Internet hed

Photo courtesy of iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of iStock by Getty Images

Best Internet Service Provider 2026

By Readers' Choice On 9/23/26 at 12:00 PM EDT

From streaming and gaming to working and staying connected, these internet service providers help keep homes and businesses online. Vote for your favorite by clicking below.

Newsweek is proud to recognize this year's 10 standout internet service providers—selected by our editors and voted on by readers for their exceptional quality and distinctive excellence. Each has been officially recognized by Newsweek as one of the Best Internet Service Providers of 2026.
Winners of the 2026 Newsweek Readers' Choice™ Awards for Best Internet Service Providers were announced on November 4, 2026.

1. Mediacom

Internet 1

Photo courtesy of iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of iStock by Getty Images

Mediacom provides broadband, television and phone services, with a focus on smaller cities and towns across the United States. Founded in 1995, the company has invested billions of dollars in fiber infrastructure and expanded gigabit internet availability in its markets. Mediacom operates primarily in the Midwest and South, offering its Xtream internet platform alongside other communications services for residential and business customers.

2. Kinetic

Kinetic

Photo courtesy of Kinetic Photo courtesy of Kinetic

Kinetic, formerly Windstream Communications, provides fiber-based internet, phone and communications services to residential customers, businesses and government organizations across 18 states. Its consumer offerings include fiber internet, security, voice and select digital television services. Kinetic Business provides fiber connectivity, unified communications, managed services and other solutions for organizations. The company emphasizes network investment, customer experience and expanding fiber access.

3. Xfinity (Comcast)

Xfinity

Photo courtesy of Xfinity Photo courtesy of Xfinity

Xfinity, the consumer brand of Comcast, provides internet, Wi-Fi, mobile, television and streaming services to households across the United States. Its internet offerings include cable and fiber-powered infrastructure, with plans designed for streaming, gaming, remote work and connected devices. Xfinity offers equipment with many plans, unlimited data options and no-contract services. Availability, speeds and pricing vary by location and plan.

4. Astound Broadband

Internet 2

Photo courtesy of iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of iStock by Getty Images

Astound provides internet, mobile, TV and home phone services through a fiber-rich network serving communities across the United States. The company traces its regional operations to brands including RCN, Grande Communications, Wave Broadband, enTouch and Digital West. Astound emphasizes local customer support, network investment, technology and choice, offering residential, business and enterprise connectivity. Its services include gigabit broadband and fiber-powered infrastructure.

5. Spectrum (Charter Communications)

Internet 1

Photo courtesy of iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of iStock by Getty Images

Spectrum, the consumer brand of Charter Communications, provides internet, mobile, video and voice services across 45 states. Its broadband network serves residential customers as well as businesses and community properties. Spectrum offers internet service through its broadband network, including fiber infrastructure in some locations, alongside Wi-Fi, mobile and entertainment products. Charter says its connectivity services are designed for work, entertainment and everyday communication.

6. AT&T Fiber

Internet 2

Photo courtesy of iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of iStock by Getty Images

AT&T Fiber delivers residential internet through a fiber-optic network, with service available in more than 20 states. The company offers plans with symmetrical upload and download speeds and options reaching multi-gigabit speeds in eligible areas. AT&T Fiber is designed for activities including streaming, gaming, remote work and connected-home use, with Wi-Fi equipment and security features available to support home connectivity.

7. GFiber

Internet 1

Photo courtesy of iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of iStock by Getty Images

GFiber, formerly Google Fiber, provides fiber internet for homes and businesses in communities across the United States. The company says it was created to deliver high-speed connectivity capable of keeping pace with growing online demands. GFiber offers gigabit and multi-gigabit plans, with equipment included on eligible services. Its network supports activities including streaming, gaming, remote work, video calls and connected devices.

8. T-Mobile Home Internet

T-Mobile

Photo courtesy of T-Mobile Photo courtesy of T-Mobile

T-Mobile Home Internet provides fixed wireless broadband using T-Mobile's 5G network, giving eligible households an alternative to wired internet service. Plans include unlimited data and a Wi-Fi router, with some offerings supporting multi-gigabit speeds where available. The service is designed for activities such as streaming, gaming, remote work and connected devices. Availability and typical speeds depend on location and network conditions.

9. Verizon Fios

Internet 2

Photo courtesy of iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of iStock by Getty Images

Verizon Fios is a fiber-optic home internet service available primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and New England. Its 100% fiber-optic network supports high-speed connectivity and nearly matching upload and download speeds on most plans. Fios offers multiple speed tiers for households with demanding online needs, including streaming, gaming, video calls and large file transfers. Verizon also provides Wi-Fi equipment and whole-home connectivity options.

10. Brightspeed

Internet 3

Photo courtesy of iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of iStock by Getty Images

Brightspeed is a telecommunications company focused on expanding high-speed internet access in rural and suburban communities. Formed in 2021, it serves customers across 20 states, using both fiber and other network technologies. The company says its mission is to provide reliable, secure and affordable connectivity while helping bridge the digital divide. Its services include internet and voice products for homes and businesses.

FINALISTS Frontier Fiber Optimum (Altice USA) Quantum Fiber Ziply Fiber

About Newsweek Readers' ChoiceTM Awards

Nominees for Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards are selected through an editorial review process conducted by Newsweek editors. The editorial team identifies brands, destinations and services within each contest category based on editorial research and industry knowledge. Winners are determined through a public voting process hosted on Newsweek.com, where readers may vote once per category per day during the contest period.

Read the contest voting rules here. For further information, see our FAQs or email readers.choice@newsweek.com.

Newsweek Readers' Choice™ results reflect eligible votes cast by the public during the applicable voting period and are subject to Newsweek's review and enforcement of the Newsweek Readers' Choice™ Voting Rules, including the removal of improper votes and disqualification for suspected manipulation or abuse. The results are not a scientific survey, independent evaluation, or editorial ranking.

The inclusion, exclusion, placement, or selection of any business, product, or service does not constitute or imply Newsweek's endorsement, recommendation, certification, sponsorship, or guarantee. Newsweek makes no representation or warranty regarding any entrant or winner, including its quality, safety, availability, performance, accuracy, reliability, or fitness for any purpose. Users should conduct their own evaluation before purchasing or using any product or service.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Newsweek and its affiliates, program administrators, service providers, officers, directors, employees, and agents disclaim liability for any loss, injury, claim, or damage arising from or relating to participation in the program, reliance on the results, or dealings with any entrant or winner. Third-party names, trademarks, and logos are the property of their respective owners.