Best Internet Providers in Cary, NC
Compare 9 internet providers serving 159,769 Cary residents. Google Fiber, AT&T Fiber, and Spectrum compete in one of the Research Triangle's best-connected communities.
Quick Answer: Best Internet in Cary
Spectrum is the most widely available provider in Cary with 91% coverage, but Google Fiber and AT&T Fiber deliver the best performance. Google Fiber offers speeds up to 8 Gbps in 31% of the city, while AT&T Fiber covers 77% with plans up to 5 Gbps. Cary is one of the most competitive broadband markets in North Carolina thanks to Google Fiber's presence.
- Best coverage: Spectrum at 91% with plans from $30/mo
- Best fiber: Google Fiber up to 8 Gbps, AT&T up to 5 Gbps
- Best value fiber: AT&T Fiber at $55/mo for 300 Mbps symmetrical
- Best wireless: T-Mobile 5G at $40-50/mo, 76% coverage
- 9 providers: Top-tier competition in the Research Triangle
Cary Internet Providers Comparison
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Data Cap | Contract | Call Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | Cable | 1 Gbps | $30/mo* | None | No | 1-844-481-5997 |
| AT&T Fiber | Fiber/DSL | 5 Gbps | $55/mo | None | No | 1-855-850-5977 |
| Google Fiber | Fiber | 8 Gbps | $70/mo | None | No | 1-866-777-7550 |
| T-Mobile 5G | 5G/Fixed Wireless | 245 Mbps | $40/mo | None | No | 1-844-275-9311 |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 2 Gbps | $50/mo | None | No | 1-855-387-1456 |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G | 1 Gbps | $35/mo** | None | No | 1-855-387-1456 |
| HughesNet | Satellite | 100 Mbps | $40/mo | Limited | 2-year | 1-855-543-5405 |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps | $40/mo | Unlimited*** | No | 1-855-463-9333 |
| Starlink | LEO Satellite | 250 Mbps | $120/mo | Soft cap | No | Online only |
*Spectrum first-year promo. **Verizon with mobile bundle. ***Viasat Unleashed plan.
Top Cary Internet Providers
Google Fiber in Cary
Google Fiber covers about 31% of Cary with symmetrical fiber speeds up to 8 Gbps. No data caps, no contracts, and no price hikes make Google Fiber the premium choice for tech-savvy Research Triangle residents. Coverage is expanding steadily across newer neighborhoods.
- 1 Gig: 1 Gbps symmetrical - $70/mo
- 2 Gig: 2 Gbps - $100/mo
- 5 Gig: 5 Gbps - $125/mo
- 8 Gig: 8 Gbps - $150/mo
Choose If: Google Fiber is available and you want premium performance.
Avoid If: You're outside Google Fiber's current coverage area.
Call Google Fiber: 1-866-777-7550AT&T Fiber in Cary
AT&T Fiber covers 77% of Cary, making it the most widely available fiber option. Symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps with no data caps. AT&T competes directly with Google Fiber in overlapping areas, keeping prices competitive for consumers.
- Internet 300: 300 Mbps - $55/mo
- Internet 500: 500 Mbps - $65/mo
- Internet 1000: 1 Gbps - $80/mo
Choose If: You want fiber with the widest coverage in Cary.
Avoid If: Google Fiber is available and you want the absolute fastest speeds.
Call AT&T: 1-855-850-5977Spectrum Internet in Cary
Spectrum has the widest coverage in Cary at 91% with cable plans from $30/month. No data caps and no contracts. While not as fast as fiber, Spectrum is available in virtually every Cary neighborhood and offers a free modem with all plans.
Choose If: You want reliable coverage at the lowest intro price.
Avoid If: Fiber is available and you want symmetrical speeds.
Call Spectrum: 1-844-481-5997Cary Internet Speeds and Prices
| Speed Tier | Google Fiber | AT&T Fiber | Spectrum | Verizon Fios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 Mbps | - | $55/mo | $30/mo* | $50/mo |
| 500 Mbps | - | $65/mo | $70/mo | $70/mo |
| 1 Gbps | $70/mo | $80/mo | $90/mo | $90/mo |
| 2 Gbps | $100/mo | $110/mo | - | $120/mo |
| 5+ Gbps | $125/mo | $180/mo | - | - |
Speed Recommendations
- 1-2 people: 100-300 Mbps for streaming and browsing
- 3-5 people: 500 Mbps-1 Gbps for multiple devices
- Tech households: 2-5 Gbps for heavy uploads and content creation
Internet in Cary: Local Overview
Cary is one of the Research Triangle's most connected communities with 159,769 residents. The town's tech-oriented population and proximity to RTP (Research Triangle Park) drive strong demand for high-speed internet. Google Fiber's entry into the market has elevated competition, pushing AT&T and Spectrum to improve their offerings.
Neighborhoods around Cary Towne Center, Waverly Place, and Preston have excellent multi-provider coverage. Newer developments in West Cary and the Chatham Park area are priority targets for Google Fiber and AT&T expansion. T-Mobile 5G provides strong coverage across most of the town for those preferring wireless flexibility.
Nearby Cities
Cary Internet FAQs
What is the best internet in Cary?
Google Fiber and AT&T Fiber are the best for speed. Spectrum has the widest coverage at 91% with plans from $30/month.
Is Google Fiber available in Cary?
Yes, Google Fiber covers about 31% of Cary with speeds up to 8 Gbps. Coverage is expanding to new neighborhoods regularly.
How much does internet cost in Cary?
Plans start at $30/month for Spectrum. Google Fiber Gig is $70/month. Most pay $55-80/month.
What is the fastest internet in Cary?
Google Fiber at 8 Gbps. AT&T Fiber reaches 5 Gbps. Spectrum cable tops out at 1 Gbps.
Is 5G available in Cary?
Yes. T-Mobile 5G covers about 76% of Cary. Verizon 5G Home has about 28% coverage.
How does Cary compare to Raleigh for internet?
Cary has similar options with Google Fiber, AT&T, and Spectrum. Google Fiber's expanding footprint makes Cary one of the Triangle's best-connected communities.
About the Author
Last Updated: February 7, 2026
Our team regularly reviews this guide for accuracy. Provider availability and pricing are verified quarterly.
Editorial Disclosure
InternetProviders.ai is committed to providing accurate, unbiased information. Some providers listed are partners who compensate us when you sign up through our links or phone numbers. This compensation may affect provider ordering but does not influence our ratings or recommendations. See our editorial guidelines and how we make money.
Internet Speed Requirements for Cary Households
The speed you need in Cary 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 Cary 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 Cary
Start by checking which providers actually serve your specific address in Cary, 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 Cary, North Carolina 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 Cary gives the most relevant picture of service quality and reliability in your neighborhood.