If you’re glued to streaming services like Netflix, Max, and Hulu, and want the best quality from those platforms, you’ll need a fast internet connection to match.
However, understanding which packages represent good value for money is not easy. Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you. Below are the best plans currently available from major US internet providers.
What is the best internet speed for streaming and gaming?
It depends on the service(s) you use or wish to use.
On the streaming front, you won’t necessarily need high speeds if you opt for the lower-cost tiers that max out Full HD content (such as Netflix Basic and Max Ad-Lite). However, if you want to stream 4K content to multiple devices at the same time, that changes things.
Different streaming platforms have varying recommendations for internet speeds. Netflix only charges 15 Mbps for 4K content on its Premium plan, but Disney+, Hulu, and Prime Video charge 25 Mbps. Max recommends this speed as a minimum and says that generally anything over 50 Mbps is best.
Speeds above 35 Mbps will be useful if you stream live content such as sports through platforms like ESPN+, YouTube TV and more.
Remember that these numbers are per flow. So if you wanted to make sure three people could stream 4K at the same time, you’d need 100 Mbps, plus some headroom for someone else to use the internet for other things.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Most multiplayer games don’t require super-fast speeds. The FCC recommends a download speed of 3 to 6 Mbps and an upload speed of 1 Mbps at a minimum. However, this is based on one device at a time.
This number matches what popular titles like Fortnite, Overwatch, and Fall Guys recommend.
If you’re gaming in the cloud, you’ll want higher speeds. Xbox Cloud Gaming recommends a minimum of 20 Mbps on consoles, while Nvidia GeForce Now recommends at least 15 Mbps for 720p at 60 fps and 25 Mbps for 1080p at 60 fps.
With all that in mind, here are the ISPs with the best deals across the country.
What is the best Internet for streaming in the United States?
If you really want it, some providers offer insane 10,000 Mbps (10 GB) download speeds, but that’s overkill for almost everyone.
In choosing the packages below, we have instead considered the price and availability of providers and have listed them below.
Note that the plans listed may differ in cost depending on where you are in the US, so be sure to shop around before committing.
Xfinity 10G network: 200 Mbps | $35 per month
View Xfinity Internet Plans
This plan from Comcast’s Xfinity is flexible, as it’s locked in at $35 a month for one year — but customers aren’t bound by a contract, so it’s a great option for renters. 200 Mbps should be more than enough for streaming and gaming on multiple devices in busy homes.
After the end of the year, the price will increase – although you may be able to negotiate a deal over the phone. Xfinity is available in over 40 states, so it’s one of the most popular providers on this list.
If you know you’ll be in a long-term spot, you can also opt for the Connect More plan, which offers the same 200Mbps download speeds, but on a longer 24-month contract. Costs vary by region, but start from $25 per month.
Xfinity offers plans starting at $20 per month for 75 Mbps and up to 1200 Mbps for $70 per month.
AT&T Fiber: 300 Mbps | $55 per month
View AT&T Internet Plans
AT&T Fiber is available in 21 states, and this plan is on a 12 month contract. 300 Mbps is more than enough for multiple 4K streams and games – AT&T quotes up to 10 devices in use. Plus, when you sign up, you get a free $100 gift card.
If fiber isn’t available where you are, AT&T also offers an Internet plan for the same price, though this only comes with 100 Mbps download speeds. While that’s still good enough for streaming and gaming, it’s not quite as good a deal.
AT&T Fiber plans start from this one at 300 Mbps and go up to 5 Gig for $180 per month.
Verizon Fios: 300 Mbps | $24.99 per month
View Verizon Internet Plans
If you’re based in the northeast, Verizon Fios is a great fiber option. This 300 Mbps plan keeps that price for 24 months and includes a $50 Verizon online gift card with purchase.
The 300Mbps plan is the opening plan in this range, and you can get speeds of up to 1 Gig for $64.99 per month.
Border: 500 Mbps | $49.99 per month
View Frontier Internet Plans
Frontier is available in 25 states and is considered a good option for rural households. Frontier says it has no annual contracts on its plans. Although this is good flexibility, you should be careful of any price increases.
The 500 Mbps plan should be enough for home streaming, but there are plans available up to 5 Gig for $154.99 per month, if desired.
Mediacom: 100 Mbps | $19.99 per month
See Mediacom internet plans
Mediacom has one of the cheapest plans in the US, and that 100 Mbps is great if you’re just looking for a plan that can help the family watch Netflix at home. This is a 12 month contract, so keep an eye out for future price increases.
This is Mediacom’s open plan – you can get speeds of up to 1GB for $59.99 per month.
Best internet and streaming service plans in the US
While your download speeds will be a major factor in choosing your ISP, some also offer decent packages with streaming platforms.
Here are our picks of the best available right now:
Verizon Fios: 1 concert with Disney+ | $64.99 per month
View Verizon Internet Plans
This plan is ideal for those who have a lot of users in a household or who use the internet for more demanding things, like streaming games on Twitch. Plus, you get six months of Disney+ for free with no ads and a $100 gift card with purchase on that plan. Disney+ is the home of Marvel, Star Wars, and The Simpsons.
Spectrum: 300 Mbps with Peacock Premium | $49.99 per month
View Spectrum Internet Plans
This 12-month deal from Spectrum isn’t as competitive as its rivals, but you get 90 days of Peacock Premium for free. This streaming service includes access to many NBC favorites such as Parks and Recreation, and offers originals such as the mystery series Poker Face.
Frontier: 500 Mbps with YouTube TV | $108 per month
View Frontier Internet Plans
Frontier Fiber customers can get $15 a month off their first year of YouTube TV, which has over 85 channels, six simultaneous streams and is a great option for sports fans.
This is in addition to the internet contract ($49.99 per month), bringing the total to just over $100 per month. Although more expensive, it’s a decent option if you’re planning to cut the cord and want an alternative to traditional cable.
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