Best Internet Providers in Providence, Rhode Island

What is the best internet provider in Providence?

According to CNET, Verizon Fios is the best internet provider in Providence, Rhode Island. For most users, the symmetrical speeds of up to 1000 Mbps, with no data caps, contracts, or overages, are the best deal. As a backup, look to Cox Communications for its high-speed plans, though the speeds won’t be symmetrical. If neither is available, T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet service is a handy backup.

If you’re looking for the cheapest plan or the fastest speeds in the area, Cox is the provider to consider. For $30 per month, Cox customers can get speeds of up to 100 megabits per second, the lowest price you’ll pay for internet access in Providence, though you have to qualify for the plan. Cox also offers speeds of up to 1 gigabit, which costs $90 per month. Verizon Fios also offers a gigabit plan for a similar price of $90. While $90 per month isn’t cheap, the cost per Mbps for Verizon Fios’ gigabit plan is less than 10 cents per Mbps.

If you’re looking for more affordable plans, fixed-line carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile also offer discounted rates for eligible mobile customers.

Best Internet in Providence, Rhode Island

Source: CNET analysis of carrier data.

Other available internet providers in Providence

• Satellite: This type of internet connection offers slower speeds and higher monthly fees, but it does offer one advantage that other ISPs can’t match, and that’s widespread availability. Most Providence residents have limited broadband options, but connections from Hughesnet, Viasat, and the new kid on the block, Starlink, offer coverage almost everywhere. A satellite connection won’t elicit the fastest speeds, but Starlink is the fastest ISP of the three, with download speeds of up to 220 Mbps. Starlink is also the most expensive option, with the standard plan costing $120 per month and equipment leasing costing $499 up front. If you want to avoid Hughesnet’s two-year contract, Viasat offers a single plan with no-term contracts and speeds of up to 150 Mbps.
• Verizon 5G Home Internet: You may not get the fastest speeds with a fixed wireless connection from Verizon, but if you want to avoid satellite internet altogether, this may be your best option. However, coverage is limited throughout the city, according to the latest data from the FCCOnly 8% of Providence residents have access to Verizon 5G Home Internet. If it’s available at your address, Verizon offers download speeds of up to 300 Mbps for $70 per month. The plans are simple, too: no data caps, no monthly equipment fees, and no contracts.

Cheap Internet Options in Providence

The average starting price per month in Providence is about $47 per month. Cox has a $30 per month plan for 100Mbps, which is the cheapest internet plan in the area. That’s not all. Verizon Fios offers a $50 per month plan for 300Mbps. Qualifying mobile customers can shave $15 to $25 off their monthly bill with fixed wireless providers Verizon and T-Mobile.

Source: CNET analysis of carrier data.

How to Find Internet Deals and Promotions in Providence

The best internet deals and top promotions in Providence depend on the discounts available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we regularly search for the latest offers.

Providence internet providers, such as Cox, may offer lower introductory prices or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Others, 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.

How fast is the broadband internet in Providence?

In the latest Ookla speed test dataProvidence came in with a steady median download speed of285 Mbps. That’s not bad, but nearby Hartford fared much better at 292 Mbps. While Boston was below the fold, at just 247 Mbps. Still, Providence didn’t fare as well compared to the state of Rhode Island, at 289 Mbps.

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 Chose the Best Internet Providers in Providence

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 do it? We start by examining pricing, availability, and speed information based on our own historical ISP data, provider sites, and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at 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:

1. Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
2. Do customers get value for their money?
3. Are customers satisfied with their service?

The answers to those questions are often layered and complex, but the providers that come closest to “yes” to all three are the ones we recommend. When it comes to 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 factor in real-world speed data from sources like 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.

What’s the final word on internet providers in Providence?

Depending on your specific address, you may not have many broadband options. If Verizon Fios is available, put it at the top of your list. Verizon Fios offers gigabit speeds and features unlimited data, no contracts, and no monthly equipment fees. If you want to avoid the price hike with Cox Communications, Verizon 5G Home Internet is also a solid alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions About Internet Providers in Providence