Best 5 Gig Internet Plans in 2024

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to download an entire movie in just seconds?

The demand for high-speed internet has higher day by day. Say hello to the 5-gig internet plans. Providers are pushing the boundaries of speed, offering consumers more than the usual  1 or 2 Gigabit per second (Gbps) connections.

And it’s not just about speed; it’s about the quality of connection, the reliability, and the guarantee that you’re plugged into the globe in the finest manner.

Read on to dive into the top 5 Gig internet plans available in the market, breaking down their features, benefits, and how they stack up against each other.

So, let’s set sail!

5 Gig Internet Speed

Everyone loves fast internet access options, and the race to provide the speeds is heating up among large internet service providers (ISPs). The recent surge in gigabit internet adoption, now at 26%, showcases our insatiable appetite for speed. The Fiber Broadband Association even predicts that by the end of this decade, a four-person household will need over 2,100 megabits per second (or just over 2 gigabits) in download speed. But are we ready for such a leap?

While 2030 might seem like a distant future, ISPs are already gearing up. In 2022, big names like AT&T, Frontier, Optimum, Verizon, and Ziply Fiber jumped on the multi-gig bandwagon. Not to be left behind, Comcast Xfinity and Google Fiber have been offering multi-gig plans for a while. And guess what? 2023 promises even more speed.

But before we dive into the best 5 Gig internet offerings from these providers, let’s give a shoutout to the smaller, regional champs. Midco, for instance, is delighting its South Dakota customers with 5Gbps plans. Minnesota’s USI isn’t holding back either, boasting a whopping 10-gig fiber plan.

Now, let’s examine the top 5-gig internet plans and see how well they work.

Best For:

Large Families and Shared Households: With multiple devices connected, from smart TVs to gaming consoles, a 5 Gig speed ensures seamless streaming and gaming.

Professional Gamers: Those milliseconds matter. A 5 Gig connection can provide the edge needed in competitive gaming.

Work-from-Home Professionals: Video conferencing, large file transfers, and cloud-based applications run smoothly with such speeds.

Tech Enthusiasts: If you’re running a smart home with numerous IoT devices, a 5 Gig connection can handle it all.

Unsuitable For:

Solo Users with Basic Needs: If you’re a basic internet user, just checking emails, browsing, or watching a movie now and then, 5 Gig might be overkill.

Budget-Conscious Individuals: High speeds often come with higher price tags. If you’re on a tight budget, more affordable options might meet your needs.

Rural Residents: Not all regions have the infrastructure to support such high speeds, so check availability.

Best 5 Gig Internet Plans

In the year 2023, the race for the fastest speeds is more intense. Leading the pack in this digital sprint are some familiar names: AT&T and Google Fiber, both boasting impressive feats in our most recent speed assessments. Not to be outdone, Frontier, EarthLink, and Ziply Fiber have also showcased their prowess, delivering top-tier speeds that leave users in awe. With each of these ISPs offering 5 Gig internet plans, and some even pushing the boundaries with 8 Gbps internet plans, the choices seem endless. Let’s close focus on their 5 gig internet plans:

AT&T 5 Gig Internet Plan

AT&T, a renowned telecommunications company from 1983, has quite improved in superior internet. AT&T 5 Gig Internet Plan, a recent addition to their portfolio, underscores this dedication. If you live in one of the 21 states where AT&T Fiber offers services, you may be in for a treat. But, as with all things, there are nuances to consider.

This 5 Gig Internet Plan is a fiber offering, ensuring that users get the most reliable and consistent speeds. Fiber, by design, offers symmetrical speeds, meaning your uploads are just as fast as your downloads. This is a boon for video conferencing, large file transfers, and online gaming. 

AT&T’s commitment to fiber is evident, with plans to expand its reach to over 7 million customers. But, not all AT&T customers will have access to this luxury fiber. Many are still connected via DSL or fixed wireless, which, while serviceable, don’t quite match up to the prowess of fiber.

Price-wise, their 5 Gig internet plan comes in at $230 per month. While this might seem a tad on the higher side, when you factor in the speeds and reliability, it starts to make sense. Especially when you consider the perks, switching to AT&T’s 5 Gig internet plan could net you a $150 Reward Card. Plus, there’s the added advantage of no data caps, providing you can use the internet to its fullest without any lurking overage charges.

However, potential adopters should be aware of the associated costs. There’s a one-time installation fee of $99, though savvy customers might find promotions that waive this fee. And while the plan itself doesn’t require a contract, bundling it with other services might lock you into one.

Frontier 5 Gig Internet Plan

Frontier Intenet is making waves in the telecommunications sector, and its 5 Gig fiber plan is a shining example of that. 

Diving into the specifics, the type of internet on offer is fiber-optic. This isn’t just about speed, though that’s a highlight. It’s about consistent, reliable connectivity. This makes it one of the fastest internet options currently available in the US.

And there are a few things that make Frontier stand out from the crowd—no data caps, no contracts, and a commitment to transparent pricing.

The pricing is straightforward. The 5 Gig internet plan is priced at $155 per month. While this might seem a tad premium, consider what you’re getting: fast speeds, a Wi-Fi router, and installation, all bundled in. There are no hidden fees, no sudden price jumps—just transparent pricing.

Availability is limited to 15 states for now, but Frontier Fiber has ambitious expansion plans. So, if you’re not in their current service area, keep an eye out—they might be coming to your neighborhood soon.

Optimum 5 Gig Internet Plan

Optimum, a brand under Altice USA, has introduced its 5 Gig Fiber Internet in 2022. The service is delivered over Optimum’s new 100% Fiber Internet network, which offers excellent reliability.

