What Are the Top-Rated Internet Options for Rural Homeowners?
Reliable internet is a necessity for the modern household. However, people outside the city may have less access to the web. What are the top-rated internet options for rural homeowners? Living in the countryside can still produce fast download speeds and stable connections. Here is a guide to the best internet service providers (ISPs) nationwide.
The Best Internet Options for Rural Homeowners
Remote workers and families can upgrade from slow internet connections to reliable bandwidth and reduced latency. Here are 15 top-rated providers for rural residents.
1. Point Broadband
Point Broadband is the best ISP for rural areas and small towns. The company uses broadband fiber to increase speeds and reliability for families, small businesses and remote workers. Each user benefits from no data caps or slowed rates, ensuring their household gets unlimited internet access. Most markets can access fiber-based connections up to two Gbps.
Point Broadband delivers symmetrical download and upload speeds even when your family connects to the Wi-Fi. The company is available in 10 states and has plans to expand to serve more communities.
Key Features
| Fiber internet | No data caps |
| Symmetrical download and upload speeds | Up to two Gbps in most markets |
2. Hughesnet
Hughesnet has been critical for rural homeowners since it launched its satellite internet service in 1996. The company remains a reliable ISP for people outside the city, offering numerous affordable plans for any budget. Larger houses may need help accessing Wi-Fi across the property, so Hughesnet makes it easier with whole-home Wi-Fi connections.
If reliability is your priority, consider Hughesnet Fusion for enhanced service. This Wi-Fi plan uses satellites and wireless technology to make your internet experience more responsive. The ISP’s rural systems reach speeds up to 100 Mbps and have expanded to regions beyond the reach of standard cable and fiber services.
Key Features
| Whole-home Wi-Fi | Unlimited data |
| Low-latency wireless plan | Professional installation |
3. Viasat
Viasat ensures fast speeds for all its users. The California-based ISP powers its connections through a space satellite that delivers strong bandwidth to your home Wi-Fi. You only need a satellite dish and a wireless gateway to benefit from a Viasat connection.
Signing up for Viasat is more manageable for rural homeowners because there is no contract requirement. You can cancel the plan without an early termination fee if you need to move or discontinue your internet. Once you sign up for Viasat, you will see professional installation in three to five days and enjoy unlimited high speeds.
Key Features
| No data caps or contracts | Unlimited high-speed internet |
| Fast installation within five days | Reliable space satellite connection |
4. T-Mobile
T-Mobile is a phone carrier, yet it has risen among the top-rated internet options for rural homeowners. The wireless network operator launched its home services in 2021 and has made them available nationwide. Households off the grid can take advantage of three monthly plan options, depending on their needs.
Once you decide on a plan, you get a 15-day free trial to see if the service works. If you do not enjoy it, you get your money back. While T-Mobile does not send technicians to install the internet, the user-friendly setup only requires a few minutes of your time. Support is available 24/7 if you need assistance with the configuration.
Key Features
| Locked-in internet rate | Varied budget-friendly plans |
| Easy 15-minute installation | 15-day test-drive |
5. Verizon 5G
Verizon is another major phone carrier that provides reliable internet services. The company powers its service through 5G Ultra Wideband, heightening network performance and speeds. If you have another ISP, it will cover up to $500 of early termination fees when you switch. While others have long-term agreements, Verizon does not make customers sign annual contracts.
Multiple plans are available, depending on how much bandwidth you need. Regardless of your choice, you get a competitive price guarantee to keep the costs low. If you have a Verizon phone, you can combine the packages for an even better deal. 5G Ultra Wideband is becoming increasingly available in rural areas, making it an excellent choice for homeowners.
Key Features
| Three-year price lock guarantee | Simple at-home setup |
| No annual contracts or equipment charges | Up to $500 credit to cover termination fees |
6. Starlink
Starlink provides internet through satellites, though it wields advanced technology to increase bandwidth. The ISP uses satellites from low Earth orbit to transmit radio signals in space instead of using outdated cable devices. Rural homeowners have increasingly chosen Starlink because of its low latency and heightened efficiency in remote areas.
If you enjoy an easy setup, Starlink is an excellent choice. You only need to plug in the router and point it at the sky to enjoy the high-speed internet. The service provider offers flexibility through monthly contracts, so long-term commitments are not mandatory. However, some markets may require them in specific deals.
Key Features
| Services in remote areas | Month-to-month setup |
| Simple two-step setup | Mini router available for trips |
7. Spectrum
Spectrum is among the top-rated internet options for rural homeowners because of its dedication to users outside urban areas. The company recently launched the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to reach over a million unserved customer locations.
Another way the ISP has increased accessibility is through Internet Assist, which offers discounted plans to households with lower incomes. All users can save on monthly bills when they bundle with Spectrum Mobile or TV. No appointment is necessary for installation, as homeowners can use a quick step-by-step guide to begin their high-speed journey.
Key Features
| Affordable plans with Internet Assist | Bundle opportunities with cable TV |
| Self-install kit for installation | One free year of Spectrum Mobile |
8. EarthLink
EarthLink provides reliable fiber connections to farms, mountains and plains. Homeowners nationwide get symmetrical download and upload rates without throttling to maintain consistency. The company says it can deliver high speeds to 96% of homes in 48 states.
Earthlink lets you pick between wireless and satellite internet in your home. Wireless services connect to 4G LTE and 5G cell towers without professional installation. If you select the satellite option, a technician will install the dish and provide higher speeds than typical DSL. Customers benefit from the varied bandwidth options based on their needs.
