Best Internet Providers in Texas

AT&T Fiber

Starting From

$55.00/mo.

*plus taxes

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

Starting From

$49.99/mo.

*for 12 mos with Auto Pay

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

Starting From

$39.99/mo.

*w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Billing

  • Download Speed: Up to 5 Gbps
  • Upload Speed: Up to 5 Gbps
Table of Contents

Top 10 Texas Internet Providers

Do you know that there are over 150 internet providers in Texas to accommodate the needs of its vast population? But since you don’t get to choose every option, we have highlighted only the top 10 Texas internet providers based on their performance and coverage area.

Texas, officially known as The Lone Star, is often perceived as a dry, dusty state with scorching sun shining down everyone’s backs and cowboys milling around. But it is more than that! Texas is the second largest state in the country and has diverse landscapes, including mountainous regions, coastal areas, forests, and distinct seasons. Over 30 million people proudly call Texas their home, and contrary to popular stereotypes, most of them live in urban areas and lead modern lives, requiring a stable internet connection. The choices are many, but you can trust the following 10 internet providers in Texas with your personal and professional needs.

Providers Starting Price Maximum Speed Internet Type
AT&T $55.00/mo. Up to 5,000 Mbps IPBB, Fiber
Spectrum $49.99/mo. for 12 mos. Up to 1,000 Mbps Hybrid fiber-coaxial
Xfinity $19.99/mo. Up to 1,200 Mbps Cable
Frontier $44.99/mo. Up to 5,000 Mbps DSL, Fiber
Windstream $39.99/mo. Up to 2,000 Mbps DSL, Fiber
Optimum $40.00/mo. Up to 940 Mbps Cable
Verizon 5G Home Internet $60.00/mo. w/o discounts Up to 300 Mbps 5G Internet
T-Mobile Home Internet $50.00/mo. Up to 245 Mbps 5G Internet
HughesNet $49.99/mo. Up to 100 Mbps Satellite
Viasat $49.99/mo. Up to 150 Mbps Satellite

Types of Internet Providers in Texas

Texas’ internet landscape is better than many other American states, as 95% of its households can choose between three or more providers. Many households even have the choice between multiple internet types, including fiber, cable, DSL fixed wireless, and satellite internet. However, since Texas is a huge state, vast stretches of its land are uninhabited.

While a significant number of its residents live in cities like San Antonio, Houston, Austin, Dallas, and Fort Worth, the state also has one of the nation’s largest rural populations. Unfortunately, due to diverse terrains and logistical restraints, some internet technologies, particularly fiber and cable, are unavailable in rural Texas, leading to unequal coverage.

Fiber Internet Providers in Texas

Fiber might be the most reputable type of internet in Texas because of its reliability, but due to the vast terrain of this state, it only covers 40% of the area. This internet type requires the installation of fiber-optic cables, which are immune to electromagnetic interference and other physical elements that hinder high-speed internet transmission.

However, since this technology is expensive, it is not feasible to extend its infrastructure statewide. As a result, fiber internet is only present in densely populated cities in Texas, where it provides speeds of up to 5,000 Mbps to the residents. You can find the following three top fiber internet providers in Texas, but their availability varies from city to city based on their network coverage. Out of these providers, AT&T is the most widely available option in Texas.

Fiber Internet Providers in Texas
Providers Starting Price Range Speed Range Data Caps Contact
AT&T Fiber $55.00/mo. – $250.00/mo. 300 Mbps – 5,000 Mbps None Call Now
Frontier $44.99/mo. – $154.99/mo. 500 Mbps – 5,000 Mbps None Call Now
Windstream $39.99/mo. – $179.99/mo. 500 Mbps – 2,000 Mbps None Call Now

Cable Internet Providers in Texas

Cable internet’s infrastructure is better developed in this state since it doesn’t require network installation from scratch. Hence, it is comparatively more accessible than fiber internet in Texas. In fact, cable internet is the most widely available wired broadband technology, covering over 90% of the population in urban and suburban areas. It is also a decent alternative to fiber technology, delivering up to 2,000 Mbps speed in certain neighborhoods.

Although cable internet is not entirely resistant to electromagnetic waves and other physical factors, it is cheaper than fiber internet and offers better bundles. The three well-known cable internet providers in Texas, are Spectrum, Xfinity, and Optimum. Each cable company offers unique plans and different speed tiers. Xfinity provides the fastest option, but you will have to deal with its data caps in this state. Meanwhile, Spectrum internet has the widest coverage area in Texas, connecting many Texans across the state.

