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CNET
2 days ago
- CNET
Are You Experiencing Slow Internet? Here's How I Fixed My Laggy Internet At Home
I was on my provider's second-fastest speed tier and was confused why I was experiencing internet trouble. But even with speeds of up to 1,000 megabits per second, there are some cases where internet trouble is unavoidable. Considering that more than half of the US population has access to gigabit internet, it's important to make sure that you're getting the speeds you're paying for, especially for gigabit service. While sometimes your internet provider is to blame or an outdated router, in other cases, there could be other minor issues that could be easily resolved in a few simple steps. Ever since joining the CNET broadband team last year, I've realized the value of a good internet connection and that troubleshooting your speeds doesn't have to be complicated. Here's what I learned. 'Enough is enough' The red flags are there for a reason, so don't ignore them: the buffering, the slow downloads and the interrupted Zoom calls. I wouldn't usually have paid attention to these signs, since I had never had a problem with my internet before. A solid internet connection has become vital since I started working from home. My family and I also noticed that streaming our favorite shows, like the newest season of Squid Game,, like the newest season of Black Mirror, had become a pain due to our fluctuating speeds. I finally gave in, said enough is enough and contacted my internet service provider, Verizon Fios. The Fios agent was shocked that I was experiencing internet issues since I was on the company's second-fastest tier, the gigabit plan. "You shouldn't even be experiencing fluctuating speeds with your plan," the Verizon Fios agent said over the phone. I was stumped. I didn't want to make a hasty decisionswitching out my current provider or buying a new router. So I turned to CNET's advice for help. Locating local internet providers What is gigabit internet? Your internet speed is measured in megabits per second. In other words, your speed is measured by how much data can be processed over a network in a second. Gigabit internet refers to 1,000 megabits. The more data processed over your network, the better your connection performs. Here are some of the top ISPs that offer gigabit service: As of June 2024, data from the Federal Communications Commission show that over half of the US population has access to gigabit speeds. Service typically ranges anywhere between $40 to $90 monthly. You can find gigabit service from internet providers such as Frontier Fiber, Google Fiber, Optimum, , AT&T and more. Though cable providers like Spectrum and Astound Broadband's gigabit plans are more widely available nationwide than other ISPs, but might be pricier down the line. You could end up paying double your initial price after a year, since most cable providers are notorious for hiking up their prices after a year. Depending on the connection type available at your address, most fiber ISPs like AT&T and Google Fiber won't increase your prices after a year and can offer symmetrical download and upload speeds of 1,000Mbps, whereas a cable connection may only top out at 35 to 50Mbps. To learn more about where you can sign up for gigabit service, read our review on gigabit internet and the best fiber internet providers for June 2025. 4 ways to boost your internet At the start of this journey, I felt like a kid riding their first bike. It felt daunting because I didn't know where to start. Thankfully, one of our pages details how to boost your Wi-Fi connection in four simple steps. Here's how it went. 1. Take a speed test These speeds are well below what I expect from my gigabit connection. Something's awry. Ookla screenshot by Trisha Jandoc/CNET Before you do anything else, conduct an internet speed test. I chose Ookla's speed test because this is the format I am most familiar with. CNET recommends Ookla for its consistency, and it also shows you your speed test history once you create an account. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) This step was fairly easy. I conducted a few speed tests online. The image above is a test I took near my workspace. Speeds of 248 to 275Mbps aren't bad, being on a gigabit plan supported by a fiber connection makes them surprising (and disappointing). I took it a step further and went to an area of my home where we experienced the most internet trouble. A significant speed drop was shown when I conducted a speed test in my basement. Ookla screenshot by Trisha Jandoc/CNET I avoid working in the basement most days because the internet is inconsistent. After conducting a speed test, I found our speed dipped to 76Mbps in downloads and 19Mbps in uploads. This area is the farthest from my router, so it only makes sense that the signal is weaker. According to the FCC, the minimum mark for broadband speeds is 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload. My speeds were missing that mark. It should be noted that Ookla is not the only speed test you can try. Just recently, CNET broadband expert Cierra Noffke tested out the Orb internet speed test. Noffke writes that it doesn't just test your download and upload speeds. Orb, which was developed by the same creators of Ookla, measures the overall health of your home network using multiple metrics and continuous speed tests. On the other hand, if your household uses mostly streaming services, is a solid option, as it measures your internet's capacity to stream Netflix. M-Lab is also at the top of my list, as it has an easy-to-use program. You can always keep it simple as well by turning to resources from your provider. My provider (and many other ISPs) also offers its own Verizon Fios speed test. 2. Move your router or your workspace This next step requires you to experiment a bit with your router's location or your workspace. It wasn't easy to uproot my entire workspace, so I moved my router closer to my existing workspace area instead. This step wasn't a significant change because the router was already placed across the room from my workspace. You should ideally move your router to a central location. Using an Ethernet cable might be helpful, especially if the new location of your router is far from the modem. In any case, moving your router too far from the modem might prove troublesome. You can try to raise your router instead and mount it to the wall, if possible. That way, you don't need to jump through all these hoops to install an Ethernet cable. 3. Seek out a Wi-Fi extender If moving your router is not an option, try contacting your internet provider for additional equipment. After contacting my ISP, I discovered that a Fios Wi-Fi extender came with my plan at no extra cost to my monthly service bill. The extender came with a small guide, and at first glance, it seemed pretty simple. Obtaining equipment from your ISP is not the only option — many Wi-Fi extenders currently on the market support Wi-Fi 6. CNET previously named the TP-Link RE605X as the top pick for the best Wi-Fi extender due to its affordability and easy-to-use controls. Note: TP-Link routers could be banned sometime this year due to a recent government investigation. That said, the next best thing is the Linksys RE7310, currently priced at $90, which tied in performance with the TP-Link RE605X when we tested them. Check out our other top picks for the best Wi-Fi Extenders. Pair your extender to the router The extender came with a coax cable, a coax splitter and a small set-up guide that outlined four steps: confirm the internet connection, plug it in, pair it and finally move the extender to a designated spot in your home. Seems simple enough, right? I went through the first three steps without running into any issues. I paired my extender to my router using the coax cable. Placing your extender Things took a turn with the final step. After pairing, I unplugged my extender and moved it to the basement, where the signal was weaker. The light from the extender wasn't the solid white it should have been. Instead, it was a yellow color, meaning the extender was disconnected from the router. Solving this problem took some time as I went back through the set-up guide and covered my bases again. During this process, I also discovered Verizon Fios' complete Wi-Fi extender set-up guide online. Some ISPs offer customers the option of self-installation. Here are some of the top internet providers nationwide that have how-to pages and guides dedicated to installing devices that boost your internet: The complete set-up guide mentioned an Ethernet cable, but I was not provided one, so I wondered if that prevented my extender from connecting to the router. I contacted Verizon Fios to make sure I was not missing any parts. Per our conversation, Verizon Fios confirmed that an Ethernet cable is recommended but not necessary. The coax cable works just as well. Ethernet offers a wired connection through cables, which you can plug directly into the router, and should provide faster speeds than Wi-Fi. CNET's own Hallie Seltzer tested this at her home. After pairing, place your extender in an area that is not too far from the router. Trisha Jandoc/CNET I decided to pivot my approach and placed the extender a bit closer to the router, near my workspace. After a few minutes, I saw a solid white color -- the sign of success. 