Best Internet Providers in Chicago, IL
Compare fiber, cable, and 5G internet options from 33 verified providers serving the Chicago metro area with 100% broadband coverage.
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Call 1-844-963-0138 Xfinity - Available at 95%+ of Chicago addressesXfinity offers the widest coverage in Chicago at 95%+ of addresses, making it the safest choice for most residents. For speed and reliability, AT&T Fiber delivers symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps where available (35-40% coverage). Budget-conscious users should consider Astound Broadband (formerly RCN), a local favorite with 300 Mbps plans starting at just $30/month.
Who Chicago Internet Is Best For
Best for:
- Remote workers needing reliable video conferencing and cloud access
- Streaming households with multiple 4K TVs and devices
- Gamers who want low-latency fiber connections
- North Side residents with access to multiple fiber providers
- Budget-conscious users looking for competitive pricing from Astound
- Downtown professionals in high-rise buildings with Webpass or Astound
Not ideal for:
- Those in buildings with exclusive provider agreements (verify before signing a lease)
- South Side residents seeking fiber options (fewer available)
- Users who need immediate same-day installation
- Residents in high-rises with only one provider option
Key Takeaways
- 100% broadband coverage: Chicago has universal broadband access, but fiber availability varies by neighborhood
- North vs South Side disparity: North Side neighborhoods have better fiber coverage than South Side areas
- Astound is the local favorite: Formerly RCN, offering the cheapest plans starting at $30/month
- Check building agreements: Many Chicago high-rises have exclusive provider deals - verify before signing a lease
- 33 total providers: Highly competitive market with 12 fiber providers available
- Weather considerations: Fiber and underground connections more reliable during Chicago's harsh winters
Which Chicago Internet Provider Should You Choose?
Choose Xfinity if...
- You need guaranteed availability at almost any Chicago address
- You want TV and mobile bundle options
- Download speed matters more than upload speed to you
- You're in an area without fiber coverage
Choose AT&T Fiber if...
- You need symmetrical upload speeds for video calls and cloud backup
- You want speeds up to 5 Gbps for a connected household
- You live on the North Side, Logan Square, or Irving Park area
- You prefer no data caps on your internet plan
Avoid AT&T Fiber if...
- You live in the Loop or Near South Side (limited availability)
- Your address only has AT&T DSL (much slower, asymmetrical)
- You need immediate installation
Choose Astound Broadband (RCN) if...
- You want the cheapest plans in Chicago starting at $30/month
- You live in the Loop, Near North Side, or West Loop
- You qualify for their Internet First low-income program
- You prefer a local provider with strong customer service
Chicago Internet Providers Comparison
Our team verified coverage and pricing for each provider across multiple Chicago neighborhoods including the Loop, Lincoln Park, Logan Square, and Hyde Park.
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Coverage | Contract | Call Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity Widest Coverage | Cable | 1.2 Gbps | $25/mo* | ~95%+ | No contract | 1-844-963-0138 |
| AT&T Fiber Fastest | Fiber | 5 Gbps | $55/mo* | ~35-40% | No contract | 1-855-850-5977 |
| Astound Broadband Best Value | Fiber/Cable | 5 Gbps | $30/mo* | ~60%+ | No contract | 1-800-746-4726 |
| T-Mobile 5G Budget Pick | 5G Fixed Wireless | 500 Mbps | $40/mo | ~70-80% | No contract | 1-844-275-9311 |
| WOW! | Cable | 1 Gbps | $30/mo* | ~10-15% | No contract | 1-855-496-9929 |
| Google Fiber Webpass | Fiber | 1 Gbps | $70/mo | ~5-10% | No contract | 1-866-777-7550 |
*Prices shown are for new customers and may increase after promotional period. Verified pricing as of January 2026.
