Gaming is no longer limited to being a hobby but is a stress reliever and even a profession for many people. Lag is the worst part of playing games, according to many gamers. Although most games only require some Mbps speeds, gamers prefer a reliable internet for gaming that provides high internet speeds, low latency, and unlimited data to avoid interruptions. So, what is the best internet for gaming?
Our experts have analyzed and compared some of the top internet providers for gaming based on their speeds, plans, pricing, latency, data caps, and availability. Let’s explore the best internet providers for gaming in detail.
Best Gamming Internet Plans
Lowest Ping | 1 Gbps Speed | Plan Starting at $49.99
- Top 10 Internet Providers for Gaming
- Comparison of the Best Internet Providers for Gaming
- How to Choose the Best Internet for Gaming?
- Things to Consider Before Choosing the Best Internet for Gaming
- Find the Best Internet for Gaming in Your Area
- Top 10 US Cities with the Best Internet for Gaming
- Conclusion
Top 10 Internet Providers for Gaming
Although multiple internet options for gaming are available throughout the US, few names stand out with their high-quality service. Each internet provider offers something unique, but finding the most suitable internet for gaming can become tricky due to various factors like availability and changing offers depending on your location. Therefore you can cosider this article your walkthrough guide to finding the best internet for gaming.
Gaming requirements differ from other online activities, and latency plays a huge role in them. You can have a horrible gaming experience even with the top-rated ISP if their latency rate is excessively high. Therefore we have chosen the best internet providers for gaming that have the lowest latency.
| Provider | Speed Range | Latency | Data Caps | Type | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | 300 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 33 ms | None | Cable | Call Now |
| Verizon Fios | 300 Mbps – 2000 Mbps | 12 ms | None | Fiber | Call Now |
| Frontier | 115 Mbps – 2000 Mbps | 20 ms | None | Fiber, DSL | Call Now |
| AT&T Fiber | 300 Mbps – 5000 Mbps | 24 ms | None | Fiber | Call Now |
| Google Fiber | 1000 Mbps – 2000 Mbps | 25 ms | None | Fiber | Call Now |
| Optimum | 300 Mbps – 5000 Mbps | 18 ms | None | Fiber, Cable | Call Now |
| CenturyLink | 100 Mbps – 940 Mbps | 35 ms | None | Fiber, DSL | Call Now |
| Xfinity | 50 Mbps – 6000 Mbps | 23 ms | 1.2 TB | Fiber, Cable | Call Now |
| Cox | 25 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 26 ms | 1.25 TB | Fiber, Cable | Call Now |
| Mediacom | 60 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 27 ms | 200 GB – 6000 GB | Cable | Call Now |
We have used latency and data caps to rank these internet providers for gaming. Usually, fiber internet is the best internet for gaming with symmetric upload and download speeds and extremely low latency. However, it has limited availability.
Cable internet is the next best internet for gaming, with higher speeds and lower latency than DSL, Satellite, and fixed wireless internet services. Let’s compare the best internet providers for gaming in detail.
Comparison of the Best Internet Providers for Gaming
Gamers from all around the world mutually agree that a reliable internet connection for gaming plays a critical role in their success. Their skills become useless in the face of a laggy gaming stream. Therefore, investing in a top service is crucial for avid gamers.
We have named the top 10 internet providers for gaming. As different gamers have different preferences, their requirements also differ from each other. Hence, we cannot claim a single ISP as the best provider for gaming Each provider offers something particular to gamers. Here is a comparative analysis of the most prominent internet providers for gaming, so you can choose the most suitable option for your gaming activities.
Spectrum: Best Availability
Spectrum is a widely available cable internet provider, covering millions of people in 41 states. Its wide availability makes it an appealing internet option for gamers in absence of fiber internet options. It provides some of the best internet plans for gaming by using a hybrid fiber-coaxial network.
Its wide availability makes it easier to list the states where it is not available. You can find this provider in densely populated cities and towns but it struggles to provide service in sparsely populated areas due to the absence of network infrastructure.