4. Prioritize your traffic You can manage your work traffic at home by changing your router settings. CNET/Trisha Jandoc After installing the extender, my internet speeds surged, making this step optional for me. If you cannot obtain a Wi-Fi extender, you can try managing how much bandwidth your household consumes through your router settings. For instance, Verizon Fios allows customers to set up parental controls, which can eliminate access to certain websites. Other routers can even schedule access to the network for certain devices. This process will look different depending on your internet provider and your equipment. How much speed do you need for your home? High-speed internet may be enticing, but you may not even need it. According to OpenVault's first quarter 2024 report, over a third of Americans use the internet at gigabit speeds, a 20% increase from 2023. In addition, its fourth quarter 2024 report shows that the average American household uses 569Mbps in downstream speeds and 32Mbps in upstream. In other words, if you can access gigabit speeds, it should be plenty fast for your household. Finding the right speed will also boil down to your household's activities. Check out our speed recommendations below. Our speed recommendations 1Mbps: Sending emails Sending emails 5 to 10Mbps: Web browsing Web browsing 10Mbps: Using social media Using social media 10 to 20Mbps (or 35Mbps in 4K): Streaming in HD Streaming in HD 25 to 35Mbps: Online gaming For more information, read our comprehensive internet speed guide. Factors that can affect your internet speed Even if you are on your provider's fastest plan, there is no guarantee you will see the exact speeds promised. What's advertised by your ISP may not be the actual speeds you get. Many conditions can impact your internet speeds. According to AT&T's website, certain materials, dense walls and even furniture can obstruct your Wi-Fi signal. Other common factors contributing to a weaker signal include outdated equipment, poor router settings, bad weather and extreme cases like hacking or malware. In addition, finding the right Wi-Fi band for your router can also help optimize your internet connection at home. To ensure you're making the most of your internet, read our guides on how to weatherproof your internet and secure your connection from hackers. My main takeaways My speeds in the basement increased after installing the extender. Ookla screenshot by Trisha Jandoc/CNET Once I successfully installed my extender, I conducted another speed test in my basement and I saw a surge in my internet connection, coming in at 598Mbps in download and 187Mbps in upload. Here's what I discovered when optimizing my speeds at home: Router and Wi-Fi extender placement are key . The location of your router and extender is directly proportional to optimizing your speeds. Give it a few tries and place your extender in different areas of your home. Ensure you don't place the extender too far or close to the router. . The location of your router and extender is directly proportional to optimizing your speeds. Give it a few tries and place your extender in different areas of your home. Ensure you don't place the extender too far or close to the router. Conduct a series of speed tests after every step , monitoring any changes in your internet connection. , monitoring any changes in your internet connection. Seek out self-installation guides . Many ISPs, including AT&T Cox Spectrum Xfinity . Many ISPs, including Consider buying a Wi-Fi extender. While your ISP might recommend using its equipment, many Wi-Fi extenders support Wi-Fi 6 and should do the trick. Check out our top picks for the best Wi-Fi extenders While your ISP might recommend using its equipment, many Wi-Fi extenders support Wi-Fi 6 and should do the trick. A coax cable works just as well as an ethernet cable . Your ISP might recommend an Ethernet cable for pairing your extender to the router, but a coax cable also works. . Your ISP might recommend an Ethernet cable for pairing your extender to the router, but a coax cable also works. When in doubt, contact your ISP for support and discuss your options. You can also try negotiating with your ISP What's the bottom line? Since completing this experiment, I've seen a drastic change in my internet connection. My family and I can stream our shows without problems and my Zoom calls are running more smoothly than ever. I outlined four steps on this page, but you might need to do a few extra steps to ensure you cover all your bases. Fixing your internet doesn't have to be complex. This is my first time experimenting with this, and I've discovered a new comfort level with my internet connection and how it works. Revive Slow Gigabit Speeds Without Panicking Revive Slow Gigabit Speeds Without Panicking Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:01 / Duration 0:06 Loaded : 0.00% 0:01 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:05 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. This video is either unavailable or not supported in this browser Error Code: MEDIA_ERR_SRC_NOT_SUPPORTED The media could not be loaded, either because the server or network failed or because the format is not supported. Technical details : Session ID: 2025-06-14:4ebaafab493ea2f0e94acbdc Player Element ID: vjs_video_3 OK Close Modal Dialog Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Revive Slow Gigabit Speeds Without Panicking Boosting your gigabit speeds FAQs How can I boost my internet speeds at home? Our Four Expert Tips to Help Boost Your Internet Speeds page outlines the four simple steps I cover on this page: Conduct a few internet speed tests, move your workspace or router, get a Wi-Fi extender (or upgrade your router) and prioritize your work traffic. It's worth noting that many factors -- such as certain materials, dense walls and even furniture, and the type of Wi-Fi band you have -- can affect your internet connection. You can look into investing in an extender or mesh system to optimize your connection. If all else fails, you can contact your provider to explore your options. What is the best speed test? Ookla's speed test is known for its consistency and accuracy. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) Unlike other speed tests, Ookla allows you to access your speed test history when you create an account. In addition, Android and iOS users can conduct speed tests from their mobile devices.
CNET
2 days ago
- CNET
I Fixed My Laggy Internet With 4 Simple Tricks
With speeds as fast as 1,000 megabits per second, I was confused as to why I was experiencing internet trouble. Considering that more than half of the US population has access to gigabit internet, it's important to make sure that you're getting the speeds you're paying for, especially for gigabit service. While sometimes your internet provider is to blame, in other cases, there could be other minor issues that could be easily resolved in a few simple steps. Ever since joining the CNET broadband team last year, I've realized the value of a good internet connection and that troubleshooting your speeds doesn't have to be complicated. Here's what I learned. 'Enough is enough' The red flags are there for a reason, so don't ignore them: the buffering, the slow downloads and the interrupted Zoom calls. I wouldn't usually have paid attention to these signs, since I had never had a problem with my internet before. A solid internet connection has become vital since I started working from home. My family and I also noticed that streaming our favorite shows, like the newest season of Squid Game,, like the newest season of Black Mirror, had become a pain due to our fluctuating speeds. I finally gave in, said enough is enough and contacted my internet service provider, Verizon Fios. The Fios agent was shocked that I was experiencing internet issues since I was on the company's second-fastest tier, the gigabit plan. "You shouldn't even be experiencing fluctuating speeds with your plan," the Verizon Fios agent said over the phone. I was stumped. I didn't want to make a hasty decisionswitching out my current provider or buying a new router. So I turned to CNET's advice for help. Locating local internet providers What is gigabit internet? Your internet speed is measured in megabits per second. In other words, your speed is measured by how much data can be processed over a network in a second. Gigabit internet refers to 1,000 megabits. The more data processed over your network, the better your connection performs. As of June 2024, data from the Federal Communications Commission show that over half of the US population has access to gigabit speeds. Service typically ranges anywhere between $40 to $90 monthly. You can find gigabit service from internet providers such as Frontier Fiber, Google Fiber, Optimum, , AT&T and more. Though cable providers like Spectrum and Astound Broadband's gigabit plans are more widely available nationwide than other ISPs, but might be pricier down the line. You could end up paying double your initial price after a year, since most cable providers are notorious for hiking up their prices after a year. Depending on the connection type available at your address, most fiber ISPs like AT&T and Google Fiber won't increase your prices after a year and can offer symmetrical download and upload speeds of 1,000Mbps, whereas a cable connection may only top out at 35 to 50Mbps. To learn more about where you can sign up for gigabit service, read our review on gigabit internet and the best fiber internet providers for May 2025. 4 ways to boost your internet At the start of this journey, I felt like a kid riding their first bike. It felt daunting because I didn't know where to start. Thankfully, one of our pages details how to boost your Wi-Fi connection in four simple steps. Here's how it went. 1. Take a speed test These speeds are well below what I expect from my gigabit connection. Something's awry. Ookla screenshot by Trisha Jandoc/CNET Before you do anything else, conduct an internet speed test. I chose Ookla's speed test because this is the format I am most familiar with. CNET recommends Ookla for its consistency, and it also shows you your speed test history once you create an account. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) This step was fairly easy. I conducted a few speed tests online. The image above is a test I took near my workspace. Speeds of 248 to 275Mbps aren't bad, being on a gigabit plan supported by a fiber connection makes them surprising (and disappointing). I took it a step further and went to an area of my home where we experienced the most internet trouble. A significant speed drop was shown when I conducted a speed test in my basement. Ookla screenshot by Trisha Jandoc/CNET I avoid working in the basement most days because the internet is inconsistent. After conducting a speed test, I found our speed dipped to 76Mbps in downloads and 19Mbps in uploads. This area is the farthest from my router, so it only makes sense that the signal is weaker. According to the FCC, the minimum mark for broadband speeds is 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload. My speeds were missing that mark. It should be noted that Ookla is not the only speed test you can try. Just recently, CNET broadband expert Cierra Noffke tested out the Orb internet speed test. Noffke writes that it doesn't just test your download and upload speeds. Orb, which was developed by the same creators of Ookla, measures the overall health of your home network using multiple metrics and continuous speed tests. On the other hand, if your household uses mostly streaming services, is a solid option, as it measures your internet's capacity to stream Netflix. M-Lab is also at the top of my list, as it has an easy-to-use program. You can always keep it simple as well by turning to resources from your provider. My provider (and many other ISPs) also offers its own Verizon Fios speed test. 2. Move your router or your workspace This next step requires you to experiment a bit with your router's location or your workspace. It wasn't easy to uproot my entire workspace, so I moved my router closer to my existing workspace area instead. This step wasn't a significant change because the router was already placed across the room from my workspace. You should ideally move your router to a central location. Using an Ethernet cable might be helpful, especially if the new location of your router is far from the modem. In any case, moving your router too far from the modem might prove troublesome. You can try to raise your router instead and mount it to the wall, if possible. That way, you don't need to jump through all these hoops to install an Ethernet cable. 3. Seek out a Wi-Fi extender If moving your router is not an option, try contacting your internet provider for additional equipment. After contacting my ISP, I discovered that a Fios Wi-Fi extender came with my plan at no extra cost to my monthly service bill. The extender came with a small guide, and at first glance, it seemed pretty simple. Obtaining equipment from your ISP is not the only option — many Wi-Fi extenders currently on the market support Wi-Fi 6. CNET previously named the TP-Link RE605X as the top pick for the best Wi-Fi extender due to its affordability and easy-to-use controls. Note: TP-Link routers could be banned sometime this year due to a recent government investigation. That said, the next best thing is the Linksys RE7310, currently priced at $90, which tied in performance with the TP-Link RE605X when we tested them. Check out our other top picks for the best Wi-Fi Extenders. Pair your extender to the router The extender came with a coax cable, a coax splitter and a small set-up guide that outlined four steps: confirm the internet connection, plug it in, pair it and finally move the extender to a designated spot in your home. Seems simple enough, right? I went through the first three steps without running into any issues. I paired my extender to my router using the coax cable. Placing your extender Things took a turn with the final step. After pairing, I unplugged my extender and moved it to the basement, where the signal was weaker. The light from the extender wasn't the solid white it should have been. Instead, it was a yellow color, meaning the extender was disconnected from the router. Solving this problem took some time as I went back through the set-up guide and covered my bases again. During this process, I also discovered Verizon Fios' complete Wi-Fi extender set-up guide online. Some ISPs offer customers the option of self-installation. Here are some of the top internet providers nationwide that have how-to pages and guides dedicated to installing devices that boost your internet: The complete set-up guide mentioned an Ethernet cable, but I was not provided one, so I wondered if that prevented my extender from connecting to the router. I contacted Verizon Fios to make sure I was not missing any parts. Per our conversation, Verizon Fios confirmed that an Ethernet cable is recommended but not necessary. The coax cable works just as well. Ethernet offers a wired connection through cables, which you can plug directly into the router, and should provide faster speeds than Wi-Fi. CNET's own Hallie Seltzer tested this at her home. After pairing, place your extender in an area that is not too far from the router. Trisha Jandoc/CNET I decided to pivot my approach and placed the extender a bit closer to the router, near my workspace. After a few minutes, I saw a solid white color -- the sign of success. 4. Prioritize your traffic You can manage your work traffic at home by changing your router settings. CNET/Trisha Jandoc After installing the extender, my internet speeds surged, making this step optional for me. If you cannot obtain a Wi-Fi extender, you can try managing how much bandwidth your household consumes through your router settings. For instance, Verizon Fios allows customers to set up parental controls, which can eliminate access to certain websites. Other routers can even schedule access to the network for certain devices. This process will look different depending on your internet provider and your equipment. How much speed do you need for your home? High-speed internet may be enticing, but you may not even need it. According to OpenVault's first quarter 2024 report, over a third of Americans use the internet at gigabit speeds, a 20% increase from 2023. In addition, its fourth quarter 2024 report shows that the average American household uses 569Mbps in downstream speeds and 32Mbps in upstream. In other words, if you can access gigabit speeds, it should be plenty fast for your household. Finding the right speed will also boil down to your household's activities. Check out our speed recommendations below. Our speed recommendations 1Mbps: Sending emails Sending emails 5 to 10Mbps: Web browsing Web browsing 10Mbps: Using social media Using social media 10 to 20Mbps (or 35Mbps in 4K): Streaming in HD Streaming in HD 25 to 35Mbps: Online gaming For more information, read our comprehensive internet speed guide. Even if you are on your provider's fastest plan, there is no guarantee you will see the exact speeds promised. What's advertised by your ISP may not be the actual speeds you get. Many conditions can impact your internet speeds. According to AT&T's website, certain materials, dense walls and even furniture can obstruct your Wi-Fi signal. Other common factors contributing to a weaker signal include outdated equipment, poor router settings, bad weather and extreme cases like hacking or malware. In addition, finding the right Wi-Fi band for your router can also help optimize your internet connection at home. To ensure you're making the most of your internet, read our guides on how to weatherproof your internet and secure your connection from hackers. My main takeaways My speeds in the basement increased after installing the extender. Ookla screenshot by Trisha Jandoc/CNET Once I successfully installed my extender, I conducted another speed test in my basement and I saw a surge in my internet connection, coming in at 598Mbps in download and 187Mbps in upload. Here's what I discovered when optimizing my speeds at home: Router and Wi-Fi extender placement are key . The location of your router and extender is directly proportional to optimizing your speeds. Give it a few tries and place your extender in different areas of your home. Ensure you don't place the extender too far or close to the router. . The location of your router and extender is directly proportional to optimizing your speeds. Give it a few tries and place your extender in different areas of your home. Ensure you don't place the extender too far or close to the router. Conduct a series of speed tests after every step , monitoring any changes in your internet connection. , monitoring any changes in your internet connection. Seek out self-installation guides . Many ISPs, including AT&T Cox Spectrum Xfinity . Many ISPs, including Consider buying a Wi-Fi extender. While your ISP might recommend using its equipment, many Wi-Fi extenders support Wi-Fi 6 and should do the trick. Check out our top picks for the best Wi-Fi extenders While your ISP might recommend using its equipment, many Wi-Fi extenders support Wi-Fi 6 and should do the trick. A coax cable works just as well as an ethernet cable . Your ISP might recommend an Ethernet cable for pairing your extender to the router, but a coax cable also works. . Your ISP might recommend an Ethernet cable for pairing your extender to the router, but a coax cable also works. When in doubt, contact your ISP for support and discuss your options. You can also try negotiating with your ISP What's the bottom line? Since completing this experiment, I've seen a drastic change in my internet connection. My family and I can stream our shows without problems and my Zoom calls are running more smoothly than ever. I outlined four steps on this page, but you might need to do a few extra steps to ensure you cover all your bases. Fixing your internet doesn't have to be complex. This is my first time experimenting with this, and I've discovered a new comfort level with my internet connection and how it works. Revive Slow Gigabit Speeds Without Panicking Revive Slow Gigabit Speeds Without Panicking Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:45 Loaded : 26.33% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:45 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Revive Slow Gigabit Speeds Without Panicking Boosting your gigabit speeds FAQs How can I boost my internet speeds at home? Our Four Expert Tips to Help Boost Your Internet Speeds page outlines the four simple steps I cover on this page: conduct a few internet speed tests, move your workspace or router, get a Wi-Fi extender (or upgrade your router) and prioritize your work traffic. It's worth noting that many factors, such as certain materials, dense walls and even furniture, and the type of Wi-Fi band you have, can affect your internet connection. You can look into investing in an extender or mesh system to optimize your connection. If all else fails, you can contact your provider to explore your options. What is the best speed test? Ookla's speed test is known for its consistency and accuracy. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) Unlike other speed tests, Ookla allows you to access your speed test history when you create an account. In addition, Android and iOS users can conduct speed tests from their mobile devices.
