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What is the best internet provider in Chesapeake?
Verizon Fios offers some of the fastest broadband in the city and stands out for its symmetrical speeds. The wide availability also helps. For these reasons, Verizon Fios is the best internet provider in Chesapeake, according to CNETOther alternatives to consider include Cox, T-Mobile, and Verizon’s 5G home internet service.
We’ve also found the cheapest plans and fastest speeds for carriers in Chesapeake. If you’re a qualifying mobile customer through T-Mobile or Verizon, you can get home internet for as little as $35-$40 per month.
Cox offers the fastest plan in Chesapeake. Customers can get speeds of up to 2 gigabits per second for $120 per month, but many other providers offer speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps if your home isn’t reachable through Cox.
Best internet in Chesapeake
Chesapeake Internet Providers Compared
| Supplier | Internet technology | Monthly price range | Speed range | Monthly equipment costs | Data limit | Contract | CNET Review Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox Communications Read the full review | Cable/Fiber Optic | $50-$120 | 250-2,000 Mbps | No | 1.28 TB | No | 6.2 |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review | Fixed wireless connection | $50-$70 ($40-$50 for eligible mobile customers) | 72-245 Mbps | No | No | No | 7.4 |
| Verizon Fio’s Read the full review | Fiber | $50-$90 | 300-1000 Mbps | No | No | No | 7.6 |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Read the full review | Fixed wireless connection | $50-$70 ($35-$45 with eligible Verizon 5G mobile plans) | 100-300 Mbps | No | No | No | 7.2 |
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Source: CNET analysis of carrier data.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Chesapeake?
| Supplier | From monthly price | Maximum download speed | Monthly equipment costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot 250 Read the full review | $50 | 250 Mbps | No |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review | $50 ($40 with a qualifying mobile plan) | 245 Mbps | No |
| Verizon Fios 300 Read the full review | $50 | 300 Mbps | No |
| Verizon 5G Home Read the full review | $50 ($35 with a qualifying mobile plan) | 300 Mbps | No |
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Source: CNET analysis of carrier data.
How to Find Online Deals and Promotions in Chesapeake
The best internet deals and top promotions in Chesapeake depend on what discounts are available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we regularly search for the latest offers.
Chesapeake ISPs, such as Cox, may offer lower introductory prices or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, including Verizon and T-Mobile, maintain the same standard prices year-round.
For a more comprehensive overview of all promotions, check out our guide to the best online deals.
Photo by Ferrantraite/Getty Images
Fastest Internet Plans in Chesapeake
| Supplier | Starting price | Maximum download speed | Maximum upload speed | Data limit | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox 2 Gig Read the full review | $120 | 2,000 Mbps | 100 Mbps | 1.25 TB | Cable |
| Send 1 Gig Read the full review | $80 | 1,000 Mbps | 100 Mbps | 1.25 TB | Cable |
| Verizon 5G Home Plus Read the full review | $70 ($45 with a qualifying mobile plan) | 1,000 Mbps | 75 Mbps | No | Fixed wireless connection |
| Verizon Fios 1 Gig Read the full review | $90 | 940 Mbps | 880 Mbps | No | Fiber |
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Source: CNET analysis of carrier data.
What is a good internet speed?
Most internet plans now can handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that’s suitable for video conferencing, streaming video, or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s a look at the recommended minimum download speeds for different applications, according to the Federal Communications CommissionPlease note that these are guidelines only and that Internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, check out our guide to how much internet speed you really need.
- With 0 to 5 Mbps you can do basic tasks: surfing the web, sending and receiving email, and streaming low-quality videos.
- 5 to 40 Mbps gives you higher quality video streaming and video conferencing.
- 40 to 100 Mbps should provide enough bandwidth for a single user to meet the demands of modern teleworking, video streaming, and online gaming.
- With 100 to 500 Mbps, one or two users can simultaneously participate in high-bandwidth activities such as video conferencing, streaming, and online gaming.
- With 500 to 1,000 Mbps, three or more users can participate in high-bandwidth activities simultaneously.
How CNET Chose the Best Internet Providers in Chesapeake
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router, or kitchen utensil, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So how do we approach this? We start by examining pricing, availability, and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, the providers’ websites, and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission on FCC.gov.
And it doesn’t stop there: We go to the FCC website to check our data and make sure we account for every ISP that offers service in an area. We also enter local addresses into carrier websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power to evaluate how satisfied customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and pricing are subject to frequent change; all information provided is accurate at the time of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask ourselves three main questions:
- Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
- Do customers get value for their money?
- Are customers satisfied with their service?
The answers to those questions are often layered and complex, but the providers that come closest to yes on all three are the providers we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly costs, but we also consider things like price increases, equipment costs, and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively simple. We look at advertised upload and download speeds, and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and the FCC.
If you would like to take a more detailed look at our process, please visit our How We Test ISPs page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Internet Providers in Chesapeake
What is the best internet provider in Chesapeake?
Verizon Fios is the best internet provider in Chesapeake. This provider offers wide coverage, symmetrical speeds, unlimited data, and no annual contract. It is the best choice for most Chesapeake residents.
Is fiber optic internet available in Chesapeake?
Yes. Verizon Fios is Chesapeake’s largest fiber provider, but certain households may also be able to access Cox’s fiber network.
Who is the cheapest internet provider in Chesapeake?
T-Mobile and Verizon offer discounts for eligible mobile customers, so you could pay less and get faster speeds with these ISPs.
Which internet provider in Chesapeake offers the fastest plan?
The fastest speed you can get in Chesapeake is 2 gigabit, which Cox offers for $120 a month.
