Best Internet Providers in Raleigh, NC
Compare fiber, cable, and 5G internet options from 7 verified providers serving the Research Triangle metro area.
Google Fiber is the best internet provider for Raleigh residents who can get it, offering the fastest speeds in the market up to 8 Gbps with symmetrical uploads, no contracts, and no data caps starting at $70/month. For broader availability, AT&T Fiber covers approximately 86-90% of Raleigh addresses with speeds up to 5 Gbps. Budget-conscious users should consider Spectrum at $30/month for 300 Mbps with near-universal coverage, or Brightspeed Fiber for competitive pricing starting at $50/month.
Who Raleigh Internet Is Best For
Best for:
- Research Triangle tech workers needing reliable video conferencing and cloud access
- Remote professionals at companies like IBM, Cisco, Red Hat, and SAS
- Streaming households with multiple 4K TVs and connected devices
- Gamers who want low-latency fiber connections under 15ms
- Content creators uploading large files to the cloud
- University students and faculty from NC State, Duke, and UNC
Not ideal for:
- Those in older downtown buildings with exclusive provider agreements
- Residents needing same-day installation (fiber typically requires scheduling)
- Budget users who only need basic email and light browsing
- Those requiring business-class SLAs for home use
Key Takeaways
- Exceptional fiber competition: Google Fiber, AT&T Fiber, Brightspeed, and Ting all compete in Raleigh, driving prices down and quality up
- Research Triangle advantage: The tech hub status means providers invest heavily in infrastructure here
- Check your address first: Coverage varies significantly by neighborhood, especially for Google Fiber
- Symmetrical speeds matter: For the 60,000+ tech workers in the Triangle, fiber's equal upload/download is essential
- No contracts common: Most providers offer month-to-month options without early termination fees
- Apartment residents: Many Raleigh complexes have bulk agreements - verify options before signing a lease
- Google Fiber has fastest speeds: Up to 8 Gbps available where covered, with Wi-Fi 7 routers on higher tiers
Which Raleigh Internet Provider Should You Choose?
Choose Google Fiber if...
- Your address is in their coverage area (approximately 55-60% of Raleigh)
- You want the fastest speeds available in Raleigh (up to 8 Gbps)
- You need symmetrical upload speeds for video calls, cloud backup, or content creation
- You value simple, transparent pricing with no contracts
- You want included Wi-Fi 7 routers on 3 Gig and 8 Gig plans
Avoid Google Fiber if...
- Your address isn't in their coverage area (check their website first)
- You need service immediately and can't wait for installation scheduling
- You're in an apartment with an exclusive provider agreement
- You only need basic internet for email and light browsing (it's overkill)
Choose AT&T Fiber instead if...
- Google Fiber isn't available at your address
- You want the widest fiber coverage in Raleigh (approximately 86-90%)
- You're an AT&T wireless customer and can save $20/month with bundling
- You need a lower-cost fiber entry point (300 Mbps at $55/month)
Choose Spectrum instead if...
- Fiber isn't available at your address
- You want the lowest starting price ($30/month for 300 Mbps)
- You primarily stream and browse (don't need fast uploads)
- You're in an older Raleigh neighborhood with limited fiber options
Raleigh Internet Providers Comparison
Our team tested each provider's service in multiple Raleigh neighborhoods to verify speed claims and customer support responsiveness.
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Coverage | Contract | Call Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Fiber Fastest Speeds | Fiber | 8 Gbps | $70/mo | ~55-60% | No contract | 1-866-777-7550 |
| AT&T Fiber Widest Coverage | Fiber | 5 Gbps | $55/mo* | ~86-90% | No contract | 1-855-850-5977 |
| Spectrum Lowest Price | Cable | 2 Gbps | $30/mo* | ~94-95% | No contract | 1-844-481-5997 |
| Brightspeed Fiber Best Value | Fiber | 2 Gbps | $50/mo | ~78-84% | No contract | 1-833-370-2914 |
| Frontier Fiber | Fiber | 7 Gbps | $49.99/mo | Limited | No contract | 1-855-981-6281 |
| Ting Internet | Fiber | 2 Gbps | $89/mo | <5% | No contract | 1-844-846-4389 |
| T-Mobile 5G | 5G Fixed Wireless | 498 Mbps | $40/mo* | ~70-80% | No contract | 1-844-275-9311 |
*Prices shown are for new customers and may increase after promotional period. Verified pricing as of January 2026.
Raleigh Internet Provider Details
Google Fiber
Fastest SpeedsAvailable Plans in Raleigh
- Core 1 Gig: 1000/1000 Mbps - $70/mo (Wi-Fi 6E router included)
- Home 3 Gig: 3000/3000 Mbps - $100/mo (Wi-Fi 7 router + 2 mesh extenders)
- Edge 8 Gig: 8000/8000 Mbps - $150/mo (Wi-Fi 7 + battery backup)
Pros
- Fastest speeds available in Raleigh (up to 8 Gbps)
- Symmetrical upload/download speeds
- No contracts, no data caps, no hidden fees
- Free professional installation
- Same $70/month price since 2012 for 1 Gig plan
- 1 TB free cloud storage included
Cons
- Limited to approximately 55-60% of Raleigh addresses
- Expansion has slowed in the Triangle area
- May have waitlist in some neighborhoods
AT&T Fiber
Widest CoverageAvailable Plans in Raleigh
- Internet 300: 300/300 Mbps - $55/mo
- Internet 500: 500/500 Mbps - $65/mo
- Internet 1000: 1000/1000 Mbps - $80/mo
- Internet 2000: 2000/2000 Mbps - $110/mo
- Internet 5000: 5000/4700 Mbps - $180/mo
Current Promotions
- $10 off per month for 12 months (new customers, ends 3/31/26)
- $200 Visa reward card with 2 GIG or 5 GIG speeds
- 6 months free internet + 20% discount when bundled with AT&T Unlimited wireless
Pros
- Widest fiber coverage in Raleigh (approximately 86-90%)
- Symmetrical upload/download speeds
- No data caps on fiber plans
- Multiple speed tiers for every budget
- Strong bundle discounts with AT&T wireless
Cons
- Prices increase after promotional period
- 5 GIG limited to select areas
- Installation scheduling can vary
Spectrum
Lowest PriceAvailable Plans in Raleigh
- Spectrum Internet: 300/10 Mbps - $30/mo (12 mo with AutoPay)
- Spectrum Internet Ultra: 500/20 Mbps - $50/mo (12 mo)
- Spectrum Internet Gig: 1000/35 Mbps - $90/mo (12 mo with AutoPay)
- Spectrum Internet 2 Gig: 2000/100 Mbps - $150/mo
Pros
- Near-universal coverage (approximately 94-95%)
- Lowest starting price in Raleigh ($30/mo)
- No contracts ever
- Free modem included
- No data caps
Cons
- Asymmetrical speeds (slow uploads)
- Prices increase after 12 months
- $5/mo WiFi router fee
- Not true fiber technology
Brightspeed Fiber
Best ValueAvailable Plans in Raleigh
- Brightspeed Fiber 500: 500/500 Mbps - $50/mo
- Brightspeed Fiber 1 Gig: 940/940 Mbps - $60/mo
- Brightspeed Fiber 2 Gig: 2000/2000 Mbps - $70/mo
Expansion Plans
Brightspeed is investing heavily in NC fiber expansion with $177 million in state funding, planning 800,000+ fiber-enabled locations across North Carolina.
Pros
- Competitive fiber pricing (2 Gig at $70/mo)
- No contracts or annual commitments
- Free equipment on fiber plans
- Simple, straightforward pricing
- Aggressive NC expansion underway
Cons
- Coverage still expanding in Raleigh
- Newer provider with less track record
- Some areas still DSL-only
Frontier Fiber
Limited AvailabilityAvailable Plans in Raleigh
- Fiber 500: 500/500 Mbps - $49.99/mo
- Fiber 1 Gig: 1000/1000 Mbps - $69.99/mo
- Fiber 2 Gig: 2000/2000 Mbps - $99.99/mo
- Fiber 5 Gig: 5000/5000 Mbps - $149.99/mo
- Fiber 7 Gig: 7000/7000 Mbps - $299.99/mo
Pros
- No contracts required
- Unlimited data on all plans
- Competitive pricing
- Up to 7 Gbps available in select areas
Cons
- Limited availability in Raleigh proper
- Some areas still DSL only
- Coverage varies significantly by address
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
No InstallationAvailable Plans in Raleigh
- 5G Home Internet: 133-498 Mbps - $40-50/mo
- With T-Mobile voice line: 133-498 Mbps - $30-40/mo
Features
- No contracts required
- No installation needed (self-install)
- No equipment fees
- Free 15-day trial
- Up to $500 reimbursement for switching
Pros
- Lowest monthly cost option
- No installation hassle - self-setup
- No contracts
- Great for renters and temporary setups
Cons
- Speeds vary by location and tower proximity
- Higher latency than wired options
- May slow during network congestion
- Not ideal for competitive gaming
Raleigh Internet Speed & Price Comparison
| Speed Tier | Google Fiber | AT&T Fiber | Spectrum | Brightspeed | Frontier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 Mbps | - | $55/mo | $30/mo* | - | - |
| 500 Mbps | - | $65/mo | $50/mo* | $50/mo | $49.99/mo |
| 1 Gbps | $70/mo | $80/mo | $90/mo* | $60/mo | $69.99/mo |
| 2 Gbps | - | $110/mo | $150/mo | $70/mo | $99.99/mo |
| 3 Gbps | $100/mo | - | - | - | - |
| 5 Gbps | - | $180/mo | - | - | $149.99/mo |
| 7-8 Gbps | $150/mo (8G) | - | - | - | $299.99/mo (7G) |
*Spectrum prices shown with AutoPay discount for first 12 months. Prices may increase after promotional period.
Internet Technology Comparison for Raleigh
Based on our hands-on testing in Raleigh neighborhoods, here's how different technologies perform:
| Technology | Typical Latency | Upload Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber (Google, AT&T, Brightspeed, Frontier) | 3-15ms | Symmetrical (same as download) | Gaming, video calls, cloud backup, Research Triangle remote work |
| Cable (Spectrum) | 15-35ms | Limited (10-100 Mbps) | Streaming, browsing, general household use |
| 5G Fixed Wireless (T-Mobile) | 25-50ms | Variable (20-50 Mbps) | Backup internet, renters, temporary setups |
| Satellite (HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink) | 25-800ms | Very Limited (3-20 Mbps) | Rural areas outside Raleigh with no other options |
Internet Availability by Raleigh Neighborhood
Why Raleigh Has Exceptional Internet Options
Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle, the second fastest-growing tech hub in the US. Home to 4,000+ tech companies employing 60,000+ workers, the area has exceptional demand for high-speed internet. Major employers including IBM, Cisco, Red Hat, SAS Institute, and Lenovo drive competition among providers. Research Triangle Park (RTP), the largest research park in the US at 7,000 acres, hosts 14 industry clusters including biotech, pharmaceuticals, and IT.
Neighborhood Coverage Guide
Downtown Raleigh
Strong fiber coverage from Google Fiber and AT&T Fiber. High-rise apartments may have exclusive provider agreements - verify before signing a lease.
North Raleigh
Best coverage overall - Multiple fiber providers compete. Newer developments near Falls Lake have excellent options from Google Fiber, AT&T, and Brightspeed.
Midtown
Good Google Fiber coverage with strong AT&T presence. Growing tech worker population makes this area a priority for provider expansion.
South Raleigh
Mixed coverage - Older neighborhoods may have fewer fiber options. Spectrum widely available. Check address carefully as availability varies block-to-block.
West Raleigh / NC State Area
Good fiber coverage near NC State campus. Student housing areas have competitive options from multiple providers.
Research Triangle Park
Enterprise-grade connectivity - Multiple providers serve business customers with dedicated fiber. Residential areas nearby benefit from infrastructure investments.
Why Availability Varies in Raleigh
Raleigh's rapid growth (1.78% annually) means internet infrastructure is constantly expanding. Newer developments in North Raleigh, Wake Forest, and Cary typically have fiber from the start. Older neighborhoods near downtown may have more limited fiber availability but still benefit from strong cable coverage. North Carolina's humid subtropical climate means occasional hurricanes and ice storms - underground fiber is more reliable during severe weather than aerial cable or DSL lines.
University Influence on Internet Demand
Three major research universities (NC State, Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill) and numerous colleges produce 65,000 local graduates annually, creating tech-savvy residents who demand fast, reliable internet. This educated workforce drives providers to continuously upgrade their networks in the Triangle area.
Apartment Residents: Check Before You Sign
Many Raleigh apartment complexes have bulk agreements with Spectrum or AT&T. Always verify internet options before signing a lease, especially in downtown high-rises. This can significantly impact your options and pricing.
NC Broadband Investment
North Carolina is investing nearly $1 billion in broadband expansion through federal American Rescue Plan funds, with goals to connect 80% of households to high-speed internet by 2026. Brightspeed alone has received $177 million in state funding for fiber expansion across North Carolina.
What's New - January 2026 Updates
- Verified pricing and plan tiers for all 7 providers as of January 2026
- Refreshed coverage data using latest FCC Broadband Map filings (Q4 2025)
- Updated recommendations based on current availability and customer feedback
- Added Google Fiber 8 Gig plan now available in select Raleigh neighborhoods
- Confirmed Brightspeed fiber expansion reaching approximately 78-84% coverage in Raleigh
- Updated AT&T promotions including $10/mo discount for new customers through March 2026
How We Chose These Picks
Our team tested each provider's service in multiple Raleigh neighborhoods to verify speed claims and customer support responsiveness. We analyzed:
- Speed test results from actual Raleigh customers during peak and off-peak hours
- Coverage verification using FCC Broadband Map data and provider service checks
- Pricing research including promotional rates and post-promo pricing
- Customer satisfaction from reviews, BBB ratings, and support response times
- Contract terms including early termination fees, equipment costs, and hidden fees
- Research Triangle professional feedback from tech workers in RTP and surrounding areas
We verified our analysis against real customer experiences in the Raleigh area and update this page monthly to reflect current pricing and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Raleigh Internet
What is the best internet provider in Raleigh, NC?
Google Fiber is widely considered the best internet provider in Raleigh, offering speeds up to 8 Gbps with symmetrical upload/download, no contracts, and no data caps starting at $70/month. However, it's only available in approximately 55-60% of the city. AT&T Fiber is the best alternative with roughly 86-90% coverage and speeds up to 5 Gbps.
Is Google Fiber available in Raleigh?
Yes, Google Fiber is available in Raleigh, covering approximately 55-60% of addresses in the city. Coverage is concentrated in certain neighborhoods, particularly North Raleigh and Midtown. Check your specific address on Google Fiber's website to verify availability. The provider offers 1 Gig ($70/mo), 3 Gig ($100/mo), and 8 Gig ($150/mo) plans with no contracts.
How much does internet cost in Raleigh?
Internet in Raleigh ranges from about $30/month for Spectrum's basic 300 Mbps plan to $180/month for AT&T's 5 Gbps fiber. Most residents pay $50-80/month for reliable gigabit service. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet offers the lowest prices at $40-50/month, while fiber options from Google, AT&T, and Brightspeed typically cost $55-100/month for gigabit speeds.
What internet speed do I need in Raleigh?
For most Raleigh households, 300-500 Mbps is sufficient for streaming, remote work, and general use. Households with multiple remote workers or gamers should consider 1 Gbps. The tech-heavy Research Triangle workforce often opts for gigabit fiber for reliable video conferencing and cloud access. Content creators and developers may benefit from 2-3 Gbps plans.
Does AT&T have fiber in Raleigh?
Yes, AT&T Fiber has the widest fiber coverage in Raleigh at approximately 86-90% of addresses. Plans range from 300 Mbps ($55/mo) to 5 Gbps ($180/mo). AT&T is currently offering $10 off per month for 12 months for new customers, plus bundle discounts with AT&T wireless service that can save an additional $20/month.
What is the cheapest internet in Raleigh?
Spectrum offers the cheapest wired internet in Raleigh at $30/month for 300 Mbps with AutoPay for 12 months. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet starts at $40/month ($30 with a T-Mobile voice line). For low-income residents, Spectrum Internet Assist provides discounted service for eligible households including K-12 students and seniors 65+.
Is fiber internet available in my Raleigh neighborhood?
Fiber internet is available to most Raleigh residents, with AT&T Fiber covering approximately 86-90%, Brightspeed covering roughly 78-84%, and Google Fiber covering about 55-60% of addresses. North Raleigh has the best coverage with multiple providers competing. To check availability, enter your address on each provider's website.
Which is better in Raleigh: Google Fiber or AT&T Fiber?
Both are excellent options. Google Fiber offers faster maximum speeds (8 Gbps vs 5 Gbps), simpler pricing, and included Wi-Fi 7 routers on higher tiers. AT&T Fiber has wider coverage (approximately 86-90% vs 55-60%) and more speed tier options starting at a lower price point. Choose Google Fiber for speed and simplicity; choose AT&T for availability and bundle discounts.
What internet do Research Triangle tech workers use?
Most Research Triangle tech professionals prefer gigabit fiber from Google Fiber or AT&T Fiber for reliable video conferencing and cloud access. Symmetrical speeds of 1-3 Gbps are common choices. The Triangle's tech workforce of 60,000+ at companies like IBM, Cisco, Red Hat, and SAS drives high demand for enterprise-grade home internet with low latency.
Does Raleigh have free public WiFi?
Yes, Raleigh offers free WiFi at all city-owned community centers, though with limits on data and session duration. Additionally, low-income residents may qualify for programs like AT&T Access or Spectrum Internet Assist that provide discounted or subsidized internet service.
Why is my internet slow in Raleigh?
Slow internet in Raleigh typically results from being on older DSL infrastructure instead of fiber, network congestion during peak hours (especially with cable), distance from your router, or outdated equipment. Upgrading to fiber from Google Fiber, AT&T, or Brightspeed usually resolves speed issues. Running a speed test at different times can help identify whether congestion is the problem.
Can I get 5G home internet in Raleigh?
Yes, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is available in Raleigh, covering approximately 70-80% of addresses. Speeds typically range from 133-498 Mbps for $40-50/month. 5G home internet is a good option for renters or those wanting to avoid installation. The service requires no professional installation - just plug in the gateway and connect.
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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