AT&T internet alternatives
Staff rating
4.5
Customer rating
4.1
(419)Price: $55.00 - $180.00/moSpeed: 50Mbps - 5000MbpsChannels: 340+DVR storage hours: 20
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Alternatives to AT&T internet: Which is better?
AT&T is our #1 ranked internet provider for 2023. Its fiber service is some of the best value nationwide. That being said, AT&T stopped offering DSL internet to new customers in 2020, so households looking for slower speeds and budget plans may have more options with another provider.
AT&T internet vs. Xfinity internet: As two of the largest internet providers in the United States, AT&T and Xfinity overlap coverage in several states. AT&T is our highest-rated internet provider overall, with excellent value on fiber, the most reliable internet type. Even though it’s a cable provider, Xfinity also scores high on reliability, and its prices on gig plans are cheaper than AT&T in some markets.
Compare AT&T internet vs. Xfinity internet
AT&T internet vs. Spectrum internet: AT&T and Spectrum share coverage across different areas of the US. AT&T offers much wider fiber availability, and you’ll get more bang for your buck with the higher-tier speeds. But if you need a budget plan, you’ll get cheaper pricing for lower speeds from Spectrum—just watch out for fees and price hikes.
Compare AT&T internet vs. Spectrum internet
AT&T internet vs. Cox internet: If you live in a handful of midwestern or southern states, you might be able to choose between AT&T and Cox. If you’re looking for fast speeds and solid reliability, you’ll pay less for more with AT&T’s fiber plans. If your budget maxes out at $50 per month, you’ll have better options with Cox.
Compare AT&T internet vs. Cox internet
AT&T internet vs. CenuryLink internet: AT&T and CenturyLink generally serve adjacent neighborhoods, but they do overlap coverage in some places. Where CenturyLink offers fiber, its plans are competitive with AT&T. But the vast majority of CenturyLink’s coverage area is DSL-only. If you can afford to choose AT&T’s fiber plans, you’ll have much better internet access than you would with DSL.
Compare AT&T internet vs. CenturyLink internet
Where is AT&T available?
Availability often determines your internet options. AT&T internet is available in 21 states. It has some of the broadest fiber availability nationwide, and the company is growing its fiber footprint. However, some legacy AT&T DSL customers don’t yet have AT&T fiber available to them, so those in areas that AT&T used to cover will need to consider other options for rural internet.
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Canceling AT&T service
AT&T no longer requires a contract to get internet service, so most customers don’t have to worry about early termination fees. If you’re still on a contract plan, you’ll pay a prorated fee up to $180 based on the number of months left in your contract.
To cancel, the account holder will need to call customer service during normal business hours. You will need the account number and personal identification number (PIN). After you confirm cancellation, you’ll need to return your wireless gateway and any other leased equipment (but not your wall-mounted equipment). You’ll have to ship from a UPS or FedEx store because AT&T stores do not accept returns. Take in your account number, and they’ll handle the labeling and packaging.
If you don’t get your leased gear back to AT&T within 21 days, they’ll automatically charge $150 to your credit card on file. The charge is refundable within six months if they receive the undamaged equipment, but we wouldn’t risk it.
Alternative providers
Spectrum
Staff rating
3.5
Customer rating
4.0
- Plans starting at $29.99 - $169.97
- Download speeds up to 1 Gbps
- Upload speeds up to 35 Mbps
Disclaimer: Availability and pricing are subject to location. Conditions apply. For offer details, view disclaimers
Xfinity
Staff rating
3.8
Customer rating
4.2
- Plans starting at $19.99 - $600.00
- Download speeds up to 6000 Mbps
- Upload speeds up to 6000 Mbps
Disclaimer: Availability and pricing are subject to location. Conditions apply. For offer details, visit the provider's website.
Cox Communications
Staff rating
3.6
Customer rating
4.1
- Plans starting at $20.00 - $218.99
- Download speeds up to 2 Gbps
- Upload speeds up to 2 Gbps
Disclaimer: Availability and pricing are subject to location. Conditions apply. For offer details, view disclaimers
Google Fiber
Staff rating
4.3
Customer rating
4.6
- Plans starting at $70.00 - $100.00
- Download speeds up to 2000 Mbps
- Upload speeds up to 1000 Mbps
Disclaimer: Availability and pricing are subject to location. Conditions apply.
Viasat
Staff rating
2.2
Customer rating
3.7
- Plans starting at $30.00 - $349.99
- Download speeds up to 100 Mbps
- Upload speeds up to 3 Mbps
Disclaimer: Availability and pricing are subject to location. Conditions apply.
CenturyLink
Staff rating
4.0
Customer rating
4.0
- Plans starting at $30.00 - $110.00
- Download speeds up to 940Mb
- Upload speeds up to 940Mb
Disclaimer: Availability and pricing are subject to location. Conditions apply. For offer details, view disclaimers
Verizon Fios
Staff rating
4.2
Customer rating
4.3
- Plans starting at $49.99 - $110.00
- Download speeds up to 940 Mbps
- Upload speeds up to 880 Mbps
Disclaimer: Availability and pricing are subject to location. Conditions apply.
Astound Broadband
Staff rating
4.1
Customer rating
4.0
- Plans starting at $19.99 - $135.89
- Download speeds up to 1200 Mbps
- Upload speeds up to 50 Mbps
Disclaimer: Availability and pricing are subject to location. Conditions apply. For offer details, view disclaimers
HughesNet
Staff rating
2.1
Customer rating
3.1
- Plans starting at $49.99 - $174.99
- Download speeds up to 25 Mbps
- Upload speeds up to 3 Mbps
The HughesNet Gen5 service plans are designed to deliver download speeds of 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps, but individual customers may experience different speeds at different times of the day. Speeds and uninterrupted use are not guaranteed and may vary based on a variety of factors including: the configuration of your computer, the number of concurrent users, network or Internet congestion, the capabilities and content of the websites you are accessing, network management practices as deemed necessary, and other factors. When you connect to the HughesNet service using Wi-Fi, your experience will vary based on your proximity to the Wi-Fi source and the strength of the signal.
Mediacom
Staff rating
3.3
Customer rating
3.5
- Plans starting at $24.99 - $139.99
- Download speeds up to 1000 Mbps
- Upload speeds up to 5 Mbps
Disclaimer: Availability and pricing are subject to location. Conditions apply. For offer details, view disclaimers
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