Guide to Internet Connection Types
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There aren’t many places in the country where people don’t have access to at least two types of internet connection. In this guide, we cover the various types of internet connections, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and what you can expect from your specific plan. We recommend comparing the details of any choices you have before pulling out your wallet.
Internet Connections at a Glance
There are six home internet connections available today: fiber, cable, DSL, satellite, fixed wireless, and 5G. So, which one is best for you?
At a glance, here is a table outlining what each internet connection type typically offers.
| Internet Type | Download Speed Range* | Starting Price Range* | % of US Pop. with Access** |
| Fiber | 200 – 5,000 Mbps | $35.00 – $299.95/mo. | 40% |
| Cable | 25 – 1,000 Mbps | $19.99 – $120.00/mo. | 88% |
| DSL | 10 – 150 Mbps | $19.99 – $69.99/mo. | 89% |
| Satellite | 12 – 150 Mbps | $49.99 – $99.00/mo. | 99% |
| Fixed Wireless | 5 – 50 Mbps | $29.99 – $99.00/mo. | 43% |
| 5G | 50 – 10,000 Mbps | $50.00 – $70.00/mo. | 75% |
| Internet Type | Fiber |
| Download Speed Range* | 200 â 5,000 Mbps |
| Starting Price Range* | $35.00 â $299.95/mo. |
| % of US Pop. with Access** | 40% |
| Internet Type | Cable |
| Download Speed Range* | 25 â 1,000 Mbps |
| Starting Price Range* | $19.99 â $120.00/mo. |
| % of US Pop. with Access** | 88% |
| Internet Type | DSL |
| Download Speed Range* | 10 â 150 Mbps |
| Starting Price Range* | $19.99 â $69.99/mo. |
| % of US Pop. with Access** | 89% |
| Internet Type | Satellite |
| Download Speed Range* | 12 â 150 Mbps |
| Starting Price Range* | $49.99 â $99.00/mo. |
| % of US Pop. with Access** | 99% |
| Internet Type | Fixed Wireless |
| Download Speed Range* | 5 â 50 Mbps |
| Starting Price Range* | $29.99 â $99.00/mo. |
| % of US Pop. with Access** | 43% |
| Internet Type | 5G |
| Download Speed Range* | 50 â 10,000 Mbps |
| Starting Price Range* | $50.00 â $70.00/mo. |
| % of US Pop. with Access** | 75% |
*All speeds and prices are ranges based on current market plans, which vary by location and are subject to change.
**Percentages are based on the FCC internet availability data as of 7/14/22.
What is the Best Type of Internet Connection?
Fiber is the best internet service overall due to its speed potential and reliability. It offers equal download and upload speeds of up to 5 Gbps (though 1,000 Mbps is more common). This makes it ideal for households with multiple users, streaming, online gaming, and telecommuting.
Fiber is a relatively new technology and is, therefore, the least available among the types of internet. However, internet service providers (ISP) are making massive investments in their fiber networks, so availability and capability will increase over the next several years. For these reasons, fiber can be one of the more expensive options, too.
Fiber Internet
Fiber internet uses light to transfer data along cables made of glass, and fiber-optic filaments. Because fiber uses light impulses rather than electrical currents, it can transmit data at the speed of light, making it one of the fastest connection types with 5 Gbps speeds available in some areas. While it offers some of the fastest speeds and supports multiple users, fiber is not as widely available as DSL and cable internet and can cost significantly more.
Pros
- Fast symmetrical speeds
- Most reliable connection
- Supports heavy use in multi-user homes
Cons
- One of the more expensive options
- Limited–but growing–availability in the US
Cable Internet
With far more availability than fiber, cable internet uses the same coaxial cables used for cable TV subscriptions. Cable internet is faster than DSL, reaching speeds up to 3 Gbps, and much more reliable. Due to its speed and availability, it is the leading choice today, with over 60% of U.S. households using the connection.
Pros
- More availability than fiber
- Supports gaming and streaming
- Fast download speeds
Cons
- Slower speeds during peak hours
- Limited availability in rural areas
- Moderate to high prices
DSL Internet
DSL internet, or Digital Subscriber Line, is one of the most available connection types in the United States because it uses the vast infrastructure of telephone lines to transmit data. However, its speeds are significantly slower than fiber and cable, with a max speed of 150 Mbps. DSL is also prone to service disruptions, latency issues, and buffering. It’s best for smaller households, users with minimal to moderate speed requirements, and lower overall cost.
Pros
- Less expensive than fiber and cable
- Move availability, even in rural areas
- Faster than dial-up
Cons
- Slow to average speeds
- Doesn’t support gaming or streaming well
- High latency and buffering issues
Satellite Internet
As the name implies, satellite internet uses satellites orbiting Earth to transfer data between your home and the provider’s network. This connection type has the unique advantage of being available virtually anywhere and reaches speeds up to 200 Mbps. There are only a few satellite internet providers available today, and plans tend to be pricier per MB than other types. Although it isn’t the fastest or most affordable, satellite internet is ideal for folks looking for internet options in rural areas, where choices are usually limited.
Pros
- Available virtually everywhere
- Can overcome physical barriers
- Faster than dial-up an on-par with DSL speeds
Cons
- Tends to be expensive per Mbps
- Data caps usually apply
- Unreliable in severe weather conditions
Fixed Wireless Internet
Using cell towers, fixed wireless internet transmits data over radio waves, versus ground-based cables. Like satellite, fixed wireless is most common in rural areas where hard-wired cable connections are less common, but it does have line-of-sight requirements to establish and maintain reliable speeds and connectivity. Fixed wireless speeds vary greatly based on location, but can deliver speeds up to 1 Gbps in ideal conditions.
Pros
- Delivers internet to underserved areas
- Easy installation
- Local customer service
Cons
- Requires a clear line of sight to the tower
- Less predictable speeds
- Can be expensive
5G Internet
Fifth-generation technology, or 5G, is the new evolution in wireless networks to replace older technologies with far better performance. 5G data is transmitted over millimeter wave (mmWave) bands that are capable of speeds up to 10 Gbps. With faster speeds, it is also able to offer lower latency and increased connectivity than even fiber internet. While 5G currently offers about 75% coverage, it is mostly being used by cellphones. Home-based 5G internet availability is still minimal.
Pros
- Some of the fastest speeds among all connections
- Increased connectivity for more devices
- Low latency
Cons
- Cost and labor obstacles to overbuilding
- Difficulty penetrating barriers
- Very limited availability for home internet
Picking Your Internet Connection
Picking the right internet connection really comes down to your needs and what is available in your area. Each has strengths and weaknesses when it comes to speed, cost, and availability. For those in rural areas, you may only have access to satellite internet. In those cases, you can rest easy knowing you have access to a reliable broadband internet service.
Enter your zip code below to see which satellite internet providers are available in your area and the plans they offer. Viasat and HughesNet offer a wide variety of plans that are available now, while Starlink has a waitlist until at least 2023.
Enter your zip code to see providers near you
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