CNET has named Quantum Fiber as the top internet provider for most Seattle residents, praising its symmetrical speeds and affordable pricing. Alternatives like Astound Broadband and Ziply Fiber offer competitive options for speed and cost. The city's median download speed stands at 244Mbps, below the national average.
Seattle residents have access to a variety of internet service providers, with fiber options standing out for their performance. According to CNET's analysis, Quantum Fiber earns the top spot due to its fast symmetrical speeds and unlimited data. Plans start at $50 per month for 500Mbps, with a 2,000Mbps option available for $95.
For those outside Quantum Fiber's coverage, Astound Broadband, T-Mobile, and Xfinity provide reliable alternatives. Ziply Fiber, which launched services in mid-2020, is expanding its fiber network, including over 112 projects in Seattle and the surrounding Northwest. A Ziply spokesperson noted that the company is building fiber alternatives for communities currently on slower DSL connections. Multi-gigabit plans, such as 10Gbps and 50Gbps, are available in cities like Bellevue, Bothell, and Redmond, with the 50Gbps tier costing $900 monthly.
On affordability, the average internet price in Seattle is under $42 per month. Ziply Fiber offers the cheapest plan at $20 for 100Mbps, while Astound starts at $30 for up to 300Mbps. Other options include GFiber Webpass, a fixed-wireless service for apartments providing gigabit speeds for $70, and Verizon 5G Home Internet with average downloads of 300Mbps.
Satellite providers like Hughesnet, Viasat, and the newer Starlink serve rural areas but are less ideal for urban Seattle. CNET's selection process relies on FCC data, customer satisfaction indices, and real-world speeds from sources like Ookla. While Seattle lags the national median download speed of 303Mbps, its multi-gig options from Ziply and Xfinity position it well for high-speed needs.