CNET has updated its recommendations for the best internet service providers in the US, highlighting Verizon Fios and AT&T Fiber as top overall choices. A recent survey shows 63% of Americans facing higher prices and unreliable service, underscoring the need for better options. The rankings consider speeds, pricing, customer satisfaction, and connection types like fiber and cable.
In its latest guide published for January 2026, CNET's broadband experts evaluated providers based on real-world testing of speeds, pricing, reliability, and performance. Verizon Fios stands out in the Northeast with 100% fiber plans offering symmetrical speeds up to gigabit levels, no data caps, and no contracts. It consistently ranks high in customer satisfaction according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power.
AT&T Fiber excels in the South and Midwest, providing strong value at around 11 cents per Mbps, unlimited data, free equipment, and no price increases. Multi-gig plans reach 5 gigabits per second with matching upload and download speeds. However, its DSL options lag behind with data caps.
For cable internet, Spectrum emerges as a solid alternative where fiber is unavailable, serving about 30 million customers without data caps or contracts. Prices start competitively but rise after one year. Xfinity, the largest cable provider covering over 100 million people, offers speeds up to 2,000Mbps but includes data caps on some plans and requires contracts for lowest rates.
Rural users may turn to fixed wireless like Rise Broadband, delivering up to 250Mbps, or satellite from Viasat with speeds to 150Mbps, though both face latency issues. Ziply Fiber, expanding in the Pacific Northwest, boasts the fastest plan at 50 gigabits per second for $900 monthly.
CNET emphasizes fiber as the superior connection type for its reliability and speed symmetry, though availability remains limited. Consumers are advised to check addresses for options, considering household needs and cost per Mbps for value.
