DSL internet delivers internet over phone lines. Unlike dial-up, DSL uses a separate portion of the phone line, so you can access the internet and use your phone at the same time. DSL speeds are somewhat limited but can still be up to 40x faster than dial-up. Plus, your speed will always be steady, whether you have 2 or 200 people connecting to the network.

• High availability
• Lower pricing
• Limited speeds
  

DSL-based broadband transmission speeds range from several hundred Kbps to millions of bits per second (Mbps). Availability of speed may depend on the distance from your home or business to the closest telephone company.

There are two types of DSL technologies:

• Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) – this is commonly used by residential customers. They usually receive more data than they send. ADSL usually provides faster internet in the downstream direction than the upstream direction. ADSL allows faster downstream data to be transmitted while using a home phone line, without disrupting its service.
• Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL) – commonly used in businesses for video conferencing, which needs both upstream and downstream bandwidths.

Cable internet providers use the same coaxial cable that connects to your TV to bring you high-speed internet. This means you don’t need a home phone line to get connected. Cable can offer speeds up to 100x faster than a standard dial-up connection or higher, but speeds can fluctuate during peak usage times.

• High availability
• Easy to bundle
• Peak usage times can slow speeds

Most modems are external devices with two connections: one to the wall outlet, and the other to a computer. Their speed transmission starts at 1.5 Mbps, but that can vary, depending on the type of your modem, cable network, and traffic load. Cable internet speeds max out to 940 Mbps for downloading and 50 Mbps for uploading.

Fiber-optic networks deliver high-speed internet connections via glass or plastic wires. As a leading broadband internet technology, fiber can connect you to speeds up to 1000x faster than dial-up, with a clean and consistent connection coming into your home. Availability is limited, but fiber providers are working to bring the service to more areas.

• Speed up to 1 Gbps
• Limited availability

Fiber is the fastest and most reliable internet service you can get. The same fiber that provides broadband can be used to deliver voice (VoIP) and video services, such as video-on-demand simultaneously.

Satellite internet is transmitted into your home via a satellite dish, much like satellite TV. All you need is a clear view of the southern sky to get satellite internet. Speeds can reach up to 25 Mbps for this kind of internet service. These speeds are good for streaming, but satellite internet’s high latency makes the service impractical for online gaming, for example.

• High availability
• Limited speeds
• Data caps

Although not as fast and consistent as other types of internets, it is available nationwide, including rural and suburban areas.

Again, downstream and upstream speeds depend on several factors besides the package you get. Your households’ line of sight to the orbiting satellite and the weather has a major role on how much speed you end up getting. You can usually expect a download speed ranging between 25 Mbps to 100 Mbps, with an average of 25 Mbps for uploading. It is important to note that satellite service might be disrupted during extreme weather conditions.

Wireless broadband connects your home to the internet using a radio link between your location and the service provider’s facility. It can be mobile or fixed. These transmitters are affixed to stationary (fixed) objects—like poles, buildings, or towers—at strategic locations.

Wireless providers using longer-range equipment can provide broadband to remote areas where DSL or cable would be expensive to use. An external antenna is usually necessary.

This type of connection is very location dependent, so even plans offered by nationwide providers are typically available only in a few places across the country.

When purchasing an internet plan, the wide range of options might be overwhelming. We have gathered a list of the main providers in the US with a pros and cons list to help you choose. Still not sure? Don’t worry, enter your zip code above or give us a call, our team of experts at CleverPing® will be happy to help!

Fiber network Up to 940 Mbps of download speed Prices range from $39.99 to $89.99 + taxes & equip. charges/mo.

While Verizon Fios is offered only in the northeastern area of the US, it is widely available there. This is a 100% fiber-optic network, meaning it Is capable to delivery ultrafast speed and fewer traffic problems than cable connection may experience, making it a reliable service.

However, it is still unavailable for a large portion of the country. Even if you live in a Verizon Fios covered area, it is possible that fiber connection isn’t available in your neighborhood.

Pros Ultrafast speed

Reliable network

Unlimited data

Good bundling options

Cons Limited coverage area

Fiber connection unavailable in some Verizon service areas

Prices slightly higher than its competitors

Fiber and cable connection

Up to 1000 Mbps internet speed

Prices range from $74.99/mo. to $134.99/mo.

The second largest provider in the US and is available across 42 states in the US, to more than 100 million people.

