Best Internet Providers in Hartford, Connecticut
What is the best internet provider in Hartford?
CNET Ranking Cutting edge fiber optics As Hartford’s Top Internet Provider For its exceptional speed and value. Frontier Fiber has the most extensive fiber coverage in the area, offering symmetrical speeds of up to 7,000Mbps, the fastest in Hartford. Additionally, all plans include unlimited data and free device rental, increasing their overall value.
unlimitedHartford’s major cable internet provider is another great option. It offers the most affordable plans in the city, starting at $25 per month with speeds up to 150Mbps, and faster plans with speeds up to 2,000Mbps. However, be aware of potential contract and equipment costs, which may impact the overall cost-effectiveness of your program.
For other options, Hartford residents can consider GoNetspeed’s fiber optic internet, although its availability is more limited. Fixed wireless providers, e.g. T-Mobile Home Internet Verizon 5G home internet is also possible. T-Mobile offers wider coverage in Hartford, but Verizon may offer higher speeds for a lower monthly fee, if available.
Best Internet in Hartford, CT
Hartford, CT Internet Providers Comparison
| provider | Internet technology | monthly price range | speed range | Monthly equipment cost | data cap | contract | CNET Review Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cutting edge fiber optics Read full review |
fiber | $30-$300 | 200-7,000Mbps | without any | without any | without any | 6.3 |
| Internet speed | fiber | $40-$75 | 500-2,000Mbps | without any | without any | without any | not applicable |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review |
fixed wireless | $50 ($35-$55 with eligible mobile plans) | 72-245Mbps | without any | without any | without any | 7.4 |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review |
fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$45 with eligible mobile plans) | 100-300Mbps | without any | without any | without any | 7.2 |
| unlimited Read full review |
cable | $25-$85 | 150-2000Mbps | $15 (optional) | 1.2TB or unlimited | Elective | 7 |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What are the cheapest internet plans in Hartford?
| plan | starting price | Maximum download speed | Monthly equipment fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity connects more Read full review |
$35 | 300Mbps | $15 (optional) |
| Frontier Fiber 200 Read full review |
$30 | 200Mbps | without any |
| Internet speed 500 | $40 | 500Mbps | without any |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review |
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans) | 100Mbps | without any |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review |
$50 ($35-$55 with eligible mobile plans) | 245Mbps | without any |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to Find Hartford Internet Deals and Promotions
The best internet deals and top promotions in Hartford depend on what discounts are available during that time period. Most offers are short-lived, but we’re often on the lookout for the latest deals.
Internet providers in Hartford, such as Xfinity and T-Mobile Home Internet, may offer lower introductory prices or benefits, such as streaming services and limited-time unlimited data. Others, including Frontier Fiber, GoNetspeed and Verizon 5G Home Internet, have the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promotions, check out our guide Best Internet Deals.
The Fastest Internet Plans in Hartford
| plan | starting price | Maximum download speed | Maximum upload speed | data cap | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier Fiber 7 Gig Read full review |
$300 | 7,000Mbps | 7,000Mbps | without any | fiber |
| Frontier Fiber 5G Read full review |
$130 | 5,000Mbps | 5,000Mbps | without any | fiber |
| Xfinity Gigabit x2 Read full review |
$85 | 2000Mbps | 206Mbps | without any | cable |
| Frontier Fiber 1G Read full review |
$50 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | without any | fiber |
| GoNetspeed 1 show | $55 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | without any | fiber |
| Xfinity Gigabit Read full review |
$50 | 1,000Mbps | 114Mbps | without any | cable |
| Verizon 5G Home + Internet Read full review |
$70 ($45 with eligible mobile plans) | 300Mbps | 20Mbps | without any | fixed wireless |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What is a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate video conferencing, streaming video, or gaming, you’ll get a better experience with a stronger connection. The recommended minimum download speeds for various applications are outlined below, According to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. Please note that these are guidelines only and internet speeds, service and performance vary based on connection type, provider and address.
For more information, see our guide How much internet speed do you really need?.
- 0 to 5Mbps allows you to handle the basics: browsing the Internet, sending and receiving email, and streaming low-quality video.
- 5 to 40Mbps gives you higher quality video streaming and video conferencing.
- 40 to 100Mbps should provide one user with enough bandwidth to meet the needs of modern remote working, video streaming, and online gaming.
- 100 to 500Mbps allows one or two users to participate in high-bandwidth activities such as video conferencing, streaming and online gaming simultaneously.
- 500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities simultaneously.
CNET How to Choose the Best Internet Provider in Hartford
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. different from the latest cell phone, laptop, router or kitchen toolsit is impractical to personally test every ISP in a specific city. What is our approach? We started by looking at pricing, availability, and speed information, using our own historical ISP data, provider sites, and map information from the Federal Communications Commission: fcc.gov.
It’s not over yet. We went to the FCC’s website to check our data and make sure we accounted for every ISP offering service in a certain area. We also enter local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We evaluate customer satisfaction with ISP services by looking at sources such as the US Customer Satisfaction Index and JD Power. ISP plans and prices may change frequently; all information provided is accurate as of publication time.
Once we have localized information, we ask three main questions:
- Does the provider offer reasonably fast internet speeds?
- Are customers getting value for money?
- Are customers satisfied with their service?
The answers to these questions are often layered and complex, but we recommend the provider that comes closest to a “yes” on these three questions. When choosing the cheapest internet service, we look for the plan with the lowest monthly fee, although we also consider factors like price increases, equipment costs, and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively simple. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from the following sources: Okla and Federal Communications Commission Report. (Ookla and CNET are owned by the same parent company, Ziff Davis.)
To explore our processes in more depth, visit our How we test ISPs Page.
Internet Providers FAQs in Hartford, CT
What is the best internet service provider in Hartford?
Frontier Fiber is the best internet service provider in Hartford. This 100% fiber provider offers plans from 200 to 7,000Mbps starting at $30 to $300 per month, including equipment and unlimited data, offering the best value of any major ISP in the area.
Is there fiber optic internet in Hartford?
According to recent data, approximately 30% of Hartford residences have access to fiber optic internet service Federal Communications Commission data. Although fiber optic service can be found in random areas throughout the city, availability is highest in the south and northwest of the city (around the University of Hartford). Frontier Fiber is Hartford’s largest fiber provider, and GoNetspeed also provides fiber service to a small percentage of Hartford homes.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Hartford?
Xfinity has the cheapest internet plans in Hartford, with three plans priced lower than Frontier Fiber’s cheapest plan. Depending on the plan, a contract may be required to get the lowest Xfinity pricing, and does not include equipment rental, which will add $15 to your monthly bill if you choose to lease.
Which internet provider in Hartford offers the fastest plans?
Frontier Fiber offers Hartford’s fastest internet plans, with symmetrical upload and download speeds up to 7,000Mbps, starting at $300 per month. Frontier’s second-fastest plan, at up to 5,000Mbps, is also faster than Xfinity’s fastest plan in Hartford, which tops out at 2,000Mbps. Frontier Fiber also has the advantage of symmetrical upload and download speeds for each plan, while Xfinity upload speeds are significantly slower than download speeds.
