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Top internet service providers in Chicago: Your ultimate guide

Kara McGinley   Paste BN

One of the perks of living in a major city like Chicago is that you have a wide range of internet service provider (ISP) options.

But which ISP you should go with will depend on a variety of factors, such as service availability, price, download and upload speeds, your internet usage and your bandwidth needs.

For example, if you live in an ultra-connected household and frequently upload and download large files, you may want to consider a multi-gig fiber internet plan. Residents of Chicago have access to fiber, cable and 5G networks from major companies such as Astound, AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon 5G and Xfinity.

Understanding the differences between providers and their services can help Chicagoans select the best choice for their needs and budget.

Read on to learn about the top internet providers in Chicago.

How to choose an internet service provider in Chicago

Selecting an internet service provider in Chicago depends on several key factors. Consider the following when deciding:

  • Availability: Not all providers serve every address. Make sure you type your address into the ISP's website to learn if service is available in your location.
  • Speed: Consider the internet speeds you need. You can run an online speed test to determine your current internet speeds. If you live in a household with heavy internet usage and multiple wireless devices, consider upgrading to higher speeds.
  • Price: Compare monthly costs and installation fees. Make sure to take note of promotional prices and how long the promotional period lasts.
  • Contract terms: Some plans require contracts while others are contract-free. ISPs may charge early termination fees, while others may buy you out of your current contract.
  • Customer service: Quality of support can vary. Comparing plans and reading customer reviews can help in making an informed choice.

Top internet service providers in Chicago

Below are some of the top ISPs in Chicago. They range in price, speeds and deal offerings. Which ISP is best for you will depend on your speed needs, the number of wireless devices in your home and your budget.

  • Astound
  • AT&T
  • T-Mobile 5G Home
  • Verizon 5G Home
  • Xfinity

Chicago internet provider comparison

Astound

Astound Broadband, formerly known as RCN, is a cable internet provider operating in several Chicago neighborhoods. There are no contracts or early termination fees. There are also no data caps on many plans, and you can score discounts by bundling with mobile.

Prices do increase after the promotional period, so make sure you keep track of when your initial promo period expires. Astound may also charge expensive one-time installation and activation fees.

Below is a quick look at Astound's internet plan offerings in Chicago.

  • Internet 300: Start at $30 per month for download and upload speeds of 300/20 Mbps*. Cable connection.
  • Internet 600: Start at $45 per month for download and upload speeds of 600/20 Mbps*. Cable connection.
  • Internet 1000: Start at $65 per month for download and upload speeds of 940/50 Mbps*. Cable connection.
  • Internet 1,500: Start at $85 per month for download and upload speeds of 1,500/50 Mbps*. Cable connection.

Read our full Astound internet review

*Plans and prices vary by service area and availability. Promotional rates reflect discounts for Autopay and paperless billing. Actual download and upload speeds may vary.

AT&T

AT&T offers both fiber and fixed wireless (5G) internet services in Chicago. AT&T is the largest fiber internet provider in the country. Fiber internet has symmetrical download and upload speeds, making it ideal for people who need to upload large files, videos or documents. Rates are expensive for multi-gig plans, but AT&T offers bundling options for lower prices. Multi-gig availability varies by location.

Keep in mind that 5G speeds are slower than fiber, but might be the only option with AT&T in some areas of Chicago. AT&T was the highest-scoring fiber internet provider in the 2025  American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), which implies most customers are satisfied with the ISP.

Below is a quick look at some of AT&T's internet plan offerings in Chicago.

  • AT&T Internet 300: Start at $55 per month for download and upload speeds of 300/300 Mbps*. Fiber connection.
  • AT&T Internet 500: Start at $65 per month for download and upload speeds of 500/500 Mbps*. Fiber connection.
  • AT&T Internet 1,000: Start at $80 per month for download and upload speeds of 1,000/1,000 Mbps*. Fiber connection.
  • AT&T Internet Air: Start at $60 per month for download and upload speeds ranging from 90-300/8-30 Mbps*. Fixed wireless connection.

Read our full AT&T internet review

*Plus taxes (w/ eligible Autopay & Paperless bill). Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). One time install chrg may apply. Ltd. avail/areas. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101. 

T-Mobile 5G Home

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet uses the company’s wireless network to provide home service. Its plans have a flat-rate pricing structure and an easy installation process that you can most likely complete on your own. Because it's a 5G connection, speeds can be impacted by signal and network congestion. T-Mobile is also in the process of rolling out fiber internet plans in select locations across the country.

Below is a quick look at some of T-Mobile's internet plans in Chicago.

  • T-Mobile Rely Home Internet: Starts at $40 a month for download speeds up to 318 Mbps/56 Mbps*. Fixed wireless connection.
  • T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet: Starts at $60 a month for download speeds of up to 415 Mbps/55 Mbps*. Fixed wireless connection.
  • T-Mobile All-In Home Internet: Starts at $70 a month for download speeds of up to 415 Mbps/55 Mbps*. Fixed wireless connection.

Read our full T-Mobile 5G home internet review

*Plans and prices may vary by service area and availability. Actual download and upload speeds vary.

Verizon 5G Home

Verizon 5G Home Internet is another fixed wireless internet option in Chicago. 5G speeds tend to fluctuate more than fiber due to network congestion, but if you live in an area of Chicago with a strong 5G signal, you should still get fast download speeds. Verizon 5G internet plans have no annual contract, and you can get multi-year price guarantees depending on the plan.

