Best Internet Providers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for 2026

Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Philadelphia, PA

Real-world Speedtest results

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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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.

Verizon
Real-world Speedtest results

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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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.

Download292.75Mbps
Upload188.77Mbps
Latency13ms
XFINITY
Real-world Speedtest results

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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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.

Download241.22Mbps
Upload40.69Mbps
Latency28ms
Spectrum
Real-world Speedtest results

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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
Real-world Speedtest results

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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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
Mint Mobile
Real-world Speedtest results

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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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
Starlink
Real-world Speedtest results

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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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
AT&T Internet Air
Real-world Speedtest results

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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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
Viasat Internet
Real-world Speedtest results

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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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
Hughesnet
Real-world Speedtest results

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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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.).

Philadelphia blends old and new better than most cities in the U.S., with its cobblestone streets and colonial landmarks sharing space with research hospitals, tech startups, and universities that keep the city's pulse modern. It's a place where residents take pride in their favorite sports teams and their mascots (hey Gritty!), cheesesteak or hoagie spots, and its many, many historical sites. Whatever it is, Philadelphians demand reliability, and that extends to their internet connections as well.

So which internet service provider is standing atop the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, arms held high? According to Speedtest user data collected between January through June 2025, Verizon delivers the fastest median download speeds in Philadelphia at 290.96 Mbps, followed by Xfinity at 233.47 Mbps. Across the city overall, the median fixed download speed clocks in at 278.70 Mbps, fast enough for remote work, streaming, and gaming.

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 Philadelphia, PA

The average starting price for internet in Philadelphia is $52.99 per month, based on entry-level plans from major providers including Xfinity ($30), Spectrum ($30), Verizon ($49.99), T-Mobile 5G Home Internet ($50), and AT&T Internet Air ($47). While these prices look reasonable compared with other major metro areas, fiber and multi-gig upgrades can push monthly bills well above $100 once taxes, fees, and equipment rentals are added.

Top Internet Providers in Philadelphia

Here are the largest internet providers in Philadelphia based on coverage, speed, and consumer value.

Xfinity

  • Type: Cable, Fiber
  • Max speeds: Up to 2,000 Mbps download / 10,000 Mbps upload
  • Best for: Households balancing cost, speed, and reliability
  • Availability: 99%
  • Price range: $30-$299.95/month

Xfinity is available virtually everywhere in Philadelphia and offers affordable starter plans with speeds suitable for most households. While its real-world median speed of 233.47 Mbps down trails Verizon’s, its vast coverage makes it a practical option across the metro area, especially where fiber hasn't yet reached. Xfinity provides real-world median speeds of 35.57 Mbps up and a latency of 28 ms.

Verizon

  • Type: Fiber, 5G Internet
  • Max speeds: Up to 1,000 Mbps download / 2,300 Mbps upload
  • Best for: Households that want reliable fiber and strong upload performance
  • Availability: 83%
  • Price range: $49.99-$109.99/month

Verizon’s fiber network provides fast, consistent service throughout much of Philadelphia, particularly in Center City, University City, and newer neighborhoods where fiber infrastructure is strongest. With a median download speed of 290.96 Mbps, Verizon delivers the fastest overall performance in the city. Its 5G wireless offering has slower speeds, but may be a strong option if you don't have access to wired connections. Verizon provides real-world median speeds of 194.07 Mbps up and a latency of 13 ms.

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet

  • Type: 5G Internet
  • Max speeds: Up to 415 Mbps download / 56 Mbps upload
  • Best for: Renters and those who want easy, contract-free setup
  • Availability: 54%
  • Price range: $50-$70/month

T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet brings flexibility to renters and small households. Speeds vary by location, but the service offers a simple, equipment-included plan that's competitive for homes without wired connections or those looking to cut cable ties.

Spectrum

  • Type: Cable
  • Max speeds: Up to 1,000 Mbps download / 35 Mbps upload
  • Best for: Families prioritizing solid cable connections
  • Availability: 33%
  • Price range: $30-$70/month

Spectrum’s cable service offers dependable speeds and straightforward pricing where available, particularly in portions of North and Northeast Philadelphia.

AT&T Internet Air

  • Type: 5G Internet
  • Max speeds: Up to 300 Mbps download / 30 Mbps upload
  • Best for: Basic streaming, browsing, and remote work
  • Availability: 25%
  • Price range: From $47/month

AT&T Internet Air extends wireless connectivity to areas where traditional wired connections aren't as strong. While not as fast as fiber, it's a reasonable choice for light internet users or smaller households.

Astound Broadband Powered by RCN

  • Type: Cable
  • Max speeds: Up to 1,500 Mbps download / 50 Mbps upload
  • Best for: Households seeking no-contract options
  • Availability: 6%
  • Price range: $30-$90/month

Astound’s footprint is small, covering select neighborhoods like Center City and parts of West Philadelphia, but it remains a solid alternative for those within range who prefer flexible, no-commitment plans.

Philadelphia Fixed Speeds

Download Mbps

285.63

Median download speed

Upload Mbps

85.27

Median upload speed

Latency ms

11

Median latency

Historical Data

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.

Expected Speed Range

Expected speed range by Provider refers to the interquartile range of median download speed.

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

Pennsylvania

Home Internet in Philadelphia

Who has the fastest internet in Philadelphia?

Verizon delivers the highest median speeds in the city at 290.96 Mbps, based on Speedtest user data.

Who offers the cheapest internet plans in Philadelphia?

Xfinity and Spectrum both start at $30 per month, offering the lowest entry-level pricing in the city.

Is fiber internet available in Philadelphia?

Verizon offers widespread fiber coverage, with pockets of Xfinity fiber also available.

Are wireless options reliable?

5G options from T-Mobile and AT&T Internet Air work well in most urban neighborhoods but can fluctuate with signal strength.

Where can I connect to the internet for free in Philadelphia?

Free public Wi-Fi is available at all Free Library locations and at some parks, recreation centers, older adult centers, and museums. Visit the city’s Philly Free Wi-Fi Finder for specific locations.

Speedtest TL;DR

Philadelphia’s internet market is anchored by Verizon’s fiber and Xfinity’s cable options, giving residents a solid mix of speed and reliability. T-Mobile and AT&T’s 5G services provide flexibility for renters, while Spectrum fills in additional coverage zones. Median speeds hover near 279 Mbps citywide, enough for most users, proving that Philly’s connectivity is as resilient as its sports fans.

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.

Take a Speedtest