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What is the best internet service provider in Cincinnati?
CNET experts researched and evaluated Cincinnati Internet service providers to find the best choice for you, whether you value speed or affordability. Cincinnati residents generally have two options when it comes to Internet service providers: Spectrum and Altafiber. (Although some households can access 5G home internet with T-MobileVerizon or AT&T Internet Air.) After our testing, we recommend Altafiber as the best internet provider in Cincinnati, thanks to the combination of fast speeds and reasonable prices.
If you want an affordable option, Spectrum offers plans starting at $50 per month for 500 Mbps. If speed is your priority, Altafiber has a 2-gigabit plan for $100 per month. But keep in mind that ultimately your choice will depend on which providers and plans are available at your address.
Cincinnati Internet Providers Compared
| Provider | Internet technology | Monthly price range | Speed range | Monthly equipment costs | Data capacity | Contract | CNET rating rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altafiber | Fibers | $40-$100 | 100-2,000 Mbps | None | None | None | N/A |
| AT&T Internet Air Read the full review |
Fixed wireless | 60 dollars | 72-225Mbps | None | None | None | 6.9 |
| Spectrum Read the full review |
cable | 50-70 dollars | 500-1,000 Mbps | Free modem; A $10 router | None | None | 7.2 |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review |
Fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$50 with eligible phone plans) | 72-245Mbps | None | None | None | 7.4 |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Read the full review |
Fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$45 with eligible phone plans) | 50-300Mbps | None | None | None | 7.2 |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Other available internet providers in Cincinnati
- Hughesnet: If you’re in Cincinnati or its immediate suburbs, you probably don’t need satellite internet. It’s only available at speeds of 50-100 Mbps, with prices starting at $50 with a two-year contract and equipment fees.
- Starlink: With prices starting at $120 a month and a hefty $349 equipment fee, Starlink beats out some of the top fiber and cable Internet providers. The obvious appeal of this satellite provider is its affordability for rural residents, low latency and unlimited data. Plus, Starlink’s new internet option, Starlink Minilets you take your internet connection on the go.
- T-Mobile Home Internet: Cincinnati residents can access 5G Internet from Verizon and T-Mobile. T-Mobile’s home Internet service costs $50 to $70 a month and offers speeds of up to 245 Mbps.
- Viasat: Another major satellite Internet company, Viasat’s monthly rates start at $130, and speeds can reach up to 150 Mbps, depending on the plan.
Cheap internet options in Cincinnati
Not including expensive satellite Internet options, Cincinnati residents can expect to pay between $35 and $50 for Internet service. The most affordable plans in town come from Altafiber ($35 per month), which offers 100 Mbps.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Cincinnati?
| Provider | Initial monthly price | Maximum download speed | Monthly equipment fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altafiber Fioptics 100Mbps | $40 | 100Mbps | None |
| Altafiber Fioptics 400Mbps | $40 | 400Mbps | None |
| Altafiber Fioptics 600Mbps | $50 | 600Mbps | None |
| Spectrum Internet Premier Read the full review |
$50 | 500Mbps | $10 (optional) |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review |
$50 ($35 with qualifying mobile plan) | 245Mbps | None |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Read the full review |
$50 ($35 with qualifying mobile plan) | 100Mbps | None |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find online deals and promotions in Cincinnati
The best online deals and top promotions in Cincinnati depend on the discounts available at the time. Most offers are short-lived, but we often look for the latest offers.
Internet providers in Cincinnati, such as Altafiber and Verizon, may offer lower introductory rates or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Some, however, including T-Mobile Home Internet and AT&T Internet Air, have the same standard rates year-round.
For a more extensive list of promotions, see our guide at the best internet deals.
How fast is broadband in Cincinnati?
With limited options, it’s no surprise that average download speeds in Cincinnati are low compared to other US cities and even those in Ohio. The Queen City ranks 90th Ookla internet speed list in the country’s 100 most populous cities, with an average download speed of about 183 megabits per second and an upload speed of about 29 Mbps. Not bad, but not great. luckily high speed internet options are available in the city. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
Looking for fast download speeds? Consider Altafiber’s 2000 Mbps plan, available at select addresses, for $100 per month. If that plan isn’t available to you, Altafiber also offers a 1,000 Mbps plan for $70 per month, which is the same price as Spectrum’s 1,000 Mbps plan.
Fastest internet plans in Cincinnati
| Provider | Initial price | Maximum download speed | Maximum loading speed | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altafiber Fioptics 2 Gig | $100 | 2,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | Fibers |
| Altafiber Fioptics 1 Gig | $70 | 1,000Mbps | 600Mbps | Fibers |
| Spectrum Internet Gig Read the full review |
$70 | 1,000Mbps | 35Mbps | cable |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What is a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate video conferencing, video streaming or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a stronger connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for different apps, according to the FCC. Keep in mind that these are just guidelines — and that Internet speed, service, and performance will vary by connection type, provider, and address.
- 0 to 5Mbps lets you tackle the basics: browsing the web, sending and receiving email, streaming low-quality video.
- 5 to 40 Mbps allows you to stream high-quality video and video conferencing.
- 40 to 100 Mbps should provide a single user with enough bandwidth to meet the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
- 100 to 500 Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities such as video conferencing, streaming, and online gaming.
- 500 to 1000 Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
For more information, see our guide at how much internet speed do you really need?.
How CNET chose the best Internet providers in Cincinnati
Internet providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest ones smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen toolsit is impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what is our approach? We start by researching pricing, availability, and speed information, drawing on our historical ISP data, provider sites, and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC website to check our data and make sure we account for every ISP that provides service in an area. We also enter local addresses into supplier websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and JD Power, to gauge how satisfied customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent change; all information provided is correct as of the date of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
- Does the provider offer access to reasonably high internet speeds?
- Are customers getting decent value for what they are paying for?
- Are customers satisfied with their service?
While the answers to those questions are often layered and complex, the providers that come closest to saying yes to all three are the ones we recommend. When choosing the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also take into account things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively simple. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider actual speed data from sources such as Ookla and The FCC reports.
To explore our process in more detail, visit our how we test ISPs page.
What’s the final word on internet providers in Cincinnati?
For most Cincinnatians, the choice of ISP will come down to Altafiber or Spectrum. However, some city residents can access 5G internet from T-Mobile and Verizon. Prices start around $50, with higher speeds available for those willing to pay up to $100 per month.
Frequently Asked Questions about Internet Service Providers in Cincinnati
What is the best internet service provider in Cincinnati?
Is fiber optic internet available in Cincinnati?
Yes. It comes from Altafiber, our pick for the best internet provider in town. Altafiber’s service comes in a variety of plans, starting at 100 Mbps and going all the way up to a blazing 2,000 Mbps, with prices ranging from $50 to $100. Altafiber’s plans are competitive in both speed and price compared to other options in Cincinnati.
Is Verizon or T-Mobile Better for Home Broadband?
If you’re in the rare situation with access to Verizon and T-Mobile’s 5G internet, you have a decision to make. If you want faster speeds, we recommend Verizon. But for the Lifetime Price Guarantee (and other perks), T-Mobile might sway you. Check out CNET’s article comparing Verizon 5G Home and T-Mobile Home Internet for more detailed information.
