Best Internet Providers in Connecticut – CNET

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Frontier Fiber is the top choice for internet in Connecticut. Along with an extensive fiber-optic network covering much of the state, Frontier Fiber offers low, stable pricing on fast, symmetrical speeds and simple service terms that include equipment rental and unlimited data at no extra cost.

The fiber internet provider is also one of Connecticut’s fastest internet service providers, offering speeds up to 5,000 megabits per second (5 gigabits per second) starting at $155 per month. However, that’s not the fastest speed overall, as Optimum also offers fiber internet in Connecticut with speeds up to 8Gbps.

Xfinity is the best source of cheap internet in Connecticut, with service starting at $25 per month for up to 200Mbps. While Cox and Optimum offer slightly more expensive, slightly faster plans, the cheapest plans start at $50 and $70 monthly, respectively. Both of which, offer starting speeds at 100Mbps.  

Whether looking for the cheapest internet in Connecticut, the fastest plans or simply a good mix of speed and value, you’ll find everything you need to know about the state’s leading internet providers below.

Our methodology

CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in Connecticut across several categories. Our evaluation includes referencing a proprietary database built over years of reviewing internet services. We validate that against provider information by spot-checking local addresses for service availability. We also do a close read of providers’ terms and conditions and, when needed, will call ISPs to verify the details.

Despite our efforts to find the most recent and accurate information, our process has some limitations you should know about. Pricing and speed data are variable: certain addresses may qualify for different service tiers, and monthly costs may vary, even within a city. The best way to identify your particular options is to plug your address into a provider’s website. 

Also, the prices, speed and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. The cards display the full range of a provider’s pricing and speed across the US, according to our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs. At the same time, the text is specific to what’s available in Connecticut. The prices referenced within this article’s text come from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month — a standard industry offering. Other discounts and promotions might be available as well, for things like signing a term contract or bundling with multiple services. 

To learn more about how we review internet providers, visit our full methodology page.

Our take – I’d recommend fiber internet over any other connection type, especially if it comes with the speeds, competitive pricing and simple service terms of Frontier Fiber.

Availability

Frontier is available throughout much of Connecticut, although select areas will only have access to Frontier’s slower, less desirable DSL service. Still, Frontier is by far the largest fiber provider in the state, with service in Bridgeport, Danbury, Hartford, New London, Stamford, Sterling and many other towns throughout Connecticut.

Plans and pricing

When Frontier Fiber introduced its multi-gig plans of 2,000Mbps and 5,000Mbps, it did so across its entire fiber footprint, including Connecticut. As a result, all Frontier Fiber customers can choose from four plans ranging from 200Mbps to 5,000Mbps, starting at $25 to $155 per month for the first 12 months.

Fees and service details

Frontier Fiber is very much “what you see is what you pay.” There are no equipment fees, data caps or required contracts, although a one-year service agreement may be required when accepting promotional offers such as gift cards. If you’d rather avoid a contract, decline any promotional offers when you sign up for service.

Our take – Cable internet, like that of Xfinity, is a close second to fiber in terms of speed and reliability. In many areas, Connecticut included, it also has the advantage of greater availability and lower introductory pricing.

Availability

More than half of Connecticut households are serviceable for Xfinity internet, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Primary service areas include Danbury, Hartford and much of the southeastern part of the state. Service is largely unavailable in Bridgeport, Stamford and Torrington.

Plans and pricing

Xfinity has the lowest starting price for internet of any major ISP in Connecticut at $25 per month for speeds up to 200Mbps. Other plans range from 400Mbps to 2,000Mbps, starting at $35 to $110 per month.

Fees and service details

The fine print can vary by region, but most Xfinity customers in Connecticut can receive unlimited data at no extra cost. Equipment rental may also be included (a $15 monthly value) but is less common, so plan for an additional $15 on your bill if you choose to rent your router. As for contracts, most plans do not require one, but you may have to agree to a one- or two-year contract to get the lowest pricing in some locations.

Our take – T-Mobile Home Internet is an ideal choice for broadband in suburban and rural Connecticut. Considering the low pricing and decent speed potential, you may also find it a suitable alternative to your area’s big cable or fiber providers.

Availability

Per the FCC, T-Mobile Home Internet covers nearly three-quarters of Connecticut households. Serviceability and available speeds depend on proximity to a T-Mobile tower and thus can vary from one neighborhood to another. Check the T-Mobile Home Internet eligibility page to see if your address is eligible for service.

Plans and pricing

T-Mobile Home Internet has just one plan, which starts at $60 for the fastest speeds available at your address, typically between 72 and 245Mbps. Qualifying T-Mobile Magenta Max customers can lock in $20 off the monthly cost of home internet.

