Often, choosing the best ISP means picking one from the providers available in your location. Below are the factors to consider when selecting the one that’s best for your internet needs.

Availability

While most of the country can access the internet from home one way or another, few ISPs are available in more than half of the country. That means you’ll likely have to choose from one or a few available where you live. Start your search by identifying the ISPs available to you.

Speed

Depending on how you use the internet, speed is often the most important factor outside of availability. The connection speed you choose will affect how you can use the internet. It’ll also affect how much the connection will cost. Slower speeds, below 100 Mbps, are less costly and are excellent for users who check email and infrequently download large files. Speeds over 100 Mbps are generally necessary for users who spend time online gaming, streaming or downloading large amounts of data.

Cost

Cost is typically closely tied to connection speed and data availability. Faster connections and larger data caps, including unlimited monthly data, are more expensive than slower connections with less data available. Customers can control costs somewhat by purchasing slower connections with less speed. Some ISPs allow customers to purchase their own modem and router to eliminate the associated monthly rental costs.

Reliability

Choosing a reliable connection and provider can mean the difference between a useful connection and utter frustration. For those who rely on having internet available at all times, check local reviews or FCC reports regarding broadband reliability before committing to an ISP.

Bundling

Many ISPs are also communication companies. Communication companies may offer cable television, cellular phone service or landlines. Most of these providers allow consumers to bundle their internet connection with one or more of these additional services to take advantage of reduced pricing.

Data Caps

A data cap set by an ISP is the amount of data your connection plan allows. When the data cap is reached and surpassed, your ISP may throttle your connection. Throttling means to slow the connection speed dramatically. While many ISPs offer unlimited data, few provide truly unlimited data with no speed throttling. Some ISPs allow customers to purchase more data after reaching their cap to avoid slower connection speeds.

Connection Type

Available internet connection types include 4G LTE, satellite, fixed wireless, DSL, 5G, cable and fiber optic. Depending on where you live and your precise location, one or several of those might be available. The type you choose can affect your overall connection speed and reliability. 4G LTE is a slower cellular connection available in many locations. Fiber, on the other hand, features high speeds but is only available in limited areas.

Contracts

ISP contracts are falling out of favor. Many providers now offer month-to-month terms and may promise pricing discounts or other perks for a specific duration after signing up for service. However, some holdouts still require customers to sign a one or two-year contract. Contracts are more common in areas with few internet connection options. If you must sign one, read and understand the details before committing.