Resources
Everything you need to choose well
Tools, plain-English guides, and the questions worth asking before you sign up for anything.
Check your address
See which providers actually reach your street, and what they charge there.
Enter your ZIP →Compare providers
All 5 providers we work with, side by side.
Compare plans →Speed guide
How much speed a household actually needs, and why upload matters more than you think.
Read the guide →Before you sign anything
The four questions that decide whether a deal is actually a deal.
What happens to the price after the promo ends?
This is the big one. A 12-month promotional rate usually steps up to the standard
rate afterwards, and the jump can be $20–$40 a month. Ask what the rate becomes
in month 13 before you compare two offers, because the cheaper headline is often
the more expensive year.
Is equipment included, or rented?
A modem or gateway rental is typically $10–$15 a month, which is $120–$180 a
year that never appears in the advertised price. Some providers include it, some
waive it for a period, and some let you use your own hardware.
What is the real upload speed?
Cable plans advertise a large download number and a much smaller upload one —
500 Mbps down and 20 Mbps up is common. Fiber usually matches the two. If anyone
in the house works from home, uploads large files, or streams, that difference
matters more than the headline speed.
Is there a contract, and what does leaving cost?
Some of the best rates require a one or two year agreement with an early
termination fee. That can be fine if you are settled — and expensive if you
might move. Always ask what it costs to leave in month six.
Get help
Talk to us
Your information
Ready to see real prices?
Enter your ZIP and we'll show what's available at your address.