Chicago Internet Provider Details
Xfinity
Widest CoverageAvailable Plans in Chicago
- Connect: 75/10 Mbps - $25-35/mo
- Connect More: 200/10 Mbps - $40-50/mo
- Fast: 400/10 Mbps - $55-65/mo
- Superfast: 800/15 Mbps - $70-80/mo
- Gigabit: 1000/20 Mbps - $80-90/mo
- Gigabit Extra: 1200/35 Mbps - $90-100/mo
Pros
- Widest coverage in Chicago - nearly every address
- Many plan options for different budgets
- Bundle savings with TV and mobile
- Speeds up to 5 Gbps in select areas
Cons
- Asymmetrical speeds (slower uploads)
- Price increases after 12-24 month promo period
- Data cap of 1.2TB on most plans
- Equipment rental fees add to cost
AT&T Fiber
Fastest SpeedsAvailable Plans in Chicago
- Internet 300: 300/300 Mbps - $55-65/mo
- Internet 500: 500/500 Mbps - $65-75/mo
- Internet 1000: 1/1 Gbps - $80-90/mo
- Internet 2000: 2/2 Gbps - $110-130/mo
- Internet 5000: 5/5 Gbps - $180-285/mo
Pros
- Fastest speeds in Chicago up to 5 Gbps
- Symmetrical upload/download speeds
- No data caps on fiber
- No contracts required
Cons
- Limited coverage on South Side
- Some areas still on DSL infrastructure
- Installation scheduling can be limited
- Not available in Loop/downtown core
Best coverage areas: Logan Square, Albany Park, Portage Park, Irving Park, West Bucktown, Grayland, Montrose, and Northwood Park along the I-90 corridor.
Astound Broadband (formerly RCN)
Best ValueAvailable Plans in Chicago
- Internet 300: 300/20 Mbps - $30-40/mo
- Internet 500: 500/30 Mbps - $45-55/mo
- Internet 940: 940/50 Mbps - $55-65/mo
- Internet 1.5 Gig: 1.5 Gbps/100 Mbps - $70-85/mo
- Internet 5 Gig: 5/5 Gbps - $150-180/mo
Pros
- Cheapest major provider - plans from $30/mo
- Strong coverage in Loop and Near North Side
- Local favorite with good customer service
- Internet First low-income program available
Cons
- Lower upload speeds on non-fiber plans
- Not available in all neighborhoods
- May have installation wait times
Best coverage areas: Loop, Near North Side, West Loop, Rogers Park to Bronzeville, plus Evanston, Naperville, Skokie, Elgin, and Orland Park.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
Budget PickAvailable Plans in Chicago
- Rely: 72-245 Mbps - $40-50/mo
- Amplified: 150-400 Mbps - $55-60/mo
- All-In: 200-500 Mbps - $60-70/mo
Pros
- No contracts or annual agreements
- Simple 15-minute self-setup
- Unlimited data with no caps
- Flat monthly pricing with no hidden fees
- Free 15-day trial available
Cons
- Speeds vary by location and network congestion
- May not match wired reliability
- Higher latency than fiber
- Coverage dependent on tower proximity
WOW! Internet
Regional ProviderAvailable Plans in Chicago
- Internet 100: 100/10 Mbps - $30-40/mo
- Internet 500: 500/20 Mbps - $50-60/mo
- Internet 1G: 1000/50 Mbps - $70-80/mo
Pros
- Competitive budget pricing
- No contracts required
- Strong Midwest regional provider
- Good customer service ratings
Cons
- Very limited Chicago coverage
- Only available in select areas
- Not widely available citywide
Coverage areas: Limited to blocks around UIC (University of Illinois at Chicago), areas north of O'Hare, south of Midway, and some western suburbs.
Google Fiber Webpass
Premium OptionAvailable Plans in Chicago
- 1 Gig: 1000/1000 Mbps - $70/mo
Pros
- Competitive flat pricing
- No contracts
- Symmetrical gigabit speeds
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Very limited availability - mostly buildings only
- May require building approval
- No lower-speed budget options
Coverage: Limited to select multi-unit buildings in Chicago. Available through Google Fiber Webpass service targeting apartment and condo buildings, especially downtown.
Chicago Internet Speed & Price Comparison
| Speed Tier | Xfinity | AT&T Fiber | Astound | T-Mobile 5G | WOW! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75-100 Mbps | $25-35/mo | - | - | - | $30-40/mo |
| 200-300 Mbps | $40-50/mo | $55-65/mo | $30-40/mo | $40-50/mo | - |
| 400-500 Mbps | $55-65/mo | $65-75/mo | $45-55/mo | $55-70/mo | $50-60/mo |
| 800 Mbps - 1 Gbps | $80-90/mo | $80-90/mo | $55-65/mo | - | $70-80/mo |
| 1.2-2 Gbps | $90-100/mo | $110-130/mo | $70-85/mo | - | - |
| 5 Gbps | - | $180-285/mo | $150-180/mo | - | - |
Internet Technology Comparison for Chicago
Based on our testing across Chicago neighborhoods, here's how different technologies perform:
| Technology | Typical Latency | Upload Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber (AT&T, Astound, Webpass) | 3-15ms | Symmetrical (same as download) | Gaming, video calls, cloud backup, remote work |
| Cable (Xfinity, WOW!) | 15-35ms | Limited (10-35 Mbps) | Streaming, browsing, general use |
| 5G Fixed Wireless (T-Mobile) | 25-50ms | Variable (20-75 Mbps) | Renters, backup internet, contract-free option |
| Satellite (Starlink, HughesNet) | 25-600ms | Very Limited (3-20 Mbps) | Areas with no other options (rare in Chicago) |
Internet Availability by Chicago Neighborhood
Why Chicago Has Varied Internet Options
Chicago is the third-largest metro area in the United States with nearly 10 million residents and 100% broadband coverage. However, fiber availability varies significantly by neighborhood, with North Side areas generally having better access than South Side neighborhoods. The city's Chicago Connected program works to address this digital divide.
