Finding quality internet service providers in Baltimore is surprisingly easy if you know where to look. No matter what type of connection you want, there’s a plan for you.
While Baltimore has many ISPs, only a handful offer reasonable coverage, speeds and prices. Here are some of the best internet service providers in Baltimore:
Not all of these internet service providers will be available in your neighborhood. Their availability changes depending on where you live in Baltimore.
Around here, finding an affordable plan is easy. While average monthly internet bills are $82 in Baltimore, you don’t need to pay that much. Every service provider offers cheaper plans:
Most internet service providers in Baltimore have cheaper-than-average plans. However, you need to read the fine print before you settle on one — some may charge hidden fees or raise the price after a few years.
Some parts of Baltimore have access to fiber, so there are high-speed plans out there for you. While Maryland’s average download speed is 230 Mbps, you’re sure to find faster. Earthlink and Verizon offer up to 300 Mbps — those plans are fast, but you can do better.
Some internet service providers in Baltimore offer 1,000 Mbps or more. For instance, Xfinity has 1 Gbps and 2 Gbps plans. Alternatively, Astound Broadband provides 1 Gbps and 1.5 Gbps. The average household won’t use all 1,000 Mbps, but it’s good to have the option.
Some internet service providers in Baltimore offer fiber. Verizon Fios is the only one with extensive coverage. It’s your best bet if you want equal upload and download speeds. If it isn’t available in your neighborhood, consider choosing Xfinity for its similar download speeds.
How many Mbps you need depends on the number and type of internet-connected devices you have. For example, you need at least 25 Mbps to stream a 4K movie on one device. The more phones, laptops, TVs, tablets and smart technology you have, the more Mbps you need.
A two-person household usually has two phones and TVs. On top of those, they probably have at least one smart speaker, gaming system, computer and tablet. The residents in this scenario would need roughly 50-80 Mbps, depending on their online habits.
You can choose from fiber, cable, fifth-generation (5G), digital subscriber line (DSL) or satellite internet. The various internet service providers in Baltimore offer them all. What you choose depends on what you want to get out of your service.
While fiber’s equal upload and download speeds are unmatched, it is available in very few neighborhoods. 5G is fast but not widely available. Cable is fast and reliable but noticeably slows down in high-traffic areas. DSL and satellite are slower — and can be pricey.
The best type of internet for you depends on whether you want speed, reliability or availability. However, many people prefer fiber for its unparalleled speed and reliability. Remember, you might not have access to the one you want, depending on where you live.
Picking from all the internet service providers in Baltimore can be tricky. After all, each one has excellent service and offers unique deals. Before choosing one, carefully compare your top picks’ speeds, reliability, costs and contracts.
