Best Internet Providers in Boston, Massachusetts for 2026
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Boston, MA
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Boston, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Boston, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | 302.43 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 174.55 | Mbps |
| Latency | 10 | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Boston, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | 281.68 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 41.01 | Mbps |
| Latency | 23 | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Boston, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | 224.51 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 68.73 | Mbps |
| Latency | 15 | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Boston, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Boston, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Boston, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Boston, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Boston, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Boston, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Boston, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Boston, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Not all plans are available in all areas. Provider plan, availability, and speed tier data provided by BroadbandNow.com. Speedtest real-world data is only present where sample size has reached significance within a region. Additionally, averages may include aggregated tests across multiple Internet Types (Fiber, DSL, Cable, etc.).
Boston blends centuries-old charm with a forward-looking energy. It’s a city where hospital researchers, finance professionals, and tech innovators might share the same Red Line car by day, then unwind over seafood in the Seaport or catch a show in Fenway at night. But at home, whether streaming the Sox, joining a video call, or checking the weather on the Cape before a weekend getaway, Bostonians rely on strong, steady internet to stay connected. The city’s mix of history and innovation extends to its internet options too, which are fast, widely available, and ready for everything from remote work to Patriots replays.
So who leads the Boston internet speed race? According to Speedtest data collected between July and December 2025, Verizon leads in the city with median download speeds of 302.43 Mbps, followed by Xfinity at 281.68 Mbps. Across the metro, real-world performance keeps up with the city’s forward-looking energy, even if some of its brick buildings still hide mid-20th-century wiring.
How Connectivity Varies Across Boston’s Neighborhoods
Boston’s dense layout and architectural diversity make internet coverage uneven from block to block. Here’s a quick breakdown of coverage across neighborhoods:
- Downtown & Back Bay: Good fiber and cable coverage, with strong Verizon and Xfinity presence
- Allston-Brighton & Fenway: High student density means competition for bandwidth at peak hours, with RCN and T-Mobile offering affordable options
- South Boston & Seaport: Fastest average speeds in the city thanks to new fiber infrastructure and redevelopment
- Dorchester & Roxbury: Good Xfinity coverage, though fiber access is still rolling out in some pockets
When it comes to picking a plan, your actual usage matters more than chasing the highest number. For most households of three to four people watching a moderate amount of streaming video and performing simpler work-from-home tasks such as emailing, Slack, Zoom, etc., a 300 to 500 Mbps plan is more than enough. But for creators, tech professionals, or large households, gigabit speeds and strong upload performance make a noticeable difference.
How to Pick the Right Internet Provider in Boston
Here are some practical tips:
Check Your Address
Many ISPs tout citywide coverage, but the reality is more complicated (like if your building isn’t wired for fiber). Use provider lookup tools or Speedtest’s zip code breakdowns to verify.
Consider More Than Speed
Reliability, customer support, and data caps matter just as much. Many fiber plans, for example, include unlimited data and no equipment rental fees. Watch out for plans that include data caps and extra charges.
Think About Uploads
If you send large files, stream on Twitch, or make frequent video calls, symmetrical upload/download speeds (only offered by fiber) are a game-changer.
Match a Plan to Your Needs
Don’t pay for 1 gigabit if you’re just browsing or streaming a few hours a night. On the flip side, don’t skimp if you’re running a business from home.
Read the Fine Print
Promo rates often expire after 12 months. Check for hidden fees, contracts, or equipment rentals that inflate the total cost.
How Much Speed Do I Need?
Download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 10 Mbps are widely considered fast enough to handle nearly any online activity. A quick guide to what speeds you need for different online activities is below, and you can read our full guide to internet speeds and performance for more information. Keep in mind that the numbers below are the bare minimum for one device at a time. If you’re trying to use multiple devices on a network at the same time, you’ll want higher speeds.
