Verizon Internet Alternatives 2023 - compare providers

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Updated 5/10/23

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Alternatives to Verizon Fios: Which is better?

Verizon Fios is one of our most highly rated internet providers in the US, with a reputation for very fast and very reliable home internet service on its fiber network. You can get a plan that’s fast enough for most households at great rates, and we think you'll enjoy the customer experience. Verizon’s DSL and 5G home internet plans are harder to recommend though—we usually suggest a cable or fiber alternative if it's available.

Verizon Fios vs. Xfinity: In several states in New England and south along the Atlantic seaboard through Virginia, you might be able to choose between Xfinity and Verizon Fios for home internet. You can get much faster upload speeds with Verizon Fios, but you can get plans from Xfinity that cost less than half of what you would pay for Verizon’s cheapest plan. That said, standard prices are comparable for plans with download speeds of about 500 Mbps, which is the fastest speed most households need.

Compare Verizon Fios vs. Xfinity

Verizon Fios vs. Optimum: In the state of New York, you might be able to get fast fiber internet from either Verizon Fios or Optimum. Our expert team rates Verizon’s services more highly, but just by a tiny bit. If you compare 500 Mbps plans from each provider, you’ll pay $10 more per month with Optimum and may be charged an additional $10 per month for equipment fees. With Verizon Fios, internet equipment is included. That said, Optimum also offers cable internet with identical prices to its fiber prices, and they’re a much better deal than a DSL plan with Verizon would be.

Compare Verizon Fios vs. Optimum

Verizon Fios vs. Cox: In a few areas of Virginia and Maryland, you may be able to choose between Verizon Fios fiber internet and Cox cable internet. In most cases, we would go with Verizon for its superior reliability and customer service, but you can get very inexpensive plans with Cox so that might be the right choice if your household doesn't use the internet heavily. On top of your monthly price with Cox, you’ll be charged $13 for internet equipment (or you can use your own).

Compare Verizon Fios vs. Cox

Where is Verizon Fios available?

Verizon Fios fiber internet is widely available throughout the Northeast, with a presence in New York, parts of Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Its DSL footprint in the region is even bigger and more likely to reach rural areas. Verizon’s 5G home internet reaches even more potential customers, with availability to more than 17% of homes throughout the US.