Internet providers in Chicago, IL
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Last updated: May 6, 2025
Our broadband experts break down internet availability in Chicago for the cheapest and fastest plans so you can make the best choice for your needs.
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Find Chicago internet providers for you
*Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101. Plus taxes (w/ eligible Autopay & Paperless bill). Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. Ltd. avail/areas. Updated as of 04/24/25.
**Price guarantee for 3-4 years, depending on internet plan, for new and existing myHome customers. 5G Home plan at $35/mo. or 5G Home Plus plan at $55/mo. when combined with postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. Auto Pay & paper-free billing req’d. Mobile + Home Discount: $15/mo savings on Verizon Home Internet plans when combined with any Verizon postpaid mobile phone plan (excludes business and data-only plans). Availability varies. Subject to credit approval. © 2025 Verizon.
Key takeaways
- AT&T offers the fastest internet in Chicago
- Astound, Xfinity, T-Mobile and Verizon offer the cheapest internet in the city
- Fiber is available in Chicago through providers like AT&T, Astound and Google Fiber
Fastest internet in Chicago
Chicago has above-average access to fast internet speeds. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reports that speeds up to 250 Mbps or higher are available in more than 99% of Chicago. Below are some of the fastest internet plans in Chicago, 1 Gbps and higher.
| Provider | Starting price* | Download speed | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | $245.00/mo.** | 4,700 Mbps** | Fiber |
| Xfinity | $80.00/mo. | 1,300 Mbps | Cable |
| Astound | $55.00/mo. | 1,500 Mbps | Cable, fiber |
| Google Fiber | $150.00/mo. | 8,000 Mbps | Fiber |
*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. Updated as of 04/24/25.
**Plus taxes (w/ eligible Autopay & Paperless bill). Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. Ltd. avail/areas. Limited availability. May not be available in your area. Call or go to fiber.att.com to see if you qualify. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. Single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.
Cheapest internet in Chicago
Astound offers the cheapest internet in Chicago, with plans starting at $20.00/mo. for 300 Mbps. Residents of Chicago can also enjoy cheap internet from Xfinity, Verizon and T-Mobile 5G Home Internet for under $40.00/mo.
| Provider | Starting price* | Download speed | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astound | $20.00/mo. | 300 Mbps | Cable, fiber |
| Xfinity | $30.00/mo. | 400 Mbps | Cable |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | $35.00/mo.** with mobile plan | 85 – 300 Mbps | 5G |
| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | $35.00/mo. with mobile plan | 87 – 318 Mbps | 5G |
*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. Updated as of 04/24/25.
**Price guarantee for 3-4 years, depending on internet plan, for new and existing myHome customers. 5G Home plan at $35/mo. or 5G Home Plus plan at $55/mo. when combined with postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. Auto Pay & paper-free billing req’d. Mobile + Home Discount: $15/mo savings on Verizon Home Internet plans when combined with any Verizon postpaid mobile phone plan (excludes business and data-only plans). Availability varies. Subject to credit approval. © 2025 Verizon.
Chicago internet provider comparison
These Chicago internet providers are available from the city and into the suburbs. Whether you’re looking for super-fast fiber service or the best price available, multiple choices are available in the Chicago area.
If you live in Chicago or are planning to move there, we’ll help you compare your options to find the best internet service. Some of the best and largest internet service providers (ISPs) in Chicago are AT&T, Xfinity and Astound.
Not all providers are available in every neighborhood, so we ask for your address. For example, AT&T is available across much of Chicago and its suburbs to the west, like Berwyn, but coverage is not as consistent to the north, as in areas of Highland Park.
| Provider | Starting price* | Download speed range | Connection type | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | $30.00/mo. | 400 – 3,000 Mbps | Cable, fiber | 98% |
| Hughesnet | $49.99/mo. | 50 – 100 Mbps | Satellite | 97% |
| AT&T | $55.00/mo.** | 300 – 4,700 Mbps** | Fiber | 90% |
| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | $35.00/mo. with mobile plan | 87 – 415 Mbps | 5G | 80% |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | $35.00/mo.*** with mobile plan | 85 – 1,000 Mbps | 5G | 42% |
| Astound | $20.00/mo. | 300 – 1,500 Mbps | Cable, fiber | 55% |
| Zentro Internet | $29.00/mo. | 25 – 2,000 Mbps | Fixed wireless | 1% |
*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. Updated as of 04/24/25.
**Plus taxes (w/ eligible Autopay & Paperless bill). Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. Ltd. avail/areas. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.
***Price guarantee for 3-4 years, depending on internet plan, for new and existing myHome customers. 5G Home plan at $35/mo. or 5G Home Plus plan at $55/mo. when combined with postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. Auto Pay & paper-free billing req’d. Mobile + Home Discount: $15/mo savings on Verizon Home Internet plans when combined with any Verizon postpaid mobile phone plan (excludes business and data-only plans). Availability varies. Subject to credit approval. © 2025 Verizon.
How we review internet in Chicago
Allconnect’s broadband experts review prices, speed, fees, terms and promotions when reviewing internet providers.
