Verizon Fios has been named the best internet provider in Philadelphia by News Of Los Angeles. The fiber-optic service offers 95% coverage, symmetrical speeds, and plans starting at $50 a month, making it a strong option for families and professionals.
At a Glance
- Verizon Fios: 95% coverage, symmetrical speeds, $50/month start
- Xfinity: fastest cable, $30/month for 100 Mbps
- 5G Home Internet: $50/month, 85-415 Mbps
- PhillyWisper: fixed wireless, $50/month, 25-500 Mbps
- Satellite: available city-wide but best for rural
Why it matters: Residents can choose a reliable, high-speed connection that meets the growing demand for remote work, streaming, and gaming.
Verizon Fios – The Fiber Advantage
Verizon Fios is the only fiber provider in Philadelphia, giving it a clear edge over cable and wireless options. The service reaches roughly 95% of addresses, a high figure for a major metro area. Plans start at $50 a month, with optional mobile plans that bring the price down to $35. Fios offers symmetrical upload and download speeds ranging from 300 Mbps to 2,000 Mbps, providing consistent performance for both work and play.
Other Major Providers
Xfinity
Xfinity remains the most practical cable alternative. It offers speeds up to 2 Gbps, but average download speeds in Philadelphia are around 206 Mbps with a 24 Mbps upload. Xfinity plans begin at $30 per month for 100 Mbps, making it the cheapest option.
Verizon 5G Home Internet
Verizon’s 5G Home Internet is a wireless choice with speeds between 85 and 300 Mbps. The monthly fee starts at $50, dropping to $35 for customers with qualifying Verizon 5G mobile plans. Equipment and unlimited data are included, and no contract is required.
T-Mobile Home Internet
T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet offers 87-415 Mbps for $50 a month, with discounts for eligible customers. Coverage now reaches about 85% of the city, up from roughly one-third in previous years.
PhillyWisper
PhillyWisper provides fixed-wireless service with a single residential plan starting at $50 monthly. Minimum speeds range from 25 to 500 Mbps, depending on location. The provider does not lock customers into a contract.
Satellite
Satellite internet is available everywhere in Philadelphia but is best suited for rural areas. Residents can find cheaper options than HughesNet or Viasat.
Provider Comparison Table
| Provider | Technology | Monthly Price Range | Max Download | Max Upload | Equipment | Data Cap | Contract | Review Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | $50-$110 | 300-2,000 Mbps | 2,016 Mbps | None | None | None | 7.6 |
| Xfinity | Cable | $30-$100 | 100-2,200 Mbps | 24-300 Mbps | None | None | None | 7 |
| PhillyWisper | Fixed wireless | $50-$75 | 25-500 Mbps | None | None | None | None | N/A |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | Fixed wireless | $50-$70 | 87-415 Mbps | None | None | None | None | 7.4 |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | Fixed wireless | $50-$75 | 85-300 Mbps | None | None | None | None | 7.2 |
Source: News Of Los Angeles analysis of provider data.
Speed and Performance
Median download speeds in Philadelphia are slightly below the state average: 280 Mbps versus 287 Mbps statewide. Verizon Fios averages 276 Mbps download and 171 Mbps upload, while Xfinity averages 206 Mbps download and 24 Mbps upload. The fastest plans in the city are Verizon Fios 2-Gig and Xfinity 2-Gig, with Fios offering nearly symmetrical upload speeds.
Pricing and Deals
The cheapest plans start at $30 for Xfinity’s 100 Mbps tier. Verizon and T-Mobile offer $35-$50 plans when bundled with qualifying mobile service. PhillyWisper and satellite options are priced at $50 per month. Most promotions are short-lived; keep an eye on introductory offers and streaming add-ons.
How News Of Los Angeles Chose Providers
News Of Los Angeles used a proprietary database that pulls pricing, availability, and speed data from FCC records, ISP websites, and customer-satisfaction surveys. The selection criteria were:
- Reasonably fast speeds
- Good value for price
- High customer satisfaction
Providers that met all three were recommended.
Final Recommendation
For most Philadelphia residents, Verizon Fios remains the best choice if fiber is available at their address. It offers the fastest, most reliable speeds with no data caps and symmetrical upload/download rates. Xfinity provides a competitive cable alternative, especially for those seeking the lowest monthly cost. Wireless options-Verizon 5G and T-Mobile-are suitable for customers without wired service or who prefer a contract-free solution.
Key Takeaways
- Verizon Fios is the top provider: 95% coverage, symmetrical speeds, $50/month start
- Xfinity is the cheapest cable option at $30/month for 100 Mbps
- 5G Home Internet plans are $50/month with no contract
- PhillyWisper offers fixed-wireless from $50/month, 25-500 Mbps
- Satellite is city-wide but best for rural areas
By weighing coverage, speed, price, and customer satisfaction, News Of Los Angeles recommends Verizon Fios for the best overall experience in Philadelphia.