Here's a quick look at Verizon 5G home internet plans:

  • Verizon 5G Home: Starts at $50 a month for download speeds of up to 300 Mbps, with unlimited data and 1080p HD video streaming included.
  • Verizon 5G Home Plus: Starts at $60 a month for download speeds of up to 500 Mbps, with unlimited premium data and 1080p HD video streaming included.
  • Verizon 5G Home Ultimate: Starts at $75 a month for download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps, unlimited premium data, Ultra HD 4K streaming, Whole-Home Wi-Fi** (one Wi-Fi Extender) and a free router upgrade after three years included.

Read our full Verizon 5G review

*For new and existing myHome customers. Available on 5G Ultra Wideband high-band or mmWave spectrum. Applies only to the then-current base monthly rate exclusive of any other setup and additional equipment charges. Auto-pay and paperless billing discount included. Prices vary by location and are subject to change. Actual speeds may vary. 5G Home Internet plans vary depending on address/location, equipment, network connection, and external factors affecting cellular networks.

Xfinity

Xfinity, from Comcast, is the largest cable internet provider in Chicago. The provider offers a wide range of plan options at low prices; however, cost do go up after the initial promo period ends. Xfinity plans include Wi-Fi equipment, unlimited data and multi-year lock-in rates. The plans are also no-contract, and there are ways to save by bundling with mobile or TV.

Here's a quick look at some of the Xfinity home internet plan options in Chicago.

  • Xfinity 300: Starts at $40 a month for download speeds of 300 Mbps*, unlimited data and an unlimited Xfinity mobile line for one year.
  • Xfinity 500: Starts at $45 a month for download speeds of 500 Mbps*, unlimited data and an unlimited Xfinity mobile line for one year.
  • Xfinity 1 Gig: Starts at $50 a month for download speeds of 1,000 Mbps*, unlimited data and an unlimited Xfinity mobile line for one year.
  • Xfinity 1.2 Gig: Starts at $70 a month for download speeds of 1,2000 Mbps*, unlimited data and an unlimited Xfinity mobile line for one year.

Read our full Xfinity home internet review

*Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. 5-Year Price Guarantee: New Xfinity Internet customers. Limited to 300 Mbps internet and above. Requires both paperless billing and automatic payments with stored bank account (or additional $10/mo charge applies). Installation, taxes and fees, and other applicable charges extra, and subj. to change. Service limited to a single outlet. Internet: Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. For factors affecting speed visit xfinity.com/networkmanagement

Which internet providers offer the cheapest internet in Chicago?

Xfinity offers cheap internet plans and a wide range of speed options in Chicago. Astound also offers cheap promotional prices in Chicago, but the cost will go up after a year. For fixed wireless internet, Verizon 5G Home and T-Mobile offer similar pricing.

What types of internet are available in Chicago?

Chicago’s internet infrastructure includes several technology types:

  • Fiber: Uses optical cables for very high speeds and reliability. Fiber's symmetrical download and upload speeds make it a reliable, high-speed internet option that is ideal for heavy internet usage. Fiber is also a dedicated line, which means your connection should not be impacted by network congestion.
  • Cable: Delivers internet over coaxial TV cables. Cable is widely available, but upload speeds are slower than fiber. That said, upload speeds may not be too important if you do not frequently upload large attachments, like video content. Cable upload speeds usually suffice for most households. Cable speeds can be affected by network congestion or internet throttling.
  • 5G or fixed wireless: Uses cellular networks, offers wireless home internet with no cables. Signal can be impacted by network congestion, and fixed wireless speeds are slower than fiber.
  • Satellite: Delivers internet via satellite dishes, often slower with higher latency. Signal can be impacted by network congestion and bad weather. Satellite is ideal for hard-to-reach or rural areas.

All in all, fiber is preferred for speed and stability, but is not available everywhere. Cable is the most common wired connection. 5G is a newer option that works well in areas with strong cellular coverage. Satellite is mostly used in areas without wired alternatives.

What are the fastest internet options in Chicago?

Fiber internet providers in Chicago offer the fastest internet plans. Here's an overview of the fastest internet options in Chicago out of the providers we reviewed in this guide.

  • AT&T: Offers multi-gig fiber plans, but availability varies by location.
  • Xfinity: Offers speeds up to 1,200 Mbps and a wide range of availability in Chicago, but only cable options, which can be impacted by network congestion compared to fiber.
  • Astound: Offers cable internet plans up to 1,500 Mbps, but it's less widely available than Xfinity.

Are there any special programs for affordable internet in Chicago?

Chicago residents have several options for affordable internet access through special programs. These initiatives are designed to support households that may have difficulty paying for regular service. Eligibility often depends on income, participation in government assistance programs or meeting certain residency requirements.

Below are some low-cost, affordable internet options in Chicago.

  • Xfinity Internet Essentials: Starts at $14.95 a month for download speeds of 75 Mbps, or $29.95 a month for download speeds of 100 Mbps. Equipment included and no credit check or contract required. Must meet eligibility requirements.
  • Access from AT&T: Starts at $30 a month for download speeds of 100 Mbps. Price includes Wi-Fi and installation, with no equipment fees, no deposit and no annual contract. Must meet eligibility requirements.
  • T-Mobile 5G Project 10Million: Free hotspot and 200 GB of data for qualifying students in grades K through 12.

Contributing: Robin Layton, Hannah Whatley, Allconnect

This article was edited with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. Learn more about Gannett’s AI guidelines and policy here.

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