. If you need faster internet speeds than 100 Mbps, then go for WOW’s 200 Mbps plan for $29.99/mo.

Check availability

Or call us today: (844) 451-2720 (844) 451-2720

Allconnect Rating

4.43 / 5

AT&T Fiber: Best overall

Although AT&T does not offer the cheapest internet plans in Chicago, it does offers the best deals. All three internet plans available with AT&T offer affordable rates, unlimited data and symmetrical download/upload speeds. AT&T is the only major provider in Chicago that offers fiber optic technology, which is known for providing a more reliable connection.

Learn more about AT&T internet

Allconnect Rating

3.54 / 5

Xfinity: Best for fast speeds

Xfinity offers the fastest internet for Chicago residents, with speeds as high as 3,000 Mbps. The company also offers competitive rates, with its most affordable plan starting at just $25/mo. Xfinity is primarily a cable internet provider but offers fiber optic technology for its Gig speed plans.

Learn more about Xfinity internet

Astound Broadband: Most affordable internet

Astound (formerly known as RCN) offers cable internet speeds ranging from 100 to 1000 Mbps, with prices starting at just $19.99/mo. Astound doesn’t impose data caps, meaning you can enjoy your high-speed internet all month long.

Astound Broadband powered by RCN

Allconnect Rating

3.94 / 5

WOW: Best for low starting prices

WOW! offers the best starting rate of any provider on our list, with internet plans starting at just $19.99/mo. The company also offers high internet speeds, ranging from 100 to 1000 Mbps.

Learn more about WOW! internet

Additional providers to consider

In addition to the four options listed above, there are several other internet providers servicing the Chicago area that are worth considering.

Everywhere Wireless: Best local business

Everywhere Wireless is local to Chicago, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to support a local business. Internet plans start at just $29/mo., with speeds ranging from 25 to 2,000 Mbps. Everywhere Wireless doesn’t require contracts, either, so you can cancel anytime with paying a fee.

Learn more about Everything Wireless

Rise Broadband: Best for rural areas

High-speed internet can be difficult to find in rural areas, including those outside Chicago. Rise Broadband offers rural internet with prices starting at $25/mo. and speeds ranging from 25 to 50 Mbps. Rise Broadband doesn’t charge data caps, or hidden fees, and doesn’t require a contract. Unfortunately, its speeds are on the slow side compared to other Chicago internet providers.

Learn more about Rise Broadband internet

HughesNet: Best for satellite internet

HughesNet offers satellite internet for less connected areas around Chicago. Rates start at $64.99/mo., and each plan has a maximum speed of 25 Mbps. How much you’ll pay depends on the data cap you choose, with the cheapest plan allowing just 15GB each month.

Learn more about HughesNet internet

Earthlink: Best for consistent pricing

Earthlink offers internet plans with unlimited data starting at $49.95/mo., with speeds ranging from 50 to 1000 Mbps. Earthlink does not increase its rates after the first year because there is no promotional pricing or credit checks. That said, all plans require a 12-month contract, and you may be subject to early termination fees if you cancel.

Learn more about EarthLink internet

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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Written by:

Erin Gobler

Contributor

Erin Gobler is a freelance writer based in Madison, WI. She writes about topics including budgeting, student loans, credit, mortgages, investing, broadband and insurance. Including Allconnect.com, her work has b… Read more

Edited by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband Content

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