Chicago residents have several options for internet service providers, with AT&T Fiber being CNET’s top pick for delivering ultrafast speeds, clear pricing, and good availability. If AT&T Fiber is not available in your area, other solid options in Chicago include Xfinity, Verizon 5G Home Internet, and Rise Broadband. Astound Broadband and Xfinity offer the most affordable plans starting at around $20 and $35 per month, respectively, with Astound standing out for its superior value with download speeds up to 300Mbps compared to Xfinity’s 150Mbps. AT&T Fiber provides the fastest internet option in Chicago with speeds up to 5,000Mbps.
Other available internet providers in Chicago include Air Wans, a fixed wireless provider with pricing ranging from $50 to $100 per month for speeds ranging from 3 to 15Mbps. Satellite internet options such as Hughesnet and Viasat may be available in some areas, but they are generally pricier with slower speeds and more restrictive data caps. T-Mobile Home Internet is another option in Chicago, offering cellular home internet service with speeds ranging from 72 to 245Mbps. The Connect plan from Xfinity is a budget-friendly option with download speeds of 150Mbps for $35 per month.
Finding internet deals and promotions in Chicago can be a great way to save on monthly costs. Providers like Xfinity and Rise Broadband may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time, while others like AT&T and Verizon maintain standard pricing year-round. Ookla speed test data ranks Chicago in the bottom 10 among the nation’s top 100 most populous cities for internet speeds, with a median download speed of around 135Mbps. Fiber providers like AT&T offer the fastest plans with download speeds of up to 5,000Mbps for $245 per month.
In terms of choosing the best internet provider in Chicago, factors to consider include access to fast speeds, value for the price, and customer satisfaction ratings. While fiber providers like AT&T Fiber are ideal for speed and reliability, cable companies like Xfinity and Astound Broadband offer wider coverage in Chicago. Prices for internet plans in Chicago can range from $20 to $60 a month for basic plans, with faster speeds costing more. Google Fiber is not currently available in Chicago, but Google’s Webpass service offers high-speed fixed wireless internet at select locations for $70 or $63 per month.