
Internet providers in Chicago, IL
Shopping for internet plans in Chicago? Compare our top picks for internet providers in the Chicago area to find the plan that best fits your needs.
Find internet providers in Chicago

AT&T – Best provider overall
All AT&T fiber plans come with unlimited data and symmetrical upload/download speeds

Xfinity – Best for fast speeds
Xfinity offers some of the fastest internet available anywhere, with speeds up to 3,000 Mbps

WOW! – Best for low prices
WOW! offers the lowest starting rates in Chicago, with plans at just $19.99/mo.

Astound – Best for no data caps
Astound (formerly called RCN) does not impose data caps, meaning you can enjoy your high-speed internet all month long
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.
Provider | Starting price* | Speed range | Internet type |
AT&T | $55.00/mo. | 300 – 4,700 Mbps | Fiber |
Xfinity | $25.00/mo. | 25 – 3,000 Mbps | Cable/fiber |
WOW! | $19.99/mo. | 100 – 1,000 Mbps | Cable |
Astound (formerly RCN) | $19.99/mo. | 50 – 1,000 Mbps | Cable |
Everywhere Wireless | $29.00/mo. | 25 – 2,000 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
Rise Broadband | $25.00/mo. | 25 – 50 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
HughesNet | $64.99/mo. | 25 – 25 Mbps | Satellite |
*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.
Our methodology
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 providersFastest 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.
Provider | Speed | Plan | Connection type |
AT&T | 4,700 Mbps | Internet 1000 | Fiber optic |
Everywhere wireless | 2,000 Mbps | GigabitX | Fixed wireless |
Astound (formerly RCN) | 1,000 Mbps | Gig internet | Cable |
Rise Broadband | 1,000 Mbps | Gig internet | Fixed wireless |
WOW! | 1,000 Mbps | Internet 1000 | Cable |
Xfinity | 3,000 Mbps | Gigabit Pro | Cable |
*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.
RCN / Astound – 192 Mbps
AT&T – 175 Mbps
Xfinity – 171 Mbps
WOW! – 162 Mbps
Provider | Average download speed | Average upload speed |
RCN | 192.2 | 30.6 |
AT&T | 175.4 | 127.5 |
Xfinity | 170.7 | 15.8 |
WOW! | 162.1 | 15.8 |
Everywhere Wireless | 133.5 | 102.8 |
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
New York State – 31 Mbps
U.S. – 42 Mbps
Source
The average speeds listed above are based on over 6 million real speed test results taken in Chicago over a six-month window from the M-Lab NDT Data Set 2021-09-01–2022-02-28. Measurement Lab is an open source platform aimed at advancing Internet research.
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.
Provider | Speed | Price | Connection type |
Everywhere Wireless | 25 Mbps | $29.00/mo. | Fixed wireless |
Astound (formerly RCN) | 110 Mbps | $19.99/mo. | Cable |
Rise Broadband | 5 Mbps | $25.00/mo. | Fixed wireless |
WOW! | 100 Mbps | $19.99/mo. | Cable |
Xfinity | 50 Mbps | $25.00/mo. | Cable |
*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.

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.
Why Chicago loves AT&T
Best value – AT&T offers some of the best deals available for high-speed internet.
High customer satisfaction – AT&T ranked first for customer satisfaction in 2021 with a score of 71/100 on the ACSI.
What to consider about AT&T
No plan under $55/mo. – AT&T does not provide the cheapest internet service compared to other providers in the Chicago area.
Availability– AT&T’s fiber optic service isn’t as widely available as other Chicago internet providers.

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.
Why Chicago residents love Xfinity
Fastest internet speeds – Xfinity offers the fastest internet speeds for Chicago customers.
Promotions and discounts – Xfinity often offers promotional offers when you sign up, and discounts for paperless billing and autopay.
Things to consider
Expect hidden fees – Your monthly bill will likely be higher than advertised because of equipment rentals and hidden fees.
Price increase – Your Xfinity rate may increase after the first year because of its limited-time promotional rates.
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.
Why Chicago loves Astound
Affordable rates – Astound offers high internet speeds at an affordable rate.
No data caps – Astound doesn’t charge data caps, meaning you don’t have to worry about your internet usage.
Things to consider
Limited availability – Astound has a smaller service area than most of its competitors, meaning internet service may not be available for your address.
Limited plan options – You may have limited options, since not all Astound speeds are available in each service area.

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.
Why Chicago loves WOW!
Most affordable plans – WOW! has the most affordable starting prices for internet plans.
Unlimited data – WOW! doesn’t charge data caps, you don’t have to worry about your usage being limited.
Things to consider
Price increase – WOW!’s starting price is a promotional rate, so your price will increase after the first year.
May require a contract – WOW! may require a contract and charge an early termination fee if you cancel your plan early.
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.
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 internetHughesNet: 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.
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 internetAllconnect: Let us compare providers for you
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Written by:
Erin GoblerContributor
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 LaytonEditor, Broadband Content
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