CNET
14-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
Best Internet Providers in New York, New York
If you're living in the city that never sleeps, you'll need reliable internet. New York has several internet service providers, but not all are worth your money. What is the best internet provider in New York? After hours of research and testing, CNET recommends Verizon Fios as the best internet service provider for most New Yorkers, thanks to its fast, symmetrical fiber-optic speeds and competitive pricing. New York City also boasts a variety of other top-tier providers, including Optimum, Astound Broadband and Spectrum, making it easy to find a plan that fits your needs and budget. Optimum offers the fastest internet speeds in the city, with plans reaching up to 8,000Mbps in select areas, but at a premium price of $280 a month. For a more affordable option, Astound Broadband provides the cheapest plans among major providers. Plans start at $30 a month for 300Mbps speed go as high as $70 for the 1,500Mbps plan -- an excellent value for high-speed internet. To help you decide, we've broken down the best internet providers in Manhattan. If you're in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens or Staten Island, check out our specialized guides for internet options in those boroughs. Our methodology CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in New York City across several categories. Our evaluation includes referencing a proprietary database built over years of reviewing internet services. We validate that against provider information by spot-checking local addresses for service availability. We also closely read providers' terms and conditions and, when needed, call ISPs to verify the details. Despite our efforts to find the most recent and accurate information, our process has some limitations you should know about. Pricing and speed data are variable: Certain addresses may qualify for different service tiers, and monthly costs may vary, even within a city. The best way to identify your options is to plug your address into a provider's website. Also, the prices, speed and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. The cards display the full range of a provider's pricing and speed across the US, according to our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs. At the same time, the text is specific to what's available in New York City. The prices referenced within this article's text come from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month -- a standard industry offering. Discounts and promotions might also be available for signing a term contract or bundling multiple services. To learn more about how we review internet providers, visit our full methodology page. New York City internet providers compared Provider Internet technology Monthly price range Speed range Monthly equipment cost Data cap Contract CNET review score Astound Broadband Read full review Cable $30-$70 300-1,500Mbps Free modem None None 7 Optimum Read full review Cable/Fiber $40-$280 300-8,000Mbps (varies by location) None None None 6.2 Spectrum Read full review Cable $30-$70 100-1,000Mbps Free modem; $10 router rental (optional) None None 7.2 T-Mobile 5G Home Internet Read full review Fixed wireless $50-$70 ($35-$55 with eligible mobile plans) 87 - 415Mbps None None None 7.4 Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review Fixed wireless $50-$70 ($35-$55 with eligible mobile plans) 50-250Mbps (varies by location) None None None 7.2 Verizon Fios Read full review Fiber $60-$120 300-2,000Mbps None None None 7.6 Show more (1 item) Shop providers at my address Source: CNET analysis of provider data. Other available internet providers in New York City Optimum : The second-largest cable internet provider in the greater New York City area, Optimum is available to much of Brooklyn and the Bronx but not Manhattan. Optimum speeds and pricing are comparable to Astound, including a gigabit plan starting at $60 monthly. Optimum also employs a fiber network through much of New York City, with 100% fiber connections available to roughly 2.7 million households across the country. : The second-largest cable internet provider in the greater New York City area, Optimum is available to much of Brooklyn and the Bronx but not Manhattan. Optimum speeds and pricing are comparable to Astound, including a gigabit plan starting at $60 monthly. Optimum also employs a fiber network through much of New York City, with 100% fiber connections available to roughly 2.7 million households across the country. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet : Like Verizon's 5G home internet service, T-Mobile's coverage area reaches a good portion of New York City, save for the dead zones between and inside tall buildings. Although the two are in a similar price range and share roughly the same service features, T-Mobile isn't as fast as Verizon 5G, with maximum speeds ranging from 87 to 415Mbps. Verizon 5G covers more of the city overall than T-Mobile Home Internet, around 87% to T-Mobile's 76%, according to the latest data from the FCC. : Like Verizon's 5G home internet service, T-Mobile's coverage area reaches a good portion of New York City, save for the dead zones between and inside tall buildings. Although the two are in a similar price range and share roughly the same service features, T-Mobile isn't as fast as Verizon 5G, with maximum speeds ranging from 87 to 415Mbps. Verizon 5G covers more of the city overall than T-Mobile Home Internet, around 87% to T-Mobile's 76%, according to the latest data from the FCC. Skywire : Coverage is scattered throughout New York City and with limited availability in Midtown Manhattan, SoHo and Queens. You will find the most coverage in certain parts of Brooklyn. Skywire primarily uses a fixed wireless network, but fiber or DSL service may also be available at select addresses. Pricing and speeds will vary by location. : Coverage is scattered throughout New York City and with limited availability in Midtown Manhattan, SoHo and Queens. You will find the most coverage in certain parts of Brooklyn. Skywire primarily uses a fixed wireless network, but fiber or DSL service may also be available at select addresses. Pricing and speeds will vary by location. Satellite internet: To truly cover all your internet options, satellite internet from Starlink Hughesnet and Viasat belong here. Technically, they are available, but there are too many other faster, cheaper and all-around better internet options in New York City to seriously consider satellite internet. Cheap internet options in New York City The average price for broadband in New York City is around $40, but there are a few cheaper options if you're looking for more affordable home internet. Astound Broadband offers the cheapest plan in the city: 300Mbps starting at $30 a month. Take our quiz How Fast Should Your Home Internet Be? Answer 3 easy questions to discover our recommended speed for your household. Get Started Progress Step 1 of 4 How many members of your household use the internet? 1-2 people 3-5 people 6-9 people 10+ people Next What's the cheapest internet plan in New York City? Source: CNET analysis of provider data. How to find internet deals and promotions in New York City The best internet deals and top promotions in New York City depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers. New York City internet providers, such as Astound Broadband, Spectrum and Optimum, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many providers, including Verizon Fios, run the same standard pricing year-round. For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals. Getty Images How fast is New York City broadband? Ookla's latest speed test data reports New York City ranks 56th for internet speed among the 100 most populous cities in the country. With median download speeds of 228Mbps and upload speeds of 32Mbps, NYC's broadband is slightly faster than the state's average speed of 226Mbps. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) If you're looking for the speediest plan in New York City, Optimum offers speeds up to 8Gbps in select areas for $280 per month. Customers may also access Optimum's other multi-gigabit offerings: 5- and 2-gigabit plans, for $100 and $80 per month, respectively. Elsewhere, Astound Broadband offers speeds up to 1.5Gbps for $70 per month and Verizon Fios tops out at 2Gbps for $120 monthly before auto pay or cellular incentives. Fastest internet plans in New York City Source: CNET analysis of provider data. Internet providers in popular cities near NYC See all results for internet providers in New York state What's a good internet speed? Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address. For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need. 0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics: browsing the internet, sending and receiving email and streaming low-quality video. 5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing. 40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming. 100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and gaming. 500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time. How CNET chose the best internet providers in New York City Internet service providers are numerous. regional and often offer confusing plans or hidden fees. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it's impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. What's our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary database of pricing, availability and speed information that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at It doesn't end there: We go to the FCC's website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents and we look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication. Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions: Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds? Do customers get decent value for what they're paying? Are customers happy with their service? While the answers to those questions are often layered and complex, the providers that come closest to 'yes' on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page. What's the final word on internet providers in New York City? NYC has a few reliable broadband options, but your best bet is any provider that offers fiber connection, like Verizon Fios. If fiber is unavailable in your area, other providers like Astound Broadband and Spectrum offer fast speeds and decent pricing as well. Internet providers in New York City FAQ Does New York City have fiber internet? Yes. Approximately 73% of Manhattan residences are wired for fiber-optic internet service, according to the FCC. Verizon Fios is the largest fiber internet provider in New York City, although some addresses are eligible for fiber service from Optimum. Show more Can I get free Wi-Fi in New York City? Several public places throughout New York City offer free Wi-Fi service. In addition to cafes, restaurants, hotels and other businesses with complimentary Wi-Fi, all NYC public library branches and several locations in Manhattan, including Central Park, Bowling Green, The High Line and Tompkins Square Park, have free public Wi-Fi access. If you're looking for free home Wi-Fi, you'll need a wired internet connection to get Wi-Fi in your home. While some NYC internet service providers and plans are cheaper than others, no outright free home internet services are available in the city. Depending on your location and needs, a temporary free internet connection may be available from Spectrum, Optimum or Xfinity. Learn more at Show more