Spectrum Internet®Plans
| Plan | Promotional Price | Speed | Data Caps | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $49.99/mo. for 12 mos* | 300 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| Internet Ultra | $69.99/mo. for 12 mos* | 500 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| Internet Gig | $89.99/mo. for 12 mos* | 1000 Mbps | None | Call Now |
Get The Best Internet Plan For Gamming
Here are the features that make Spectrum one of the best internet providers for gaming.
Fiber-Like Internet Speeds
Unlike fiber internet providers, Spectrum offers asymmetrical upload and download speeds. But since gaming primarily involves download speeds, its lower upload speeds don’t make much difference.
Spectrum offers three simple internet plans for gaming, with speeds of 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 100 Mbps. Although 100 Mbps were recently added to each of the first two Spectrum Internet Plans, the starting prices remained the same. However, Spectrum Internet®Gig is the perfect internet plan for gaming as it allows you to play your favorite games without experiencing any lags.
Low Latency
Spectrum’s average latency is much higher than other prominent cable internet providers for gaming like Xfinity, Cox, Mediacom, and Optimum, but it is still a perfect internet option for gaming. The ideal latency rate of gaming internet is below 40 ms, and Spectrum’s average latency is 33 ms, which allows you to play any game without glitches or lags.
Unlimited Data
Gamers prefer Spectrum over cable internet providers with similar coverage areas due to the lack of data caps. Spectrum offers unlimited data with every plan, which allows gaming enthusiasts to download new games and update their existing ones without worrying about their data usage.
Reasonable Rates
Spectrum is not the cheapest internet option, but it maintains a reasonable balance between high-speed internet and its performance. Therefore, its prices are valid. Its internet plans range from $49.99 to $89.99 a month. However, these are promotional prices, so expect your bill to increase by $30 after the end of the promotional period.
The good news is that Spectrum includes a free modem with every internet plan, and you can further avoid the additional costs for WiFi by buying your gaming router.
AT&T: Overall Best Internet Provider for Gaming
As mentioned before, fiber internet is the ultimate choice for playing online games. AT&T Fiber is the best overall internet provider for gaming as it offers one of the fastest internet plans, Internet 5000. Honestly, you might not even need such high speeds for your games and its 1000 Mbps should handle your gaming activities easily.
AT&T has an impressive fiber footprint covering 21 states compared to other fiber internet providers. Although it is not equally available in all those states, you can find it in densely populated areas.
| Plan | Price | Speed | Data Caps | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Internet 300 | $55/month | 300 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| AT&T Internet 500 | $65/month | 500 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| AT&T Internet 1000 | $80/month | 1000 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| AT&T Internet 2000 | $110/month | 2000 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| AT&T Internet 5000 | $180/month | 5000 Mbps | None | Call Now |
Here are some of the factors that make AT&T the best internet for gaming.
High Internet Speeds
AT&T Fiber is one of the fastest internet providers for gaming as its speed maxes out at 5000 Mbps. However, its multi-gigabit plans are only available in select locations, and most of its fiber service area primarily gets three AT&T internet plans with speeds of 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 1000 Mbps.
Most online games don’t require extremely high speeds. Usually, 50 Mbps is enough to handle most games. But you are not only using the internet for gaming. Your other online activities and connected devices consume your bandwidth and influence your speeds. Therefore, we recommend you consider them while choosing a gaming internet plan.
AT&T Fiber Internet 1000 is an ideal plan for most gamers as it offers symmetrical gigabit speeds, allowing you to enjoy a seamless gaming experience.
Low Latency
Latency is a significant gaming factor. And although AT&T does not offer the lowest latency, its internet is excellent for gaming. AT&T’s average latency is 24 ms, which, although lower than other fiber internet providers like Google Fiber, is higher than Optimum, Xfinity, Verizon Fios, and Frontier.
Unlimited Data
Naturally, online games consume your internet data, about 40 MB to 300 MB per hour. And although this consumption might not seem a lot, it can add up to over a month if you are an avid gamer. Additionally, downloading new games is the most data-intensive task. Therefore, many gamers prefer internet plans with unlimited data.
Fortunately, AT&T Fiber offers unlimited data with every gaming internet plan, so you don’t have to worry about your data usage while playing your favorite games.
Affordable Price
Lastly, AT&T offers high internet speeds at reasonable rates. In fact, its 500 Mbps plan is slightly cheaper than Spectrum Internet® Ultra as it starts from $65 a month.
Strong Customer Service
Customer service is not the strongest suit of many internet providers, but AT&T is known for it. Its remarkable position in both J.D. Power’s Satisfaction Study and American Customer Satisfaction Index’s rankings prove that it is one of the best internet providers for gaming and other online activities.
Frontier: Best Affordable Internet for Gaming
Although Frontier has two internet services, its fiber internet service is a more suitable gaming internet option. The major downside? It has limited availability. Frontier internet plans are offered in 25 states but most areas are eligible for its DSL service which is not the best internet connection for gaming as it is very outdated.
Frontier’s fiber internet on the other hand is available in metro areas of 15 states. So, if you live in an area where it is available, you can enjoy blazing fast internet for gaming that easily supports your online gaming activities.
| Plan | Monthly Price | Speed | Data Caps | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier Fiber Internet 500 | $44.99/month | 500 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| Frontier Fiber Gig | $69.99/month | 1000 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| Frontier Fiber 2 Gig | $99.99/month | 2000 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| Fiber 5 Gig | $154.99/month | 5000 Mbps | None | Call Now |
Here are the features that make Frontier one of the best internet providers for gaming.
High Internet Speeds
Frontier now offers up to 2000 Mbps speed and is one of the fastest internet providers. Frontier offers three affordable internet plans with speeds of 500 Mbps, 1000 Mbps, and 2000 Mbps.
Its starting plan is an excellent choice for gamers living in medium households. As it also provides symmetrical upload and download speeds, you can indulge in your favorite games without worrying about interruptions.
Low Latency
Lags are a significant pain area for gamers as they hinder gameplay and render their skills useless. Frontier ranks 2nd in our list due to its low latency. With an average latency of 20 ms, you won’t ever have to worry about losing in combative games due to lags.
Unlimited Data
The lack of data caps is a big selling point for Frontier. Frontier is one of the very few gaming internet providers that offer unlimited data even with its DSL internet plans. Hence, it is ideal for dedicated gamers who love to try new games and story arcs.
Fair Rates with Price Lock
Internet prices are not always fixed, and many gaming internet providers hike their prices without prior notice. Sometimes customers even face multiple price hikes from top ISPs. Frontier, on the other hand, offers a price lock policy.
It offers different durations with different plans. For example, it locks your price for 1-year with Frontier Fiber Internet 500 and a three-year price lock with Frontier Fiber Gig. This policy makes Frontier one of the most affordable internet providers for gaming. Additionally, it doesn’t charge any equipment rental fee. However, it does require you to sign a contract to get extra perks and bonuses.
Verizon Fios: Best Fiber Internet for Gaming
Verizon Fios is the best internet for gaming in the Northeastern US. Fios is the flagship service of Verizon that offers the most reliable connection. The only downside of this service is its limited availability. Verizon Fios is only available in major metropolitan areas of the following eight eastern states – Virginia, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Delaware.
Fios primarily offers three fiber internet for gaming to most of its coverage area with its multi-gigabit plan only available in a few areas of New York City.
Verizon Fios Plans
| Plan | Monthly Price | Speed | Data Caps | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet 300/300 | $49.99/month | 300 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| Internet 500/500 | $64.99/month | 500 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| Fios Gigabit Connection | $89.99/month | Up to 940 Mbps | None | Call Now |
Fios’ starting and gigabit plans are similar to Spectrum in terms of pricing and speeds, while its mid-tier share similarities with AT&T Internet 500. So, if you live in the service area of Fios, here are the features that make it the best fiber internet for gaming.
High Internet Speeds
Although Fios offers three fiber internet plans with speeds of 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 940 Mbps, they are sufficient for most gaming activities. Like other fiber internet providers, Fios also offers symmetrical speeds. Hence, unlike cable internet, you don’t have to worry about low latency due to low upload speeds with Fios.
Although Fios’ low and mid-tier plans also offer reasonable internet speeds, its Gigabit Connection provides perfect internet for gamers who live in large households. With 940 Mbps speed, you can play any game while streaming or doing other online activities.
Best Latency for Gaming
Compared to other providers, Verizon Fios has the best latency, 12 ms. It has the lowest latency among our top internet providers for gaming which makes it the most suitable gaming internet provider. You can play any FPS, RTS, RPG, or MMO game without worrying about interruptions or lags.
Unlimited Data
Verizon Fios’ lack of data caps further increases its appeal. This provider offers unlimited data with all fiber internet plans. Although data consumption of most games is not very high, certain gaming activities like downloading new games and updating them consume a lot of data.
Therefore many gamers prefer internet plans with unlimited data, so they don’t have to worry about data usage or overage fees.
Market-competitive Rates
Verizon Fios is very straightforward with its pricing. It offers three simple plans at reasonable rates. Additionally, it also doesn’t offer promo rates. Hence, you don’t have to worry about price hikes after the end of the promotional period. However, this gives Verizon the right to adjust its prices at any provided moment.
It is also very straightforward with the additional charges and even waives your installation fee with an online purchase.
Google Fiber: Cheap Fiber Internet Plans
Google Fiber offers some of the fastest internet plans for gaming but has extremely limited availability, covering less than 1% of the US. You can only find this service in a select few large metro areas. It has the most significant availability in Kansas City, Alabama, and Huntsville.
Google Fiber offers only three internet plans but offers fast speeds and other perks which make it a top-rated internet for gaming.
| Plan | Monthly Price | Speed | Data Caps | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gig | $70/mo. | 1000 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| 2 Gig | $100/mo. | 2000 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| 5 Gig | $125.00/mo. | 5000 Mbps | None | Call Now |
Here are some of Google Fiber’s important features for gaming.
Gigabit Speeds
Google Fiber does not offer low-tiered plans, unlike other providers. It delivers symmetrical upload and download speeds of 1000 and 2000 Mbps, which are more than enough for even dedicated gamers. You won’t actually need its 2 Gig internet plan as 1 Gig’s speed is sufficient for even complex games. We recommend you to choose this gaming internet provider if it is available in your area.
Low Latency
Google Fiber ranks 4th in terms of latency. Since latency can make or break your career, gamers always opt for an internet option with low latency rates. Although Google Fiber’s average latency of 25 ms is higher than Verizon, Frontier, and AT&T, it is still lower than recommended latency rate for playing most games.
Unlimited Data
The lack of data caps is a feature of fiber internet. You don’t have to worry about data usage with Google Fiber, as both internet plans come with unlimited data. Hence, you can download multiple new games without worrying about your data consumption.
Low Prices
Google Fiber offers its internet plans with straightforward pricing with no hidden fees. Its gigabit plans are cheaper than other prominent gaming internet providers. Its starting plan costs less than similar speed plans offered by Verizon, AT&T, Frontier, and cable internet providers for gaming like Xfinity and Spectrum. In fact, its 2 Gig plan is cheaper than some ISPs’ 1000 Mbps plan.
Google Fiber also does not offer introductory prices, freeing you from the fear of a looming price hike after a year of your subscription. It also includes free equipment in its gaming internet plans.
Optimum: Best for Small Town Gamers
Optimum offers fast internet speeds that can compete with AT&T and Verizon Fios. Originally a cable internet provider, Optimum has expanded its service by introducing fiber internet plans as well. It has a very small service but it is an excellent internet option for small-town gamers.
It mostly offers cable internet to the majority of its service area and its fiber internet plans are only available in New York.
