Internet providers in Chicago, IL

Find top internet providers in Chicago and compare availability, speeds, pricing and more, all in one place.

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What internet services are available 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 fiber optic internet service is offered in areas such as Belmont Gardens, Skokie and Arlington Heights. 
  • Xfinity is widely available throughout Chicago, from Park Ridge, Evanston and Lincolnwood down to Burbank, Palos Heights and Harvey. 
  • RCN mainly offers cable internet plans along the shoreline reaching up toward Lincolnwood and Evanston. Areas of Skokie, South Brighton and Oakland also have RCN as an internet option.
  • WOW! offers cable internet primarily in Chicago suburbs, such as Naperville, Glen Ellyn, Des Plaines and Arlington Heights.

Internet availability in Chicago, IL

  • Cable – 99%

  • DSL – 98%

  • Fiber optic – 3%

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 11/06/20.

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Compare the largest internet providers in Chicago

AT&T

AT&T is the largest internet provider in Chicago, delivering speeds ranging from 5 Mbps up to 940 Mbps. AT&T offers fiber optic internet in select areas.

Why Chicagoans love it

  • Fast fiber upload speeds – AT&T Fiber upload speeds are perfect for live gaming and working from home.
  • Equipment included – Get free wireless gateway rental with a new internet plan.

Xfinity

Xfinity provides cable internet to much of Chicago, IL. They also offer the fastest internet speeds available in Chicago, ranging from 15 Mbps to 2,000 Mbps.

Why Chicagoans love it

  • Bundle savings – Customers save on TV & internet bundles with Xfinity.
  • Hotspot access – Enjoy one of the largest hotspot networks with millions of free Wi-Fi hotspots across the U.S.

RCN

RCN offers cable plans to certain regions around downtown Chicago and some of the northern metro area. Speed options range from 50 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps.

Why Chicagoans love it

  • No data caps – Stream and game without worrying about exceeding an internet data limit.
  • No contract required – Customers looking for month-to-month internet plans can find options with RCN.

Compare business internet providers in Chicago, IL

*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 01/07/21.

Many businesses rely on internet access to complete their everyday tasks, so choosing which provider to use is an important decision. Since each company is different and requires metrics catered to them, it is important to note the details that make each provider stand out.

If you’re looking for a reliable and popular business internet option, consider Xfinity, which has a strong presence in the Windy City. If premium speeds are not of top priority and you require an internet connection simply to make transactions, consider RCN.

There are also a lot of perks that come with different providers — from 24/7 tech support to additional cybersecurity — feel free to call our experts to uncover the best options for your needs.

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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 best Chicago internet providers for fast speeds are listed below. 

Fastest max advertised download speeds in Chicago

  • Xfinity – Cable internet with speeds up to 2,000 Mbps
  • RCN – Cable internet with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
  • WOW! – Cable internet with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
  • AT&T – Fiber internet with speeds up to 940 Mbps
  • Everywhere Wireless – Fixed wireless internet with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
  • Rise Broadband – Fixed wireless internet with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps

Cable internet from Xfinity and fiber internet from AT&T offer two of the best plans for fastest max speeds in the Chicago area. However, Chicago residents looking for alternatives to the major ISPs can also try cable providers such as RCN, WOW! and local fixed wireless options for fast speeds.

Call to see what internet speeds are available from Chicago fiber optic and cable internet providers near you.

Call now: (844) 451-2720 (844) 451-2720

Cheap 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. 

Cheapest internet plans in Chicago, IL

  • RCN 100 Mbps Internet – $29.99/mo.* for up to 100 Mbps
  • Xfinity Performance Internet – $29.99/mo.* for up to 100 Mbps
  • Everywhere Wireless – $19.00/mo.* for up to 10 Mbps
  • Rise Broadband – $29.99/mo. for up to 25 Mbps

*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 11/06/20.

Bundling internet with other services or signing a term agreement are also good ways to save on internet service. When shopping for cheap internet in Chicago, consider fees that could add to your monthly internet costs, such as equipment rental fees.

Our internet experts can give you an idea of just how much internet costs in Chicago. Call or click “Shop providers” to view starting prices for internet near you.

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Free, public Wi-Fi in Chicago

A variety of public spaces in Chicago have free Wi-Fi service. One key program providing Wi-Fi hotspots across the city is the Chicago WiFi Program. Keep in mind that free Wi-Fi networks are easily accessible to anyone, so it’s smart to avoid online activities that involve passwords or sensitive information.

Here are a few public places where you can find access to free Wi-Fi:

The best provider for access to Wi-Fi hotspots is Xfinity. If you have Xfinity internet service, you can access free provider Wi-Fi hotspots throughout Chicago. RCN and WOW! do not currently offer Wi-Fi hotspots in Chicago. AT&T has limited free Wi-Fi availability, and they recommend using a hotspot locator app to find AT&T hotspots.

Last updated 11/12/20.

David Anders

Written by:

David Anders

Senior Writer, Broadband Content

David joined the Allconnect team in 2017, specializing in broadband and TV content. His work has been referenced by a variety of sources, including ArcGIS, DIRECTV and more. As a Senior Writer, David is motivate… Read more

Robin Layton

Edited by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband & Wireless Content

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