Best DSL internet providers in 2025
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Last updated: April 29, 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.
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Best DSL internet providers
*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 04/29/25.
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 internet is best for low- and moderate-speed users who browse, check emails and stream on a few devices.
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.
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 04/29/25.
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 04/29/25.
**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 04/29/25.
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 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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