On the pricing front, Optimum Fiber keeps it straightforward. Newbies can hop on the 5 Gig bandwagon for $180/mo. Optimum offer introduced a two-year price guarantee for new customers. There is an aggravated price hike after the second year, typically around $60 for the 5 Gig internet plan. Users should be prepared for a potential price increase it changes to $240/mo. This suggests that Optimum’s multi-gig plans are priced on par, if not better, than some of its major competitors.

The Optimum multi-gig tiers were first introduced in select areas of Long Island. They were set to be available throughout the company’s tri-state fiber network by the end of 2022. Additionally, the service has expanded to Connecticut, broadening its reach to a broader customer base.

One of the perks of going with Optimum is including equipment at no extra charge. The optimum 5 gig internet plan comes with a Wi-Fi 6 router, which is known for its superior performance. And if you’re worried about the installation costs, there’s good news. Standard installation is free when you order online. If you opt for professional installation, which includes Wi-Fi configuration and hardwiring for one device, there’s a modest fee of $59.

And for those already in the Optimum family looking to upgrade to the Optimum 5 Gig Internet Plan? A simple call is all it takes.

EarthLink 5 Gig Internet Plan

EarthLink Internet has carved a unique niche in the internet service. While it doesn’t own the majority of the networks it operates on, it partners with established providers like AT&T, CenturyLink, Frontier, Verizon, and more to deliver its services. This approach has its pros and cons, but one thing’s for sure: EarthLink Fiber is making its presence felt. But their 5 Gig Internet Plan has several factors to consider.

The type of internet its 5 Gig offers is fiber-optic, leveraging the infrastructure of its partner providers. This means that while EarthLink might not be the primary provider in many areas, it can still offer the speed and reliability of fiber. And here’s where EarthLink shines—no data caps and no contracts. This is an advantage, especially for heavy internet users.

Pricing with the EarthLink 5 Gig internet plan is transparent, which is $190, and it doesn’t offer introductory rates. You’ll be paying the standard rate from the outset. While this might seem like a downside, especially considering that all plans come with a 12-month contract, there’s a silver lining. After those 12 months, you won’t be hit with a sudden price hike, a common grievance with many other ISPs. EarthLink might seem pricier initially, but it could offer better value in the long run.

New EarthLink customers might be taken aback by the one-time installation fee ranging from $40 to $80. What’s more, EarthLink doesn’t handle the installation themselves. Instead, they partner with the local telephone company, which might be the actual provider whose network EarthLink is using.

Ziply Fiber 5 Gig Internet Plan

Ziply Fiber, since its inception after taking over from Frontier Communications in 2020, has been on a mission to provide the Northwest with top-tier internet services. Their dedication to offering fast and reliable internet is evident in their recent introduction of a 10-gig plan, available across their entire four-state fiber footprint. But for those specifically eyeing the 5 Gig internet plan, here’s what you need to know.

Ziply Fiber 5 gig internet plan offers fiber-optic, known for its fast download and upload speeds. Notably, Ziply Fiber does not impose data caps on its users. Furthermore, customers will appreciate the absence of binding annual contracts, which offers peace of mind.

As for pricing, the 5 Gig internet plan’s promo rate is $120. Most of Ziply plans show a slight increase after 12 months of service, but their offerings remain priced even with this change. For instance, their gigabit plan starts at $60 per month and goes up to $80 after the promotional period.

Installation costs, often a gripe with many ISPs, aren’t a concern here. Ziply Fiber offers free installation for new customers, and they even throw in the first month of service at no extra charge. It’s clear they’re keen to make an excellent first impression.

In terms of availability, Ziply Fiber has been aggressively expanding its fiber footprint. The initial 30% of networks inherited from Frontier Communications have grown to cover over 50% of their service areas with fiber-optic lines. And they’re not stopping there—with plans to reach 80% fiber coverage in the foreseeable future.

Google Fiber 5 Gig Internet Plan

Google Fiber has made a significant splash with its 5 Gig internet plan. This plan, as highlighted in a recent announcement, offers symmetrical speeds. What’s particularly striking about this offering is its competitive pricing. At just $125 per month, it stands out as the most affordable 5 Gbps plan compared to other major providers like AT&T and Frontier (whose prices range from $165 to $250 for similar speeds).

Google Fiber’s approach to internet service is commendable. Google Fiber 5 Gig internet plan comes bundled with a Wi-Fi 6 router and mesh Wi-Fi extenders. This is particularly beneficial for larger households or those with multiple devices. 

And if you’re wary of hidden costs and long-term commitments, Google Fiber has you covered. There are no data caps to worry about, no contracts to tie you down, and the professional installation is part of the package.

However, there’s a slight hitch. Their 5 Gig internet plan’s availability is currently limited to specific areas, including Kansas City, all serviced Utah locations, and the newly added West Des Moines in Iowa. While this might seem restrictive, there’s hope for those outside these regions. Google Fiber has indicated plans to expand this service to other cities as the year progresses.

Which is the Best 5 Gig Internet Plan?

Several ISPs have thrown their hats into the race for the best 5 Gig internet plan. As we all know, Fiber service consistently delivers top-tier speeds. While all the providers we discussed offer commendable services, Frontier Communication seems to have an edge in the 5 Gig internet race. Their competitive pricing of $155 per month for a 5 Gbps plan, with coverage of 15 states, offers undeniable value.

AT&T, on the other hand, has some respected attributes—namely, its expansive fiber-optic network, no data caps, and the absence of contracts.

Google Fiber’s transparent approach, with no data caps, no contracts, and free professional installation at an affordable price. While its availability is currently limited.

Other providers like EarthLink and Ziply Fiber have their merits, and in certain areas, they might even be the preferred choice based on local infrastructure and specific needs. 

But when looking at the overall package – speed, price, and user policies – Frontier 5 gig internet plan is a favorite for many.