Buying guide

How to choose an internet plan you won't regret

Our practical, no-jargon guide to picking the right speed and avoiding surprise charges.

How much speed do you actually need?

Count the devices used at the same time, not total devices. These are comfortable starting points:

1–2 people, browsing & HD streaming100 Mbps
3–4 people, video calls & 4K streaming300 Mbps
5+ people, gaming, large uploads500 Mbps – 1 Gig
Home office or content creatorFiber with 300+ Mbps upload

6 questions to ask before signing up

  1. 1. What's the price after the promo?

    Intro rates often rise after 12–24 months. Ask for the regular rate in writing.

  2. 2. Are there equipment fees?

    Monthly modem/router rentals add up. Some providers allow your own equipment.

  3. 3. Is there a data cap?

    Heavy streamers and gamers can exceed caps, triggering overage charges.

  4. 4. Is there a contract?

    Know the early termination fee before you sign.

  5. 5. What's the upload speed?

    Critical for video calls, cloud backups and streaming yourself.

  6. 6. Installation cost & timing

    Professional install can carry a one-time fee; self-install may be free.

Getting better Wi-Fi from the plan you have

  • Place your router centrally and up high, away from microwaves and thick walls.
  • Use a wired connection for gaming consoles and work computers.
  • Larger homes benefit from mesh Wi-Fi rather than a faster plan.
  • Restart and update your router firmware every few months.

Not sure what's available at your address?

Tell us your ZIP code and needs — we'll compare options from providers we work with. No cost to you.