Neighborhood Coverage Guide
The Loop (Downtown)
Astound and Xfinity primary options. Limited AT&T Fiber availability. Many high-rise buildings have Google Fiber Webpass. Best for downtown professionals.
Lincoln Park
Excellent coverage - 9 providers covering 95%+ of addresses. 3 fiber providers covering 72% of the neighborhood. Speeds up to 5,000 Mbps available.
Logan Square
100% fiber coverage. AT&T Fiber widely available. One of Chicago's best-connected neighborhoods for remote workers and tech professionals.
West Town
100% fiber coverage. Strong competition between AT&T Fiber and Astound. Popular with tech workers and startups.
Irving Park
100% fiber coverage. AT&T Fiber dominant along I-90 corridor. Excellent options for families and remote workers.
Near North Side
Excellent coverage. Strong Astound presence. Close to downtown with competitive options from multiple providers.
West Loop
Strong Astound coverage. Growing tech and residential area with good fiber access. Popular with young professionals.
Hyde Park
6 providers available but only 1 cable provider (Xfinity) covers 92% of area. Astound available in parts. Limited fiber options compared to North Side.
Bronzeville
Astound coverage extends here. Less cable coverage than Hyde Park but competitive speeds available from Astound and Xfinity.
South Shore
Historical coverage disparities. Fewer fiber options. Xfinity and T-Mobile 5G primary options. City programs working to expand access.
North Side vs South Side Coverage Disparity
AT&T Fiber and some other providers have historically invested more heavily in North Side infrastructure. South Side residents often have fewer fiber options and may rely primarily on cable or DSL. Astound Broadband does provide coverage from downtown extending south to Bronzeville. The city's Chicago Connected program provides free internet to over 40,000 CPS student families to help address this gap.
Apartment Residents: Check Before You Sign
Many Chicago high-rises and large apartment buildings have exclusive agreements with a single internet provider. Always verify internet options before signing a lease. Buildings with multiple ISP options are more common on the North Side. Ask the property manager specifically which providers are available at that address.
Weather Considerations
Chicago's extreme winters can affect above-ground cable infrastructure. Fiber and underground connections tend to be more reliable during harsh weather, ice storms, and extreme cold. If reliability during winter is a priority, consider fiber options where available.
What's New - January 2026 Updates
- Verified pricing and plan tiers for all 6 major providers as of January 2026
- Refreshed coverage data using latest FCC Broadband Map filings (Q4 2025)
- Updated AT&T Fiber coverage estimate to approximately 35-40% based on new data
- Added T-Mobile 5G plans including new Rely, Amplified, and All-In tiers
- Confirmed Astound Broadband rebrand from RCN with all plans and coverage maintained
- Updated neighborhood coverage details including 100% fiber zones in Logan Square, West Town, and Irving Park
- Added low-income program information including Astound Internet First and Chicago Connected
How We Chose These Picks
Our team verified coverage and pricing for each provider across multiple Chicago neighborhoods. We analyzed:
- Speed test results from actual Chicago customers during peak and off-peak hours
- Coverage verification using FCC Broadband Map data (Q4 2025) and provider service checks
- Pricing research including promotional rates and post-promo pricing
- Customer satisfaction from reviews, BBB ratings, and support response times
- Neighborhood-specific availability verified across North Side, South Side, and downtown areas
- Contract terms including early termination fees, equipment costs, and hidden fees
We verified our analysis against real customer experiences in the Chicago area and update this page monthly to reflect current pricing and availability. Data confidence score: 94%.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Internet
What is the best internet provider in Chicago?
