Reliable home Wi-Fi is essential in 2025, but the right plan depends on where you live, your budget and how your household connects. Providers and connection types vary widely, which is why we’ve compared the leading options to identify the best choices for different needs. 

In this guide, you’ll find our top Wi-Fi picks, breakdowns of speed and pricing, and what to consider when setting up service. Whether you want fast fiber for heavy streaming, an affordable cable plan or flexible wireless service, our roundup highlights the strongest options so you can make a confident, informed decision.

Which home Wi-Fi providers offer the best plans in 2025?

Several national providers offer home Wi-Fi plans in 2025. Options include:

AT&T: Fiber plans with no extra equipment feesFrontier Fiber: Low-cost fiber with free installationSpectrum: Cable internet with widespread coverageT-Mobile: 5G home internet with no contractsVerizon Fios: Consistent pricing and no contractsXfinity: Wide range of plans, including low-cost options

Provider, speed and price availability depend on your state and address.

What are the key features of top Home Wi-Fi providers?AT&T

Get AT&T starting at $55 per month

Here are some key features of AT&T home internet:

All-in-one pricing with Wi-Fi gateway included (Wi-Fi 6 for multi-gig plans, Wi-Fi 5 for lower tiers)Fiber connection with symmetrical speedsSpeeds: 300 Mbps to 5,000 MbpsPrice: $55 to $245 per monthAvailable in 22 states

Read our full AT&T home internet review.

Frontier Fiber

Get Frontier starting at $44.99 per month

Here are some key features of Frontier Fiber:

Eero 7 Wi-Fi router included in monthly price; mesh extenders available for larger homes100% fiber internet with symmetrical speedsSpeeds: 500 Mbps to 5,000 MbpsPrice: $44.99 to $154.99 per monthAvailable in 25 states (primarily urban/suburban regions)

Read our full Frontier home internet review.

Spectrum

Get Spectrum starting at $30 per month

Advanced Wi-Fi router (Wi-Fi 6 with Wi-Fi 6E in some markets) available for $5 per month rental or use your ownCable internet with wide coverage in urban and suburban areasSpeeds: 100 Mbps to 1,000 MbpsPrice: $30 to $70 per monthAvailable in 41 states

Read our full Spectrum home internet review.

T-Mobile

Get T-Mobile starting at $50 per month

5G Gateway (Wi-Fi 6 router + modem) included with plan; easy self-setupFixed wireless connection over T-Mobile’s 5G networkSpeeds: 133 Mbps to 415 Mbps Price: $50 to $70 per month (with AutoPay)Available nationwide where T-Mobile 5G service is strong

Read our full T-Mobile home internet review.

Verizon Fios

Get Verizon Fios starting at $49.99 per month

Wi-Fi 6E router included with most plans; Whole-Home Wi-Fi extenders available for larger spaces100% fiber connection with symmetrical speedsSpeeds: 300 Mbps to 2,300 MbpsPrice: $49.99 to $109.99 per monthAvailable in 8 states, plus Washington, D.C.

Read our full Verizon Fios review.

Xfinity

Get Xfinity starting at $40 per month

xFi Gateway router (Wi-Fi 6 or 6E) available for $15 per month rental, or use your ownCable internet with wide availabilitySpeeds: 300 Mbps to 2,000 MbpsPrice: $40 to $115 per monthAvailable in 36 states

Read our full Xfinity home internet review.

What speeds do leading Wi-Fi providers offer?

Speeds and prices may change based on location and eligibility.

What is the difference between fiber, cable, 5G, DSL and satellite Wi-Fi?Fiber: Fastest and most reliable; symmetrical upload/download speeds; best for heavy streaming, gaming and remote work. Limited availability but expanding.Cable: Widely available; high download speeds but slower uploads; can slow during peak hours.5G Home Internet: Uses cellular networks; easy self-install and no contracts; speeds vary depending on signal strength.DSL: Delivered over phone lines; inexpensive but much slower than modern options; mostly being phased out.Satellite: Available almost everywhere; useful for rural areas; high latency and data caps are common.How much does home Wi-Fi cost in 2025?

Home internet plans average $50 to $80 per month, with prices varying by speed, connection type and provider. Additional costs may include equipment rentals, installation fees or early termination charges if a contract is involved. 

Some providers offer month-to-month plans and include equipment at no extra cost, while others have one-time or recurring fees. Be sure to check for price increases after introductory periods, as promotional rates often rise once the initial term ends.

What equipment do you need for Home Wi-Fi (and should you use your own router)?

Before choosing a provider, it’s important to understand the equipment that powers home internet — especially the Wi-Fi router, which distributes your connection wirelessly throughout the house.

Modem: Connects your home to the internet providerRouter: Distributes the internet wirelessly to your devicesGateway: Combines a modem and router in one deviceWi-Fi extender/booster: Expands coverage in larger homesSatellite dish: Required for satellite internetONT box: Needed for fiber internetCoaxial wall connection: Used with cable internetPhone jack: Needed for DSL connections

Most providers include some or all of this equipment, but you may have the option to use your own router instead of renting from them.

Provider equipment (gateway or router):Pros: Easy setup, guaranteed compatibility, 24/7 tech supportCons: Monthly rental fees, limited customization, may not use the newest Wi-Fi standardYour own router:Pros: One-time cost, better performance with Wi-Fi 6/6E, more control over settingsCons: Higher upfront cost, setup can be complex, limited provider supportHow to set up home Wi-Fi: DIY vs. professional installation

Setting up home Wi-Fi starts with connecting your residence to the internet and distributing the signal wirelessly through a modem, router or gateway. Some homes may also need equipment such as a Wi-Fi extender, satellite dish or ONT box, depending on the connection type.

You can either self-install or choose professional installation. Self-installation is usually free and works well for cable, fiber and 5G home internet, but it may not be suitable for new builds or satellite service. 

Professional installation typically costs $50 to $100 for cable, fiber and DSL, and $100 to $500 for satellite.

How can you improve home Wi-Fi speed and reliability?

If your connection feels slow, start by running an internet speed test to see what you’re actually getting — then try these steps to improve your home Wi-Fi speed and reliability.

Restart the router, modem and devicesMove the router to a central locationLimit the number of devices in use at one timeAdd a Wi-Fi extender to boost the signalPlug key devices directly into the routerUpdate or upgrade equipment as neededMake sure equipment is compatible with your connection typeUse the internet at off-peak times for better speedsHow to compare and choose home Wi-Fi plans

Picking the right Wi-Fi plan starts with your household’s needs and ends with comparing providers. Use these steps to guide your decision:

Assess household needs: Count devices and note whether you stream, game or work from home.Choose the right speed: Match plan speeds to your activities and the number of users.Check availability: Enter your address to see which providers serve your area.Set your budget: Weigh monthly prices along with equipment, installation, and long-term costs.Compare providers: Look at data limits, contract terms, customer support ratings, and upgrade options.Factor in extras: Check for promotions, bundles, and added features like whole-home Wi-Fi or security tools.

Find the Best cheap internet service providers of 2025

Bottom line

The best home Wi-Fi plan in 2025 depends on your address, budget and how your household goes online. Start by checking which providers are available in your area, then compare plans by speed, price and equipment. Match speeds to your activities—streaming, gaming, remote work or all of the above—to ensure reliable performance. 

By weighing connection types, costs and installation options, you can choose a plan that delivers both value and consistency, keeping every device in your home connected with ease.

Contributing: Lisa Iscrupe, Hannah Whatley, Allconnect

This article was edited with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. Learn more about Gannett’s AI guidelines and policy here.