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 500 Mbps plan got a 3.71.
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.
Chicago internet takeaways
In the middle of metro Chicago, nature lovers can revel in Lincoln Park, a lakefront greenspace with a zoo and botanical garden. Residents of the surrounding area have great accessibility to Xfinity’s cable internet, but only about half the addresses are served by fiber. Xfinity plans provide speeds up to 3,000 Mbps in some parts of the city.
If you need faster internet with symmetrical download and upload speeds, you may consider moving to West Town, Irving Park or Logan Square, which offer 100% fiber coverage with AT&T, Xfinity or Google Fiber.
Chicago internet provider breakdowns
Allconnect Rating
4.40 / 5
AT&T: Best overall ISP
Although AT&T Fiber does not offer the cheapest internet plans in Chicago, it does offer the best deals. All three internet plans available with AT&T offer affordable rates, unlimited data and symmetrical download/upload speeds.
AT&T Fiber covers 90% of the city and is the only major provider in Chicago that offers fiber technology, which is known for providing a more reliable connection. AT&T Fiber also has a 5 Gig* plan that’s perfect for heavy internet activity and gaming.
AT&T does not provide the cheapest internet service compared to other providers in the Chicago area.
*Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. Single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101. Updated as of 04/24/25.
AT&T Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
3.93 / 5
Xfinity: Best high-speed provider
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 $30/mo. Xfinity is primarily a cable internet provider but offers fiber technology for its gig-speed plans.
Xfinity’s cable service is available to over 90% of Chicago neighborhoods. You can get Xfinity mobile across Chicago as well, and bundling that with your internet plan will save you some money.
Your monthly bill will likely be higher than advertised because of equipment rentals and hidden fees.
Promotions and discounts — Xfinity often offers promotions when you sign up, and discounts for paperless billing and autopay.
Xfinity Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
3.80 / 5
Astound: Most affordable provider
Astound offers cable and fiber internet speeds ranging from 300 to 1,500 Mbps, starting at just $25/mo. Astound doesn’t impose data caps, meaning you can enjoy your high-speed internet all month long. Astound covers about 50% of Chicago, including Elgin, Naperville, Evanston and Hammond.
You can also bundle your internet plan with Astound’s cable TV for additional value, plus options for Sports Packs, premium channels and DVR service.
Astound Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
4.35 / 5
T-Mobile: Best for simple pricing
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet offers three 5G plans starting at $35/mo. with a qualifying mobile plan and with no hidden fees, price hikes, contracts or data caps. It’s one of the most affordable plans because you pay a flat price with all fees included, whereas other providers have lots of added fees that increase your bill.
Speeds run from 87 to 415 Mbps, which is good for a smaller home, but more than three users will stretch the connection’s capability. T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet is available to nearly every address in Chicago.
T-Mobile Customer Reviews:
Chicago internet customer reviews
That online chat bot on AT&T’s site is unhelpful, but if you call, you can reach someone quickly and they are always so nice!
4/5
The cable connection is good and reliable. However, customer service is lacking. You have to jump through hoops just to get a human being to respond to a computer chat. Once you get through, the agents are helpful, but it takes great patience.
3/5
I was never was told how much I would be charged for a service person to physically come and set up Xfinity. In fact no knew why I couldn’t install Xfinity until the service person came out.
2/5
Compare internet in cities near Chicago
Chicago internet provider store locations
What speed do you need?
The internet speed you need depends on a few factors, such as the types of internet activities you engage in and the number of devices consistently connected to your network.
A small household of one or two light internet users can get by with speeds from 100 – 300 Mbps, but those with three or more internet users who engage in bandwidth-heavy activities should opt for a faster plan.
Fiber internet will deliver the fastest and most reliable internet speeds and is available in Chicago primarily through AT&T and Astound.
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Chicago internet FAQs
How fast is internet in Chicago?
There are several fast fiber internet providers in Chicago, including AT&T, Xfinity, Zentro and Astound. Fiber speeds in Chicago can reach up to 5,000 Mbps.
What’s the cheapest internet in Chicago?
The cheapest internet in Chicago is Astound’s 300 Mbps plan for just $20.00/mo. Xfinity also offers a cheap option at $30.00/mo. for 400 Mbps.
What’s the fastest internet in Chicago?
The fastest internet in Chicago is AT&T Fiber’s 5 Gbps* plan.
Is 5G internet available in Chicago?
Verizon and T-Mobile provide fixed wireless internet, or 5G home internet, to about a combined 95% of Chicago addresses.
What is the most widely available provider in Chicago?
T-Mobile and Xfinity are the most widely available providers in Chicago with 95% coverage over the city. Hughesnet also provides coverage to 100% of Chicago.
*Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. Single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101. Updated as of 04/24/25.
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Written by:
Robin LaytonSenior Editor, Broadband Content
Robin Layton is a Senior Editor for Allconnect, dedicated to helping consumers navigate the often-complex world of internet service providers. With 30 years of experience in journalism and marketing, Robin empow…
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Edited by:
Anine SusEditor I
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