Best Internet Providers in Salem, Oregon
What is the best internet provider in Salem?
CNET Featured unlimited As the best internet provider in Salemoffering the fastest and most affordable plans in the city. According to FCC data, 99% of homes in Salem qualify, and Xfinity is the most widely available option. While the price of most plans increases after two years, a no-contract policy can provide flexibility if cost is an issue.
For fiber optic Internet, Quantum fiber is the top choice in Salem, offering fast, symmetrical speeds and a “Lifetime Price” guarantee on all plans. However, only about 20% of Salem households have access.
If Quantum Fiber is not available and you are looking for an alternative to Xfinity, T-Mobile Home Internet It is a solid backing. While its wireless connection means slower speeds, it comes with a price-lock guarantee and has earned positive reviews from customers.
Best Internet in Salem, OR
Salem Internet Providers Comparison
| provider | Internet technology | monthly price range | speed range | Monthly equipment cost | data cap | contract | CNET Review Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arica | fixed wireless | $60-$100 | 10-80Mbps | $6 (optional) | without any | without any | not applicable |
| Quantum fiber | fiber | $50-$95 | 500-2,000Mbps | without any | without any | without any | 6.7 |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review |
fixed wireless | $50-$70 (Home Internet + $35 on eligible mobile plans) | 72-245Mbps | without any | without any | without any | 7.4 |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review |
fixed wireless | $60-$80 ($35-$45 for eligible Verizon Wireless customers) | 50-1,000Mbps | without any | without any | without any | 7.2 |
| unlimited Read full review |
cable | $20-$85 | 75-2,000Mbps | $15 (included in most plans) | 1.2TB | Elective | 7 |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What are the cheapest internet plans in Salem?
| provider | starting price | Maximum download speed | Monthly equipment fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity connection Read full review |
$20 | 150Mbps | $15 (optional) |
| Quantum fiber | $50 | 500Mbps | $15 (optional) |
| Xfinity connects more Read full review |
$35 | 300Mbps | $15 (optional) |
| Quantum fiber | $50 | 500Mbps | without any |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review |
$60 ($35 with eligible mobile plans) | 300Mbps | without any |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review |
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans) | 245Mbps | without any |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to Find Internet Deals and Promotions in Salem
The best internet deals and top promotions in Salem depend on the discounts available during that time period. Most offers are short-lived, but we’re often on the lookout for the latest deals.
Salem internet providers such as Xfinity and Verizon may offer lower introductory prices or streaming add-ons for a limited time. However, many companies, including Quantum Fiber and T-Mobile Home Internet, use the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promotions, check out our guide Best Internet Deals.
Fastest Internet Packages in Salem
| provider | starting price | Maximum download speed | Maximum upload speed | data cap | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantum fiber | $95 | 2,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | without any | fiber |
| Xfinity Gigabit X2 Read full review |
$85 | 2,000Mbps | 200Mbps | 1.2TB | cable |
| Xfinity Gigabit Read full review |
$65 | 1,000Mbps | 20Mbps | 1.2TB | cable |
| Verizon 5G Home + Internet Read full review |
$70 ($45 with eligible mobile plans) | 1,000Mbps | 75Mbps | without any | fixed wireless |
| Quantum fiber | $75 | 940Mbps | 940Mbps | without any | fiber |
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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 – 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—browse the Internet, send and receive email, stream 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 Salem
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. So what is our approach? We first looked at pricing, availability, and speed information based on our own historical ISP data, provider sites, and map information from the Federal Communications Commission. fcc.gov.
But it didn’t end there. 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?
While the answers to these questions are often layered and complex, we recommend the provider that comes closest to a “yes” on these three questions. When choosing the cheapest internet service, we look for plans with the lowest monthly fees, although we also consider factors like price increases, equipment fees, 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. (Disclosure: 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.
Salem Internet Providers FAQs
Which is the best internet service provider in Salem?
Xfinity is Salem’s best internet service provider, offering the widest availability, lowest starting prices, and fastest speeds. It’s worth noting that Xfinity prices increase significantly after two years on most plans.
Is there fiber optic internet in Salem?
Yes, 17% of Salem homes have access to fiber optic internet, According to FCC data. Quantum Fiber is the only fiber optic provider in the region.
Who is the cheapest internet provider in Salem?
Xfinity is the cheapest internet provider in Salem, with plans starting at $20 per month.
Which internet provider in Salem offers the fastest plans?
Xfinity and Quantum Fiber offer the fastest plans in Salem, with download speeds up to 2,000Mbps. However, Quantum Fiber has better upload speeds (up to 1,000Mbps) compared to Xfinity (up to 300Mbps).
