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We've scoped out the top internet providers in Chicago and gathered some useful tips to make your decision easier. From comparing plans to figuring out what matters most to you, we've got you covered on your internet journey.
Top 8 Most Popular Internet Service Providers in Chicago, IL.
5 Gbps
$39.95
91.11%
EarthLink Fiber provides Fiber Internet and DSL Internet services in Chicago, IL.
1 Gbps
$55.00
91.11%
AT&T provides DSL Internet and Television services in Chicago, IL.
5 Gbps
$55.00
87.7%
AT&T Fiber provides Fiber Internet and Television services in Chicago, IL.
150 Mbps
$49.99
65.11%
Viasat provides Satellite Internet and Phone services in Chicago, IL.
155 Mbps
$29.99
22.35%
RCN provides Fiber Internet, Cable Internet, Television and Phone services in Chicago, IL.
1 Gbps
$50.00+
87.38%
Xfinity provides Cable Internet, Television and Phone services in Chicago, IL.
50 Mbps
$50.00
16.5%
WOW! provides Fiber Internet, Cable Internet, DSL Internet and Television services in Chicago, IL.
100 Mbps
$74.99*
64.73%
HughesNet provides Satellite Internet and Phone services in Chicago, IL.
Fastest Internet Providers in Chicago
Speed Up To:
5 Gbps
Connection Type:
Fiber, DSL
Additional Information:
Get Started with your EarthLink Internet. Check out all the bells and whistles you get to help you make the most out of your EarthLink experience.
Speed Up To:
5 Gbps
Connection Type:
Fiber, Television
Additional Information:
Compare AT&T's Fiber Internet Plans with speeds up to 1Gbps starting at $60.00/mo.
Speed Up To:
1 Gbps
Connection Type:
DSL, Television
Additional Information:
AT&T U-verse Internet offers lightning-fast, high-speed internet with speeds up to 45 Mbps at a great price.
Speed Up To:
1 Gbps
Connection Type:
Cable, Television, Phone
Additional Information:
Comcast customers get access to millions of WiFi hotspots nationwide!
Speed Up To:
155 Mbps
Connection Type:
Fiber, Cable, Television
Additional Information:
Award-winning, high-speed internet service with super fast speeds up to 155 Mbps.
Speed Up To:
150 Mbps
Connection Type:
Satellite, Phone
Additional Information:
Our mission is to connect the world by making the internet accessible, affordable and secure to everyone, anywhere.
Speed Up To:
100 Mbps
Connection Type:
Satellite, Phone
Additional Information:
Unlimited Data – With no hard data limits, if you use the data in your plan, speeds will reduce.
Speed Up To:
50 Mbps
Connection Type:
Fiber, Cable, DSL
Additional Information:
WOW! is one of the nation’s leading broadband providers, serving residential, business and wholesale customers in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Maryland and the Southeast.
Types of Internet Available in Chicago, IL.
Fiber Internet
Fiber offers the fastest speeds, ensuring smooth performance for activities like gaming and 4K streaming. Chicago has four major fiber providers: Astound, AT&T, EarthLink, and Google Fiber.
Cable
Astound and Xfinity provide cable internet plans with speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1.5 Gigs. While not as fast as fiber, cable is dependable and often offers bundle deals with TV services.
5G
T-Mobile provides moderate coverage in Chicago with 5G home internet , delivering speeds up to 245 Mbps. Verizon serves 60 percent of the city with its 5G offering, expanding access to high-speed internet options.
Satellite
Satellite internet, available throughout the country, is provided by HughesNet, Viasat, and Starlink. While offering speeds of up to 100 Mbps, satellite internet typically comes with extremely high latency. Additionally, costs associated with satellite internet tend to be higher. Starlink, however, provides a unique alternative with potential speeds of up to 500 Mbps.
DSL
DSL technology, offered by select providers like AT&T, provides internet access through existing telephone lines. While not as fast as fiber or cable, DSL remains a viable option for areas without access to other high-speed technologies.
Cheapest Internet Options in Chicago
Price starts at
$29.99/month
Speeds
Up to 155 Mbps
Price starts at
$39.95/month
Speeds
Up to 5 Gbps
Price starts at
$49.99/month
Speeds
Up to 150 Mbps
Price starts at
$50.00+/month
Speeds
Up to 1 Gbps
Price starts at
$50.00/month
Speeds
Up to 50 Mbps
Internet Speed Guide: How Much Speed Do You Need?
This table provides a general guideline for selecting internet speeds based on the number of devices and typical online activities. Keep in mind that actual speed requirements may vary depending on individual usage patterns and specific needs.
| Speed Range (Mbps) | Number of Devices | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 25 | 1-2 | Basic web browsing, email, light streaming |
| 25-50 | 2-4 | Web browsing, email, SD video streaming |
| 50-100 | 5-9 | HD video streaming, online gaming (fast enough for multiplayer games) |
| 100-500 | 10+ | 4K video streaming, video conferencing, gaming (multiplayer) |
| 500-1000+ | 15+ | 4K video streaming on multiple devices simultaneously, heavy gaming, large file downloads/uploads |
Understanding Internet Speed: Download and Upload
Internet speed is important for both downloading and uploading data. Download speed is how fast data comes from the internet to your device, while upload speed is how fast data goes from your device to the Internet. Here's what you need to know:
Download Speed
This is important for activities like streaming videos and downloading files. A speed of 25 Mbps is good for basic use, but for things like gaming or streaming in 4K high quality, you'll want at least 100 Mbps.
Upload Speed
This matters for tasks like uploading photos or videos to the internet. A speed of 3 Mbps is fine for basic use, but for things like video calls or uploading large files, aim for at least 10 Mbps.
Your Provider Speed Test
Check how fast your internet is with our speed test. See how quickly you can browse the web and download content.
Chicago Internet Provider Coverage
Having internet is pretty much a must for everyday life, but not everyone's hooked up the same way across Chicago's neighborhoods. Take the South and West sides, for example—they've got a higher share of households without internet, up to 40% in some spots. According to Forbes, the typical monthly internet bill in Chicago is, on average, $76, which can be pretty steep for some families. But hey, your actual bill might be different depending on your plan and provider. So, don't worry, finding the right fit is doable. Residents in Chicago have access to a variety of internet providers, each offering different levels of coverage and service options.
- Availability: 91.11%
- Availability: 91.11%
- Availability: 87.7%
- Availability: 87.38%
- Availability: 65.11%
- Availability: 64.73%
- Availability: 22.35%
- Availability: 16.5%
Frequently Asked Questions
Chicago is working to improve internet access in underserved areas through programs like Chicago Connected. Launched in June 2020, this program offers free internet to qualifying Chicago Public Schools (CPS) families for four years.
Another effort addressing the digital gap is the Chicago Area Broadband Initiative (CABI), led by the NGO Quilt. This program aims to reduce the disparity in broadband access in urban underserved communities. CABI's innovative approach focuses on establishing Gigabit Opportunity Zones in economically neglected areas across Chicago.
Chicago residents can access various types of internet connections, including fiber optic, cable, DSL, wireless, satellite, and 5G, depending on the availability in their area and the provider.
Disclaimer: The plans and prices may be subject to change based on specific locations within Chicago, IL, deals on offer, and other factors. The information presented on this page is provided by third-party sources and relevant individuals. We do not independently verify the accuracy or completeness of this information. Customers are advised to conduct their own due diligence and research to ensure they have the most relevant and up-to-date information before making any decisions.
