Best Internet Providers In New Orleans, LA

• AT&T: Best Nationwide Coverage
• T-Mobile: Best Mobile Internet
• Verizon Fios: Best Starting Plan Costs
• Cox Communications: Best Overall Value
• HughesNet: Best Rural Coverage

Forbes Home’s choice for the best internet service in New Orleans for 2025 is AT&T. It has download speeds of up to 500 Mbps, or megabits per second, and a reasonable monthly cost starting nationally at $55. We also selected AT&T as the best choice for nationwide coverage.

With so many options for internet providers in New Orleans, however, it can be tough to know how to choose and where to start. To simplify it, here’s what you have to know about the best New Orleans internet providers.

When it comes to cheap Wi-Fi in New Orleans, Verizon Fios is the cheapest internet company you’ll come across. Nationally, plans start at around $25 for monthly service. For other options, T-Mobile, Cox Communications and HughesNet are also solid contenders. The overall price you’ll pay for low-cost internet in New Orleans will typically start as low as $27, according to national plan prices and cost of living data.

It’s essential to note that the average monthly costs for internet are just that—average figures, so New Orleans internet access will be dependent on several factors such as the specific plan you choose, download and upload speeds, connection types and the average rates in your area. The ranking below includes a range of the cheapest internet providers in New Orleans as well as each company’s national monthly base price.

PROVIDER	NATIONAL BASE PRICE	DOWNLOAD SPEED	AVAILABILITY IN NEW ORLEANS
Verizon Fios	$25	300 Mbps	35%
T-Mobile	$30	33 Mbps	64%
Cox Communications	$50	100 Mbps	94%
HughesNet	$50	15 Mbps	100%
AT&T	$55	10 Mbps	61%

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In New Orleans, the premier providers of rapid internet are Cox Communications, Verizon Fios and T-Mobile. Cox Communications leads the pack with quick internet plans that reach speeds up to 2,000 Mbps.

Download speed is an essential consideration when choosing your internet provider, especially if your online activities include working remotely. This demands robust bandwidth, and Cox Communications caters precisely to such high-speed requirements.

For those in New Orleans whose internet use is more limited, such as casual streaming, slower and more affordable plans might suffice. However, for power users and digital professionals, opting for the fastest available speeds can significantly enhance the online experience.

Before making a final decision, take into consideration that the averages in the following table are just that—averages. New Orleans’s internet speeds may vary based on a multitude of factors. Be sure to do your research and confirm with each internet company on your shortlist so that you know which plan offers which speed based on your location.

Explore our list of the fastest internet providers in New Orleans, including the maximum download speed and the starting cost for each provider’s plan.

PROVIDER	FASTEST DOWNLOAD SPEED	BASE NATIONAL PRICE	AVAILABILITY IN NEW ORLEANS
Cox Communications	2,000 Mbps	$50	94%
Verizon Fios	1,000 Mbps	$25	35%
T-Mobile	1,000 Mbps	$30	64%
AT&T	500 Mbps	$55	61%
HughesNet	50 Mbps	$50	100%

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Discovering a deal or promo from your preferred internet provider in New Orleans can help you save money on your bills. Many providers may offer discounts on their most popular or latest plans, and you can reap the benefits.

You’ll want to check the company’s website for the most up-to-date promotions and discounts. Some promotions or discounts may also be for specific groups, like military personnel or students. It’s worth keeping your eyes peeled regularly to spot these discounts.

Internet Connection Types Available in New Orleans

Internet Speeds Available in New Orleans

In New Orleans, 95% of individuals can access the internet with speeds of at least 25 Mbps, which is fast enough for gaming, streaming and working from home. You’ll need to select a plan with speeds of at least 3 Mbps to surf the internet or send emails.

Internet Survey Highlights How Residents Are Using Internet

As reported in Forbes Home’s 2024 internet survey, the normal subscriber pays for at least three streaming services. Another interesting statistic: Over 50% of respondents reported using services and platforms paid for by others.

Other survey findings include stats like 44% of streamers reporting that they subscribed to a service to watch one specific show or segment and the average American spending about $46 per month on streaming subscriptions.

More streaming stats below:

• Survey respondents spend about 3.1 hours a day streaming apps, shows, movies and more.
• Nearly 45% of subscribers have experienced the price increase of at least one service or platform in the past year.
• 79% of respondents experience longer internet load times that directly affect their streaming quality.

You can find the best internet provider for you in New Orleans by keeping a few variables top of mind. Some factors may be more important to you than others based on your hobbies, the number of people in your household and more. For example, if laggy internet is your pet peeve, pay close attention to the fastest plans from multiple companies. If you live out in the country, one of the companies that service rural areas will possibly be the best option for you.

Consider the rest of these categories and factors to make the most well-rounded choice for your home:

Availability

First, you’ll only want to review providers covering New Orleans and the neighborhood where you specifically stay. Availability can vary greatly, even in locations just a few miles away, so doing a bit of specific research can help a lot. Once you have your list, look at the major differences between each provider to narrow things down.

Speed

It’s no secret that speed is a top consideration for those who value fast internet. A 1-GB-per-second download speed tends to be a good standard for households wanting to stream from numerous devices. Adjust your desired speed based on your own needs.

Cost

Cost is likely another important factor—if not the most important factor—in your internet provider search. Plans can range widely, beginning as low as $20 per month for decent speeds and going up to $300 for some premium plans. Your distinctive monthly rate will depend on where you live and the provider you choose, among other factors. For example, if you’re in a rural area that’s tougher to service, your rates may be higher than in high-traffic areas.

Reliability

Reliability is paramount in an internet provider because nobody likes dealing with Wi-Fi that is inconsistent. Make sure that the company you select has reviews that show that its internet is reliable so you’ll have a smooth experience. And because hiccups happen, we also recommend choosing an ISP with some different customer support options like live chat and daily phone support.

Connection Type

Knowing the internet connection type you’d prefer will help you narrow down your choice of provider even further by eliminating any companies that don’t utilize that type of internet service. Luckily, many companies provide all the options you could want, including 5G, cable, fiber, wireless and satellite.

Contracts

You won’t always have to sign a contract with an ISP, but if you particularly want to avoid signing one, be sure to mention that early on or do your research before strongly considering a certain company. Even if you’re okay with signing a contract, you’ll want to analyze it carefully for any hidden fees. Breaking a contract can be challenging and even cost you a lot of money, so look for mentions of early cancellation fees.

Bundling

Bundling your internet, phone and cable together can help you save money, so it’s wise to examine each provider’s bundle offerings. Determine what’s included in each package and how much it costs to make the correct choice for your home.

Data Caps

Some providers may include data caps on your monthly data use. Once you’ve used your allotted data for the month, your service won’t necessarily be cut off, but you may observe that your speeds are slower or your connection is throttled. Read the fine print for each ISP and plan before making your decision, as some are more transparent about this cap than others.

To determine the best internet provider rankings in New Orleans, the Forbes Home editorial team compared 22 major internet providers across 39 different metrics, such as average monthly cost, download speed and fiber availability.

You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates internet providers in our detailed methodology page.