CNET’s experts have identified Verizon Fios as the best internet provider in Boston, Massachusetts, due to its fiber-optic coverage and fast download and upload speeds. Xfinity has the broadest coverage in the city, offering the fastest download speeds. Astound is the cheapest option, with plans starting at $20 per month. Other internet options in Boston include T-Mobile Home Internet for 5G service and satellite internet from Hughesnet and Viasat. Virtually every household in Boston has access to high-speed internet, with multiple providers offering speeds of 250Mbps or higher. Pricing in Boston is competitive, with plans starting at around $20 to $35 per month, and even faster speeds available at higher prices.
Xfinity offers Internet Essentials and Internet Essentials Plus plans for low-income households in Boston, with download speeds starting at 50 and 100Mbps, respectively. Boston ranks 66th in the US for average download speeds, around 222Mbps. Boston residents have multiple options for home internet service, with access to at least two or three broadband providers. While multi-gigabit speeds aren’t available, single-gig service is offered by up to five providers. Most providers in Boston offer fair service terms, with unlimited data and no contract requirements. CNET’s selection of the best internet providers in Boston is based on factors such as speed, value, and customer satisfaction.
Fiber internet is available to approximately 67% of Boston residents, with Verizon Fios being the primary provider. Xfinity, Starry, and Astound may also offer fiber connections in certain parts of the city. Astound and Xfinity offer similar speed tiers, with Astound generally being the cheaper option for the first two years of service. Both providers primarily use cable internet connections, which may result in slower upload speeds and performance during peak times. Boston’s Wicked Free Wi-Fi program provides free outdoor Wi-Fi to residents, but it is not meant for use in homes or buildings. Google Webpass, Google Fiber’s fixed wireless internet service, is not available in Boston as of 2018.
