Verizon Fios is the top choice for Washington, DC internet, according to a recent review.
At a Glance
- Verizon Fios offers symmetrical speeds up to 2,000 Mbps with no data cap.
- Astound Broadband provides the cheapest entry-level plan at $30 a month for 300 Mbps.
- Xfinity’s gig-speed plans hit 1,000 Mbps, but the price climbs quickly.
Why it matters: Residents can choose a provider that balances speed, cost and reliability without hidden fees.
What Makes Verizon Fios Stand Out
Verizon Fios is the only fiber service in the city, giving it a clear edge over cable and fixed-wireless options.
- Symmetrical upload and download speeds up to 2,000 Mbps.
- No data caps or throttling.
- Transparent pricing: $50, $75, $90 and $110 per month for four tiers.
Pricing Structure
| Tier | Monthly Cost | Speed (Download/Upload) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $50 | 300 Mbps / 1,500 Mbps |
| 2 | $75 | 500 Mbps / 1,500 Mbps |
| 3 | $90 | 1,000 Mbps / 1,500 Mbps |
| 4 | $110 | 2,000 Mbps / 1,500 Mbps |
All plans are billed monthly with no contract and no hidden activation fees.
Customer Experience
Verizon Fios customers consistently rate service above 8.5 out of 10 on satisfaction surveys.
- 99.9% uptime SLA.
- 24/7 support with dedicated technicians.
- No throttling during peak hours.
Fastest Options for High-Demand Users
Xfinity’s gig-speed plans offer the best raw download speed for users who need the fastest possible connection, especially for streaming and gaming.
| Provider | Starting Price | Max Download | Max Upload |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | $100 | 2,000 Mbps | 250 Mbps |
| Verizon Fios | $110 | 2,000 Mbps | 1,500 Mbps |
Both providers offer unlimited data, but Xfinity’s upload speed is lower than Verizon’s.
Cheapest Plans in DC
Astound Broadband’s promotional price is the lowest entry-level option, but it is only valid for 12 months.
| Provider | Starting Price | Max Download |
|---|---|---|
| Astound Broadband | $30 | 300 Mbps |
| Xfinity | $40 | 300 Mbps |
| Starry Internet | $30 | 200 Mbps |
| DC Access | $50 | 25 Mbps |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | $50 | 85 Mbps |
| Verizon Fios | $50 | 300 Mbps |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | $50 | 318 Mbps |
Customers who stay beyond the promotional period will see a price increase, so cancelation or negotiation may be necessary.
Installation & Equipment
- No monthly equipment fee for Verizon Fios.
- One-time activation fee of $30.
- Installation fee waived in many areas.
- Cable and fixed-wireless providers charge a $15 activation fee and a $100 installation fee.
Data Caps
All providers listed have no data caps.
Some cable plans may impose caps after 1 TB of usage.
Promotional vs. Long-Term Pricing
- Astound’s $30 plan ends after 12 months.
- Xfinity’s promotional $30 plan may increase to $60 after 6 months.
- Verizon Fios keeps stable pricing year-round.
Speed vs. Price
| Provider | Avg. Price per Mbps | Max Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon Fios | $0.025 | 2,000 Mbps |
| Xfinity | $0.10 | 2,000 Mbps |
| Astound Broadband | $0.10 | 1,500 Mbps |
Availability
- Verizon Fios coverage in 70% of DC zip codes.
- Xfinity covers 95%.
- Astound covers 60%.
- DC Access covers 30%.
How to Find Deals
Promotions are short-lived, so keep an eye on provider websites and community forums.
- Xfinity and Astound often run introductory pricing or streaming add-ons.
- Verizon maintains the same standard pricing year-round.
- Check the local “Internet Deals” guide for the latest offers.
Speed Guidelines
The Federal Communications Commission recommends minimum speeds based on usage.
- 0-5 Mbps: Basic browsing and email.
- 5-40 Mbps: High-quality video and videoconferencing.
- 40-100 Mbps: One user’s telecommuting and streaming.
- 100-500 Mbps: Two users’ high-bandwidth activities.
- 500-1,000 Mbps: Three or more users streaming and gaming simultaneously.
Most DC plans fall into the 100-500 Mbps range, suitable for most households.
How the Review Was Done
The review combined data from several sources:
- Pricing, availability and speed from provider sites and FCC maps.
- Customer satisfaction from the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power.
- Real-world speed data from Ookla and FCC reports.
Three questions guided the recommendation:
- Does the provider deliver reasonably fast speeds?
- Is the value good for the price?
- Are customers happy with the service?
Providers that answered “yes” to all three were highlighted.
Final Takeaway
Verizon Fios remains the best overall provider for Washington, DC, thanks to its fiber backbone, high speeds, and no-hidden-fee pricing. Astound Broadband offers the lowest starting price, but the promotion is limited. Xfinity provides the fastest raw download speed but at a higher cost. Residents can choose based on their speed needs, budget and willingness to commit long-term.
Key Takeaways
- Verizon Fios: Best long-term value, fiber, 2,000 Mbps max.
- Astound Broadband: Cheapest entry-level at $30 for 300 Mbps.
- Xfinity: Highest raw download speed, but higher price and lower upload.