CNET
14-05-2025
- General
- CNET
Best Internet and TV Bundles for May 2025
Our picks 08854 Edit ZIP code Why we chose these providers Our picks Our team of editors compiled this subjective list of providers based on factors that typically include customer satisfaction reviews, FCC data and our own exclusive CNET provider reviews. Sort by Fiber 300 internet and DirecTV Entertainment Max download 300 Mbps Max upload 300 Mbps Prices starting at $120 per month Available AT&T plans Provider not available in 08854 Edit ZIP code Or call to learn more: (833) 579-0031 Fiber internet and YouTube TV Max download 500 Mbps Max upload 500 Mbps Prices starting at $110 per month Available Frontier plans Provider not available in 08854 Edit ZIP code Or call to learn more: (877) 870-0633 Internet and TV Select Plus 500 Mbps $105month Available Spectrum plans Provider not available in 08854 Edit ZIP code Or call to learn more: (877) 508-6169 Fiber Internet 300 and Fios TV Max download 300 Mbps Max upload 300 Mbps Prices starting at $125 per month Available Verizon Fios plans Provider available in 08854 Edit ZIP code Or call to learn more: (888) 461-3204 Internet Essential and Contour TV Preferred Max download 100 Mbps Max upload 5 Mbps Prices starting at $108 per month Available Cox plans Provider not available in 08854 Edit ZIP code Or call to learn more: (844) 812-6251 Fiber Internet 300 and Basic TV Max download 300 Mbps Max upload 10 Mbps Prices starting at $75 per month Available Optimum plans Provider available in 08854 Edit ZIP code Or call to learn more: (866) 671-3650 Prime Internet 100 and Local TV Max download 100 Mbps Max upload 5 Mbps Prices starting at $35 per month Available Mediacom plans Provider not available in 08854 Edit ZIP code Or call to learn more: (866) 671-3650 Connect Internet and Choice TV Max download 300 Mbps Max upload 20 Mbps Prices starting at $85 per month Available Xfinity Internet and Mobile s plans Provider available in 08854 Edit ZIP code Or call to learn more: (877) 587-0411 Show 3 more What is the best internet and TV bundle? What better way to get awesome perks and discounts than by bundling your home internet with a TV plan? We all deserve to indulge in our favorite TV shows. And whether it's streaming the new season of The White Lotus or The Last of Us, having a home internet with a TV package could help you save. Most cable internet providers offer TV services you can easily bundle with an internet plan. However, combing through all the TV packages and internet options can be confusing. That's why we've done the work for you -- below is a list of the top TV and internet bundles available this month. AT&T Fiber : This internet and TV bundle deal is hard to beat. AT&T Fiber's 300 Internet and DirecTV Entertainment package boasts solid value for the service you get. Besides the many streaming perks, it has over 165 channels, includes your local networks and a free Gemini Air device. If you're a sports fan, you can upgrade to the DirecTV Choice Package for an additional $15. This internet and TV bundle deal is hard to beat. AT&T Fiber's 300 Internet and DirecTV Entertainment package boasts solid value for the service you get. Besides the many streaming perks, it has over 165 channels, includes your local networks and a free Gemini Air device. If you're a sports fan, you can upgrade to the DirecTV Choice Package for an additional $15. Frontier Fiber : This is one of the best internet and streaming bundles and it's eligible for all new and existing Frontier internet customers. Frontier is offering $10 off the monthly rate of YouTube TV for 12 months. Plus, this bundle is free of contracts and equipment fees. This is one of the best internet and streaming bundles and it's eligible for all new and existing Frontier internet customers. Frontier is offering $10 off the monthly rate of YouTube TV for 12 months. Plus, this bundle is free of contracts and equipment fees. Spectrum : This bundle offers download speeds up to 500Mbps, a $20 monthly discount off the monthly rate and free Wi-Fi equipment rental. This is best suited for households that use cable TV and streaming services. This bundle offers download speeds up to 500Mbps, a $20 monthly discount off the monthly rate and free Wi-Fi equipment rental. This is best suited for households that use cable TV and streaming services. Xfinity: Customers can bundle their internet with Xfinity's TV packages and earn a $20 discount. You'll find my picks for the best cheap internet and TV bundle packages below, as well as what's included with each one and what it may cost to upgrade to a better TV package with more channels and local sports. Note that most ISPs end up charging an additional $15 to $30 fee for local broadcast stations, so keep that in mind when examining your monthly bill. Best cheap internet and TV bundles 8 Internet providers SORT BY Recommended AT&T Bundle Fiber 300 internet and DirecTV Entertainment Our take - The cheapest AT&T internet and TV bundle offers max download and upload speeds of 300Mbps and over 165 channels, starting at around $130 a month. This bundle provides solid value for the service you get. For example, customers can access a variety of streaming services free for three months, including Max, Paramount Plus, SHOWTIME and more, saving you $167. Read full review Or call to learn more: (833) 579-0031 Check with AT&T Compare Pros and Cons Pros No contracts required to receive the lowest available price No data caps for any fiber plans Valuable perks and promotional offers Cons Much slower DSL plans are more prevalent than fiber options Data caps enforced on all non-fiber plans On the internet side of the bundle, AT&T Fiber 300 is one of the best internet deals available. Starting at just $55 a month, AT&T Fiber is also our top pick for the best high-speed internet, including equipment and unlimited data. As for the TV, DirecTV's Entertainment package includes the Gemini Air streaming device and access to popular channels such as AMC, ESPN, HGTV, TNT and others, including your local networks, and costs $90 a month for the first two years. If you want your regional sports networks (the primary reason many have a traditional TV subscription, myself included), you'll need to upgrade to the Choice package. It starts at $145 a month for the first two years. However, be prepared for a regional sports fee that will add up to $18 or more to your bill. Compare Check with AT&T Show more details Show more details Compare Frontier Fiber Bundle Fiber internet and YouTube TV Our take - Keep in mind, Frontier doesn't provide a TV service, but you can bundle Frontier Fiber internet with YouTube TV. Doing so will get you a $10 monthly discount on your YouTube TV subscription for one year. That said, you would be saving $120 yearly. Read full review Or call to learn more: (877) 870-0633 Check with Frontier Compare Pros and Cons Pros Wi-Fi router rental included in the price Unlimited data Fast fiber speeds Cons Spotty DSL speeds Poor, but improving, customer satisfaction record Term agreement required to get signup bonuses With a 500Mbps plan, four gigabit-level speed tiers and a new, low-cost 200Mbps plan, Frontier Fiber offers plenty of options fast enough to stream YouTube TV in the best picture quality. CNET's Ty Pendlebury says YouTube TV has "the best channel selection bar none." Your subscription comes with an assortment of at least 100 channels and includes your locals as well as channels you'll actually want to watch, like AMC, ESPN, HGTV, TBS and USA. Many regional sports networks aren't included, so you may want to consider bundling Frontier internet service with the DirecTV Choice package if those are must-haves. If you want to ditch this bundle for any reason, you can do so without worrying about being tied down by contracts. If your household prefers to stream, you can add the Netflix Premium and Whole-Home Wi-Fi bundle for $32 a month, saving $95 annually. Compare Check with Frontier Show more details Show more details Compare Connection Cable Speed range 500 Mbps Price range $105 Spectrum Bundle Internet and TV Select Plus Our take - Are you ready to ditch the confusing service terms and add-ons, Spectrum offers a straightforward service. This is one reason why Spectrum took home the top spot among CNET's picks of the best cable internet providers. While the Spectrum Internet and TV Select Plus bundle is nothing fancy, it will fit the needs of many households with download speeds up to 500Mbps and over 160 TV channels, including regional sports networks, starting at $105 per month. The price includes a new monthly $20 bundle discount. Additionally, customers who sign up online could receive a $50 credit toward their monthly bill. After a year, your monthly price will increase to $125. Read full review Or call to learn more: (877) 508-6169 Check with Spectrum Compare Connection Cable Speed range 500 Mbps Price range $105 Pros and Cons Pros Straightforward pricing No data caps on any plans No contracts required for internet service Free access to Spectrum's nationwide Wi-Fi hotspots Cons Competitive rates for cable, but pricier than many fiber providers Internet service is slightly below the industry average for customer satisfaction Standalone internet service has always come with a free modem, but Spectrum now includes Wi-Fi equipment rental with the cost when you bundle, a $10 monthly value. Expect a few more fees with the TV service, such as a hefty broadcast fee (it's over $20 in my region), plus a $13 rental fee for each HD box you add. You'll also get Disney Plus Basic, Max, ESPN Plus, Paramount Plus Essential and ViX Premium (all with ads). Something to look out for, Spectrum will raise your internet and TV bundle prices by $20 to $25 after three years. Key Info No data cap No contract Free equipment rental Compare Check with Spectrum Show more details Show more details Compare Verizon Fios Bundle Fiber Internet 300 and Fios TV Our take - Calling all Northeast Coast residents -- Verizon Fios' fiber internet service is captivating on its own. But combined with a TV bundle, it's a service worth remembering. Verizon Fios and Fios TV Test Drive are unique in that you get to experience all 425-plus channels for 60 days. The