Key Features
| Reliable fiber connection | Symmetrical download and upload speeds |
| Maximum bandwidth with no throttling | Varied bandwidth options |
9. Blazing Hog
Blazing Hog delivers high-speed internet in locations underserved by traditional wired and satellite service providers. Nearby cellular towers power your connection and bring the high-speed LTE data you expect from your smartphone. Blazing Hog equipment is powerful enough to cover a typical 2,500-square-foot home, depending on the construction and walls.
You do not have to sign a contract or have a high credit score to use Blazing Hog’s reliable internet. Service is available nationwide, and the high ping rates mean you can easily game and work from home.
Key Features
| No contracts or credit checks | 4G LTE technology |
| High speeds throughout the home | Access in remote and underserved areas |
10. Kinetic
Kinetic is a top-rated internet option for rural homeowners in 18 states due to its professional installations and consistent security protection. A technician installs the Kinetic Gateway and verifies that the connection has no dead spots. Once your system runs, you can customize parental controls and take charge.
Selecting this ISP gives you three free months of Kinetic Secure, which protects your Wi-Fi from outside threats. Your household benefits from ID monitoring, a password vault and a privacy VPN for extra security. Kinetic offers affordable plans starting at 100 Mbps for those with basic online needs.
Key Features
| Professional installation and connection certification | Compatible with smart devices |
| Advanced protection against security threats | Affordable plans |
11. Nomad Internet
Nomad Internet has nationwide network coverage to let rural homeowners enjoy high-speed connections everywhere. The ISP will let you try its services for 14 days and return the technology if you are unsatisfied. You do not have to worry about credit inquiries or contracts, so you can cancel services anytime.
Customers benefit from unlimited data and unthrottled speeds as they watch TV or play their favorite online games. If you need a fast connection, you can benefit from Nomad Internet’s bandwidth of up to 500 Mbps. Travelers enjoy the quick and reliable service when they are off the grid and need the internet.
Key Features
| No contracts | No credit checks |
| Coverage off the grid | Unlimited nationwide data |
12. WaveNet Broadband
WaveNet Broadband is a reliable 4G internet provider, offering unlimited data to its customers in smaller communities. Residents in all 50 states can sign up for the service without a credit check or a contract. With speeds up to 100 Mbps, you can stream movies, play games and work easily.
Signing up earns you a 10-day trial with a money-back guarantee and no risk. If you join the ISP’s community, you may be able to get 5G technology. This upgraded service is available in over 2,700 towns nationwide and provides unlimited access.
Key Features
| Available in all 50 states | No contracts or credit checks |
| Low latency and uninterrupted internet | 10-day risk-free trial |
13. Xfinity
Xfinity has fast and reliable internet rates for customers in rural areas. The ISP entices sign-ups by offering a five-year price guarantee without an annual contract. You can save with a one-year deal if you want a shorter term. Xfinity’s 99.99% reliability ensures you stay online when you need it.
Flexibility is a critical Xfinity feature, letting customers pick their necessary bandwidth. The plans start at 600 Mbps, which connects up to eight devices simultaneously. High-demand users can select the Gigabit x2 service, offering 2,100 Mbps with fast upload speeds. Your household will benefit from the Advanced Security option, which tracks suspicious activity and phishing scams.
Key Features
| Five-year price guarantee | No annual contracts |
| Up to 2,100 Mbps | Advanced cybersecurity options available |
14. CenturyLink
CenturyLink offers flexibility for rural homeowners who want one of the top-rated internet options. Depending on your location and needs, you can access the web through DSL, fixed wireless or satellite services. Regardless, customers can rely on 99.99% reliability when working from home, streaming or shopping.
CenturyLink features transparency in its pricing. The company provides low starting prices without expiring promotional rates or data overage charges. Your family can enjoy unlimited data with no caps or mandatory contracts. CenturyLink Wi-Fi covers the entire home, letting you move between rooms with no latency.
Key Features
| No data caps | Unlimited data |
| No contract or bundling required | DSL, satellite and fixed wireless options |
15. Mediacom
Mediacom supports rural homeowners by bringing fiber-optic internet to the countryside. When your household needs smart solutions, you can count on this ISP for strong connections. Mediacom’s Xtream service sets up numerous access points in the house, reducing dead zones and supporting strong signals around your property.
Customers enjoy clear, all-in pricing, whether they select 300 Mbps or one GB of bandwidth. These plans feature unlimited data and no overage fees, letting you surf the web with peace of mind. The ISP believes in its service and offers a 90-day money-back guarantee if you are unsatisfied.
Key Features
| Clear all-in-one monthly pricing | No data caps or overage fees |
| Internet modem equipment included | Enhanced security features |
What Should You Look for in Your Internet Provider?
Rural homeowners wanting the top-rated ISP options must do their due diligence. Your selected provider and plan should match your needs, whether you live alone or have a large family. Here are five considerations when finding the best company for your household:
- Location: High-speed internet starts with availability. Does the ISP provide coverage in your area?
- Reliability: Rural homeowners may work from home, so high reliability is critical.
- Hidden costs: Read the terms and conditions to uncover mysterious hidden fees in your plan.
- Promotional offers: Some companies offer promotional plans to help customers save money.
- Scalability: Your needs may change, so the ISP should let you adjust the bandwidth accordingly.
Finding the Top-Rated Internet Options for Rural Homeowners
Living in the country can be peaceful and better suited for some homeowners. However, finding a reliable internet provider can be challenging in some locations. Expanded coverage has made searching easier, especially through mobile carriers and enhanced satellite technologies. Research the best local, regional and national ISPs to find the best options in your area.