At a Glance
- Verizon Fios is the city’s top fiber-optic provider, covering 89% of Boston households.
- Xfinity offers the fastest speeds, reaching up to 2,100 Mbps in select neighborhoods.
- Astound is the cheapest option, with plans starting at $30 per month.
- Why it matters: Residents can choose between speed, coverage, and price, ensuring they find a plan that fits their needs.
Verizon Fios has been named the best internet provider in Boston, offering a fully fiber-optic network that delivers equal upload and download speeds. The service reaches almost nine in ten city homes, and its plans range from $50 to $90 per month. For those who can’t get Fios, Xfinity and Astound provide alternatives, while T-Mobile Home Internet and Verizon 5G Home Internet offer lower-cost, wireless options.
The Best Provider: Verizon Fios
Verizon Fios stands out for its 100% fiber-optic infrastructure. Unlike cable or fixed-wireless services, fiber delivers identical upload and download speeds, which is crucial for activities like video conferencing or gaming. The company’s network covers 89% of Boston addresses, according to FCC data. Plans start at $50 per month for 300 Mbps, and a 1-Gig plan is available for $90. All Fios plans include unlimited data, free equipment, and no contract, making it a hassle-free choice.
Key Features
- Fiber-optic network – equal upload and download speeds.
- Coverage – serves 89% of Boston households.
- Pricing – $50-$90 per month, no data caps.
- Terms – no surprise fees, no contracts.
The Cheapest Option: Astound
Astound offers the lowest monthly rates among the city’s major ISPs. Its 300 Mbps plan starts at $30, and a 1-Gig plan is priced at $60. While Astound’s speed range is competitive, the company’s cable connection results in lower upload speeds, typically around 20 Mbps. Astound’s pricing is attractive, but potential customers should note that the company may charge optional equipment fees of $14.
Price Comparison
| Provider | Starting Price | Max Download Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Astound | $30 | 300 Mbps |
| Xfinity | $55 | 400 Mbps |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | $50 | 85 Mbps |
Fastest Speeds: Xfinity and Astound
Xfinity’s cable network can deliver up to 2,100 Mbps in certain Boston neighborhoods, while Astound offers up to 1,500 Mbps. However, both providers’ upload speeds are capped at around 20 Mbps, which may affect activities requiring high upload bandwidth.
Speed Table
| Provider | Max Download | Max Upload |
|---|---|---|
| Xfinity Gigabit | 1,100 Mbps | 306 Mbps |
| Astound 1500 | 1,500 Mbps | 20 Mbps |
| Verizon Fios 1 Gig | 940 Mbps | 880 Mbps |
Alternative Options
T-Mobile Home Internet
T-Mobile Home Internet uses 5G fixed-wireless technology. Plans range from $35 to $55, with speeds up to 318 Mbps. The service has no data caps, equipment fees, or contracts, and offers a $15 discount for qualifying mobile customers.
Verizon 5G Home Internet
Verizon’s 5G Home Internet is similar to T-Mobile’s, with pricing from $35 to $70 and speeds around 85 Mbps. The service also has no data caps or contracts.
Satellite Providers
Hughesnet and Viasat provide satellite internet across Boston, but they are best suited for rural areas. These services come with a two-year contract and high prices.
Coverage Overview
Boston residents enjoy high-speed broadband, with most households able to access download speeds of 250 Mbps or higher and upload speeds of 25 Mbps or higher. Fiber from Verizon Fios is available to 89% of addresses, while cable from Xfinity and Astound covers the rest. This widespread coverage gives Boston residents more choices than many other cities.
Pricing Landscape
Introductory prices in Boston start as low as $20 per month for certain providers. Even higher-tier plans remain competitively priced:
- Astound’s 300 Mbps plan: $30.
- Xfinity’s Gigabit plan: $85.
- Verizon Fios 1 Gig: $90.
All plans offer unlimited data and no contracts, with some providers offering free equipment.
Speed Reality Check
Average real-world speeds in Boston hover around 290 Mbps, according to Ookla. While advertised speeds can be higher, factors like Wi-Fi quality and distance from the router affect actual performance.
How the Recommendation Was Made
The evaluation process began by gathering pricing, availability, and speed data from the FCC, provider websites, and historical ISP data. Customer satisfaction was assessed using the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power. The criteria were:
- Availability of fast speeds.
- Value for money.
- Customer satisfaction.
Providers meeting all three criteria were ranked, with Verizon Fios topping the list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ISP in Boston? – Verizon Fios, due to its fiber network, unlimited data, free equipment, and discounts for cellphone customers.
Which provider is cheapest? – Astound, with plans starting at $30 per month for 300 Mbps, though hidden fees may apply.
Which provider offers the fastest plan? – Xfinity can reach up to 2,100 Mbps in select areas; Astound offers up to 1,500 Mbps.
Is fiber available? – Yes, to approximately 99% of Boston residents, mainly through Verizon Fios.
Can I get free Wi-Fi? – Boston’s Wicked Free Wi-Fi program offers free outdoor Wi-Fi but is not intended for home use.
Bottom Line
Boston residents have several solid choices for home internet. Verizon Fios remains the top recommendation for speed, coverage, and value. Astound offers the lowest monthly cost, while Xfinity delivers the highest advertised speeds. Wireless options from T-Mobile and Verizon 5G provide flexible, contract-free alternatives. With unlimited data and no contracts across most providers, Boston’s broadband market is competitive and consumer-friendly.
