The Seattle market offers a mix of fiber, cable, fixed-wireless, and satellite options. While the city has a median download speed of 244 Mbps, many residents can find plans that exceed 10 Gbps. This guide summarizes the top providers, their pricing, and which plans fit different budgets and usage needs.
At a Glance
- Fastest plan: Ziply Fiber’s 50 Gbps for $900 per month.
- Cheapest plan: Ziply Fiber’s 100 Mbps tier at $20 monthly.
- Best value: Astound Broadband’s 300 Mbps plan for $30.
- Why it matters: Seattle consumers can now choose between ultra-fast fiber and affordable cable, reducing the typical cost-performance gap seen in other U.S. metros.
Seattle’s Internet Landscape
Seattle is not the top-ranked city for broadband, falling just below Denver and above Atlanta with its 244 Mbps median download speed-short of the national median of 303 Mbps.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median download speed | 244 Mbps |
| Median upload speed | ~50 Mbps |
| Average monthly cost | $42 |
Despite this, the city hosts several multi-gig providers. Ziply Fiber, for example, offers a 50 Gbps plan, while Xfinity and Quantum Fiber provide 10 Gbps options. Availability varies by neighborhood, so a quick address check on each provider’s site is recommended.
Top Providers and Pricing
The following table lists the cheapest plans by provider, along with their speeds and equipment fees.
| Provider | Starting Monthly Price | Max Download Speed | Equipment Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ziply Fiber | $20 | 100 Mbps | $15 |
| Astound Broadband | $30 | 300 Mbps | None |
| Xfinity Connect More | $40 | 300 Mbps | None |
| Quantum Fiber | $50 | 500 Mbps | None |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | $50 (or $35 for eligible mobile customers) | 415 Mbps | None |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | $50 (or $35 for eligible mobile customers) | 300 Mbps | None |
Key Takeaways
- Ziply Fiber delivers the lowest entry price.
- Astound Broadband offers a mid-tier plan with no contract.
- T-Mobile and Verizon provide comparable speeds but differ in coverage.
Fastest Plans in Seattle
For users needing the highest bandwidth, the following providers offer multi-gig speeds.
| Provider | Plan | Monthly Price | Max Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ziply Fiber | 50 Gbps | $900 | 50 000 Mbps |
| Ziply Fiber | 10 Gbps | $300 | 10 000 Mbps |
| Xfinity Gigabit Pro | 10 Gbps | $300 | 10 000 Mbps |
| Ziply Fiber | 5 Gbps | $80 (or $105 after 12 months) | 5 000 Mbps |
| Ziply Fiber | 2 Gbps | $70 (or $95 after 12 months) | 2 000 Mbps |
Ziply Fiber dominates the high-speed market, but its availability is limited to specific neighborhoods. Xfinity’s 10 Gbps plan is also available in select areas.
Satellite and Fixed-Wireless Options
While fiber and cable dominate, some residents still rely on satellite or fixed-wireless.
- GFiber Webpass: Fixed-wireless offering 1 Gbps for $70 per month, with free installation and unlimited data. It targets apartment buildings across Belltown, Capitol Hill, and other downtown neighborhoods.
- Verizon 5G Home Plus: Fixed-wireless at $70 (or $45 for eligible mobile customers) delivering 1 Gbps.
- Ziply Fiber Gig: Fixed-wireless for $45 (or $90 after 12 months) at 1 Gbps.
- Starlink: Became available in Seattle in 2023 and offers faster download speeds with no contract, though its upload speed is typically lower.
- Hughesnet and Viasat: Satellite options requiring a two-year contract, generally slower and more expensive.
Coverage Notes
- Verizon relies on its 5G network, providing faster average download speeds (300 Mbps) than T-Mobile but with more limited reach.
- T-Mobile uses both 4G LTE and 5G to boost coverage, making it more widely available.
Choosing the Right Plan
When deciding, consider:
- Speed needs – Streaming, gaming, and videoconferencing require 40 Mbps or higher per user.
- Budget – The cheapest plans start at $20.
- Contract terms – Many plans have no long-term contract; some, like satellite, require a two-year commitment.
- Equipment fees – Some providers charge a one-time fee for modems or routers.
- Data caps – Most plans offer unlimited data; check for any local restrictions.
### Quick Decision Matrix
| Scenario | Best Provider | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Low budget | Ziply Fiber (100 Mbps) | $20 monthly, unlimited data |
| High speed for gaming | Ziply Fiber (10 Gbps) | $300 for 10 000 Mbps |
| Best value with no contract | Astound Broadband (300 Mbps) | $30 monthly, no contract |
| Fixed-wireless for apartments | GFiber Webpass | $70 for 1 Gbps, free installation |
| Satellite for rural areas | Hughesnet/Viasat | Availability outside Seattle |
FAQs
What’s the cheapest internet in Seattle?
The lowest starting price is $20 from Ziply Fiber for a 100 Mbps plan. Astound Broadband’s next cheapest plan starts at $30 for 300 Mbps.
Can I get fiber internet in Seattle?
Yes. Quantum Fiber and Ziply Fiber provide 100% fiber-optic plans with symmetrical speeds. Ziply also offers DSL in some areas, so confirm serviceability.
Which provider offers the fastest plan?
Ziply Fiber’s 50 Gbps plan at $900 is the fastest residential option in city limits. Both Ziply and Xfinity offer 10 Gbps plans at $300.
Final Word
Seattle’s internet scene offers a blend of affordability and blistering speed. While the city’s median speed lags behind the national average, providers like Ziply Fiber, Astound Broadband, and Quantum Fiber fill the gap with plans that range from $20 to $900 per month. Whether you prioritize low cost, ultra-fast speeds, or flexible coverage, Seattle’s providers now give consumers more choices than in many other major U.S. cities.
