Top Internet Providers in Illinois Offering Best Speed Value and Coverage

Illinois offers a diverse range of internet service providers (ISPs), each catering to different needs in speed, price, and coverage. Among them, AT&T Fiber stands out as the best overall ISP in the state, according to CNET, due to its extensive fiber network, variety of high-speed plans with unlimited data, free equipment, and top customer satisfaction ratings.

However, AT&T Fiber is not the cheapest or the fastest option available. For budget-conscious consumers, Mediacom offers the most affordable plan at just $15 per month with speeds up to 100 Mbps. Astound Broadband previously held the title for the cheapest plan at $20 per month for 300 Mbps, including free modem rental and optional whole-home Wi-Fi.

For users prioritizing speed, Xfinity offers multigigabit plans reaching up to 10,000 Mbps, though availability is limited to areas with fiber infrastructure. Xfinity also boasts the widest coverage among non-satellite providers in Illinois, making it a reliable choice for many households.

Other notable providers include Frontier and Brightspeed, which offer DSL and fiber options primarily in select areas, and fixed wireless services from T-Mobile and Verizon that provide competitive speeds with no data caps, especially beneficial in rural or underserved regions.

Comparing Internet Plans in Illinois

Illinois residents have access to a variety of internet technologies including fiber, cable, DSL, fixed wireless, and satellite. Each technology offers different speed ranges and pricing structures:

• Fiber: Providers like AT&T Fiber, Frontier Fiber, and Xfinity offer symmetrical high-speed connections up to 5,000 Mbps or more, ideal for heavy internet users and businesses.
• Cable: Providers such as Mediacom, Xfinity, and Sparklight provide speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to nearly 10,000 Mbps, with generally faster download speeds but slower uploads compared to fiber.
• DSL: Available through providers like Brightspeed and Frontier, DSL offers lower speeds (up to 100 Mbps) and is often more affordable but less suitable for high-bandwidth applications.
• Fixed Wireless: T-Mobile and Verizon offer 5G home internet with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, no data caps, and no contracts, providing a good alternative where wired connections are limited.
• Satellite: HughesNet and Starlink serve remote areas with speeds up to 220 Mbps, though satellite internet typically has higher latency and data caps.

Choosing the right internet provider in Illinois depends heavily on your specific location, budget, and usage needs. Fiber is the best choice for speed and reliability where available, while cable and fixed wireless offer competitive alternatives. Budget plans like Mediacom’s Xtream Connect provide affordable access for basic users.

Understanding Internet Speeds and Usage

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recommends minimum download speeds based on typical household activities:

1. 0-5 Mbps: Basic web browsing, email, and low-quality video streaming.
2. 5-40 Mbps: Higher quality video streaming and video conferencing.
3. 40-100 Mbps: Suitable for one user engaging in telecommuting, streaming, and gaming.
4. 100-500 Mbps: Supports two users simultaneously in high-bandwidth activities.
5. 500-1,000 Mbps: Ideal for three or more users engaging in streaming, gaming, and video conferencing concurrently.

Illinois’ median internet speed is 187 Mbps, which is below the national average but sufficient for most households. Fiber and cable providers offer the best speeds and reliability, while fixed wireless and satellite fill gaps in rural coverage.

How CNET Evaluates Illinois ISPs

CNET’s ISP recommendations are based on a comprehensive review of pricing, availability, speed, customer satisfaction, and contract terms. They utilize data from the FCC, customer surveys, and real-world speed tests to identify providers that offer the best value and service quality in Illinois.

The top providers meet three key criteria: fast internet speeds, good value for the price, and high customer satisfaction. This approach helps consumers make informed choices tailored to their specific needs.

In summary, Illinois residents have multiple internet options ranging from affordable cable plans to ultra-fast fiber connections. While AT&T Fiber is the best overall provider, Xfinity excels in coverage and speed, and Mediacom offers the lowest-cost plan. Fixed wireless and satellite services provide alternatives where wired connections are limited.

Choosing the right ISP depends on your location, budget, and internet usage. QuarkyByte’s detailed analyses and data-driven insights empower consumers and businesses to select the most suitable internet service provider in Illinois, ensuring reliable connectivity and optimal value.