Whether an Internet Provider Is in Your Area
Many internet providers are only available in certain states and certain areas within those states. Most companies will allow you to search for availability and pricing by entering your ZIP code, so we recommend making this a first step when comparing internet providers, as you won’t want to consider a company that doesn’t serve your area.
Pricing, Fees and Contracts
How much you’ll pay for an internet plan is likely one of the biggest deciding factors, but you’ll want to consider the whole picture rather than signing up quickly for the cheapest plan you can find. Consider the cost per Mbps across providers to ensure you get the best bang for your buck. You should also look into factors like reliability, uptime, customer reviews and other factors that might be important to you. Ideally, you’ll want to get the best value rather than simply the cheapest price.
Additionally, read any fine print, as internet companies often offer lower rates for the first year and then prices can skyrocket after. Similarly, you might have to lock into a contract to get the advertised price. Contracts are fairly common with internet providers, so keep this in mind when comparison-shopping. Signing a contract can be limiting because you might need to pay a cancellation fee if you want out before it’s over. On the flip side, signing a contract may allow you to take advantage of lower pricing or other perks, so if contracts don’t scare you, this might be a good thing.
Internet Speeds
Do a bit of research to determine your internet speed needs. If you just do some light browsing, you won’t need as much speed as a household where multiple people work from home. Many sources, including the Internet Speed Test, recommend around 100 Mbps download speed and 10 Mbps upload speed as a good starting point. Many providers will also include general capacities for each of their plans (i.e., explaining that a certain plan is best suited for a specific household size, number of devices or other metrics). You can also call any company you’re considering and get a tailored recommendation.
Once you determine how much speed you’ll need, compare pricing and plans that meet those speeds from any provider you’re considering.
Reliability
If you’ve ever had the internet go out when you’re trying to take an important video call or finally beat the last level in a game, then you know just how important reliability is. Most internet providers will mention their reliability stats on their websites, but you can also check the quality of the connection with free tools once you’re a customer and make adjustments from there.
Whether You Want or Need to Bundle Your Internet With Other Services
You should check out any deals or promotions you can take advantage of when selecting a new internet provider, including bundling. Many companies offer bundling with cellphone plans, streaming services and other services, so keep an eye out, especially if you’re in the market for any of these.
Data Caps
Some plans will include data caps or limits to how much data you can use within the billing period before there is a penalty. You’ll want to read any fine print well to determine if these data caps exist and how they work. For instance, with some data caps, you’ll be charged extra if you go over, and with others, your internet will slow down after a certain point.
What Connection Types You need
If you’re interested in a certain type of internet connection, such as fiber, you’ll want to ensure the providers you’re considering include it. Additionally, if you’re comparing a few different plans and providers, pay attention to the connection types they offer and include it in your decision-making.
