Best Internet Providers in Durham, NC
Compare 10 internet providers serving 257,636 Durham residents. Find cable, fiber, 5G, and satellite plans with speeds up to 5 Gbps. Durham's Research Triangle location drives strong broadband competition.
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AT&T Fiber 1-855-850-5977Quick Answer: Best Internet in Durham
AT&T Fiber and Google Fiber are the best internet providers in Durham, offering symmetrical gigabit fiber with no data caps. Spectrum provides the widest cable coverage at 84% of the city. Frontier Fiber is expanding across the Research Triangle. T-Mobile 5G offers a wireless alternative at $40-50/month with no contracts.
Key Takeaways
- Best overall: AT&T Fiber with 57% coverage and speeds up to 5 Gbps
- Best value fiber: Google Fiber at $70/mo for 1 Gbps symmetrical
- Best for coverage: Spectrum cable at 84% of Durham
- Best for renters: T-Mobile 5G at $40-50/mo, no contract
- 10 providers: Research Triangle competition drives excellent options
Durham Internet Providers Comparison
Verified as of February 2026. Coverage percentages based on FCC data.
| 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 Internet | Fiber / DSL | 5 Gbps | $55/mo | None (Fiber) | No | 1-855-850-5977 |
| Google Fiber | Fiber | 2 Gbps | $70/mo | None | No | Online only |
| Frontier Fiber | Fiber / DSL | 5 Gbps | $50/mo | None | No | 1-855-981-6281 |
| T-Mobile 5G | 5G Fixed Wireless | 245 Mbps | $40-50/mo | None | No | 1-844-275-9311 |
| Verizon 5G / Fios | 5G / Fiber | 1 Gbps | $35/mo** | None | No | 1-855-387-1456 |
| Starlink | LEO Satellite | 250 Mbps | $120/mo | Soft cap | No | Online only |
| HughesNet | Satellite | 100 Mbps | $39.99/mo | Limited | 2-year | 1-855-543-5405 |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps | $39.99/mo | Unlimited*** | No | 1-855-463-9333 |
*Spectrum first-year promotional pricing. **Verizon pricing with mobile bundle. ***Viasat Unleashed plan.
Durham Internet Providers: Detailed Reviews
AT&T Fiber in Durham
AT&T Fiber covers about 57% of Durham with symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps and no data caps. The Research Triangle is a key market for AT&T's fiber expansion, and coverage continues to grow. Plans start at $55/month for 300 Mbps.
- Internet 300: 300 Mbps symmetrical - $55/mo
- Internet 500: 500 Mbps symmetrical - $65/mo
- Internet 1000: 1 Gbps symmetrical - $80/mo
Choose AT&T Fiber If:
- You want the fastest residential internet in Durham with no data caps
Avoid If:
- Fiber isn't available at your address yet
Spectrum Internet in Durham
Spectrum is the widest-reaching cable provider in Durham at 84% coverage. Plans start at $30/month for 300 Mbps with no data caps or contracts. A free modem is included. Speeds reach 1 Gbps on the Gig plan.
- Internet: 300 Mbps - $30/mo first year
- Internet Ultra: 500 Mbps - $70/mo
- Internet Gig: 1 Gbps - $90/mo
Choose Spectrum If:
- You want the widest coverage and lowest intro price in Durham
Avoid If:
- You need symmetrical upload speeds for remote work
Google Fiber in Durham
Google Fiber covers about 26% of Durham with symmetrical gigabit speeds at $70/month. No data caps, no contracts, and included Wi-Fi 6 equipment. Google Fiber is available in select central Durham neighborhoods and continues expanding.
Choose Google Fiber If:
- You want reliable gigabit fiber with simple, transparent pricing
Avoid If:
- Your neighborhood doesn't have Google Fiber coverage yet
Durham Internet Speeds and Prices
| Speed Tier | Spectrum | AT&T Fiber | Google Fiber | Frontier | T-Mobile 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 Mbps | $30/mo* | $55/mo | - | - | $40-50/mo |
| 500 Mbps | $70/mo | $65/mo | - | $50/mo | - |
| 1 Gbps | $90/mo | $80/mo | $70/mo | $70/mo | - |
| 2 Gbps | - | $110/mo | $100/mo | $100/mo | - |
*Spectrum first-year rate.
How Much Speed Do You Need?
- 1-2 people: 100-300 Mbps for streaming and browsing
- 3-5 people: 500 Mbps for video calls and multiple devices
- Heavy use: 1 Gbps for gaming, remote work, and 4K streaming
Learn more: How much internet speed do I need?
Internet Service in Durham
- Population: 257,636
- CBSA: 20500 (Durham-Chapel Hill)
- Cable provider: Spectrum
- Fiber providers: AT&T, Google Fiber, Frontier, Verizon Fios
- 5G providers: T-Mobile, Verizon
Durham is one of the most competitive broadband markets in North Carolina thanks to its position in the Research Triangle. Google Fiber's presence has driven other providers to improve speeds and lower prices. AT&T and Frontier are both actively expanding fiber, while Spectrum anchors cable coverage across the city.
The tech-heavy workforce around Duke University and Research Triangle Park keeps demand for high-speed symmetrical connections high, benefiting all Durham residents.
Internet by Durham Neighborhood
- Downtown/American Tobacco: Google Fiber, AT&T Fiber, and Spectrum
- Duke/Ninth Street: Strong fiber coverage from multiple providers
- South Durham/Southpoint: Spectrum and AT&T Fiber available
- North Durham/Eno River: Spectrum primary; fiber expanding
Frequently Asked Questions About Durham Internet
What is the best internet provider in Durham?
AT&T Fiber and Google Fiber are best for speed and value. Spectrum has the widest cable coverage at 84%.
Is Google Fiber available in Durham?
Yes, Google Fiber covers about 26% of Durham with gigabit plans at $70/month and 2 Gbps at $100/month.
How much does internet cost in Durham?
Plans start at $30/month for Spectrum cable and $50/month for Frontier Fiber, ranging up to $180/month for top tiers.
What is the fastest internet in Durham?
AT&T Fiber and Frontier Fiber both offer up to 5 Gbps symmetrical speeds in Durham.
Is 5G home internet available in Durham?
Yes, T-Mobile covers 67% and Verizon 5G Home covers about 21% of Durham.
About the Author
Last Updated: February 7, 2026
Our team regularly reviews and updates this guide to ensure accuracy.
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 order but does not influence our ratings or recommendations. See our editorial guidelines and how we make money.
Internet Speed Requirements for Durham Households
The speed you need in Durham 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 Durham 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 Durham
Start by checking which providers actually serve your specific address in Durham, 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 Durham, 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 Durham gives the most relevant picture of service quality and reliability in your neighborhood.