Cable Internet Providers in Texas
Providers Starting Price Range Speed Range Data Caps Contact
Spectrum $49.99/mo. – $89.99/mo. for 12 mos. 300 Mbps – 1,000 Mbps None Call Now
Xfinity $19.99/mo. – $120.00/mo. 500 Mbps – 2,000 Mbps 1.2 TB Call Now
Optimum $40.00/mo. – $80.00/mo. 300 Mbps – 940 Mbps None Call Now

DSL Internet Providers in Texas

We all have telephone lines in our homes. DSL uses this network to provide internet service. As a result, this internet type is also one of the most widely available options in Texas, covering over 80% of the state. But unlike cable internet, DSL is also available in rural Texas and is sometimes the only viable wired source of internet access.

Despite its significant presence, only a small percentage of Texans use this technology. It is less reliable and significantly slower than cable and fiber internet. Frontier and Windstream are the two top DSL internet providers in Texas with similar statewide coverage areas. Both provide a single plan with varying speeds to the residents depending on their address. However, Windstream seems like a much better option since it is more affordable and provides internet speed up to 100 Mbps.

DSL Internet Providers in Texas
Providers Starting Price Range Speed Range Data Caps Contact
Frontier $64.99/mo. Varies None Call Now
Windstream $39.99/mo. Up to 100 Mbps None Call Now

Fixed Wireless Internet Providers in Texas

Are you tired of having no reliable wired internet options at your address? 5G home internet could be the answer to this setback. The technology, famous for powering up your cell phones, is now being used by carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile to provide broadband access to many people in Texas. These carriers use a fixed wireless approach to provide home internet to people in metropolitan areas.

This internet type is a solid alternative for those who rent and often move around because it is cheaper and has a fixed monthly rate with no additional charges. Both T-Mobile and Verizon offer affordable 5G home internet connections. Verizon provides two plans with varying speeds, while T-Mobile only offers one with a lifetime price assurance.

Fixed Wireless Internet Providers in Texas
Providers Starting Price Range Speed Range Data Caps Contact
T-Mobile Home Internet $50.00/mo. with AutoPay 72 Mbps – 245 Mbps None Call Now
Verizon 5G Home Internet $60.00/mo. – $80.00/mo.* 100 Mbps – 300 Mbps None order Now
*Verizon’s price is mentioned without any discounts (Auto Pay & Mobile discounts)

Satellite Internet Providers in Texas

Satellite internet is a wireless broadband technology, offering statewide coverage. This internet type is available to all Texans, providing speeds up to 150 Mbps. However, it is often the last resort to access the internet due to slower speeds, data caps, and high latency rates.

HughesNet and Viasat are the two top satellite internet providers in Texas, offering plans with varying data caps. While Viasat is known for higher monthly data allowances and a maximum speed of up to 150 Mbps in certain areas, HughesNet’s options are reasonable and provide consistent speeds. Both providers are also resistant to physical factors like weather, network congestion, and other interferences, resulting in a reliable connection.

Satellite Internet Providers in Texas
Providers Starting Price Range Speed Range Data Caps Contact
Viasat $49.99/mo. – $199.99/mo. for 3 mos. 25 Mbps – 150 Mbps 60 GB – 500 GB Call Now
HughesNet $49.99/mo. – $79.99/mo. for 12 mos. 50 Mbps – 100 Mbps 100 GB – 200 GB Call Now

Fastest Internet Provider in Texas

The average download speed in Texas is over 150 Mbps, almost 10% higher than the national average. According to Ookla, 100 Mbps download speed is considerably fast enough to support nearly every online activity, but we all know that the actual speed requirements vary with several factors, like the size of your house, the number of connected devices, and your internet usage. While cable internet performs well in Texas, fiber internet provides the fastest internet speeds in this state.

The fastest internet speed of up to 5,000 Mbps, is advertised by two fiber internet providers in Texas, AT&T and Frontier. This speed can support truly immersive online activities and is more suitable for influencers and business professionals. Both providers deliver this speed at different price points.

AT&T Fiber 5 Gig is almost $100 more expensive than Frontier Fiber 5 Gig. But AT&T’s price is not promotional and remains the same after 12 months. However, AT&T charges $99 to set up its service, whereas Frontier provides free expert installation with this speed. Both providers offer several benefits with this speed, including unlimited data, free equipment, and no contracts. Additionally, you get exclusive promotional deals.