0–5 Mbps (Slow)
- Stream SD video
- Connect on Slack
- Use Microsoft Teams
- Write and read email
- Scroll social media
- General web browsing
5–20 Mbps (Better)
- Stream HD video at 1080p
20–40 Mbps (Solid)
- Stream 4K video
- Play games online
40–100 Mbps (Good)
- Stream HD games
100+ Mbps (Fast)
- Engage in multi-player gaming
- Download huge files
1+ Gbps (Very fast)
- Do anything you want on multiple devices
ISP Speeds in Boston, MA
According to Speedtest Intelligence®, as of January 2026, Boston reports the following city-wide median speeds:
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Median download speed | 290.32 Mbps |
| Median upload speed | 53.72 Mbps |
| Median latency | 11 ms |
| Top-performing ISP | Verizon (302.43 Mbps median download) |
| Most widely available ISP | Xfinity (100% availability) |
ISP Speeds in Boston
Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, here’s how the major providers compare:
- Verizon: Boston’s fastest provider with 68% coverage. Downloads of 302.43 Mbps, uploads of 174.55 Mbps, and latency around 10 ms. The strong upload performance makes Verizon Fios the top choice for professionals, streamers, and anyone who needs symmetrical speeds.
- Xfinity: The most widely available provider with 100% coverage. Downloads of 281.68 Mbps, uploads of 41.01 Mbps, and latency around 23 ms. A flexible option for households of all sizes with a wide variety of speed tiers.
- Starry: A fixed wireless option with 4% coverage, primarily serving urban apartments and condos. Downloads of 224.51 Mbps, uploads of 68.73 Mbps, and latency around 15 ms. Appeals to apartment dwellers seeking easy setup and solid upload performance. Note: Verizon announced in October 2025 it plans to acquire Starry.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Covers 66% of Boston with contract-free 5G fixed wireless. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market, but it remains a simple alternative in denser areas including East Boston and Roxbury.
- EarthLink Fiber: Offers 56% coverage across Boston through existing fiber infrastructure. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available, but multi-gig plans are available for serious data users.
- Spectrum: Covers 33% of Greater Boston where Xfinity’s network may not reach. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market.
Boston Fixed Speeds
Download Mbps
Median download speed
Upload Mbps
Median upload speed
Latency ms
Median latency
To be added to this list for mobile or fixed broadband, 75% of a city's monthly unique user totals over a 13-month period must have a minimum of 200 monthly unique user results. To be updated for mobile or fixed broadband, 75% of a city's monthly unique user totals over a 13-month period must have a minimum of 100 monthly unique user results.
An operator or ISP must account for 3% or more of total test samples in the market to be on this list. We display data if at least two operators or ISPs meet this threshold in a designated region or city.
Internet Providers in Nearby Cities
Massachusetts
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
Virginia
Home Internet in Boston
At the time of this writing, the average starting price for internet in Boston is $41.43 per month, based on entry-level plans from major providers. While fiber service offers faster and more reliable performance, it typically comes at a higher cost. Cable and 5G options, meanwhile, provide flexible choices for renters and households looking for lower monthly rates.
Top Internet Providers in Boston
Verizon
- Type: Fiber, 5G Internet
- Max speeds: Up to 1,000 Mbps / 2,300 Mbps
- Best for: Professionals and streamers who need high upload speeds
- Availability: 68%
- Price range: $35–$109.99/month
Verizon Fios delivers Boston’s fastest median download and upload speeds, with real-world results of 302.43 Mbps down and 174.55 Mbps up. Its fiber coverage spans much of the city, especially in neighborhoods like Back Bay, South Boston, and parts of Cambridge.
Xfinity
- Type: Cable
- Max speeds: Up to 2,000 Mbps / 200 Mbps
- Best for: Large households or shared apartments
- Availability: 100%
- Price range: $40–$70/month
Xfinity covers virtually all of Boston, offering affordable plans and consistent performance. Median download speeds reach 281.68 Mbps with uploads of 41.01 Mbps—fast enough for most streaming, gaming, and remote-work needs.