Ranging from 200 Mbps to 1000 Mbps internet speed, Spectrum offers more than enough download speed for those who love streaming TV series and movies in 4K without lag.

The Spectra Internet Ultra plan, for example, offers 300 Mbps-400 Mbps speed to accommodate a family of moderate to heavy internet users. Now, as far as large households with multiple users are concerned, the Spectrum Internet Gig is more ideal. With 35 Mbps of upload speed, it is possible to work from home while others are watching streaming services or gaming at the same time.

Pros

Straightforward plan options

No contracts

No data cap

Low equipment fees

Cons

Increased price after 12 months

Up to 940Mbps of download speed

Offers fiber, DSL, cable and fixed wireless internet

Prices range from $35 (plus taxes & equip. fee) to $69.99 (plus taxes)/mo.

Most AT&T plans offer unlimited data, which is ideal for streaming contents, avoiding disrupted or slow connections. They offer DSL, fiber, and fixed wireless internet, but the first two are more commonly found in US homes.

Pros Reasonably prices for fiber internet with unlimited data

Bundling DSL with DIRECTV

Full fiber internet depending on the location

Cons Limited fiber internet coverage area

1 TB data cap on DSL plans

Up to 1000 Mbps of download speed

DSL and fiber connection

Starts at $50/mo.

CenturyLink plans are the most budget-friendly options on the market. Although its DSL internet offer less resources than more advanced services, it is a no-brainer choice for consumers looking to save money. With plans that offer up to 1000 Mbps of download speed, you are likely to find a good deal for your streaming experience.

However, if available in your area, The CenturyLink Fiber Internet plan is worth considering. This connection tends to have fewer latency and disrupted signal.

Pros Offers the same price for life

No hidden fees

Internet bundles that include TV packages and/or telephone service

Cheap fiber plans

No contract

Cons

Low fiber connection availability

Cable internet connection

Up to 940 Mbps download speed

Prices range from $19.99 to $99.99 plus taxes/mo.

Cox offers a high-speed internet service via cable connection. Customers can also subscribe to digital video, home phone, home security, and home automation services.

For those who prefer a basic plan and don’t mind the occasional SD video quality on streaming, Cox’s $29.99 a month plan is a good option. It offers 25 Mbps of download speed, which works for solo internet users.

However, if you’re looking for the best possible video quality, such as 4K, their 150 Mbps and up plans are better suited for your needs. This type of internet connection costs upwards of $60 a month.

Cox fixes your monthly bills for the first year of contract. For first-time buyers, the company guarantees a 30-day refund if the customer chooses not to keep their subscription.

Pros

Wide range of internet speed to choose from (10-940 Mbps)

Bundle deals, including their own streaming service, Cox TV

30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

1TB data cap

Increased prices after 12 months

DSL and fiber connections

Up to 1,000 Mbps of internet speed

Prices range from $39.95 to $99.95/mo.

EarthLink uses offers DSL and fiber connections to provide internet services. It has a great range of different speeds for users, starting from 10 Mbps to 1000 Mbps. That means that from casual streaming users to binge-watching customers, it is more than likely that EarthLink will have a plan for you.

EarthLink is available in over 30 states in the US, with primary service in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and parts of California and Nevada. Customers who live in rural or suburban areas, most likely will get DSL connection, while those who live in metropolitan regions may be eligible for a fiber-optic internet deal.

Depending on where you are located, you will be able to get DSL service with EarthLink High Speed Internet plans, or their Hyperlink plans, which offer a fiber-optic network.

Pros

Unlimited data

Fiber internet where available

Wide range of internet speed to choose from

Cons

One-year contract with a cancellation fee

Installation and equipment fees are not covered

Cable and fiber plans available

Up to 940 Mbps of internet speed

Prices range from $35.00/mo. to $45.00/mo., increasing after 12 months

If you live in the greater NYC area, it is likely to come across Optimum internet services while looking for a plan. In New York, this provider is available in The Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Poughkeepsie and Yonkers, among other nearby cities. Optimum also extends its coverage to western Connecticut, eastern New Jersey and parts of rural Pennsylvania.

If available, getting fiber connection plans are a better idea than cable. That being said, Optimus’ 500 and 940 Mbps plans are usually more than enough for streaming users to enjoy their shows in 4K definition.

Optimus 300 is a great option for most people, since it is fast enough to support multiple streaming screens.

Pros

Price for life deals on most plans

No data caps

No contracts

Cons

Limited availability

Higher prices for 400 Mbps plans