What is worse than paying for an internet connection, which claims to be providing the fastest speed, but in reality offering low download speeds, poor buffering, and connectivity – something you never wish to sign up for! In this article, we are going to skim through the best internet providers in 2020. This list is generated through dozens of data-driven from the internet speed tests, the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), to jot down the best available options for the US residents.
It goes without saying that there is no guarantee that this information will negate your past experiences with any of the mentioned ISPs. The performance and speed also vary based on your current location and the internet plan you have signed up for. Regardless, we endorse these internet service providers as one of the best picks on the market for lightning internet speed.
A good number of internet providers are offering gigabit internet speeds these days. So, in order to narrow this down lengthy list of ISPs, we are presenting the list of those who are actually delivering the internet speed as advertised and reported by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The majority of the ISPs are advertising gigabit internet speeds, which reaches 1,000 Mbps, or more, however, only 940 Mbps is what you get. This too is remarkably fast, more than one’s requirement, but it is lagging behind a few gigabits speeds.
You would notice that most of the top ISPs claiming or actually delivering fast internet speeds are both cable or fiber connections and you won’t see DSL or satellite internet here. Enlisting the most popular internet providers delivering fast internet underneath:
Most Popular Marketed Speeds in the US
| ISP | Connection Type | Max Advertised Download Speed* |
| Xfinity | Cable | 2,000 Mbps |
| Spectrum | Cable | 940 Mbps |
| Frontier | Fiber | 940 Mbps |
| Mediacom | Cable | 1,000 Mbps |
| Cox Communications | Cable | 940 Mbps |
| Verizon | Fiber | Up to 940 Mbps |
Three fiber internet connections in the list of fast internet providers should not come as a surprise. That also does not mean that cable internet providers are not competent enough to provide the speed you bought. The primary difference among these is the kind of technology that is being used. The internet signals that stay connected for long distances is through fiber lines as compared to the cable internet using copper lines.
However, the steady performance of cable internet providers, which includes RCN, Xfinity internet, Spectrum internet plans, and Grande Communication are undeniably good who reside where fiber connections are not available.
Summing up the best cable ISPs 2020 and the reasons they are best known for:
Xfinity: It offers an overall good speed and widely known for its massive coverage across the US.
WOW! Internet: Known for offering fast internet speed at affordable prices.
Cox: Best known for offering no-frills packages.
Spectrum: Famous for no-contract packages.
Suddenlink: Best known for providing coverage to small towns.
How much internet speed do you require?
As per the FCC, one does not need lighting internet speed for common online activities like internet surfing, video streaming or online games. Do consider the fact that the recommended speed is the minimum requirements not maximum. Also, internet speed can also vary depending upon the number of devices connected to the same network.
Browsing the internet or exchanging emails require 1 Mbps.
Social media consumption needs at least 1 Mbps.
The downloading file needs 10 Mbps.
Audio requires lesser than 1 Mbps.
Standard definition video demands 3 Mbps.
High definition video requires 8 Mbps to function without buffering.
Watching 4K video can require 25 Mbps.
Connecting a console need 3 Mbps.
Playing real-time multiplayer games require 4 Mbps.
Wrapping up:
Around 94% of the US residents have access to more than 2 cable internet providers. Therefore, comparing the options that are available to you can play a crucial role in selecting the best. Monthly charges of each available internet deal are also significant while selecting an internet connection. There are some affordable internet connections starting as low as $30 or less per month. The typical average monthly bill for all the ISPs ranges from $30 to $50. While considering an inexpensive internet connection, do check the data caps, equipment fee, and installation charges on top of the basic charges. Moreover, if you are only looking for low prices, you might not get the most amazing internet speed and value for money.
