Internet Service Providers in Boston

Boston is a thriving and exciting city, but how can new residents ensure they get the internet connection they need? There are various ISPs to choose from in Boston. Finding the right one is a matter of matching your needs with the specialties of different providers. 

Internet Providers Near Me in Boston

There are several main internet service providers in Boston, and some offer different connection types than others. Verizon Fios provides fiber-optic and DSL connections, while Xfinity has cable and fiber-optic connections. ViaSat and HughesNet provide satellite connections, with an additional option for geo satellite service from HughesNet. RCN offers cable connections. 

Pricing varies among providers. However, the biggest determining factor when choosing a company is the type of connections they specialize in. Your specific location within the Boston area and your internet usage will determine what kind of connection is the best fit for you. 

For example, those who need the fastest connection available should opt for a fiber-optic internet service provider in Boston. On the other hand, those located further away from the city center may have fewer options, in which case a high-value satellite service provider would be ideal. Cable connections are generally a good fit for most users and are widely available around the Boston area. 

Cheapest Internet Providers in Boston

The cheapest internet service provider in Boston is RCN, with Xfinity coming in a close second. Both offer cable connections, but Xfinity is much more widely available. RCN’s cable service covers about 24% of the Boston area, starting at $25.99 per month for max download speeds of 1,000 Mbps. Xfinity offers cable connections with maximum download speeds of 1,200 Mbps starting at $29.99 per month, available to 96% of the Boston area. 

HughesNet is the cheapest option for new Boston residents who need a satellite internet service provider. The company offers max download speeds of 25 Mbps, and plans start at $39.99 per month. 

High-Speed Internet Options in Boston

Xfinity is the best choice for those looking for the top high-speed internet service providers in Boston. In addition to its budget cable options, Xfinity offers ultra-high-speed fiber-optic connections with max download speeds of 2,000 Mbps. While fiber optic connectivity availability is limited, most residents should be eligible. 

Verizon Fios also offers fiber-optic, but its max download speeds top out at 940 Mbps, which is slower than Xfinity’s cable connections. If Xfinity’s fiber-optic service is not available at your specific address, cable is the next best option for high-speed internet in the Boston area. Xfinity’s plans range in price from $29.99-$98.95 per month. Verizon’s fiber-optic service starts at $69 per month. 

Who Is the Best Internet Service Provider in Boston?

Overall, the best internet service provider in Boston is Xfinity, offering the best value for cable and fiber-optic connections. Wide availability, reasonable prices and fast speeds make Xfinity a good fit for most Boston residents. It has good flexibility for users, with a no-contract service option in addition to one- and two-year contracts. Getting technical support is likely to be easier with Xfinity than with other providers due to the wide availability. 

The best satellite internet service provider in the Boston area is Viasat. Those located in more remote regions of Boston may not be eligible for fiber-optic or cable connections. Nonetheless, it’s possible to have a good experience online with a satellite internet connection. Viasat is more expensive than HughesNet, but its satellite service has significantly higher download speeds, offering 100 Mbps compared to HughesNet’s 25 Mbps.

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