(NewsNation) — Choosing an internet service provider can be difficult, as can understanding the various speed options.
Internet speeds are measured in megabits per second. The higher the number of megabits your internet plan has, the faster it will be. For example, a 600 Mbps internet plan will be faster than a 200 Mbps plan.
What is considered a fast internet plan?
In 2024, the Federal Communications Commission released its report on broadband affordability, adoption, availability and access. In the report, the agency raised its benchmark for what is considered high-speed fixed broadband internet to:
Download speeds of 100 Mbps
Upload speeds of 20 Mbps
This is an increase from the 25 Mbps download speed and 3 Mbps upload speed the Commission set in 2015.
However, fast speeds for one household could be different from those for another. If you have many devices in your home that need an internet connection, 200 Mbps may not be enough for you. However, if you only have a few devices in your home, a 200 Mbps plan might be enough.
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According to HighSpeedInternet.com, the average internet speed in 2024 was 214 Mbps, which is 9% higher than in 2023. However, from 2022 to 2023, speeds increased by 24%.
Here are the five fastest internet service providers based on HighSpeedInternet.com’s analysis.
5. Cox
Cox is at the bottom of HighSpeedInternet.com’s list, with average speeds of 242 Mbps. This is still above the average internet speed of 214 Mbps for 2024.
4. Xfinity
Xfinity came in right after Cox, with average speeds of 246 Mbps.
3. Verizon
Verizon came in third on HighSpeedInternet.com’s analysis, averaging 253 Mbps.
2. Google Fiber
Google Fiber showed an average speed of 279 Mbps in HighSpeedInternet.com’s analysis.
Tips on how to get the fastest internet speed
According to HighSpeedInternet.com, Google Fiber can show how fiber internet is performing because it doesn’t have any DSL connections to bring down its average speeds. Google Fiber’s speeds have reportedly shown that fiber has an advantage over cable internet when it comes to the rate of improvement.
1. Brightspot
Brightspeed is reportedly the fastest ISP in the country as of 2025. The company’s plans have an average speed of 290 Mbps across all internet types. Brightspeed offers basic DSL internet as well as fiber internet, which HighSpeedInternet.com said could be even faster than the 290 Mbps.
How to choose an internet service provider for your family
According to CNET, the first thing you should do is figure out what internet speed your family needs. If you don’t need a plan with 800 Mbps, you could save money by choosing a plan with lower speeds.
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Here are other tips for choosing an ISP:
Look for ISPs with no contracts and promotional rates: It’s best to choose an ISP that doesn’t make you lock into a 12- or 24-month contract. This way, if you ever want to adjust your speeds, you can do so without being penalized. You can also find a plan with a promotional rate attached for a certain period of time.
Choose a slower-speed plan first: Until you know exactly what you need, it’s best to start with a lower-cost, lower-speed plan. And if the plan doesn’t come with a time-based contract, you can adjust as needed.
Choose good equipment: It’s best to choose a router that is compatible with your plan. Typically, an internet service provider will have equipment for sale at its retail store. You will also need to consider whether you want a mesh router or Wi-Fi extenders.
