Best Internet Providers in Evanston, IL (2026)
Evanston residents have 7 internet providers to choose from, including fiber options from Xfinity, AT&T, and Verizon Fios. Home to Northwestern University, the city enjoys strong broadband competition.
Check availability by phone: 1-844-963-0138
Quick Answer: Best Internet in Evanston
Xfinity leads Evanston with 95% coverage and speeds up to 6 Gbps. AT&T Fiber covers 86% with symmetrical speeds and no data caps, making it the strongest fiber choice.
- Fastest: Xfinity -- up to 6 Gbps
- Best fiber: AT&T Fiber -- symmetrical up to 5 Gbps, no caps
- Best value: T-Mobile 5G -- $40/mo, no contract
- Best for students: T-Mobile 5G -- no setup appointment needed
- Most reliable: Verizon Fios -- 100% fiber, no shared lines
Evanston Internet Providers Comparison
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Data Cap | Contract | Call to Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | Cable / Fiber | 6 Gbps | $30/mo | 1.2 TB | No | 1-844-963-0138 |
| AT&T Internet | Fiber / DSL | 5 Gbps | $55/mo | None (Fiber) | No | 1-855-850-5977 |
| T-Mobile | 5G / Fixed Wireless | 245 Mbps | $40/mo | None | No | 1-844-275-9311 |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 1 Gbps | $50/mo | None | No | 1-855-387-1456 |
| HughesNet | Satellite | 100 Mbps | $50/mo | 100 GB | No | 1-855-543-5405 |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps | $70/mo | Varies | 2 years | 1-855-463-9333 |
| Starlink | Satellite | 220 Mbps | $120/mo | Priority | No | Online only |
Top Provider Details
Xfinity
Xfinity leads Evanston with 95% coverage offering cable and fiber service. Plans range from 75 Mbps to 6 Gbps, providing the widest selection of speed tiers in the city.
Plans: Connect ($30/mo, 75 Mbps) | Connect More ($55/mo, 200 Mbps) | Fast ($65/mo, 400 Mbps) | Superfast ($80/mo, 800 Mbps) | Gigabit ($100/mo, 1.2 Gbps)
Choose if: You want maximum speed options and near-universal availability.
Avoid if: The 1.2 TB monthly data cap is a problem for heavy usage.
Order: 1-844-963-0138
AT&T Fiber
AT&T Fiber covers 86% of Evanston with symmetrical download and upload speeds from 300 Mbps to 5 Gbps. No data caps and no contracts make it the strongest fiber choice for the city.
Plans: Internet 300 ($55/mo) | Internet 500 ($65/mo) | Internet 1000 ($80/mo) | Internet 2000 ($150/mo)
Choose if: You need fast symmetrical uploads for remote work or video creation.
Avoid if: Your address only qualifies for slower AT&T DSL.
Order: 1-855-850-5977
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
T-Mobile 5G covers 83% of Evanston with typical speeds of 72-245 Mbps. The flat $40/mo price with no contract makes it popular with students and renters near Northwestern.
Plans: Home Internet ($40/mo, unlimited)
Choose if: You want a quick-setup, no-commitment option with solid speeds.
Avoid if: You need guaranteed wired reliability for gaming or work.
Order: 1-844-275-9311
Speed Tier Comparison in Evanston
| Speed Tier | Xfinity | AT&T | Verizon Fios | T-Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (75-100 Mbps) | $30/mo | -- | -- | $40/mo |
| Mid (200-300 Mbps) | $55/mo | $55/mo | $50/mo | $40/mo |
| Fast (400-500 Mbps) | $65/mo | $65/mo | $70/mo | -- |
| Gig (1 Gbps+) | $100/mo | $80/mo | $90/mo | -- |
| Multi-Gig (2+ Gbps) | $150/mo | $150/mo | -- | -- |
Speed recommendations: Students: 100-200 Mbps | Families streaming: 300 Mbps | Remote workers: 500 Mbps+ | Power users: 1 Gbps
Internet Service in Evanston, IL
Evanston is a lakefront city of about 75,527 on Chicago's North Shore in Cook County (CBSA 16980). As home to Northwestern University, the city has a high demand for fast, reliable internet, and providers have responded with extensive fiber and cable buildouts.
Xfinity offers near-universal wired coverage, while AT&T Fiber has expanded rapidly across Evanston's residential neighborhoods. T-Mobile 5G gives renters and students a quick alternative with no installation appointment needed.
Neighborhood Coverage Guide
- Central Evanston: Xfinity, AT&T Fiber, T-Mobile 5G
- South Evanston: Xfinity, AT&T Fiber, Verizon Fios
- Northwest Evanston: Xfinity, AT&T Fiber, T-Mobile 5G
- Lakefront/Campus: Xfinity, AT&T Fiber, T-Mobile 5G
Internet Speed Requirements for Evanston Households
The speed you need in Evanston depends on how many people and devices use your connection simultaneously. A single person streaming video and browsing the web can get by with 50-100 Mbps. A household of 2-3 people with regular streaming and video calls should target 200-300 Mbps. Larger families with 4 or more heavy users benefit from 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps plans, especially when multiple people are streaming in 4K, gaming online, or working from home at the same time.
Upload speed matters just as much as download speed for Evanston residents who work remotely. Video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Teams require at least 5 Mbps upload for stable HD video, and 10 Mbps or more for group calls with screen sharing. If multiple household members participate in video calls simultaneously, ensure your plan provides at least 20-25 Mbps upload speed. Fiber plans offer the best upload performance with symmetrical speeds.
How to Choose an Internet Provider in Evanston
Start by checking which providers actually serve your specific address in Evanston, as coverage can vary significantly even within the same city. Enter your address on each provider's website or use our comparison tool to see all available options. Compare the actual speeds offered at your address, not just the provider's maximum advertised speed, since availability of faster tiers depends on local infrastructure.
Beyond speed, compare the total monthly cost including equipment rental fees, installation charges, and price increases after promotional periods end. Providers in Evanston, Illinois may offer different promotions depending on the season and competition in your area. Ask about no-contract options to maintain flexibility, and check whether a provider requires a credit check, as some offer prepaid alternatives. Reading recent customer reviews specific to Evanston gives the most relevant picture of service quality and reliability in your neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest internet in Evanston, IL?
Xfinity offers the fastest speeds in Evanston with plans up to 6 Gbps. AT&T Fiber provides symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps as an excellent alternative.
Is fiber internet available in Evanston?
Yes. AT&T Fiber covers about 86% of Evanston with symmetrical speeds. Xfinity fiber serves 95% and Verizon Fios reaches approximately 37% of the city.
What is the cheapest internet in Evanston?
Xfinity Connect starts at $30/mo for 75 Mbps. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet offers unlimited data at $40/mo with no contract required.
Which Evanston provider has no data caps?
AT&T Fiber, Verizon Fios, and T-Mobile 5G all offer plans with no data caps. Xfinity has a 1.2 TB cap but offers an unlimited upgrade.
Can I get 5G home internet in Evanston?
Yes. T-Mobile 5G covers about 83% of Evanston with typical speeds of 72-245 Mbps. Pricing starts at $40/mo with no contract.
What internet is best near Northwestern University?
Near campus, Xfinity and AT&T Fiber both offer strong coverage. For students in apartments, T-Mobile 5G is a quick no-contract setup option.
Related Resources
Illinois Internet
Provider Pages
Guides
Last updated: February 7, 2026.
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