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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.

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Best internet providers in Chicago

There are eight Chicago internet providers 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!

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

Internet availability by connection 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 04/02/21.

Our methodology

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

Fastest internet in Chicago, IL

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 08/11/21.

Chicago’s high-speed internet availability compared to the United State’s average

Chicago residents enjoy a greater availability of high-speed internet compared to the rest of Illinois and the rest of the United States. The table below shows what percentage of residents in Chicago, the entire state of Illinois, and the entire United States enjoy internet speeds over certain thresholds. 

Nearly the entire population of Chicago has access to high-speed internet with speeds 250 Mbps or higher, while more than 30% of high-speed internet with speeds 1000 Mbps or higher.

  • Download speeds 250 Mbps or higher

    Chicago – 99%

    Illinois – 91%

    U.S. – 86%

  • Download speeds 1,000 Mbps or higher

    Chicago – 30.39%

    Illinois – 20%

    U.S. – 21%

Source: FCC

Cheapest internet providers 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 08/11/21.

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., AT&T’s 300 Mbps plan for $35/mo. or RCN’s 250 Mbps plan for $44.99/mo., depending on what’s available to you.

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AT&T logo

Allconnect Rating

4.05 / 5

AT&T: 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 $30/mo. – AT&T does not provide the cheapest internet service compared to other providers in the Chicago area.

  • Price increase – You can expect your bill to increase by $20/mo. after the first 12 months with any of AT&T’s fiber optic plans.

Learn more about AT&T internet
Xfinity logo

Allconnect Rating

3.58 / 5

Xfinity: Best for fast speeds

Xfinity offers the fastest internet for Chicago residents, with speeds as high as 2,000 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.

Learn more about Xfinity internet

RCN: Most affordable internet

RCN offers cable internet speeds ranging from 50 to 1000 Mbps, with prices starting at just $19.99. RCN doesn’t impose data caps, meaning you can enjoy your high-speed internet all month long.

Why Chicago loves RCN

  • Affordable rates – RCN offers high internet speeds at an affordable rate.

  • No data caps – RCN doesn’t charge data caps, meaning you don’t have to worry about your internet usage.

Things to consider

  • Limited availability – RCN 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 RCN speeds are available in each service area.

Learn more about RCN internet
WoW! logo

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. 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.

Learn more about WOW! internet

Everywhere Wireless: Best local business

Everywhere Wireless is a local business, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to support a local business. Internet plans start at $29.99, with speeds ranging from 10 to 1000 Mbps.

Why Chicago loves EW

  • No price increases – Everywhere Wireless promises you won’t be subject to annual increases or additional fees.

  • No contracts – Everywhere wireless doesn’t require contracts, so you can cancel anytime with paying a fee.

Things to consider

  • Low starting speeds – Everywhere’s Wireless cheapest plans have very low speeds compared to competitors.

  • Online form required – You’ll have to complete an online form to get a quote from Everywhere Wireless.

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 $50 per month and speeds ranging from 25 to 50 Mbps.

Why Chicago loves Rise Broadband

  • Serves rural areas – Rise Broadband serves rural areas with few internet options.

  • No hidden fees – Rise Broadband doesn’t charge data caps, or hidden fees, and doesn’t require a contract.

Things to consider

  • Expensive plans – Rise Broadband has higher prices than many of its competitors.

  • Limited availability for fastest plans – Rise Broadband’s highest advertised speeds aren’t available in many areas.

Learn more about Rise Broadband internet
hughesnet logo

Allconnect Rating

3.74 / 5

HughesNet: Best for satellite internet

HughesNet offers the best satellite internet plans in Chicago. Rates start at $59.99 per month, and each plan has a maximum speed of 25 Mbps.

Why Chicago loves HughesNet

  • Rural availability – HughesNet has availability in rural areas that may not have other options.

  • Bundle discount – You can get a discount on your plan by bundling your internet service with phone service.

Things to consider

  • Slow speeds – HughesNet plans have low internet speeds, with the maximum speed being 25 Mbps.

  • Expensive rates – HughesNet has higher starting rates than many Chicago providers.

Learn more about HughesNet internet

Earthlink: Best for consistent pricing

Earthlink offers internet plans with unlimited data starting at $49.95 per month, with speeds ranging from 50 to 1000 Mbps. Earthlink does not increase its rates after the first year because there is no promotional pricing.

Why Chicago loves Earthlink

  • Unlimited data – Every Earthlink plan promises unlimited data, meaning you don’t have to worry about using too much internet. You also won’t experience data throttling, even during peak usage times.

  • No price increases – Earthlink does not do promotional pricing so you will not be subject to a price increase after the first year.

Things to consider

  • Contract required – All Earthlink plans require a 12-month contract, and you may be subject to early termination fees if you cancel.

  • Additional fees – Earthlink charges equipment fees and requires a professional installation fee.

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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Erin Gobler

Written by:

Erin Gobler

Allconnect contributor

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

Robin Layton

Edited by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband Content

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