Internet providers in Houston, TX

Find internet providers in Houston

Houston internet at a glance

We looked at FCC data, real user speed tests and serviceability information directly from the provider to research Houston’s best internet providers:

Best overall providers

• AT&T – Best internet provider overall
• Xfinity – Cheapest plans
• T-Mobile 5G Home Internet – Best for simple pricing
• HughesNet – Best for rural customers

Houston residents have a lot of high-speed internet providers to choose from, including fiber internet from AT&T — one of the best options anywhere in the country. In addition to the providers listed above, Spectrum, Suddenlink, Windstream and Frontier also service neighboring suburbs like Katy, League City and Sugar Land.

Internet availability by technology type

If you live in Houston, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to the type of internet you want. Just about every option is available, including cable, fiber, DSL and satellite. Houston is also ahead of the game when it comes to fiber internet.

• Cable – 92%

• DSL – 89%

• Fiber optic – 57%

All available Houston residential internet providers

*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 01/17/23.

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

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Houston real-world internet speed performance

When it comes to internet speeds in Houston, two providers stand out: T-Mobile and Xfinity. Customers get nearly 200 Mbps on average from them, which is well above the national average. That said, AT&T has upload speeds nearly 10 times faster than Xfinity due to its fiber optic network. If you do a lot of online gaming or have multiple people working or learning from home, AT&T is your best option.

• AT&T – 63 Mbps

• Xfinity – 174 Mbps

• T-Mobile – 209 Mbps

Houston internet speed compared to the national average

Overall, Houston residents get about the same internet speeds as the state of Texas as a whole, but significantly faster speeds than the national average. Houston’s upload speeds lag behind the state, largely because AT&T is the only major fiber internet provider in the area.

• Download speeds

  Houston – 135 Mbps

  Texas – 147 Mbps

  U.S. – 134 Mbps

• Upload speeds

  Houston – 56 Mbps

  Texas – 65 Mbps

  U.S. – 48 Mbps

Fastest internet providers in Houston

Houston residents have plenty of options when it comes to fast internet. Several providers offer gigabit speeds, and the fastest speed available in the city is 4,700 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 01/17/23.

Cheapest internet service providers in Houston

Houston residents have internet plans starting at low prices. Keep in mind that while the company advertises starting prices, the price you see isn’t necessarily the amount you’ll pay each month. Not only can rates vary depending on your ZIP code, but you’ll also likely pay installation costs, equipment rental fees, taxes and other fees.

*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. As of 01/17/23.

Allconnect’s affordable choice: Xfinity

Xfinity has the cheapest internet plan for Houston residents, offering 75 Mbps at just $19.99/mo. Keep in mind that as with many providers, Xfinity’s lowest advertised rate includes a discount for automatic payments and paperless billing. Additionally, your rate may increase after the first 12 months.

Shop Xfinity plans

Or call to order: (844) 451-2720 (844) 451-2720

Allconnect Rating

4.43 / 5

AT&T Fiber: Best provider overall

According to a 2022 J.D. Power survey, AT&T ranks highest in customer satisfaction in the South for a fifth consecutive year. AT&T Fiber offers five plans in Houston: 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 1,000 Mbps, 2,000 Mbps and 5,000 Mbps with prices ranging from $55/mo. – $180/mo.

AT&T will continue to expand its fiber-optic footprint to more markets across the country in the coming years. AT&T and BlackRock, the investment management company, have agreed to form a joint venture called Gigapower. This will expand fiber-optic coverage beyond AT&T’s current footprint.

Learn more about AT&T internet

Allconnect Rating

3.54 / 5

Xfinity: Cheapest internet plans

Xfinity really stands out when it comes to prices in Houston. Its cheapest plan offers speeds of 75 Mbps for just $19.99/mo. Fees and equipment will add some extra money to your bill, but Xfinity is still a great deal.

Xfinity internet speeds in Houston have also gotten faster in recent months. As part of a nationwide speed increase, local speeds have increased by up to 200 Mbps on some Xfinity plans. Xfinity ranks second behind AT&T in customer satisfaction in the South.

Learn more about Xfinity internet

Allconnect Rating

3.86 / 5

T-Mobile 5G Home: Best for simple pricing

T-Mobile is one of the newest providers to offer home internet service, and it uses its 5G cellphone towers to transmit data wirelessly to your home. It costs a flat $50/mo., and that includes equipment and fees.

T-Mobile is quickly becoming the most widely available 5G provider. Its 5G footprint provides coverage to 323 million people across the U.S. and has a goal of providing even faster 5G internet with more coverage by the end of 2023 with its Ultra Capacity 5G network. 

Learn more about T-Mobile home internet

Allconnect Rating

2.10 / 5

HughesNet: Best for rural customers

HughesNet offers satellite internet across the country, serving rural areas that may have a hard time getting internet service. Plans start at $59.99/mo., with speeds of 25 Mbps for all plans.

HughesNet recently debuted Fusion, a combination of satellite and wireless tech that will provide a high-speed and low-latency internet option for customers, which has previously been an ongoing issue with satellite internet. HughesNet plans to expand this service across U.S. markets throughout the year.

Learn more about HughesNet 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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