AT&T Fiber is generally considered the best internet provider in Chicago for speed and reliability, offering up to 5 Gbps symmetrical speeds. However, Xfinity has wider coverage at nearly every address (95%+). Astound Broadband (formerly RCN) is a local favorite offering the best value with plans starting at $30/month. The best choice depends on availability at your specific address.
What is the fastest internet in Chicago?
AT&T Fiber offers the fastest residential internet in Chicago with speeds up to 5 Gbps (5,000 Mbps). Astound Broadband also offers fiber speeds up to 5 Gbps in covered areas. For cable, Xfinity reaches up to 1.2 Gbps. The fastest options are in neighborhoods with 100% fiber coverage like Logan Square, West Town, and Irving Park.
What is the cheapest internet in Chicago?
Astound Broadband is the cheapest major provider in Chicago with 300 Mbps plans starting at $30/month. They also offer an Internet First low-income program with 50 Mbps for $9.95/month or 150 Mbps for $19.95/month. Xfinity starts at $25/month for 75 Mbps, and T-Mobile 5G Home Internet offers flat $40-50/month pricing with no price increases.
Is fiber internet available in Chicago?
Yes, fiber internet is available to approximately 35-40% of Chicago addresses. AT&T Fiber has the widest fiber coverage, primarily on the North Side along the I-90 corridor. Astound Broadband offers fiber in downtown, the Loop, and Near North Side areas. West Town, Irving Park, and Logan Square neighborhoods have nearly 100% fiber coverage.
Does AT&T Fiber cover all of Chicago?
No, AT&T Fiber does not cover all of Chicago. Coverage is stronger on the North Side, particularly along the I-90 corridor northwest of downtown. Areas like Logan Square, Albany Park, Portage Park, and Irving Park have excellent AT&T Fiber availability. The Loop, Near West Side, and most South Side neighborhoods have limited or no AT&T Fiber access.
Is Xfinity or AT&T better in Chicago?
AT&T Fiber is better if available at your address, offering symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps with no data caps. However, Xfinity covers nearly every Chicago address (95%+) while AT&T Fiber only reaches 35-40%. Xfinity is better for those who want TV bundles or live where AT&T Fiber isn't available. Always check both at your specific address.
What internet speed do I need in Chicago?
Most Chicago households need 100-300 Mbps for streaming, remote work, and general browsing. Families with 3-5 devices streaming simultaneously should consider 300-500 Mbps. Power users, gamers, and those working from home with video conferencing benefit from 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps connections. Learn more in our guide on how much internet speed you need.
Why is internet slower on Chicago's South Side?
AT&T Fiber and some other providers have historically invested more heavily in North Side infrastructure, creating a coverage disparity. South Side residents often have fewer fiber options and may rely on cable or DSL. Astound Broadband does cover areas from downtown to Bronzeville. The city's Chicago Connected program works to address this digital divide by providing free internet to qualifying families.
What is RCN Chicago and is it still available?
RCN in Chicago is now Astound Broadband after the company rebranded. All RCN services, plans, and coverage areas remain the same. Astound continues to be a popular local favorite, offering competitive fiber and cable internet throughout Chicago, particularly in the Loop, Near North Side, West Loop, and areas from Rogers Park to Bronzeville. Call 1-800-746-4726 to check availability.
Can I get T-Mobile Home Internet in Chicago?
Yes, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is widely available throughout Chicago wherever T-Mobile has 5G coverage (approximately 70-80% of addresses). It offers speeds from 72-500 Mbps depending on your plan and location. Plans start at $40-50/month with no contracts, no data caps, and simple 15-minute self-installation. It's a good alternative for renters or those avoiding traditional ISP contracts.
What internet providers are available in downtown Chicago?
Downtown Chicago (the Loop) is primarily served by Xfinity and Astound Broadband (formerly RCN). AT&T Fiber has limited availability in the downtown core. Many high-rise buildings have Google Fiber Webpass available for symmetrical gigabit speeds. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is also available throughout downtown for a wireless option.
Are there low-income internet options in Chicago?
Yes, Chicago has several low-income internet programs. Astound offers Internet First (50 Mbps for $9.95/mo or 150 Mbps for $19.95/mo). AT&T Access provides 100 Mbps for $30/mo for qualifying households. Chicago Connected offers free internet to 40,000+ CPS student families. The FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program provides discounts from participating providers.
About This Article
Last Updated: January 29, 2026
This page is reviewed and updated monthly to ensure accuracy. Pricing and availability are verified against provider websites and FCC Broadband Map data (Q4 2025).
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