There are quite a few factors you may want to consider when selecting internet service providers (ISPs) with unlimited internet. For instance, there are varying types of services like cable, fiber-optic, DSL, and satellite. How do you know which one is the ideal option for you? The trick is to find the internet service that fits your needs while not paying a fortune. No data cap internet costs range from $20/month for 10 megabits per second (Mbps) on the low end and upward of $100/month for super-fast gigabit connection speeds.
In this article we compare the best unlimited internet plans and features like download and upload speeds along with pricing and upgradeable plans without data caps.
Who this is for
We all have our own specific needs for the internet when it comes to unlimited data. Some are gamers who require hyper-fast speeds to never lag behind, while others may rely on it for streaming, staying connected via social media, or working from home. However, please note that ISPs and their unlimited plans can range by region and even zip code.
Online gamers
Gamers may find fiber internet to be a solid choice for unlimited internet. That’s because matching upload and download speeds make for fewer connection problems and frozen screens as well as low latency. Verizon Fios provides one of the best services for fiber internet to home residences. The highest speeds are available with Fios Gigabit Connection, starting at $89.99/month for 940/880Mbps. If you reside in an area that’s serviced by AT&T Fiber, it provides another option for unlimited fiber internet. AT&T’s Internet 1000 plan starts at $60/month for up to 1000Mbps max speed and bandwidth.
Home offices and telecommuters
If you work from home and need reliable unlimited internet, over 40% of U.S. broadband subscribers choose Comcast Xfinity for its overall value and speeds. Xfinity offers 400Mbps starting at $59.99/month, which is suitable for quickly downloading content and streaming simultaneously on up to 11 devices. Xfinity starts its plans with fixed data caps of 1.2TB per month but offers unlimited data for an extra $30/month.
All of Spectrum’s plans come with unlimited internet. Whether you have a small household or telecommute from home one or two days a week, Spectrum’s Internet Standard plan may interest you. Spectrum Standard starts at $49.99/month and includes up to 200Mbps for uploading and downloading medium files, storing photos in the cloud, streaming in standard definition, and handling simultaneous streaming for up to three people.
Infrequent online users
Perhaps you don’t need as much speed as the average internet user. Cox’s Essential 50 plan is an affordable budget plan with 50Mbps for $39.99/month Essential 50 entails a 1-year term agreement for enough download speed to connect five devices that can simultaneously browse the web, stream, and manage social networks. Similar to Xfinity, Cox’s plans start with fixed data caps of 1.25TB each month that can be upgraded to unlimited internet in select areas.
Key considerations
Before deciding on the ideal unlimited internet plan, you should first figure out how much internet speed you need. To put it simply, the quickness of your internet connection hinges on your plan’s download speed, measured by Mbps.
For instance, 25Mbps covers basic online tasks like web surfing, social media, and moderate video for one or two devices. Most services offer an affordable baseline plan but if you’re a daily user, you’ll require more. For instance, 25Mbps is enough for casual gamers but when you factor in required download speeds for competitive online gaming where consistency is essential, you may prefer higher upload speeds upward of 50Mbps.
For perspective, CenturyLink’s Simply Unlimited Internet delivers up to 100Mbps for $50/month. Likewise, Cox offers up to 150Mbps with its Preferred 150 plan for $59.99/month If you want even faster speeds, Spectrum’s Internet Ultra plan deals out up to 400Mbps for $69.99/month.
If you are a filmmaker or content creator and need unlimited internet with reliable speeds and also live in an area where fiber internet is offered, Verizon Fios’ offers a 500/500Mbps plan for $64.99/month and AT&T Fiber delivers its 500Mbps speed plan starting at $45/month (Yep, you read that right – the name of each plan corresponds directly with the internet speeds that they offer!)
What others are saying
Are you curious about what others are saying about unlimited internet plans? We gathered some of the most reputable sources on the matter. ISPs aren’t typically assessed by whether they offer unlimited internet or data caps. So, in order to provide a little more context, we’ve provided a few examples to show how unlimited internet and fixed-data ISPs are ranked in the industry.
Customer satisfaction for ISPs stayed the same from 2020 to 2021 with an overall score of 65, according to the ACSI. The ISPs who offer unlimited fiber internet, Verizon Fios and AT&T, are tied for first place with a score of 71 in customer satisfaction, while the fixed data cap ISP Xfinity takes second with a score of 67. In third place for customer satisfaction, the Cox (fixed data) is tied with Spectrum (unlimited internet).
Unlimited internet may be more than the average American household needs. Consumer Reports wrote that few customers experience overage charges, citing Comcast who announced that only 5% of its customers “ever” exceeds their limit.
Unlimited internet FAQs
Which ISPs offer unlimited internet?
It can be a little tricky keeping track of which ISPs come with unlimited internet from those that do not. Although, it’s not so cut and dry since some services offer the option of upgrading to unlimited internet. Fortunately, the chart below clears some of that up featuring the top ISPs.
*Pricing varies by location and availability. Speeds may vary. All prices subject to change; for current pricing and availability visit our internet service page. Prices as of 1/26/22.