Most Fios TV (which is the most expensive TV plan) also comes with unlimited streaming on your devices. After 60 days, Verizon will custom-create a channel lineup of 125 or so networks based on your selections. That's a pretty cool feature. Compared with other internet and TV bundles, Verizon Fios is on the steeper end when it comes to pricing. Still, the starting price of $145 for internet speeds up to 300Mbps and around 425 channels is an excellent value. Read full review Or call to learn more: (888) 461-3204 Check with Verizon Compare Pros and Cons Pros All Verizon Fios plans are 100% fiber, with symmetrical download and upload speeds No data caps or allowances on any plans No term agreements necessary on any plans Cons Low fiber availability for a national company While Fios and 5G are affordable, LTE and DSL options are pricey Your regional sports networks aren't an option with the Your Fios TV package, unfortunately. For that, you'll need to upgrade to the More Fios TV package, which could even be more costly, starting at a bundled price of $169 a month when paired with Verizon Fios 300. Customers can also now bundle their Verizon Fios plan with YouTube TV. Verizon Fios is currently offering new customers a YouTube TV subscription for $73 a month for the first year. The original price was $83. You can cancel service anytime since there are no long-term contracts. Compare Check with Verizon Show more details Show more details Compare Cox Bundle Internet Essential and Contour TV Preferred Our take - Cox internet service is offered starting at $50 per month, but when you add an actual TV service (not its TV separate streaming service, which is a little more than your average TV package for a one-time charge of $60, the price jumps to $125 for the first year for the Contour TV Preferred package. That price will bring you a channel lineup with 170 or more networks like ESPN, HGTV, PBS, CBS, NBC and more. The price will also include your regional sports channels. Even better, this bundle also comes with additional channels and DVR service. Read full review Or call to learn more: (844) 812-6251 Check with Cox Compare Pros and Cons Pros Gigabit speeds available across entire service area Reasonable data usage terms, no throttling Cons Plans are pricier than other cable internet providers Steep price increases after first year Cox gateway device doubles as a public hotspot by default Unlimited data bundles are a bad value As for the provider's streaming service, the Xumo Stream Box offers live TV with over 250 channels available and over 300 apps. Compared to Cox's internet and TV bundles, you can use more apps and save more money with the Xumo Streaming box. Compare Check with Cox Show more details Show more details Compare Optimum Bundle Fiber Internet 300 and Basic TV Our take - If you're looking for just TV service, you're better off looking elsewhere as Optimum requires you to bundle with internet to get TV service, so discounts don't really apply here. Still, you can expect competitive prices for these bundles. The cheapest internet and TV bundle, Optimum Fiber Internet 300 and Entertainment TV(with a stream box) starts at $65 ($40 for internet, $25 for TV) per month for download speeds up to 300Mbps and a channel lineup that includes around 45 networks. Additional perks include a prepaid MasterCard of up to $400 if you sign up online. In addition, customers who sign up online can receive a $60 one-time credit, which can be applied to their account. Read full review Or call to learn more: (866) 671-3650 Check with Optimum Compare Pros and Cons Pros High speeds with competitive pricing No data caps, no contracts Two-year price guarantee Fiber service available to 2.7 million homes Cons Low customer satisfaction score Slow upload speeds for cable internet customers You'll have to upgrade to Extra TV or Everything TV for more channels, including your regional sports networks. The Everything TV bundle will cost you a fair bit more, around $135 per month plus taxes and fees, but the added cost is well worth it. The package comes with more than 150 additional channels and includes regional sports channels such as MSG and Yes Network. The Extra TV package is much cheaper and comes out to $80 monthly. On the bright side, select addresses that sign up online may be eligible for discounts, lowering your monthly bill in the first year. Compare Check with Optimum Show more details Show more details Compare Mediacom Bundle Prime Internet 100 and Local TV Our take - Like Optimum, Mediacom doesn't sell stand-alone TV services. To get TV, you have to sign up for internet, which means there are technically no discounts for bundling because there are no TV-only plans to compare the pricing to. Mediacom's rates can get pretty steep for the premium TV packages. For instance, the Internet 250 and Local TV start at just $61 per month. Read full review Or call to learn more: (866) 671-3650 Check with Mediacom Compare Pros and Cons Pros Gigabit download speeds available to over 97% of customers Great router hardware available to rent at a fair price Cons Prices go up two years in a row with some plans Mediacom's Internet 300 plan starts at $50 per month on its own, which means adding the Local TV package will only cost you an additional $71 a month. That price tag is a little steep, especially if you're considering just the local channels. But if you want more channel variety, it'll cost you more. You can upgrade to Essential TV, which has 125-plus channels starting at $191 per month when bundled with Internet 300, not including a broadcast fee of around $20 to $25. If you want regional sports networks, or any sports networks at all, including ESPN, you'll need to upgrade to the Variety TV package starting at $187 a month when bundled, plus the broadcast fee and a regional sports fee. Mediacom does not offer any internet and streaming TV bundles, but if you plan to stream using your Mediacom internet service, be mindful of the data cap. All Xtream Internet plans come with unlimited data. Compare Check with Mediacom Show more details Show more details Compare Xfinity Bundle Connect Internet and Choice TV Our take - Xfinity is known for its various plan selections; the same can be said for its internet and TV bundles. Moreover, Xfinity rewards customers for bundling with $10 off per added service, which means you can save $20 a month when getting Xfinity internet and TV together. Read full review Or call to learn more: (877) 587-0411 Check with Xfinity Compare Pros and Cons Pros Good variety of plans Some of the fastest residential plans available Above average scores in almost all customer satisfaction metrics Cons Data caps for some plans Contracts often required to get the lowest price Steep jump from promo price to regular rates The bundle discount is available regardless of the internet plan or TV package you choose, including the cheapest combination: Xfinity Connect More and Choice TV. Starting at around $97 a month plus broadcast fees (which can easily add $20 or more to the cost), this Xfinity bundle offers speeds up to 400Mbps and a cable package that includes mostly just your local channels. If you want to avoid price increases after a year, you can sign up for Xfinity's five-year price guarantee. While you'll pay more for your starting monthly rate, the price lock includes unlimited data, which is a solid deal. For $30 or more per month, you can upgrade to the Xfinity Popular TV package, which comes with over 125 channels, including your regional sports networks. Upgrading your internet plan may also be worth the added cost -- Xfinity has five faster speed tiers, up to gig service with maximum speeds of 1,200Mbps in select locations -- but if 150Mbps and local channels are all you need, you can't go wrong with Xfinity Connect and Choice TV. Compare Check with Xfinity Show more details Show more details Compare Is it best to bundle internet and TV? Combining TV and internet services is a convenient way to sign up and pay for both services. It could also save you money upfront and on your monthly bill via discounts or cheaper rates. Bundling YouTube TV with Frontier Fiber, for example, could get you $10 off the monthly TV subscription for one year. In most locations, Xfinity offers a $10 monthly discount for each bundled service. Other bundle savings may include free installation and more generous signup bonuses, such as higher-value gift cards. Signing up for TV and internet from the same provider may also present equipment and compatibility features not available with standalone services. Combination router and TV devices, like Optimum's Altice One box, can conserve space and potentially save you money on equipment rental costs but are only available to customers who sign up for both internet and TV. However, a general rule of thumb is to sign up only for the services you need to avoid falling into internet pricing traps. Take our quiz How Fast Should Your Home Internet Be? Answer 3 easy questions to discover our recommended speed for your household. Get Started Progress Step 1 of 4 How many members of your household use the internet? 1-2 people 3-5 people 6-9 people 10+ people Next Tips for choosing the best internet and TV bundle As you can see in the list above, not all bundles are the same. Not only will internet and TV bundles vary by provider, but you'll also likely have multiple bundle combinations to choose from with each provider. Here's how to select the best one for your home. Understand your speed and entertainment needs Before comparing available bundles, get an idea of what internet speeds you need and which TV channels you'd like to have. Selecting the bundle that most closely matches your needs is the best way to ensure you aren't paying for services you won't use, or paying for services that can't meet your household demands. If you wouldn't sign up for gigabit internet by itself, you probably don't need it in a bundled package. Similarly, if you wouldn't sign up for a TV package with just your local channels, you can pass on any bundles with a locals-only channel lineup. Compare internet connection types When comparing bundles between providers, or possibly even different bundles from the same provider, consider the internet connection type. Fiber is ideal for home internet, but few providers -- AT&T, Quantum Fiber and Frontier included -- offer a fiber TV service. Unless you're bundling with Verizon Fios, expect your fiber internet provider to offer a streaming TV service, if any at all. Cable internet providers typically build bundles with standard cable TV packages, though some, such as Spectrum, may also have live TV streaming packages. There are pros and cons to each. Standard cable packages often come with better reliability and more recording storage, although equipment and broadcast fees tend to be higher. Streaming can be cheaper, but the savings may come with sacrificing storage space