Fastest Internet Providers in Texas
Providers AT&T Frontier
Fastest Internet Plan Fiber 5 Gig Fiber 5 Gig
Starting Price $250.00/mo. with Auto Pay & Paperless Bill $154.99/mo. with Auto Pay & Paperless Bill
Internet Speed Download: 5,000 Mbps Download: 5,000 Mbps
Upload: 5,000 Mbps Upload: 5,000 Mbps
Data Caps None None
Equipment Included Included (TP-Link Archer AXE300 6E)
Installation $99.00 Included
Perks A $150 AT&T Visa® Reward Card $10/mo. discount on YouTube TV for 1 year

So, in the end, AT&T and Frontier are the fastest internet providers in Texas, but you can only find them in large cities. Besides the vital factors, your final choice can also depend on which provider is available at your location.

Cheapest Internet Provider in Texas

So, what is the cheapest internet option across the state? If you don’t want to pay a sky-high price for your home internet, you should consider all the extra charges associated with your chosen plan in addition to the monthly price tag. Texas has over 150 internet providers with varying starting prices. The average starting price of the top 10 Texas internet providers is $45.99 per month, which can increase further when you add all the additional costs. Only a few options offer internet plans below this mark. But who has the cheapest internet plan?

Xfinity is the most affordable internet provider in Texas, offering the cheapest entry-level plan with a 1-year promotional price of $19.99 per month. Xfinity Connect remains reasonable even when you add the monthly equipment fee. With a download speed of up to 75 Mbps and a 1.2 TB monthly data allowance, it is perfect for single-person or small households with casual usage. The only downside is that you will have to pay a one-time installation fee of $100.

Cheapest Internet Provider in Texas
Provider Xfinity
Cheapest Plan Connect
Starting Price $19.99/mo. with Auto Pay discount
Internet Speed 75 Mbps
Data Caps 1.2 TB
Contract 1-year
Equipment $15.00/mo. – $25.00/mo.
Installation $100.00

Best ACP Internet Providers in Texas

Your monthly internet bill can easily exceed $60 in Texas if you are not careful with your choices. Although many internet providers in Texas offer reasonably priced internet plans, they can still be unaffordable for low-income families. Fortunately, the FCC solves this problem through its Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). So, if you qualify for this program, you can even enjoy free internet access through some clever combinations.

Several ACP internet providers in Texas, such as Spectrum, AT&T, Xfinity, and Frontier, offer exclusive low-income internet plans with starting prices below $30. You can select the most suitable internet plan, let the ACP benefit cover your monthly charges, and enjoy a reliable connection without any worries.

Best ACP Internet Providers in Texas
Provider Plan Starting Price Price after ACP
Spectrum Internet 100 $29.99/mo. for 12 mos.* $0
Internet Access 19.99/mo.
AT&T Access from AT&T $30.00/mo. $0
Xfinity Internet Essentials $9.95/mo. $0
Internet Essentials Plus $29.95/mo.
Frontier Essentials Internet $29.99/mo. $0
Fiber 100 $29.99/mo.

Availability of Texas Internet Providers

Texas is the second largest state in the US, but most of its area is empty as more than half of its population lives in urban centers. The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area is home to 26% of Texans, while 24% live in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro area. As a result, these metropolitan regions have more options for faster internet.

Among all the internet technologies available, cable is the most widely available wired internet, and satellite is the most accessible wireless option. The Lone Star also accommodates several fiber internet providers, but they are only available in certain cities. Among the 150 internet providers in Texas, these 10 options stand out due to their broad coverage areas.

Providers Coverage in Texas Internet Type
HughesNet 100% Satellite
Viasat 100% Satellite
AT&T 66% IPBB, Fiber
Spectrum 52.85% Hybrid fiber-coaxial
Xfinity 35% Cable
T-Mobile Home Internet 30.1% 5G Internet
Frontier 25.8% DSL, Fiber
Windstream 20.6% DSL, Fiber
Verizon 5G Home Internet 19.2% 5G Internet
Optimum 10.7% Cable

Find Internet Providers in Top Cities of Texas

If Texas is your new beginning, click on any of its top cities to explore the internet options at your new address.

Best Internet Provider in Texas

Texas has a lot of internet providers, each with a specific service area. Some providers only serve the rural regions in this state, while others find it more practical to operate in densely populated metro areas. However, it is not feasible to sift through all the options since most Texans can only access three or more internet providers at their addresses. But it is also impractical to generalize a single option as the best for all.

Before choosing and analyzing any provider, you should consider your speed requirements along with your monthly budget. You should also identify the most crucial factor when selecting a home internet service. If speed is at the forefront of your list, AT&T and Frontier deliver symmetrical speeds up to 5,000 Mbps.

On the other hand, Xfinity is an affordable solution. Several ACP internet providers in Texas provide free internet access to low-income families. Meanwhile, satellite internet providers like HughesNet and Viasat offer their services to rural populations. In the end, you should see the available options at your address and compare their features to find the best internet service provider that meets your needs and expectations to avoid dissatisfaction in the future.

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