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Top home internet providers in Philadelphia: Compare plans and prices

Kara McGinley   Paste BN

Philadelphia residents have several choices when it comes to home internet providers. These include major companies like Xfinity, Verizon Fios, T-Mobile and Hughesnet. Each offers different plans, speeds and prices.

Choosing the right provider depends on several factors such as location, internet speed needs and budget. Fiber, cable, DSL, fixed wireless and satellite are all options across Philly.

Before deciding what internet speed you need and which provider to go with, it's a good idea to run an online speed test. If you find your current speeds are so slow that you can't even stream the Eagles game without a lagging picture, consider upgrading to a higher-speed plan.

Check your address with each provider to confirm service. Pricing, speed and reliability can change by location. The following guide breaks down the best home internet providers in Philadelphia, compares their plans and highlights what to consider before signing up for a service.

Top home internet providers in Philadelphia

  • Xfinity
  • Verizon Fios
  • T-Mobile
  • Hughesnet

How to choose the best internet provider in Philadelphia

  • Check which providers serve your address.
  • Compare prices and download/upload speeds
  • Consider contract terms and equipment fees
  • Look at customer service ratings
  • Factor in bundle options for TV or phone

Internet providers in Philadelphia comparison

Xfinity

Xfinity offers home internet service in Philadelphia with a range of plans for different needs. Speeds start at 75 Mbps and can reach up to 1,200 Mbps in some areas. Plans begin at relatively affordable prices but can increase after the first year.

Xfinity has a 1.2 TB monthly data cap on some plans, and equipment fees may apply. Contracts are not always required, but some deals require a one-year agreement. Many plans also offer 5-year price guarantees.

Here's a quick look at some Xfinity plans offered in Philadelphia:

  • Xfinity 300: Starts at $40* a month for download speeds of 300 Mbps with a 1-year price guarantee. No contract, unlimited data, Wi-Fi equipment and one Xfinity Unlimited mobile line included for 12 months.
  • Xfinity 500: Starts at $55* a month for download speeds of 500 Mbps with a 1-year price guarantee. No contract, unlimited data, Wi-Fi equipment and one Xfinity Unlimited mobile line included for 12 months.
  • Xfinity 1 Gig: Starts at $70* a month for download speeds of 1,000 Mbps with a 1-year price guarantee. No contract, unlimited data, Wi-Fi equipment and one Xfinity Unlimited mobile line included for 12 months. Two years of a Peacock Premium subscription also included.
  • Xfinity 2 Gig: Start at $100* a month for download speeds of 2,000 Mbps with a 1-year price guarantee. No contract, unlimited data, Wi-Fi equipment and one Xfinity Unlimited mobile line included for 12 months. Two years of a Peacock Premium subscription also included.

Read our full Xfinity internet review

*Prices based on ZIP code 19146. Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.

Verizon Fios

Verizon Fios is available in different neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia, offering fiber-optic internet with several speed options. Fios uses fiber technology, which provides consistent, symmetrical upload and download speeds. This is great if you frequently upload and download large files, like if you're a content creator or professional who works full-time from home. Service availability depends on your address. Verizon Fios plans are no-contract. Routers are typically included in plans, but you may need to pay a one-time equipment installation fee.

Here's a quick look at some Verizon Fios plans offered in Philadelphia:

  • Verizon Fios 300: Start at $49.99* a month for download and upload speeds of 300 Mbps/300 Mbps. Unlimited data, router included and a 3-year price guarantee.
  • Verizon Fios 500: Start at $74.99* a month for download and upload speeds of 500 Mbps/500 Mbps. Unlimited data, router included and a 4-year price guarantee.
  • Verizon Fios 1 Gig: Start at $89.99* a month for download and upload speeds of 1,000 Mbps/1,000 Mbps. Unlimited data, router and Fios Whole-Home Wi-Fi device included and a 5-year price guarantee.

Read our full Verizon Fios review

*Prices based on ZIP code 19146. Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile offers 5G home internet service in Philadelphia, providing local residents with a wireless alternative to traditional broadband. The plan features simple pricing with no annual contract and includes all equipment. Coverage and speeds may vary depending on location and network traffic in different neighborhoods. The service is available month-to-month, making it a potential option for those seeking flexibility.

Here's a quick look at some T-Mobile 5G plans offered in Philadelphia.

