Best Internet Providers in Austin, TX

AT&T Fiber

Starting From

$55.00/mo.

  • Download Speed: Up to 5 Gbps
  • Upload Speed: Up to 5 Gbps

Call to Order

(877) 675-5469
Spectrum

Starting From

$49.99/mo.

for 12 mos.*

  • Download Speed: Up to 1 Gbps
  • Upload Speed: Up to 35 Mbps

Call to Order

(877) 654-4997
Google Fiber

Starting From

$70.00/mo.

  • Download Speed: Up to 5 Gbps
  • Upload Speed: Up to 5 Gbps

Call to Order

(877) 783-2597
Table of Contents

Top 10 Internet Providers in Austin, TX

Austin is the capital of Texas and has a long history.  It started as a small place called Waterloo in the 1830s and later got its current name from Stephen F. Austin, the “Father of Texas.” With a population nearing a million, the demand for high-speed internet is palpable. Because of this, having good internet is very important.

Many companies in Austin provide internet. Some of these companies have special wires called “fiber” that can make the internet super fast. Others use regular wires or even signals from space (satellites) to transmit the internet.

With so many options, it might be hard to pick the best one. We’ll talk about all the different internet providers in Austin. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of what’s the best ISP for you.

Top 10 Internet Providers in Austin
Providers Speed Starting Price Type
AT&T Up to 5,000 Mbps $55.00/mo. DSL & Fiber
Spectrum Up to 1,000 Mbps $49.99/mo. Cable
Google Fiber Up to 5,000 Mbps $70.00/mo. Fiber
Optimum Up to 940 Mbps $40.00mo. Cable
Verizon Up to 1,000 Mbps $50.00/mo. 5G Home
EarthLink Up to 5,000 Mbps $54.95/mo. Fiber
Frontier varies* $49.99/mo. DSL
Viasat Up to 150 Mbps $49.99/mo. Satellite
HughesNet Up to 50 Mbps $49.99/mo. Satellite
T-Mobile Home Internet Up to 245 Mbps $50.00/mo 5G Home

Types of Internet Providers in Austin

Just like in any big city, people need good internet. Austin has various internet connection options, ensuring every resident finds their perfect match. Let’s talk about the different ways people in Austin can get the internet.

Fiber Internet Providers in Austin, TX 

Fiber internet, the model of broadband technology, uses thin strands of glass or clear plastic to transmit data at the speed of light. With its forward-thinking populace, Austin has attracted major fiber internet providers, making it a hotspot for this cutting-edge connection. Around 70% of Austin households can tap into this lightning-fast service, with speeds soaring up to 5,000 Mbps. Some fiber internet providers in Austin include AT&T, Google Fiber, and EarthLink.

Fiber Internet Providers in Austin
Provider Starting Price Speed Contact
AT&T Fiber $55.00/mo. Up to 5.000 Mbps Call Now
EarthLink Fiber $54.95/mo. Up to 5.000 Mbps Call Now
Google Fiber $70.00/mo. Up to 5,000 Mbps Call Now

Cable Internet Providers in Austin, TX

Cable internet, a familiar name in many households, capitalizes on the same coaxial cables that deliver our favorite TV shows. Given Austin’s urban sprawl, it’s no surprise that the city has a solid cable infrastructure. Many houses in Austin, about 8 or 9 out of 10 (almost 85%), can get this type of internet. It’s pretty fast too, going up to 1,500 Mbps. Spectrum, Optimum, and Astound Broadband are among the top cable internet providers in Austin, ensuring residents stay connected via coaxial cable.

Cable Internet Providers in Austin
Provider Starting Price Speed Contact
Spectrum $49.99/mo. Up to 1.000 Mbps Call Now
Optimum $40.00/mo. Up to 940 Mbps Call Now

Fixed Wireless Internet Providers in Austin, TX

Some places in Austin might be hard to reach with traditional wired connections. So, there’s another way to get internet using radio signals from big towers. It’s called fixed wireless internet or 5G Home Internet. It covers about 40% of Austin. It’s not as reliable as fiber or cable, but can offer instant connectivity in underserved areas. The best fixed wireless internet providers in Austin are T-Mobile, Rise Broadband, and Verizon.

Fixed Wireless Internet Providers in Austin
Provider Starting Price Speed Contact
Rise Broadband $55.00/mo. Up to 25 Mbps Call Now
T-Mobile Home Internet $50.00/mo Up to 245 Mbps Call Now
Verizon 5G Home Internet $50.00/mo. Up to 1,000 Mbps Order Now

DSL Internet Providers in Austin, TX

DSL, an old hand in the broadband world, harnesses the power of telephone lines to deliver internet. Its longstanding presence means that most parts of Austin can still access reliable internet. With 75% coverage across Austin homes and speeds that can touch 100 Mbps, DSL remains a steadfast option. Both AT&T and Frontier are key DSL internet providers in Austin, TX.