for recording shows. Some internet providers, especially those of the DSL and satellite variety, bundle with satellite TV providers like DirecTV. Such bundles require mounting a satellite dish somewhere in your home and will likely come with a two-year contract for TV service. Consider the fees, the fine print and other extras For the most part, what you pay for internet each month will run fairly true to the advertised price. Renting a router may add to the cost, as will taxes and other minor fees, but that's about it. TV service is a bit different. Expect a broadcast fee to add anywhere from $15 to $25 to your monthly bill, plus an additional Regional Sports Fee if you have local sports networks. Equipment can also get pricey, with added fees for each TV box you rent, plus potential charges for DVR service. Be aware of these fees when comparing and signing up for a bundle package. Along with added fees, you'll want to consider any service terms or contractual obligations. Does the internet come with a data cap? Does that satellite TV service require a two-year contract and a significant price jump after the first year? Lastly, look for any special promotions or bonus offers that come with your bundle. I say "lastly" because special offers are the least significant factor when choosing a bundle -- pricing, speeds, channel selection and service terms are more important. If you're debating between bundles and one comes with a $200 gift card and the other doesn't, the decision becomes a bit easier to make. Decide if bundling is necessary Keep in mind that you don't always have to bundle. There may be times when selecting internet service from one provider and TV from another is more cost-effective than bundling. For instance, Verizon Fios internet is generally a better deal than Spectrum's internet service, but Spectrum is cheaper when it comes to TV service. How we evaluated the top internet and TV bundles Hands-on testing is central to CNET's reviews and recommendations of various products and services, but such a process is impractical if not impossible when it comes to home internet. Even if we could physically test each ISP, external and unavoidable factors such as the equipment (which will vary by provider and connection type), interference from nearby networks, the local infrastructure and even the time of day could affect the results. Instead of hands-on testing, we perform frequent, in-depth evaluations of national and regional ISPs and the bundles they offer. To start, we explore a provider's availability, technology and speed details using the most recent data from the Federal Communications Commission. Next, we look into all available plan options, including the number of plans to choose from, upload and download speeds, TV channel lineups and promotional versus standard pricing. Plans can vary by region, so we run multiple serviceability checks in various service areas to provide more informed speed, channel and pricing details. We also reach out to the providers directly to verify plan and pricing information. Finally, we look at service details such as data caps, added fees, contracts, price increases and other considerations to be aware of before signing up for an internet or TV service. When available, customer satisfaction reports like those from the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, not to mention a look at what real customers have to say on sites like Reddit and provide further insight into evaluating an ISP. (Downdetector is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) After examining the applicable providers in a given category (in this case, "best bundles"), we determine which providers and plans we feel should be considered among the "best." If you'd like to learn more about how we evaluate internet providers, check out our breakdown of how we review ISPs. Internet and TV bundle overview Bundling internet and TV together is a convenient way to sign up for multiple services, and could even save you some money versus signing up for individual services. Bundles will vary by provider, and each provider is likely to offer different bundles, so be sure to explore all your options to get the best bundle for your needs and your budget. Speeds, channel selection and pricing are important considerations, but pay attention to added fees and service terms when comparing bundles. Remember, you don't have to bundle internet and TV together if it makes more sense to get internet from one provider and TV from another. Internet and TV bundle FAQs What is the best bundle for TV and Internet? Cable providers often have the simplest and most cost-effective internet and TV bundles. Cable ISPs such as Cox, Mediacom, Optimum, Spectrum and Xfinity, for example, have multiple internet and TV bundles to choose from with varying speeds and channel lineups. Few fiber internet providers also offer a TV service, so bundles may include a streaming service. AT&T Fiber and DirecTV Stream bundles are popular, as are Frontier Fiber and YouTube TV bundles. Show more Is it better to bundle internet and TV? If you plan on getting internet and TV anyway, you might as well bundle them. Before you do, make sure you're getting the internet speeds you need and the channels you want without a cheaper option available elsewhere. Signing up only for services that you need will protect you from pricing traps. Signing up for a $70 cable package just to watch AMC, ESPN and TBS, for example, could have you paying more than necessary. Live TV streaming services offer similar channels to cable and often cost less -- Sling TV, for example, has those three channels and costs just $40. Additionally, many providers sell a "basic" or "locals only" TV package that charges you for channels you can get over the air for free with a digital antenna. On the other hand, if you want regional sports networks, a cable TV package may be your best (and sometimes only) option. To make things just a little more complicated, many internet providers now offer an internet and streaming bundle with streaming services such as YouTube TV, Sling TV or their own exclusive streaming service in addition to traditional TV. When cheap, we've included those bundles in the list above. If you're still unsure, read our guide to determine if bundling home internet is right for you. Show more Is it cheaper to bundle internet and TV? Bundling internet and TV together may come with a monthly discount depending on the provider. Spectrum and Xfinity offer a bundle discount, but others including AT&T, Cox and Verizon Fios currently do not. Even if there is no discount available, bundling services may still save you money by cutting or combining installation and equipment costs. Show more Can I bundle internet and TV with different providers? Many DSL and fiber providers, such as CenturyLink and Frontier, do not offer stand-alone TV service and instead partner with national providers like DirecTV and Dish or streaming services to offer bundles. In these cases, you'll be bundling internet and TV with different providers, and possibly get a discount for doing so. If you just want internet from a fiber provider and TV from your local cable provider, however, a bundled package, especially one with a discount, is doubtful. There are no bundles, for example, that combine internet from AT&T Fiber and TV from Xfinity. Show more
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Yahoo
How I Tackled Laggy Internet on My Own
Over half of the US population has access to gigabit internet, according to the latest data from the Federal Communications Commission. But even with speeds as fast as 1,000 megabits per second, there are still cases where you can suffer from internet trouble. According to a recent CNET broadband survey, over 42% of US adults surveyed said they experienced unreliable internet speeds or connectivity last year. Before you jump the gun by upgrading your plan, buying a new router or switching ISPs altogether, consider following CNET's four-step simple guide to boost your speeds. Ever since joining the CNET broadband team last year, I've realized the value of a good internet connection and that troubleshooting your speeds doesn't have to be complicated. Here's how my journey went. The red flags are there for a reason, so don't ignore them: the buffering, the slow downloads and the interrupted Zoom calls. Usually, I wouldn't have paid attention to these signs, since I had never had a problem with my internet before. A solid internet connection has become vital since I started working from home. My family and I also noticed that streaming our favorite shows" target="_self, like the crime drama series Adolescence, had become a pain due to our fluctuating speeds. I finally gave in, said enough is enough and contacted my internet service provider, Verizon Fios" target="_self. The Fios agent was shocked that I was experiencing internet issues since I was on the company's second-fastest tier, the gigabit plan. "You shouldn't even be experiencing fluctuating speeds with your plan," the Verizon Fios agent said over the phone. I was stumped. I didn't want to make a hasty decision like switching out my current provider" target="_self or buying a new router. So I turned to CNET's advice for help. Your internet speed is measured in megabits per second. In other words, your speed is measured by how much data can be processed over a network in a second. Gigabit internet refers to 1,000 megabits. The more data processed over your network, the better your connection performs. As of June 2024, data from the Federal Communications Commission show that over half of the US population has access to gigabit speeds. Service typically ranges anywhere between $40 to $90 monthly. Major cable providers like Spectrum" target="_self and Astound Broadband's" target="_self gigabit plans are more widely available nationwide than other ISPs but might be pricier down the line. Depending on the connection type available at your address, most fiber ISPs like AT&T" target="_selfand Google Fiber" target="_self won't increase your prices after a year and can offer symmetrical download and upload speeds of 1,000Mbps. By comparison, a cable connection may only top out at 35 to 50Mbps. To learn more about where you can sign up for gigabit service, read our review on gigabit internet" target="_self and the best fiber internet providers for April 2025" target="_self. At the start of this journey, I felt like a kid riding their first bike. It felt daunting because I didn't know where to start. Thankfully, one of our pages details how to boost your Wi-Fi connection in four simple steps" target="_self. Here's how it went. Before you do anything else, conduct an internet speed test" target="_self. I chose Ookla's speed test because this is the format I am most familiar with. CNET recommends Ookla for its consistency, and it also shows you your speed test history once you create an account. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) This step was fairly easy. I conducted a few speed tests online. The image above is a test I took near my workspace. Speeds of 248 to 275Mbps aren't bad, being on a gigabit plan supported by a fiber connection" target="_self makes them surprising (and disappointing). I took it a step further and went to an area of my home where we experienced the most internet trouble. I avoid working in the basement most days because the internet is inconsistent. After conducting a speed test, I found our speed dipped to 76Mbps in downloads and 19Mbps in uploads. This area is the farthest from my router, so it only makes sense that the signal is weaker. According to the FCC, the minimum mark for broadband speeds is 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload" target="_self. My speeds were missing that mark. It should be noted that Ookla is not the only speed test you can try. If your household uses mostly streaming services, is a solid option, as it measures your internet's capacity to stream Netflix. M-Lab is also at the top of my list, as it has an easy-to-use program. You can always keep it simple as well by turning to resources from your provider. My provider (and many other ISPs) also offers its own Verizon Fios speed test. This next step requires you to experiment a bit with your router's location or your workspace. It wasn't easy to uproot my entire workspace, so I moved my router closer to my existing workspace area instead. This step wasn't a significant change because the router was already placed across the room from my workspace. Even if you have a top-notch router, optimizing your connection will rely on your router placement. You should ideally move your router to a central location" target="_self. Using an Ethernet cable might be helpful, especially if the new location of your router is far from the modem. Are you still unsure about where to place your router? Read what the five worst spots are to place your router, according to technicians. In any case, moving your router too far from the modem might prove troublesome. You can try to raise your router instead and mount it to the wall, if possible. That way, you don't need to jump through all these hoops to install an Ethernet cable. If moving your router is not an option, try contacting your internet provider for additional equipment. After contacting my ISP, I discovered that a Fios Wi-Fi extender came with my plan at no extra cost to my monthly service bill. The extender came with a small guide, and at first glance, it seemed pretty simple. Obtaining equipment from your ISP is not the only option — many Wi-Fi extenders currently on the market support Wi-Fi 6. CNET previously named the TP-Link RE605X as the top pick for the best Wi-Fi extender due to its affordability and easy-to-use controls. Note: TP-Link routers could be banned sometime this year due to a recent government investigation. The next best thing is the , currently priced at $90, which tied in performance with the TP-Link RE605X when we tested them. The extender came with a coax cable, a coax splitter and a small set-up guide that outlined four steps: confirm the internet connection, plug it in, pair it and finally move the extender to a designated spot in your home. Seems simple enough, right? I went through the first three steps without running into any issues. I paired my extender to my router using the coax cable. Things took a turn with the final step. After pairing, I unplugged my extender and moved it to the basement, where the signal was weaker. The light from the extender wasn't the solid white it should have been. Instead, it was a yellow color, meaning the extender was disconnected from the router. Solving this problem took some time as I went back through the set-up guide and covered my bases again. During this process, I also discovered Verizon Fios' complete Wi-Fi extender set-up guide online. Some ISPs offer customers the option of self-installation. Here are some of the top internet providers" target="_self nationwide that have how-to pages and guides dedicated to installing devices that boost your internet: AT&T Extender install guide Cox mesh extender setup Google Fiber mesh extender guide Optimum Extender 6 setup guide Spectrum extender pod placement Verizon Fios extender support Xfinity Xfi pod setup Sparklight Eero extender guide The complete set-up guide mentioned an Ethernet cable, but I was not provided one, so I wondered if that prevented my extender from connecting to the router. I contacted Verizon Fios to make sure I was not missing any parts. Per our conversation, Verizon Fios confirmed that an Ethernet cable is recommended but not necessary. The coax cable works just as well. Ethernet offers a wired connection through cables, which you can plug directly into the router, and should provide faster speeds than Wi-Fi. CNET's own Hallie Seltzer tested this at her home." target="_self I decided to pivot my approach and placed the extender a bit closer to the router, near my workspace. After a few minutes, I saw a solid white color -- the sign of success. After installing the extender, my internet speeds surged, making this step optional for me. If you cannot obtain a Wi-Fi extender, you can try managing how much bandwidth your household consumes through your router settings. For instance, Verizon Fios allows customers to set up parental controls, which can eliminate access to certain websites. Other routers can even schedule access to the network for certain devices. This process will look different depending on your internet provider and your equipment. High-speed internet may be enticing, but you may not even need it. According to OpenVault's first quarter 2024 report, over a third of Americans use the internet at gigabit speeds, a 20% increase from 2023. In addition, its latest Q4 report shows that the average American household uses 569Mbps in downstream speeds and 32Mbps in upstream. In other words, if you can access gigabit speeds, it should be plenty fast for your household. Finding the right speed will also boil down to your household's activities. Check out our speed recommendations below. 1Mbps - Sending emails 5-10Mbps - Web browsing 10Mbps - Using social media - 10-20Mbps (or 35Mbps in 4K) - Streaming in HD 25-35Mbps - Online gaming For more information, read our comprehensive internet speed guide. Even if you are on your provider's fastest plan, there is no guarantee you will see the exact speeds promised. Many conditions can impact your internet speeds. According to AT&T's website, certain materials, dense walls and even furniture can obstruct your Wi-Fi signal. Other common factors contributing to a weaker signal include outdated equipment, poor router settings, bad weather and extreme cases like hacking or malware. In addition, finding the right Wi-Fi band for your router can also help optimize your internet connection at home. To ensure you're making the most of your internet, read our guides on how to weatherproof your internet and secure your connection from hackers. Once I successfully installed my extender, I conducted another speed test in my basement and I saw a surge in my internet connection, coming in at 598Mbps in download and 187Mbps in upload. Here's what I discovered when optimizing my speeds at home: Router and Wi-Fi extender placement are key. The location of your router and extender is directly proportional to optimizing your speeds. Give it a few tries and place your extender in different areas of your home. Ensure you don't place the extender too far or close to the router. Conduct a series of speed tests after every step, monitoring any changes in your internet connection. Seek out self-installation guides. Many ISPs, including AT&T" target="_self, Cox" target="_self, Spectrum" target="_self and Xfinity" target="_self, offer comprehensive self-installation guides online for devices that boost your signal. Don't hesitate to seek them out. Consider buying a Wi-Fi extender. While your ISP might recommend using its equipment, many Wi-Fi extenders support Wi-Fi 6 and should do the trick. Check out our top picks for the best Wi-Fi extenders" target="_self. A coax cable works just as well as an ethernet cable. Your ISP might recommend an Ethernet cable for pairing your extender to the router, but a coax cable also works. When in doubt, contact your ISP for support and discuss your options. You can also try negotiating with your ISP" target="_self, which might be best if you're looking to upgrade your plan. Since completing this experiment, I've seen a drastic change in my internet connection. My family and I can stream our shows without problems and my Zoom calls are running more smoothly than ever. I outlined four steps on this page, but you might need to do a few extra steps to ensure you cover all your bases. Fixing your internet doesn't have to be complex. This is my first time experimenting with this, and I've discovered a new comfort level with my internet connection and how it works. Our Get Faster Wi-Fi page outlines four simple steps to boost your internet speeds: conduct a few internet speed tests, move your workspace or router, get a Wi-Fi extender (or upgrade your router) and prioritize your work traffic. It's worth noting that many factors, such as certain materials, dense walls and even furniture, and the type of Wi-Fi band you have, can affect your internet connection. You can look into investing in an extender or mesh system to optimize your connection. If all else fails, you can contact your provider to explore your options. Ookla's speed test is known for its consistency and accuracy. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) Unlike other speed tests, Ookla allows you to access your speed test history when you create an account. In addition, Android and iOS users can conduct speed tests from their mobile devices. The FCC states that the minimum benchmark for broadband is 100 megabits per second in download and 3Mbps in upload. Openvault's Q1 2024 report shows that over a third of Americans use the internet at gigabit speeds. Moreover, the trend shows a 20% increase from last year. In addition, their latest Q4 2024 report highlights that the average American household uses 569Mbps downstream and 32Mbps upstream. In other words, if your household can access gigabit speeds, that should be plenty enough. Different household activities require different internet speeds. For example, CNET recommends speeds of 25 to 35Mbps for online gaming and at least 35Mbps if you want to stream in 4K. To learn more, check out our internet speed guide for more information. Internet providers like AT&T offer an extender install guide, Cox for its mesh extender set-up, Google Fiber for its mesh extender guide, Spectrum for its extender pod placement, Verizon Fios for its extender support, Xfinity for its Xfi pod setup and Sparklight for its Eero extender guide.