  • T-Mobile Rely Home Internet: Starting at $50* a month for download speeds of 133 – 415 Mbps (5G) and upload speeds of 12 – 55 Mbps (5G). Includes unlimited data, 5-year price guarantee and 5G gateway.
  • T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet: Starting at $60* a month for download speeds of 133 – 415 Mbps (5G) and upload speeds of 12 – 55 Mbps (5G). Includes unlimited data, 5-year price guarantee, high-performance 5G gateway, cyber security and 24/7 live interactive assistance.
  • T-Mobile All-In Home Internet: Starting at $70* a month for download speeds of 133 – 415 Mbps (5G) and upload speeds of 12 – 55 Mbps (5G). Includes unlimited data, 5-year price guarantee, high-performance 5G gateway, cyber security, 24/7 live interactive assistance, Wi-Fi Mesh Access Point, Hulu (with ads) and Paramount+ Essential plan.

Read our T-Mobile 5G home internet review

*Prices based on ZIP code 19146. Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.

Hughesnet

Hughesnet is a satellite internet provider available in Philadelphia. It offers service to homes and businesses, including areas not reached by cable or fiber. Because Hughesnet uses satellite, connection can be impacted by network congestion and bad weather. Due to Hughesnet plan data caps, you may experience slower speeds if you reach your monthly limit.

Here's a quick look at some Hughesnet internet plans offered in Philadelphia:

  • Hughesnet Select: Starting at $49.99* per month for download speeds up to 50 Mbps. Includes 100 GB of priority data.
  • Hughesnet Elite: Starting at $64.99* per month for download speeds up to 100 Mbps. Includes 200 GB of priority data.
  • Hughesnet Fusion: Starting at $94.99* per month for download speeds up to 100 Mbps. Includes 200 GB of priority data. This plan is more expensive than the Elite plan because it is a combination of wireless technology and satellite. This means there is less chance of lag and buffering than the other two Hughesnet plans

Read our full Hughesnet home internet review

*Prices based on ZIP code 19146. Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.

Which internet providers offer the cheapest plan in Philadelphia?

Out of the internet providers in this guide, Xfinity offers the cheapest internet plan in Philadelphia, with Xfinity's 300 Mbps plan starting at $40 a month. Here's how the internet providers in our Philadelphia compare in terms of price and download speed.

  • Xfinity: Starting prices range from $40 to $100 a month for download speeds of 300 Mbps to 2,000 Mbps (2 Gig).
  • Verizon Fios: Starting prices range from $49.99 to $89.99 a month for download speeds of 300 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps (1 Gig).
  • Hughesnet: Starting prices range from $49.99 to $94.99 a month for download speeds of 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps + data.
  • T-Mobile 5G: Starting prices range from $50 to $70 a month for download speeds of up to 415 Mbps + data.

What types of internet are available in Philadelphia?

  • Fiber: High speeds, uses fiber-optic cables (Verizon Fios). Symmetrical download and upload speeds, which makes it great for uploading large files compared to other internet connection types. Less impacted by network congestion because it is a dedicated line.
  • Cable: Uses TV cables, widely available (Xfinity). You can get multi-gig speeds for faster connection. Depending on provider and plan, your speeds may be impacted by network congestion during busy times.
  • DSL: Uses phone lines, slower speeds and less common than cable.
  • Fixed Wireless: Delivered via radio signals (T-Mobile). 5G is widely available, but the connection can be affected by network congestion.
  • Satellite: Available almost everywhere, slower speeds (Hughesnet). Typically, satellite internet is a good option if you live in a rural or hard-to-reach area. Speeds can be impacted by signal, weather and network congestion.

What are the fastest internet options in Philadelphia?

Xfinity is the fastest internet provider in our Philadelphia home internet guide, offering download speeds of up 2 Gig. That said, Verizon Fios isn't far behind with its 1 Gig plan. And Verizon Fios is a fiber provider, whereas Xfinity plans are cable. Typically, fiber plans are more consistent than cable because fiber is a dedicated line and less affected by network congestion and internet throttling. That said, Xfinity does offer more plan options and cheaper pricing for some plans.

T-Mobile 5G offers decent plan speeds of up to 415 Mbps, but because it is fixed wireless, the connection may be impacted by signal and network congestion. Hughesnet is a satellite provider, which

Are there any special programs for affordable internet in Philadelphia?

Yes, many major internet providers in Philadelphia offer affordable internet plans to qualifying households. Typically, you must meet eligibility requirements. An ISP in Philly may require proof that you take part in a government-assistance program, like SNAP, SSI or Medicare. Below are several Philadelphia internet providers that offer affordable internet plans.

  • 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. No credit check or contract required. Equipment included. Must meet eligibility requirements.
  • Access from AT&T: Starts at $30 a month for download speeds of 100 Mbps. Monthly cost 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.
  • Verizon Forward: Discounted Verizon internet plans for Verizon 5G and Verizon Fios customers. Must qualify.

Contributing: Hannah Whatley, Camryn Smith, 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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