Starry Internet
- Type: Fixed Wireless
- Max speeds: Up to 1,000 Mbps / 500 Mbps
- Best for: Urban apartments and condos
- Availability: 4%
- Price range: $30–$75/month
Boston was among Starry’s first test markets, and its wireless tech continues to appeal to apartment dwellers seeking easy setup and solid performance. With median downloads of 224.51 Mbps and uploads of 68.73 Mbps, it offers competitive speeds for its coverage area. Verizon announced in October 2025 it plans to acquire Starry.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- Type: 5G Internet
- Max speeds: Up to 415 Mbps / 56 Mbps
- Best for: Renters and flexible setups
- Availability: 66%
- Price range: $50–$70/month
T-Mobile’s wireless service continues to gain traction across the city’s denser areas, including East Boston and Roxbury. Performance depends on proximity to nearby 5G towers, but it remains a simple, contract-free alternative.
EarthLink Fiber
- Type: Fiber
- Max speeds: Up to 940 Mbps / 5,000 Mbps
- Best for: Households prioritizing stability and high performance
- Availability: 56%
- Price range: From $189.95/month
EarthLink Fiber offers multi-gig plans for serious data users, though its availability depends heavily on existing fiber infrastructure.
Spectrum
- Type: Cable
- Max speeds: Up to 2,000 Mbps / 35 Mbps
- Best for: Suburban households in Greater Boston
- Availability: 33%
- Price range: $30–$90/month
Spectrum serves parts of Greater Boston where Xfinity’s network may not reach, offering solid performance and fair pricing.
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN
- Type: Cable
- Max speeds: Up to 1,500 Mbps / 50 Mbps
- Best for: Budget users in urban neighborhoods
- Availability: 43%
- Price range: $30–$90/month
Astound offers competitive pricing in areas like Allston, Brighton, and Somerville. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for Astound in this market.
Satellite Internet Options in Boston
Most Boston households won’t need satellite internet due to strong wired and 5G coverage. But for residents in buildings with restrictive wiring or anyone who needs a nontraditional backup connection, satellite may fill the gap.
- Starlink: Max speeds up to 350 Mbps / 35 Mbps; $59–$165/month
- Viasat: Max speeds up to 150 Mbps / 3 Mbps; $69.99–$119.99/month
- Hughesnet: Max speeds up to 100 Mbps / 5 Mbps; $39.99–$119.99/month
FAQs
Who provides the fastest internet in Boston?
Verizon leads in the city with median download speeds of 302.43 Mbps and uploads of 174.55 Mbps, according to Speedtest user data.
Who offers the cheapest plans?
At the time of this writing, Starry starts at $30 per month, with Spectrum and Xfinity offering plans starting around $30–$40 in select areas.
Is fiber internet available in Boston?
Verizon and EarthLink offer fiber coverage throughout much of the city and suburbs, especially in Back Bay, Seaport, and Cambridge.
Where can I connect to free public Wi-Fi in Boston?
The City of Boston offers free Wi-Fi at locations throughout the city through its appropriately named “Wicked Free Wi-Fi” network. See locations here. The Boston Public Library also offers free Wi-Fi.
Speedtest TL;DR
Boston offers broad access to fiber, cable, and 5G home internet options. Verizon and Xfinity top the charts for speed and availability, while Astound and EarthLink offer competitive plans in select areas. Wireless services like T-Mobile and Starry round out the market for renters and apartment residents.
How we test the speed of ISPs
Speedtest is the definitive way to test the performance and quality of an internet connection. Millions of users like you use Speedtest.net and our Android and iOS apps every day to test internet performance (including bandwidth, latency, coverage, video metrics, and more) in real world situations. We then use rigorous scientific approaches to aggregate and anonymize those results to empower people like you with content like this so you can understand and optimize your internet experience.
The data found within has not been subjected to the rigorous Speedtest marketing claims and data methodology, and therefore cannot be used in commercial applications. Additionally, promised speeds and plans offered are always subject to change.
How to test your internet speed
Speedtest can help you test the speed and overall performance of your internet for free from any device. Click here to open a new page and take a Speedtest. You can then compare your results with what you’ve learned about internet performance near you. If you aren’t getting the results you expect, you can either use this guide to use your Speedtest results to talk to your internet provider or you can shop for a new provider.