Best Internet Providers in Worcester, Massachusetts
What is the best internet provider in Worcester?
Of the few broadband providers serving Worcester, Spectrum is the best choice for most households, according to CNET. Spectrum’s network covers most of the area and has plans that are competitively priced and have simple service details. Fiber and fixed wireless connectivity are also available to select Worcester addresses through Verizon Fios and T-Mobile Home Internet. Ultimately, the best provider for your home depends on your location.
While Xfinity beats its competitors with its low prices and fast speeds in Worcester, service is sparse: Only 2% of addresses are covered by this cable provider — according to data from the Federal Communications Commission.
For affordability, you’re better off with Spectrum or Verizon’s fixed wireless plans under the 5G Home internet network, both of which offer $50 base plans. Selco offers 50 megabits per second for just $40 a month, but its availability isn’t much better than Xfinity’s. In Worcester, Xfinity’s 1.2 gigabit plan is the fastest service, but Selco, Spectrum and Verizon 5G Home Internet offer 1 gigabit speeds for $70 a month.
Best internet in Worcester in 2024
Worcester internet providers compared
| Supplier | Internet technology | Monthly price range | Speed range | Monthly equipment costs | Data limit | Contract | CNET Review Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selco | Cable/Fiber Optic | $40-$105 | 50-1,000 Mbps | $10 (optional) | 400GB-1.5TB | No | n/a |
| Spectrum Read the full review | Cable | $50-$70 | 500-1,000 Mbps | Free modem; $10 router rental (optional) | No | No | 7.2 |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review | Fixed wireless connection | $50-$70 ($40-$50 for eligible Go5G Plus and Magenta Max mobile customers) | 72-245 Mbps | No | No | No | 7.4 |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Read the full review | Fixed wireless connection | $50-$70 ($35-$45 with eligible Verizon 5G mobile plans) | 50-1,000 Mbps | No | No | No | 7.2 |
| Verizon Fio’s Read the full review | Fiber | $50-$90 | 300-940 Mbps | No | No | No | 7.6 |
| Xfinity Read the full review | Cable | $20-$80 | 200-1,200 Mbps | $15-$25 gateway rental (optional) | No | 1 year on some plans | 7 |
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Source: CNET analysis of carrier data.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Worcester?
| Supplier | Starting price | Maximum download speed | Monthly equipment costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity connection Read the full review | $20 | 150 Mbps | $15 (optional) |
| Selco Bronze | $40 | 50 Mbps | $10 (optional) |
| Verizon Fios 300 Read the full review | $50 | 300 Mbps | No |
| Spectrum Internet Read the full review | $50 | 500 Mbps | Free modem; $10 router rental (optional) |
| Verizon 5G Home Read the full review | $50 ($35 for eligible phone customers) | 300 Mbps | No |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review | $50 ($40 for eligible phone customers) | 245 Mbps | No |
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Source: CNET analysis of carrier data.
How to find online deals and promotions in Worcester
The best internet deals and top promotions in Worcester depend on what discounts are available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we regularly search for the latest offers.
Worcester ISPs, such as Spectrum and Xfinity, may offer lower introductory prices or streaming add-ons for a limited time. However, others, such as Verizon, maintain the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more comprehensive overview of all promotions, check out our guide to the best online deals.
Fastest internet plans in Worcester
| Supplier | Starting price | Maximum download speed | Maximum upload speed | Data limit | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity Gigabit Extra Read the full review | $80 | 1,200 Mbps | 35 Mbps | No | Cable |
| Selco Platinum | $105 | 1,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | 1.5 TB | Fiber |
| Spectrum Internet Gig Read the full review | $70 | 1,000 Mbps | 35 Mbps | No | Cable |
| Verizon 5G Home Plus Read the full review | $70 ($45 for eligible phone customers) | 1,000 Mbps | 50 Mbps | No | Fixed wireless connection |
| Xfinity Gigabit Read the full review | €75 | 1,000 Mbps | 20 Mbps | No | Cable |
| Fios 1 Gig | $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 FCCPlease 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 perform 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 Picked the Best Internet Providers in Worcester
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 price, availability, and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, the providers’ websites, and map information on FCC.gov.
But 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 JD 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?
While the answers to these questions are often multi-layered and complex, the providers that come closest to “yes” to all three questions are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fees, though 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 also consider real-world speed data from sources such as Ookla And FCC Reports.
If you would like to take a more detailed look at our process, please visit our How We Test ISPs page.
Internet Providers in Worcester FAQ
What is the best internet provider in Worcester?
With its wide availability and variety of speeds to choose from, Spectrum is the best internet provider in Worcester. As an added bonus, Spectrum’s prices include unlimited data and a free modem at no extra cost.
Is fiber optic internet available in Worcester?
Unfortunately, fiber optic internet in Worcester is limited — less than 10% of addresses can access it. Verizon Fios is the largest fiber provider in the area, but certain households may also be able to use Selco’s fiber network.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Worcester?
While Xfinity offers the cheapest plan in Worcester, the carrier’s limited coverage in the area means it’s an unlikely option in your address. Instead, check out Spectrum or Verizon 5G Home Internet, both of which offer plans starting at $50 per month.
Which internet provider in Worcester offers the fastest plan?
Xfinity’s 1.2 gigabit service is the fastest speed available in the area, but connectivity is limited to 2% of addresses in WorcesterYou’ll find wider coverage if you opt for Spectrum or Verizon 5G Home Internet, both of which offer 1,000 Mbps plans.