Fees and service details

There are no equipment fees, data caps or contracts with T-Mobile Home Internet.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

It’s hard to cover the broadband options of an entire state and still give individual cities the attention they deserve. That’s why we also compile lists of the best internet providers in cities across the US, including those in Connecticut. We tackle details such as internet connection types, max speeds and cheapest providers. Check back later if you don’t find the city you’re looking for below. We’re working to add more locations every week. 

Cable internet is often the go-to for cheap internet, and that’s the case in Connecticut as Xfinity and Cox have the cheapest internet plans of any major ISP in the state.

Xfinity internet service costs $25 per month for download speeds up to 200Mbps. Cox has a starting price of $50 per month for 100Mbps. However, if you’re looking for a fiber connection, Frontier offers download speeds of 500Mbps at $25 per month for the first year. If you plan on renting Wi-Fi equipment, Frontier’s plan is the better deal than Xfinity or Cox since there’s no rental fee. 

Starting prices from many other Connecticut ISPs begin at $50 per month. That’s double Xfinity’s lowest price, but when you consider equipment costs (or lack thereof), plus the maximum speeds (up to 100Mbps with Hughesnet and 150Mbps with Viasat), the extra cost may be well worth it.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Connecticut’s best internet deals and top promotions depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers. 

Connecticut internet providers, such as Optimum and Xfinity, may offer lower introductory pricing or special offers for a limited time. Many providers, including Frontier, Cox and GoNetspeed, run the same standard pricing year-round. 

For a more extensive list of promotions, check out our guide on the best internet deals. 

Ookla speed test data from Q4 2023 ranked Connecticut second-fastest among all US states and Washington, DC, with a median download speed of 244Mbps. That’s faster than the national average (237Mbps) and below only Florida (238Mbps) and Delaware (237Mbps).

Frontier had the fastest median download speed in the state at 292Mbps, but plenty of other providers, including Cox, Optimum, GoNetspeed and even Verizon 5G Home Internet, offer plans with faster speeds than the state average.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines; internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.

For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.

Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.

But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.

Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:

While the answers to those questions are often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.

To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.

Frontier Fiber is the top choice for home internet in Connecticut thanks to its fast speeds (the fastest of any major ISP in the state, up to 5,000Mbps), competitive pricing and favorable service terms. 

While many Connecticut households are serviceable for Frontier Fiber, not all are. Xfinity also boasts high availability in Connecticut and has the cheapest internet plan in the state, starting at $25 per month for speeds up to 200Mbps. Cox and Optimum, although less widely available in Connecticut than Xfinity, also offer low-cost plans up to 250Mbps starting at $55 and 300Mbps starting at $100 per month, respectively.

With plans starting at $50 per month, wireless home internet from Verizon may also be a practical broadband option. Still, the overall value will depend on the available speeds at your address.

What is the best internet service provider in Connecticut?

Frontier Fiber has the largest fiber-optic network in Connecticut and the fastest available speeds, up to 5,000Mbps. Additionally, Frontier Fiber’s competitively priced plans include equipment rental and unlimited data at no extra cost.

Is fiber internet available in Connecticut?

Yes. More than half of Connecticut households (59%, according to the FCC) are eligible for fiber internet service. Frontier Fiber is the largest fiber internet provider in the state, but Optimum and local ISP GoNetspeed also have a respectable and growing fiber presence in Connecticut.

What is the cheapest internet provider in Connecticut?

Xfinity has the absolute cheapest plan, Xfinity Connect More, which starts at $25 per month for download speeds up to 200Mbps. Keep in mind that renting Wi-Fi equipment will likely add $15 to your monthly bill.

Cox has a higher starting price at $55 (with the Cox Mobile plan) per month, but with speeds up to 250Mbps and no equipment rental fee, it’s a better value than Xfinity’s Connect More plan if you need to rent your router.

Which internet provider in Connecticut offers the fastest plan?

Optimum offers the fastest plan in Connecticut with speeds up to 8,000Mbps starting at $300 in select areas where fiber service is available. Frontier Fiber has the next fastest plan in Connecticut, offering symmetrical speeds up to 5,000Mbps starting at $155 per month for the first year.

Xfinity also offers a 2,000Mbps plan for $110 per month, but the cable internet connection doesn’t come with symmetrical upload speeds like you would get with Optimum or Frontier Fiber. Upload speeds with the Xfinity Gigabit x2 plan max out at 200Mbps.

CNET Best Internet Providers