The best internet providers in Baltimore, MD

What are the best internet providers in Baltimore?

After thorough research and testing, CNET experts have chosen xfinity Be the best internet provider for most families in Baltimore, MD. This is due to the wide availability of Xfinity throughout the city and its affordable high-speed internet plans. However, if you don’t have Xfinity on your address, Verizon Fios and satellite internet provider Viasat are also reliable options.

At Charm City, Xfinity has the cheapest internet option, offering 400 megabits per second. For those looking for the fastest speed in Baltimore, Xfinity has a broadband option with a speed of 2,100Mbps for $85 per month.

The best internet in Baltimore, MD

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Other Internet providers in Baltimore

• Altius Broadband: Altius broadband offers speeds up to 30Mbps, and the one-time skip device costs $95. You need to contact the provider to check the rates.
• Earthlink: Earthlink’s Internet services are provided through the networks of other providers. In Baltimore, providers, availability and precise speed of EarthLink use will depend on your address. All plans require a 12-month contract and a $15 equipment fee.
• Hughesnet: Hughes Network provides satellite internet for 100% of Baltimore residents. Planned prices can be downloaded between 50Mbps and 100Mbps during the promotion period, ranging from $50 to $65. The difference between the planning layers is the data allowance, ranging from 100GB to 200GB per month. Users are responsible for the $15 monthly equipment fee, or purchases for one-time $300 to $450 and must sign a two-year contract.
• Port network: The port network offers fixed wireless internet, with plans ranging from $50 to $95 per month. Speeds will vary by your address, but speeds usually range from 100Mbps to 1,000Mbps.
• T-Mobile Home Internet: T-Mobile’s home internet plan costs between $50-$70 (or $35-$55 for eligible mobile customers) and speeds between 87Mbps and 415Mbps. There is no data cap, contract or equipment charge.

Cheap Internet Options in Baltimore

Among all Internet providers in Baltimore, the average starting price is about $51 per month. Xfinity starts at a low of $30 and has a speed of up to 400Mbps, but it’s up $63 after 12 months.

Another cheap option is the Port Network, which offers customers a $50 plan per month with download speeds up to 100Mbps.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

How to find internet deals and promotions in Baltimore

The best internet deals and top promotions in Baltimore depend on the discounts available during this period. Most transactions are short-lived, but we often look for the latest quotes.

Baltimore internet providers, such as Xfinity, T-Mobile Home Internet and port networks, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming accessories for a limited time. Other providers such as Verizon Fios may run the same standard pricing throughout the year.

For a wider list of promotions, check out our guide on the best internet deals.

How fast is Baltimore broadband?

According to Ookla’s latest speed test data, Baltimore’s Internet speed (197Mbps median download speed of 197Mbps) is lower than the state (226Mbps) and the national average (280Mbps). (Ookla is owned by Ziff Davis’s CNET parent company.) Many factors, including the device, connection mode and the Internet plan itself, can affect the speed test results. Your results may vary greatly.

The average download speed in the city may not be impressive, but you can find faster speeds in most providers in Baltimore. For example, Xfinity offers a speed of up to 2 shows in the Baltimore area. Verizon provides fiber optic internet services in Baltimore, with a maximum download speed of 1 GIG and an upload speed of 880Mbps.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

What is good internet speed?

Most Internet connectivity programs can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you are looking for an internet plan that can accommodate video conferencing, streaming videos or games, you will get better experience and have a stronger connection. According to the FCC, this is an overview of the minimum download speeds recommended for various applications. Note that these are just guides, internet speed, services and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.

For more information, see our guide on how much internet speed you really need.

• 0 to 5Mbps allows you to solve the basics: browse the internet, send and receive emails and stream low-quality video.
• 5 to 40Mbps provides you with higher quality video streaming and video conferencing.
• 40 to 100Mbps should provide a user with enough bandwidth to meet the needs of modern remote office, video streaming and online gaming.
• 100 to 500Mbps allows one to perform high bandwidth activities for two users simultaneously, such as video conferencing, streaming and online gaming.
• 500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high bandwidth activities simultaneously.

How CNET chooses the best internet provider in Baltimore

There are numerous and regional Internet service providers. Unlike the latest smartphones, laptops, routers, or kitchen tools, it is impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What is our method? First, draw information, study pricing, availability and speed information based on our own historical ISP data, provider websites, and fcc.gov FCC’s FCC mapping information.

It doesn’t end: We visit the FCC’s website to check our data and make sure we consider all ISPs that provide services in a certain area. We also enter a local address on the provider’s website to find specific options for residents. We look at resources including the U.S. Customer Satisfaction Index and JD Power to evaluate how satisfied ISP services have with customers. ISP plans and prices change frequently; all information provided is accurate as of publication.

Once this local information is obtained, we ask three main questions:

• Can providers access reasonable and fast internet speeds?
• Do customers get decent value for the money they pay?
• Are customers satisfied with their service?

The answers to these questions are usually layered and complex, but the three we recommend are closest to the provider of “yes”. When choosing the cheapest internet service, we look for the lowest monthly plan, although we also consider issues such as price increase, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively simple. We view upload and download speeds on ads and consider actual speed data from sources such as Ookla and FCC reports.

To explore our process more deeply, visit our test ISP page.

What is the last word for Baltimore Internet providers?

Like many cities, Baltimore has been fighting rural dead zones and digital divides for years. According to the Baltimore Community Foundation, about 40% of households in the city have no access to the internet during the pandemic. This imposes restrictions on many families to prevent children from learning due to lack of access to telemedicine.

Baltimore is taking steps — such as opening its broadband and digital equity offices — to expand internet access with all residents. The city promises to permanently close its digital divide by 2030.

Fiber Internet is usually better than wired Internet, but not in Baltimore. Verizon Fios simply didn’t cover enough people in the area. Great if you can. From there. For most people in Baltimore, the best option is Xfinity, which offers fast, reliable service and offers several plans for any family.

Internet providers of FAQs in Baltimore