Best DSL internet providers in 2025
By
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Edited By
Last updated: June 30, 2025
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) internet powers your home or business through a copper phone line. Our experts share providers, plans and speeds for DSL internet service.
View internet plans available near you
Best DSL internet providers
Frontier Internet
Plans starting at
$64
00/mo*
Connection Type
DSL
CenturyLink Internet
Plans starting at
$55
00/mo*
Speeds up to
100
Mbps
Kinetic
Plans starting at
$39
99/mo*
Speeds up to
100
Mbps
Key takeaways
- DSL speeds cannot support much online activity
- Common DSL speeds are around 24 Mbps or lower, which cannot support much online activity
- DSL plans start at $55.00/mo.
- Some ISPs are ceasing to offer or support DSL lines
What is DSL internet?
DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line, an internet network that uses telephone lines to transmit digital data to a modem in your home.
DSL isn’t as available as it used to be, with internet service providers (ISPs) shutting down their DSL offerings in favor of faster and cheaper types. Common DSL speeds are around 24 Mbps or lower.
Who is DSL internet for?
Due to DSL’s speed limitations, it is best for low- and moderate-speed users who browse the web or check emails.
DSL is mainly a rural alternative that can be a useful tool for one person who doesn’t need a Wi-Fi connection for smart home devices or a cell phone. The bandwidth can struggle to support multiple devices.
Pros and cons of DSL internet
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Cheaper than fiber or satellite
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Not widely available
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Aging infrastructure and no investment from ISPs
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Relies on a phone line
How DSL internet works
A digital subscriber line brings internet into your home or business through your existing phone lines. A modem translates the signal between your phone and your computer.
Is DSL internet available in your area?
DSL internet providers in your area
Our experts show you the best DSL internet providers.
DSL is a popular type of internet service in more rural areas because speeds and pricing tend to be better than satellite internet or fixed wireless. However, DSL is becoming less and less available as providers, such as AT&T, began discontinuing their DSL service in order to focus on more high-density neighborhoods that use fiber optic internet instead of DSL.
See how major DSL internet providers across the nation compare before you start looking at plan details. Note that the max possible DSL speed you can receive with a plan ranges significantly based on your location.
DSL internet provider breakdowns
Windstream DSL plans are Allconnect’s top choice because they offer the fastest speeds at an affordable price. If Windstream is available in your area and you’re looking to purchase DSL internet, then this is the DSL provider you should go with! Its cheapest plan is just $39.99/mo., which is one of the cheapest prices you’ll find with any provider.
CenturyLink: Best for availability
CenturyLink is upgrading DSL lines to fiber but still offers the service. Starting at $55.00/mo.* at speeds up to 100 Mbps, there are no data caps with CenturyLink.
*Speed may not be available in your area. Paperless billing required. Taxes and fees apply. Rate excludes CTL Fee not to exceed $1.50/mo./line. Updated as of 06/30/25.
Windstream: Cheapest DSL starting plan
Allconnect’s experts picked Windstream as your best DSL option if you are not in their fiber service area. DSL plans with Windstream start at $39.99/mo. for up to 100 Mbps. There are no data caps.
Verizon: Slower speeds
Verizon offers DSL but has the lowest top speed of 15 Mbps, which is good for basic surfing or checking emails. Starting at $49.99/mo., the plans have no data caps.
Compare top DSL providers
| Providers | Starting price* | Max speed range | Data caps |
|---|---|---|---|
 Verizon DSL | $49.99/mo. | 0.5 – 15 Mbps | None |
| CenturyLink | $55.00/mo.** | Up to 100 Mbps | None |
 Frontier | $64.99/mo. | Varies | None |
| Kinetic by Windstream | $39.99/mo. | Up to 100 Mbps | None |
*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 06/30/25.
**Speed may not be available in your area. Paperless billing required. Taxes and fees apply. Rate excludes CTL Fee not to exceed $1.50/mo./line.
How we choose our Allconnect best picks
Allconnect takes into consideration a variety of metrics including speeds, prices, availability and customer service scores when identifying the best option for internet categories. Not only are providers compared to competitors, they’re also compared to themselves and the prices and speeds that they advertise. Making sure that they are compliant to what they offer so you, the customer, always gets the most accurate information.
DSL availability
Most DSL providers are replacing lines with fiber, so it’s getting harder to find DSL providers, except in rural areas.
While satellite internet is the most widely available type, DSL’s availability has decreased over the years to around 40% of U.S. households. Like satellite internet, DSL is a great option for rural areas. Access to a telephone line is likely all you need to get DSL internet, making it a great option in areas where cable internet is unavailable.
CenturyLink provides DSL to about 9% of the country, with starting prices at $55.00/mo.*
*Speed may not be available in your area. Paperless billing required. Taxes and fees apply. Rate excludes CTL Fee not to exceed $1.50/mo./line. Updated as of 06/30/25.
The future of DSL
DSL is a technology that is being replaced with faster and cheaper alternatives. Internet providers are investing in updating their infrastructure with fiber cables and 5G home internet technology.
Some providers like AT&T have previously announced they were not supporting DSL any longer so that they can invest in higher speed options like fiber.
DSL internet FAQs
What does DSL stand for?
DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line and refers to a high-speed internet connection by way of telephone lines commonly called DSL internet. ADSL, or asymmetrical DSL, is the most common DSL type and typically offers faster download speeds than upload speeds.
How does DSL internet work?
DSL internet uses the copper telephone wires you already have inside your home to transmit data and generate your internet connection. A DSL connection does this without interfering with your phone signal.
What if DSL internet is not available in my area?
If a DSL internet provider is not available in your area, your best option for internet service may be a provider with an alternative connection, like cable or satellite. Learn more about the different types of internet connections.
Will DSL tie up the phone line?
No. DSL uses your phone line differently than telephone calls or dial-up service. This enables an “always on” internet connection, while allowing you to send or receive phone calls.
Is DSL the same as dial-up?
No. Though both internet services use a phone line, they are separate technologies. DSL uses different frequencies than dial-up, allowing for faster speeds and constant internet access without tying up the phone line.
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Written by
Robin Layton
Senior Editor, Broadband Content
Robin Layton is a Senior Editor for Allconnect, dedicated to helping consumers navigate the often-co… View profile
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Hannah Whatley
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