DSL Internet Providers in Austin
Provider Starting Price Speed Contact
AT&T $55.00/mo. Up to 10 Mbps Call Now
Frontier $49.99/mo. Speeds may vary Call Now

Satellite Internet Providers in Austin, TX

Lastly, there’s a cool way to get internet from space! Big satellites way up in the sky send internet signals down to a dish antenna at your house. It’s a lifeline for those remote pockets of Austin where other connections falter with the promise of universal coverage and speeds that can hit the 150 Mbps mark. Viasat and HughesNet are the only two satellite internet providers in Austin, TX.

Satellite Internet Providers in Austin, TX
Provider Starting Price Speed Contact
Viasat $69.99/mo Up to 150 Mbps Call Now
HughesNet $49.99/mo Up to 50 Mbps Call Now

Fastest Internet Provider in Austin

When you are streaming the latest blockbuster, attending a virtual meeting, or playing an intense online game, high-speed internet is important. AT&T Fiber and Google Fiber are the best high speed internet providers in Austin, boasting impressive speeds of up to 5,000 Mbps. The type of connection matters too. Both these companies use fiber-optic connections, known for their consistent and high-speed data transmission.

AT&T Fiber has been around for a long time and they know their stuff. Their service is backed by years of experience in the telecommunications sector. AT&T Fiber plans start at $55.00 per month. You get a blend of speed and stability that’s hard to beat.

Then there’s Google Fiber (a relatively newer player in the market) has quickly risen to the top ranks with its impeccable service. With plans starting at $70.00 per month, they promise a super good Internet experience, especially for those who rely heavily on the Internet for work or entertainment.

Look at what they offer, see what fits your budget, and pick the best one for you.

AT&T Fiber Internet Plans in Austin, TX

Plans Price Download Speed Upload Speed
AT&T Fiber 300 $55.00/mo. 300 Mbps 300 Mbps
AT&T Fiber 500 $65.00/mo. 500 Mbps 500 Mbps
AT&T Fiber 1000 $80.00/mo. 1,000 Mbps 1,000 Mbps
AT&T Fiber 2 GIG $150.00/mo. 2,000 Mbps 2,000 Mbps
AT&T Fiber 5 GIG $250.00/mo. 5,000 Mbps 5,000 Mbps
*Prices shown in the table above are after the AutoPay and paperless billing discounts.

Google Fiber Internet Plans in Austin, TX

Plans Price Download Speed Upload Speed
1 Gig $70.00/mo. 1,000 Mbps 1,000 Mbps
2 Gig $100.00/mo. 2,000 Mbps 2,000 Mbps
5 Gig $125.00/mo. 5,000 Mbps 5,000 Mbps
*8 Gig $150.00/mo.  8,000 Mbps  8,000 Mbps 
*The availability of Google Fiber 5 Gig and 8 Gig is currently limited to West Des Moines, Des Moines, and Mesa, Arizona.

Cheapest Internet Provider in Austin

The average cost for a high-speed internet plan in Austin hovers around $70 per month. In Austin, people need good internet, but not everyone wants to pay a lot for it. Especially when on a tight budget. 

So, if you’re looking for the best internet deal that doesn’t break the bank, you might want to sit down for this. Astound Broadband is offering a jaw-dropping deal at just $25 a month. And guess what? It’s not just any basic plan; you get a speed of 300 Mbps. That’s enough to stream, game, and work from home without any hitches. Plus, there’s more good news. With this plan, you’re not tied down with a contract. You get a price lock for a year, a free modem, a free month of internet, and even free installation. It sounds too good to be true.

There’s a small problem. Not everyone in Austin can get it because this Austin internet provider does not cover the whole city. It covers just 23.60% of the city. It’s like finding a golden ticket – amazing if you get it, but not everyone will. So, if you’re not lucky enough to access Astound’s services. We’ve got another solid option for you.

Spectrum is another affordable internet provider in Austin, TX. They offer a 300 Mbps internet plan at $49.99. While it’s a tad pricier than Astound, Spectrum has broader coverage in Austin. So, the chances are higher that you can get this service. Plus, after the initial 12 months, their regular rates are still pretty reasonable.

Spectrum Internet Plans in Austin, TX

Plan Promotional Price Speed Contact 
Internet $49.99/mo. 300 Mbps Call Now
Internet Ultra $69.99/mo. 500 Mbps Call Now
Internet Gig $89.99/mo. 1,000 Mbps Call Now
*Prices are subject to change after 12 months of service. Speeds are based on the wired connection. A gig-capable modem is required for Gig speed.

Some people might think about choosing Optimum because they charge $40. But after some time, Optimum will ask you to pay more money (more than double). So, in the long run, Spectrum might be a more wallet-friendly choice.

