Internet providers in Chicago, IL

What is the fastest internet provider in Chicago?

AT&T is the fastest internet provider in Chicago with fiber speeds up to 5000 Mbps—that’s really fast, but probably more speed than you need. The Chicago area also has access to the smaller fiber internet service providers (ISPs) Upstream and Everywhere Wireless, each offering plans up to 1,000 Mbps. 

Chicago has two very fast cable ISPs for those that don’t have access to fiber. Xfinity is the fastest, with plans up to 1,200 Mbps. Xfinity came in at second in our fastest internet providers in 2022 analysis, higher than any other cable ISP.

What is the cheapest internet provider in Chicago?

Astound Broadband is the cheapest major ISP in Chicago, with its 110 Mbps plan starting at $19.99 per month. Xfinity also offers affordable plans starting at $25, but its budget plan offers less than half the speed at just 50 Mbps. While we recommend going with Astound Broadband’s speeds if your can, both of these reliable cable internet plans offer good value.  

*Regional price differences may apply. 24 Month Internet Pricing. No contract required. Equipment priced separately. Includes $5 discount for 12 months w/ ebill & autopay. Experienced speeds may vary. New residential customers only.

**For 24 months. No term contract. Taxes not included. Includes $10/mo automatic payments and paperless billing discount.

***Offer available to new qualifying customers. One-time standard installation fee may be due at checkout. Minimum 24-month service term required. Equipment lease fee is $12.99/mo. Taxes apply. Service is not available in all areas. Offer may be changed or withdrawn at any time.

****Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes & fees. Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. Ltd. avail/areas. Call or go to www.fiber.att.com to see if you qualify. 

Internet deals and promotions in Chicago

What are the fiber internet providers in Chicago?

The main fiber internet provider in Chicago is AT&T, with fiber speeds up to 5,000 Mbps. Earthlink also provides fiber internet in Chicago, with symmetrical speeds up to 5,000 Mbps and the top spot in our annual customer satisfaction survey.

The smaller fiber ISPs, Upstream and Everywhere Wireless also gigabit fiber internet plans in the Chicago area. 

Fiber internet providers in Chicago

• AT&T—Fiber speeds up to 5,000 Mbps
• EarthLink—Fiber speeds up to 5,000 Mbps
• Everywhere Wireless—Fiber speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
• Upstream—Fiber speeds up to 1,000 Mbps

Chicago residential internet coverage

Most of the greater Chicago area has only two major options for broadband internet, but people living near the shoreline—either in the Hyde Park area or around Wrigley Field—will have a few more.

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) defines broadband as internet service with at least 25 Mbps download speed and at least 3 Mbps upload speed. Those speeds are enough for most internet activities, including streaming video or playing games online.

Based on the latest available census data, 100% of Chicagoans have access to broadband internet. AT&T and Xfinity offer broadband to most communities around Chicago. RCN and Atlantic Broadband also offer broadband internet service to some neighborhoods close to Lake Michigan.

The provider WOW! also offers internet service in a few blocks around UIC (University of Illinois at Chicago) and in areas north of O’Hare or south of Midway, as well as some of the western suburbs. If these options don’t work for you, Viasat offers satellite internet service to nearly the entire Chicagoland area.

Most of these providers also offer TV service, which means you can save when you bundle the two services together. Even AT&T, the major internet provider for much of Chicago, offers discounts when you bundle with DIRECTV.

Highest-rated internet service providers in Chicago

EarthLink earned the top overall rating in our annual internet customer satisfaction survey, and it also received the top rating in price and customer service. EarthLink’s customer-centered approach is clearly working — the provider offers fast speeds, no data caps, and no teaser rates, which means no surprise price hikes down the line. EarthLink customers rated their satisfaction with Earthlink a 4.0 out of 5 stars.

Xfinity also scored well in our customer satisfaction survey, having earned the top rating for speed and an overall satisfaction rating of 3.7 out of 5.

°Speed based on wired connection. Available Internet speeds may vary by address. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem.