Best Internet Providers in Seattle, WA
Compare fiber, cable, and 5G internet options from 9 verified providers serving the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro area with 4+ million residents.
Quantum Fiber is the best internet provider for most Seattle residents, offering symmetrical speeds up to 8 Gbps with no data caps and a Price for Life guarantee. For budget-conscious users, Ziply Fiber provides exceptional value at $50/month for gigabit speeds and even offers 50 Gbps - the fastest residential internet in America. If fiber isn't available at your address, Xfinity offers the widest cable coverage at 97-99% across Seattle.
Who Seattle Internet Is Best For
Best for:
- Tech workers at Amazon, Microsoft, and Google needing reliable multi-gigabit uploads
- Remote workers requiring fast symmetrical speeds for video conferencing
- Content creators uploading large files to cloud platforms
- Streaming households with multiple 4K TVs and devices
- Gamers who want low-latency fiber connections
- Early adopters wanting access to 10-50 Gbps residential speeds
Not ideal for:
- Those in Georgetown, SODO, or Greater Duwamish areas (limited fiber)
- Residents in historic buildings with exclusive provider agreements
- Budget users who need absolute lowest price and only have cable access
- Those requiring business-class SLAs for home use
Key Takeaways
- America's fastest residential internet: Ziply Fiber offers 50 Gbps service in Seattle - the fastest home internet available anywhere in the country
- Tech hub competition: Seattle ranks in the top 10 US cities for broadband coverage with 25 ISPs including 8 fiber providers
- Best value in fiber: Ziply Fiber offers 1 Gbps symmetrical for just $50/mo with no contracts
- Highest satisfaction: T-Mobile 5G Home Internet has the highest customer satisfaction ratings (78/100 ACSI) nationwide
- Check your address: Capitol Hill has 96% fiber availability while Georgetown/SODO have limited options
- Apartment residents: Atlas Networks and Google Fiber Webpass serve select buildings - verify options before signing leases
Which Seattle Internet Provider Should You Choose?
Choose Quantum Fiber if...
- You need the fastest speeds with up to 8 Gbps symmetrical
- You want Price for Life guarantee with no price increases
- You're in South Lake Union, Capitol Hill, Ballard, or University District
- You need no data caps and free 360 WiFi equipment
Choose Ziply Fiber if...
- You want the best value - 1 Gbps for just $50/mo
- You're an early adopter wanting 10-50 Gbps speeds
- You prefer supporting a Pacific Northwest-based company
- You want free professional installation (through 1/31/2026)
Choose Xfinity instead if...
- Fiber isn't available at your address
- You need guaranteed availability (97% coverage)
- You want to bundle with TV and mobile services
- You're in an older Seattle neighborhood without fiber
Avoid Quantum Fiber if...
- Your address isn't in their coverage area (check first)
- You're in Georgetown, SODO, or Greater Duwamish areas
- You need multi-gig speeds but don't have compatible equipment
Seattle Internet Providers Comparison
Our team verified each provider's coverage, speeds, and pricing across multiple Seattle neighborhoods using FCC Broadband Map Q4 2025 data.
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Coverage | Contract | Call Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantum Fiber Editor's Choice | Fiber | 8 Gbps | $30/mo | ~50-55% | No contract | 1-877-387-4057 |
| Ziply Fiber Best Value | Fiber | 50 Gbps | $20/mo | ~25-35% | No contract | 1-866-699-4759 |
| Xfinity Widest Coverage | Cable | 1.2 Gbps | $30/mo | ~97-99% | No contract | 1-844-963-0138 |
| T-Mobile 5G Highest Rated | 5G Fixed Wireless | 498 Mbps | $50/mo | ~75-85% | No contract | 1-844-275-9311 |
| CenturyLink | DSL/Fiber | 940 Mbps | $50/mo | ~65-70% | No contract | 1-855-978-1529 |
| Astound Broadband Budget Pick | Cable | 1.5 Gbps | $19.95/mo | ~10-15% | No contract | 1-800-427-8686 |
| Verizon 5G | 5G Fixed Wireless | 1 Gbps | $35/mo | ~25-30% | No contract | 1-855-387-1456 |
| EarthLink | Fiber | 5 Gbps | $39.95/mo | ~40-50% | No contract | 1-800-217-6231 |
| Google Fiber Webpass | Fiber | 1 Gbps | $70/mo | ~5-10% (apartments) | No contract | Online only |
*Prices shown are for new customers and may increase after promotional period. Verified pricing as of January 2026.
Seattle Internet Provider Details
Quantum Fiber
Editor's ChoiceAvailable Plans in Seattle
- Fiber 200: 200/200 Mbps - $30/mo
- Fiber 500: 500/500 Mbps - $50/mo
- Fiber 940: 940/940 Mbps - $65/mo
- Fiber 2 Gig: 2/2 Gbps - $95/mo
- Fiber 8 Gig: 8/8 Gbps - $165/mo
Pros
- Fastest speeds in Seattle up to 8 Gbps
- Symmetrical upload/download speeds
- Price for Life guarantee
- No contracts required
- No data caps
- Free 360 WiFi equipment included
Cons
- Covers only about half of Seattle addresses
- Multi-gig speeds require compatible equipment
- Coverage gaps in Georgetown, SODO, parts of Downtown/Belltown
Best For
Tech workers and Amazon/Microsoft employees, remote workers needing fast uploads, multi-person households, gamers and content creators.
Ziply Fiber
Best ValueAvailable Plans in Seattle
- Fiber 100/100: 100/100 Mbps - $20/mo
- Fiber 300/300: 300/300 Mbps - $40/mo
- Fiber Gig: 1/1 Gbps - $50/mo
- Fiber 2 Gig: 2/2 Gbps - $80/mo
- Fiber 5 Gig: 5/5 Gbps - $150/mo
- Fiber 10 Gig: 10/10 Gbps - $300/mo
Pros
- Fastest residential internet in America up to 50 Gbps
- Exceptional value - 1 Gig for $50/mo
- No contracts, no data caps
- Free professional installation (through 1/31/2026)
- Symmetrical speeds
- Headquartered in Pacific Northwest
Cons
- Smaller coverage footprint than competitors
- Customer service reviews are mixed
- Some billing complaints reported
- BBB rating concerns in some areas
Best For
Budget-conscious fiber seekers, heavy uploaders and content creators, early adopters wanting multi-gig speeds, Pacific Northwest residents supporting local.
Xfinity
Widest CoverageAvailable Plans in Seattle
- Connect: 75/10 Mbps - $30/mo
- Connect More: 200/10 Mbps - $40/mo
- Fast: 400/10 Mbps - $55/mo
- Superfast: 800/15 Mbps - $65/mo
- Gigabit: 1000/20 Mbps - $70-80/mo
- Gigabit Extra: 1200/35 Mbps - $80-90/mo
Pros
- Near-universal coverage in Seattle (97%+)
- No contracts required
- Free mobile line with 300+ Mbps plans
- Consistent speeds and reliable service
- 75%+ customer satisfaction rate
Cons
- Asymmetrical speeds (slow uploads)
- Data caps apply unless you pay for xFi Complete
- Price increases after promotional period
- Customer service can be difficult to reach
Best For
Those needing guaranteed availability, streaming households, bundlers seeking TV/mobile deals, areas without fiber access.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
Highest Customer SatisfactionAvailable Plans in Seattle
- Rely: 133-245 Mbps - $50/mo
- Amplified: 170-415 Mbps - $60/mo
- All-In: Up to 498 Mbps - $70/mo
Pros
- Highest customer satisfaction ratings (78/100 ACSI)
- No contracts
- Simple plug-and-play setup in 15 minutes
- Unlimited data
- 5 Year Price Guarantee
- Excellent for renters
Cons
- Speeds vary by tower proximity and time of day
- Higher latency than wired connections
- Not ideal for competitive gaming
- Availability depends on network capacity
Best For
Renters who move frequently, those avoiding contracts, backup internet option, simple setup preference.
Verizon 5G Home Internet
Available Plans in Seattle
- 5G Home: 300 Mbps avg, up to 1 Gbps - $35-50/mo
- 5G Home Plus: 500 Mbps avg, up to 1 Gbps - $50-70/mo
Pros
- No annual contracts or equipment fees
- Unlimited data
- Fast plug-and-play setup
- Competitive pricing starting at $35/mo
- Good upload speeds for 5G
Cons
- Smaller coverage footprint than T-Mobile
- Requires line of sight to 5G tower
- Speeds depend on network congestion
- Not available at all addresses
Astound Broadband
Budget PickAvailable Plans in Seattle
- Internet 100: 100/10 Mbps - $19.95/mo
- Internet 300: 300/20 Mbps - $30/mo
- Internet 1 Gig: 1000/50 Mbps - $50/mo
- Internet 1.5 Gig: 1500/100 Mbps - $70/mo
Pros
- Cheapest internet in Seattle starting at $19.95/mo
- No contracts
- No data caps
- 3-year price lock on some plans
- WiFi 7 router available
- Internet First low-income program
Cons
- Very limited coverage (south of canal only)
- High post-promotional price increases reported
- Customer satisfaction ranks below average
- Hidden fees and billing complaints
Best For
Budget-conscious users in covered areas, Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, Rainier Valley residents, those avoiding data caps.
Seattle Internet Speed & Price Comparison
| Speed Tier | Quantum Fiber | Ziply Fiber | Xfinity | T-Mobile 5G | Astound |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Mbps | - | $20/mo | - | - | $19.95/mo |
| 200 Mbps | $30/mo | - | $40/mo | $50/mo* | - |
| 300 Mbps | - | $40/mo | - | - | $30/mo |
| 500 Mbps | $50/mo | - | - | $70/mo* | - |
| 800-1000 Mbps | $65/mo | $50/mo | $70-80/mo | - | $50/mo |
| 1.2-1.5 Gbps | - | - | $80-90/mo | - | $70/mo |
| 2 Gbps | $95/mo | $80/mo | - | - | - |
| 5 Gbps | - | $150/mo | - | - | - |
| 8 Gbps | $165/mo | - | - | - | - |
| 10 Gbps | - | $300/mo | - | - | - |
*T-Mobile 5G speeds are typical ranges, not guaranteed. Actual speeds vary by location and network conditions.
Internet Technology Comparison for Seattle
Based on hands-on testing across Seattle neighborhoods, here's how different technologies perform:
| Technology | Typical Latency | Upload Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber (Quantum, Ziply, CenturyLink) | 3-15ms | Symmetrical (same as download) | Tech workers, video calls, cloud backup, gaming |
| Cable (Xfinity, Astound) | 15-35ms | Limited (10-35 Mbps) | Streaming, browsing, general use |
| 5G Fixed Wireless (T-Mobile, Verizon) | 25-50ms | Variable (20-75 Mbps) | Renters, backup internet, easy setup |
| DSL (CenturyLink legacy) | 20-45ms | Very Limited (3-20 Mbps) | Basic browsing where no other options exist |
| Satellite (Starlink, HughesNet, Viasat) | 25-800ms | Limited (5-20 Mbps) | Rural areas, floating homes, boats |
Internet Availability by Seattle Neighborhood
Seattle: A Premier Tech Hub with Premium Internet
Seattle is one of the world's premier tech hubs, home to Amazon headquarters (65,000+ local employees), Microsoft's nearby Redmond campus (50,000+ employees), and major Google offices. The region employs 287,621 tech workers - 13% of the workforce. This drives extremely high demand for fast, reliable internet, which has attracted 25 ISPs including 8 fiber providers competing for customers.
America's Fastest Home Internet
Ziply Fiber offers speeds up to 50 Gbps in Seattle - the fastest residential internet available anywhere in the United States. This Pacific Northwest-headquartered company is aggressively expanding fiber across the region, offering exceptional value with 1 Gbps symmetrical for just $50/month.
Neighborhood Coverage Guide
Capitol Hill
Excellent - 96% fiber coverage - ISP Report Card: A-. Quantum Fiber covers 65.8% of homes with speeds up to 8 Gbps. Xfinity available at 99.9%. Average home has access to 8.8 ISPs.
Ballard
Good coverage - 66.75% of homes have fiber as fastest option. Quantum Fiber and Ziply Fiber available in most areas. Xfinity covers 99.92%. Average home has 6.8 providers.
South Lake Union
Amazon HQ neighborhood - Excellent fiber coverage from Quantum Fiber. Multiple high-speed options for tech workers. Atlas Networks serves some buildings.
Fremont
Quantum Fiber territory - Good coverage. Slightly less coverage than Ballard. Multiple options available for most addresses.
Queen Anne
Good fiber coverage from Quantum Fiber. Astound Broadband available in parts. Xfinity covers most addresses.
University District
Good fiber coverage - Quantum Fiber serves most of the area. Popular with students and University of Washington community.
Belltown/Downtown
Coverage can be spotty in some blocks. Quantum Fiber gaps reported near Stout St. Xfinity available throughout. Google Fiber Webpass in select apartment buildings.
Georgetown/SODO
Limited fiber options - Quantum Fiber coverage is limited. Xfinity is primary option. Between Route 5 and Duwamish Waterway has fewer fiber choices.
Rainier Valley
Mixed coverage - Astound Broadband available. Xfinity covers the area. Fiber availability varies by specific address.
Seattle Weather and Internet
Seattle's frequent rain and overcast conditions don't significantly impact wired connections. Fiber is most reliable year-round. 5G fixed wireless may experience minor degradation during heavy weather. Power outages during winter storms can affect all internet types - consider a UPS backup for critical equipment.
Apartment Residents: Check Before You Sign
Seattle has two ISPs specifically for apartment/condo buildings: Atlas Networks and Google Fiber Webpass. Many high-rise apartments have exclusive provider agreements. Capitol Hill has the highest concentration of rentals - always verify internet options before signing a lease. Ask building managers about available providers.
Municipal Broadband Update
Seattle feasibility studies found a city-owned public Internet utility could provide 1 Gbps for $45/month, but the $440 million construction cost is a barrier. The advocacy group Upgrade Seattle has organized since 2014, and two-thirds of residents support municipal broadband. Washington state passed laws in 2021 allowing municipalities to become direct ISPs. Seattle's Internet for All initiative has distributed 17,000+ laptops and tablets for digital equity.
Low-Cost Internet Programs in Seattle
Several programs help qualifying Seattle residents access affordable internet:
Xfinity Internet Essentials
$14.95/mo for 75 Mbps
No credit check, no contract, free installation and in-home WiFi
Xfinity Internet Essentials Plus
$29.99/mo for 100+ Mbps
Enhanced speed tier for qualifying households
Astound Internet First
$9.95/mo
Apply at civiform.seattle.gov. Free installation, no contracts, no credit check
Verizon Forward
$20/mo
For households that qualified for ACP, Lifeline, WIC, or Pell Grant recipients
Lifeline Program
$9.25/mo discount
Federal program for households at 135% of poverty guidelines or on SNAP/Medicaid
Contact Seattle's Digital Equity office at digitalequity@seattle.gov or (206) 684-8498 for assistance.
What's New - January 2026 Updates
- Verified pricing and plan tiers for all 9 major providers as of January 2026
- Refreshed coverage data using latest FCC Broadband Map filings (Q4 2025)
- Ziply Fiber 50 Gbps now available - the fastest residential internet in America
- Quantum Fiber 8 Gbps expanded to more Seattle neighborhoods
- T-Mobile 5G coverage now reaches 75-85% of Seattle addresses
- Free Ziply installation promotion extended through January 31, 2026
- Capitol Hill fiber coverage confirmed at 96% - highest in the city
How We Chose These Picks
Our team verified each provider's service across multiple Seattle neighborhoods using FCC Broadband Map Q4 2025 data and real customer feedback. We analyzed:
- Speed test results from actual Seattle customers during peak and off-peak hours
- Coverage verification using FCC Broadband Map data and provider service checks
- Pricing research including promotional rates, post-promo pricing, and hidden fees
- Customer satisfaction including T-Mobile's industry-leading 78/100 ACSI score
- Contract terms including early termination fees, equipment costs, and data caps
- Local factors including neighborhood-specific coverage gaps and building agreements
Seattle ranks in the top 10 US cities for broadband coverage, speed, and availability with an average download speed of 275 Mbps and average upload speed of 94 Mbps across all providers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seattle Internet
What is the best internet provider in Seattle, WA?
Quantum Fiber is generally considered the best internet provider in Seattle, offering speeds up to 8 Gbps with symmetrical upload/download and a Price for Life guarantee. For those outside Quantum's coverage area (approximately 50-55% of Seattle), Ziply Fiber offers exceptional value with 1 Gbps for $50/mo. Xfinity provides reliable cable service to 97%+ of Seattle addresses where fiber isn't available.
What is the fastest internet available in Seattle?
Ziply Fiber offers the fastest residential internet in Seattle and in all of America with speeds up to 50 Gbps - making it the fastest home internet service available anywhere in the country. Quantum Fiber offers up to 8 Gbps symmetrical. For cable, Xfinity provides speeds up to 1.2 Gbps. T-Mobile and Verizon 5G can reach up to 1 Gbps in optimal conditions.
Is fiber internet available in Seattle?
Yes, fiber internet is available to approximately 60-71% of Seattle addresses through 8 different fiber providers. Quantum Fiber covers about 50-55% of the city, Ziply Fiber is expanding rapidly (25-35% coverage), and EarthLink serves 40-50%. Capitol Hill has the highest fiber availability at 96%, while Georgetown and SODO have limited fiber options.
How much does internet cost in Seattle?
Internet prices in Seattle range from $19.95/month for Astound's 100 Mbps to $300/month for Ziply's 10 Gbps service. Most households pay between $50-80/month for speeds from 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps. The best value is Ziply Fiber's 1 Gbps symmetrical for just $50/mo with no contracts. Low-income programs start as low as $9.95/month through Astound's Internet First program.
What internet speed do I need in Seattle?
For most Seattle households, 300-500 Mbps is sufficient for streaming, remote work, and multiple devices. Tech workers at Amazon, Microsoft, or Google should consider 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps for video calls and cloud work - symmetrical fiber speeds matter for uploads. With 5+ people and 10+ devices, look at 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps plans. Content creators uploading large files benefit from multi-gigabit fiber.
Is T-Mobile Home Internet good in Seattle?
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet performs very well in Seattle, with the highest customer satisfaction ratings (78/100 ACSI) of any internet provider nationwide. It offers 133-498 Mbps speeds depending on your plan, with no contracts and simple 15-minute plug-and-play setup. It's particularly good for renters who move frequently, though speeds vary by proximity to 5G towers.
What is the cheapest internet in Seattle?
Astound Broadband offers the cheapest internet in Seattle at $19.95/month for 100 Mbps, though coverage is limited to south of the canal. Ziply Fiber offers exceptional fiber value at $20/month for 100 Mbps symmetrical. For low-income households, Astound's Internet First program starts at $9.95/month, and Xfinity Internet Essentials offers 75 Mbps for $14.95/month.
Is Xfinity or fiber better in Seattle?
Fiber (Quantum Fiber or Ziply Fiber) is better than Xfinity for Seattle residents who can get it. Fiber offers faster symmetrical speeds (crucial for video calls and uploads), no data caps, and more consistent performance. However, Xfinity covers 97-99% of Seattle versus fiber's 60-71%, making it the only wired option in many areas. Xfinity's upload speeds max out at 35 Mbps, compared to fiber's symmetrical gigabit+ uploads.
Does Seattle have 5G home internet?
Yes, Seattle has excellent 5G home internet coverage from both T-Mobile (75-85% coverage) and Verizon (25-30% coverage). Both offer speeds up to 1 Gbps with no annual contracts and simple plug-and-play setup. T-Mobile has the highest customer satisfaction ratings nationwide at 78/100 ACSI. 5G is ideal for renters and those who want easy setup without installation appointments.
What internet do Seattle tech workers use?
Most Seattle tech workers at Amazon, Microsoft, and Google prefer Quantum Fiber or Ziply Fiber for symmetrical multi-gigabit speeds essential for video conferencing, cloud work, and large file uploads. The low latency (3-15ms) of fiber is critical for real-time collaboration tools. In areas without fiber, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is popular for its reliability, no-contract flexibility, and highest customer satisfaction scores.
Is there low-cost internet available in Seattle?
Yes, Seattle has several low-cost internet programs. Xfinity Internet Essentials offers $14.95/month for 75 Mbps. Astound's Internet First program starts at $9.95/month (apply at civiform.seattle.gov). Verizon Forward provides $20/month home internet for households that qualified for ACP, Lifeline, WIC, or Pell Grant recipients. The federal Lifeline program offers $9.25/month off eligible services.
Why is my Seattle internet slow?
Slow internet in Seattle often results from network congestion during peak hours (especially in dense neighborhoods like Capitol Hill), using older DSL infrastructure instead of fiber or cable, distance from provider equipment, or outdated home networking gear. If you're on DSL, upgrading to fiber or cable typically resolves speed issues. Check if fiber has become available at your address - Seattle's fiber coverage is expanding rapidly.
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 Q4 2025 data.
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