Internet Service Providers in Pennsylvania
Sifting through internet service providers in Pennsylvania is a task. You want to make sure you find one that fits your needs and offers fast connectivity and downloads. Luckily, there are several options to choose from. Here’s what you need to know to find the best internet providers in your state.
Internet Providers Near Me in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a big state, so you’re bound to see plenty of internet service providers (ISPs) near you. However, they’ll each come with different packages and pricing.
Xfinity offers various plans throughout the state, starting at $39.99 per month for 200 Mbps. The lowest-tier offerings come with the basics, so they’re a real bargain.
CenturyLink is another option, and you can get up to 100 Mbps for $49 per month.
Another popular option is RCN. Here you’ll find separate plans for two of Pennsylvania’s major locations. Lehigh Valley plans start at $34.99 for 100 Mbps per month. Elsewhere, Philadelphia has a starting plan of $29.99 per month for 100 Mbps.
Cheapest Internet Providers in Pennsylvania
If you’re searching for the cheapest internet service providers in Pennsylvania, the above choices are the best places to start.
Another option includes Optimum. You can get a deal for as low as $35 per month for 300 Mbps. Otherwise, Xfinity’s offering may be the cheapest rate you’ll find.
Residents of the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia will find RCN’s offers the most cost-effective. If you need faster options than 100 or 200 Mbps, though, you’ll need to look at the pricier plans.
High-Speed Internet Options in Pennsylvania
Xfinity offers a few additional plans that can bump up your internet and download speeds. For instance, the top-tier plan of up to 1,200 Mbps will cost around $79.99 per month, depending on your location. However, you can opt for the middle offering at $59.99 per month, getting you 300 Mbps.
Windstream can offer 500 Mbps and even up to 1 Gbps, but its service is location-specific. You’ll need to see if it covers your area first by entering your exact address.
In Lehigh Valley, RCN’s top plan is up to 940 Mbps for $54.99 per month, while the Philadelphia plan costs $49.99 per month for 940 Mbps.
Is 100 Mbps Fast for Internet?
If you’re not sure how much internet speed you need, don’t worry. ISP experts can assess how many people and internet-based devices you have in your household to give you a better idea.
However, keep in mind that location matters. Pennsylvania is a varied state — it has dense urban areas and flat rural sprawls. Internet needs of someone living in the country versus a city resident will be quite different.
Someone living alone in the countryside may only need 100 Mbps of speed, or even less. If a city dweller has a ton of devices and is streaming or downloading content, a faster rate will likely be necessary.
Who Are the Best Internet Providers?
The best internet service providers in Pennsylvania will depend on your requirements. Some people can go with the most inexpensive option and meet all their web surfing needs, but others might require more bandwidth. Additionally, you may want to consider bundling internet services with TV or phone.
An ISP like Verizon lets you mix and match your plan. You can get speeds up to 940 Mbps while also getting all your favorite channels. Sometimes, it can be cheaper to bundle rather than pay for several different plans.
Preferred Internet Service Providers in PA
When choosing between ISPs, it helps to know what people in the area think. ReHack surveyed Pennsylvania residents to find the state’s preferred internet service provider to help in that regard.
ReHack asked 1,500 people across all age ranges and genders across Pennsylvania what their preferred ISP is. The survey targeted respondents that match Pennsylvania’s overall demographics to ensure the sampling was representative of the state. Given these steps, you can be sure that these results accurately reflect people’s feelings in Pennsylvania.
According to the survey, Xfinity is the most preferred ISP in Pennsylvania, with more than 40% of the vote. Verizon comes in second place, with just under 30% of residents saying it’s their preferred option. Since those two represent more than 70% of respondents, they’re probably your best options.
Whether Xfinity or Verizon is better for you likely comes down to your specific situation. Both offer similar speeds and prices, so which one gets you more speed for your money will probably depend on your location. In the end, these two ISPs rank high above all other options, so they’re likely both be a safe bet.
What Internet Service Provider Can I Get in My Area?
You’re likely to find that the bigger ISP names, like Verizon or Xfinity, will provide more coverage throughout the state. However, don’t count out the smaller providers — they can offer cheaper deals. Regardless, your purchase will depend on what’s available in your area and your needs.