In short, Astound Broadband is the cheapest internet provider in Austin, but is not accessible to everyone. If you can’t, Spectrum is a good second choice. Always check which companies are in your area and pick the best deal for you.

Best Austin Internet Provider for Low-income Households

For many in Austin, the high broadband costs can be a barrier, making it challenging to access essential online resources, whether for work, education, or even basic communication. Imagine the students who can’t access online study materials or the job seekers who can’t apply for positions online. This digital divide can hinder progress and opportunities for many households.

Thankfully, initiatives like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are bridging this gap. The ACP, a successor to the Emergency Broadband Benefit, was introduced to support low-income families. This FCC program offers significant discounts on internet bills, with qualifying households receiving up to $30 off their monthly bill and those on Tribal lands getting up to $75 off.

There are numerous ACP internet providers in Austin, including big names like AT&T, Spectrum, and Google Fiber. With over 20.7 million households in the US already benefiting from this program. Here are the best ACP intenent providers in Austin, TX:

ACP Intenret Providers in Austin Price after ACP
AT&T Free*
Spectrum Free*
Google Fiber Free*
Optimum Free*
Frontier Free*
Astound Broadband Free*
Verizon $20.00/mo.
EarthLink $24.99/mo.
Viasat $19.99/mo.
HughesNet $34.99/mo.
T-Mobile Home Internet $20.00/mo.
Rise Broadband $25.00/mo.

Availability of Austin Internet Providers

Not every part of Austin can get the same internet providers. Some areas have lots of choices, while others might have just a few. The availability of internet providers in Austin vary based on several factors. Here’s a quick list to show whichAustin internet providers are moste widely available:

Providers Availability in Austin, TX
Viasat 100%
HughesNet 100%
Spectrum 96.40%
EarthLink 91.42%
T-Mobile Home Internet 79.77%
AT&T 67.34%
Frontier 54.04%
Google Fiber 42.02%
Optimum 52.90%
Rise Broadband 52.75%
Verizon 28.21%
Astound Broadband 23.60%

As you can see, while satellite internet providers in Austin, like Viasat and HughesNet have complete coverage due to their nature of service, other providers vary in their reach. Spectrum, being one of the older players in the market, has a more extensive reach, covering 96.40% of Austin. In contrast, newer entrants like Astound Broadband are still expanding, currently covering just 23.60% of the city.

If you want internet, check if the company serves your house or building. Even if they serve most of the city, they might not serve your zip code. You can ask the company or look at their website.

Best Austin Internet Provider

Okay, we looked at a lot of internet providers in Austin, TX. Based on our analysis, infrastructure, customer feedback, and overall value, we’ve managed to narrow it down. We think AT&T Fiber is the best internet provider in Austin, TX. Here’s why:

 

  • Speed and Consistency – Offers really fast internet upto 5 Gigs.
  • Available to Many –  Covers 85% of Austin. Most people in the city can get it.
  • Good Price – It’s not the cheapest, but for the speed and service you get, it’s worth it.
  • Helpful Customer Service – If you have a problem, AT&T representatives will offer instant assistance. 

 

While AT&T Fiber takes the crown, we can’t wrap up without giving an honorable mention to Spectrum. Spectrum’s widespread coverage of 96.40% in Austin and their competitive pricing make them a close contender. Their cable internet offers impressive speeds, and their customer service is also commendable. If you can’t get AT&T or want something different, Spectrum is a good pick.

So, in simple words, AT&T Fiber is our top pick for Austin. But remember, the best one for you depends on where you live and what you need. Always check and pick the best for you!

FAQs

Absolutely! Austin is one of the U.S. cities with a thriving fiber-optic network infrastructure. With its progressive and tech-savvy populace, Austin has attracted major fiber internet providers. Companies like AT&T, Google Fiber, and EarthLink offer fiber internet services in various parts of the city.

Spectrum attracts attention with 96.40% coverage in Austin. The majority of Austin’s residents have access to their services. But always check with the company to see if they can deliver internet to your home.

Austin prides itself on being a tech hub, and its internet speeds reflect that. The average download speed in Austin is 164 Mbps. That’s faster than the state average for Texas and even surpasses the US average.

Upload speeds are crucial for video conferencing, large file upload, and online gaming. In Austin, the average upload speed is 74 Mbps. This is higher than the Texas state average of 67 Mbps and almost doubles the U.S. average of 46 Mbps.

The concept of free internet might sound too good to be true. Some programs can help people get cheaper or even free internet in Austin if they don’t have much money. 

One such initiative is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offers significant discounts on internet bills. Under this program, many internet service providers in Austin, including big names like AT&T, Spectrum, and Google Fiber, offer discounted or even free internet services.

Apart from such programs, community-driven efforts, public Wi-Fi spots, and libraries in Austin provide free internet access to residents and visitors.

Related Post