Best Internet Providers in Cincinnati, Ohio
What are the best internet providers in Cincinnati?
CNET experts have researched and evaluated Cincinnati’s internet service providers to find the best option for you, whether it’s speed or affordable. Cincinnati residents have two main options when it comes to internet providers. spectrum And altafiber. (Some households can access it via 5G Home Internet T-MobileVerizon or AT&T InternetAir. ) I recommend it after the test altofiber As the best internet provider in Cincinnati, Thanks to the combination of high speed and reasonable pricing.
If you want an affordable option, Spectrum offers plans starting at $50 a month at 500Mbps. If speed is a priority, AltAfiber has a $100-month 2 Gigabit plan. However, please note that ultimately, your choices will vary depending on which provider and plan are available at your address.
Cincinnati internet providers compared
| Provider | Internet Technology | Monthly price range | Speed range | Monthly Equipment Cost | Data Cap | contract | CNET Review Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| altofiber | fiber | $40- $100 | 100-2,000Mbps | none | none | none | n/a |
| AT&T Internet Air Read the full review |
Fixed wireless | $60 | 72-225Mbps | none | none | none | 6.9 |
| spectrum Read the full review |
cable | $50- $70 | 500-1,000Mbps | Free modem; $10 router | none | none | 7.2 |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review |
Fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$55 with a qualified phone plan) | 72-245Mbps | none | none | none | 7.4 |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Read the full review |
Fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$45 with a qualified phone plan) | 50-300mbps | none | none | none | 7.2 |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Other available internet providers in Cincinnati
- Hughesnet: If you’re in Cincinnati or in direct suburbs, you probably don’t need satellite internet. Available only at speeds between 50-100Mbps, prices start at $50 with a two-year contract and equipment fee.
- starlink: Prices start at $120 a month and cost a hefty device fee of $349, Starlink outperforms top fiber and cable internet providers. The obvious appeal of this satellite provider is its accessibility, low latency and unlimited data for rural residents. Additionally, Starlink’s new internet options, Starlink MiniYou can have an internet connection on the go.
- T-Mobile Home Internet: Cincinnati residents can access 5G Internet from Verizon and T-Mobile. T-Mobile’s home internet service ranges from $50-70 per month, offering speeds up to 245Mbps.
- Viasat: Another major satellite internet company, Viasat, has a monthly price starting at $130, with speeds that can reach up to 150Mbps depending on your plan.
Cheap Internet Options in Cincinnati
Cincinnati residents can expect to pay between $35-50 for internet services, as they do not include expensive satellite internet options. The city’s most affordable plan comes from Altafiber ($35 a month), which offers 100Mbps.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Cincinnati?
| Provider | Start monthly prices | Maximum download speed | Monthly Equipment Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| AltAfiber fioptics 100mbps | $40 | 100Mbps | none |
| AltAfiber fioptics 400mbps | $40 | 400mbps | none |
| AltAfiber fioptics 600mbps | $50 | 600mbps | none |
| Spectrum Internet Premier Read the full review |
$50 | 500mbps | $10 (optional) |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review |
$50 ($35 on a qualified mobile plan) | 245Mbps | none |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Read the full review |
$50 ($35 on a qualified mobile plan) | 100Mbps | none |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find internet trading and promotions in Cincinnati
The best internet trading and top promotions in Cincinnati depend on the discounts available in the meantime. Most transactions are short-lived, but we frequently look into the latest offers.
Cincinnati internet providers such as AltAfiber and Verizon may offer introductory prices or streaming add-ons for a limited time. However, some such as the T-Mobile Home Internet and AT&T Internet Air carry the same standard pricing all year round.
Check out our guide for a list of more extensive promotions Best Internet Trading.
How fast is Cincinnati Roadband?
With limited options, it’s not surprising that the median download speeds in Cincinnati are lower than other American and Ohio cities. Queen City is ranked 90th Ookla Internet Speed List In the 100 most populous cities in the country, the median download speeds are approximately 1 second per 183 megabit, and upload speeds of around 30 Mbps. Not bad, but it’s not great. Thankfully, High-speed Internet Options It is available in the city. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET and Ziff Davis.)
Looking for a fast download speed? Consider AltAfiber’s 2,000Mbps plan. This is available at select addresses and is available for $100 a month. If that plan is not available, AltAfiber also offers a $70 monthly 1,000Mbps plan. This is the same price as Spectrum’s 1,000Mbps plan.
The fastest internet plan in Cincinnati
| Provider | Starting price | Maximum download speed | Maximum upload speed | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AltAfiber fioptics 2 gig | $100 | 2,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | fiber |
| AltAfiber fioptics 1 gig | $70 | 1,000Mbps | 600mbps | fiber |
| Spectrum Internet Gig Read the full review |
$70 | 1,000Mbps | 35Mbps | cable |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What is the internet speed?
Most Internet connectivity plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate video conferencing, streaming video, or gaming, then a more robust connection gives you a better experience. Below is an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications. According to the FCC. Please note that these are guidelines only and that internet speed, service and performance vary depending on connection type, provider and address.
- Using 0-5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics. Browsing the Internet, sending and receiving emails, streaming low-quality videos.
- 5-40Mbps offers high quality video streaming and video conferencing.
- 40-100Mbps should provide enough bandwidth for one user to meet the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
- With 100-500Mbps, one-two users can simultaneously participate in high-bandwidth activities such as video conferencing, streaming, and online gaming.
- With 500-1,000Mbps, more than three users can engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
See the guide for more information The internet speed you really need.
How CNET Chooses the Best Internet Providers in Cincinnati
There are many internet service providers and are local. Unlike the latest Smartphone, Laptop, router or Kitchen toolsIt is not practical to personally test all ISPs in a given city. So, what is our approach? We start by researching pricing, availability and speed information and mapping information from our own historical ISP data, provider sites, and Federal Communications Commission. fcc.gov.
But that doesn’t end there. Visit the FCC website to review your data and consider all ISPs that provide services in your area. You can also enter your local address on the provider website to find specific options for residents. Consider sources that include the American Customer Satisfaction Index and JD Power and assess how happy your customers are with your ISP service. ISP plans and prices are subject to change frequently. All information provided is accurate at the time of publication.
Once you have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
- Does the provider provide access to fairly fast internet speeds?
- Are customers getting decent value for what they are paying for?
- Are customers satisfied with their service?
The answers to these questions are often layered and complicated, but the provider closest to “yes” is recommended for all three. When choosing the cheapest internet service, we look for the plan with the lowest monthly fee, but also take into account price increases, equipment fees, contracts and more. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively easy. Look at the advertised uploads and download speeds and consider the actual speed data from sources such as: okla and FCC Report.
To explore our process deeper, take a look at our process How to test ISPS page.
What is the last word from an internet provider in Cincinnati?
For most Cincinnati residents, the choice of ISP depends on Altafiber or Spectrum. However, some city residents can access 5G Internet through T-Mobile and Verizon. Prices start at around $50 and there is fast for those willing to pay up to $100 a month.
Cincinnati FAQ Internet Providers
Which is the best internet service provider in Cincinnati?
Is Fiber Internet available in Cincinnati?
Is Verizon or T-Mobile better for home broadband?
If you are in a rare situation where you can access 5G internet on Verizon and T-Mobile, you can decide. If you want high speeds, we recommend Verizon. But because of Life-for-Life’s warranty (and other additional perks), T-Mobile may shake you up. Check out our CNET article Compare Verizon 5G Home with T-Mobile Home Internet For more information.
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