Optimum Plans
| Plan | Price | Speed | Data Caps | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cable Internet Plans | ||||
| 300 Mbps Internet | $40/mo. | 300 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| 500 Mbps Internet | $60/mo. | 500 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| 1 Gig Internet | $80/mo. | 1000 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| Fiber Internet Plans | ||||
| 300 Mbps Fiber Internet | $40/mo. | 300 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| 500 Mbps Fiber Internet | $60/mo. | 500 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| 1 Gig Fiber Internet | $80/mo. | 1000 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| 2 Gig Fiber Internet | $120/mo. | 2000 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| 5 Gig Fiber Internet | $180/mo. | 5000 Mbps | None | Call Now |
Here are the features that make it a viable internet provider to gaming:
High Internet Speeds
Optimum offers a variety of internet speeds up to 5000 Mbps. It has recently introduced fiber internet plans with the same speeds as its cable internet plans. However, unlike cable internet, you get symmetrical upload and download speeds with fiber internet, which is more suitable for gaming.
We recommend you opt for Optimum’s fiber internet plans for gaming. But since this service has limited availability, its cable internet plans are an excellent alternative with speeds up to 1000 Mbps. However, they have lower upload speeds.
Low Latency
Optimum’s average latency is just below Verizon Fios, but it ranks lower due to limited availability. It has a latency rate of 18 ms, which is excellent for multiplayer games with complex graphics. You can even play other games without experiencing any lags and interruptions.
Unlimited Data
Optimum offers unlimited data with both cable and fiber internet plans. You don’t have to worry about the unavailability of fiber internet in your area since you can download and play any game even with Optimum cable internet.
Affordable Promotional Rates
Optimum offers incredibly affordable promotional prices, but what about the standard costs after a year? While it provides a price-lock guarantee, it hikes the subscription fees after that period. However, Optimum notifies the customers of these changes beforehand. Therefore, if you cannot afford the standard prices of its plans, you can always negotiate or opt for another provider.
CenturyLink: Best No Contract Internet for Gaming
CenturyLink also offers two internet services, DSL and Fiber internet. It is one of the well-known internet providers in the US, covering 16 states. But, like other providers who offer two services, most of its service area falls under its DSL network. However, it still has an impressive fiber footprint, covering 50% of its coverage area.
You can find CenturyLink’s fiber internet in major metropolitan areas.
CenturyLink Plans
| Plan | Monthly Price | Speed | Data Caps | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simply Unlimited Internet | $50/month | 100 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| Quantum Fiber Gigabit | $65/month | 940 Mbps | None | Call Now |
Here are the features that make CenturyLink a decent internet provider for gaming.
High Internet Speeds
CenturyLink offers two simple internet plans with speeds of up to 100 Mbps and 940 Mbps. Although its starting speed may seem sufficient, its gigabit internet plan is a far better option for playing games with speeds up to 940 Mbps.
Decent Average Latency
CenturyLink has the highest latency among all the leading gaming internet providers, but we have ranked it higher than some other internet providers for gaming due to unlimited data. CenturyLink’s average latency of 35 ms is right below the recommended 40 ms latency for a smooth gaming experience. Hence, this latency rate is excellent for playing your favorite games.
Unlimited Data
You also don’t have to worry about your games’ data consumption with CenturyLink. This ISP is also among the providers that don’t enforce data caps on their plans. CenturyLink includes unlimited data in both gaming internet plans, freeing you from the fear of overage fees and throttled speeds.
Affordable Rates
CenturyLink’s fiber internet plans offer the best value among some providers. They are cheaper than the cable and fiber gigabit plans offered by other gaming internet providers. And although CenturyLink isn’t keen on providing promotions, it allows you to save extra money by ordering online and opting for paperless billing.
Xfinity: Best Cable Speeds for Gaming
Xfinity is the largest cable internet provider in the US, but is it offering the best internet for gaming? It covers about 34.2% of the US; therefore it is possible that it might be available in your area as well. It offers a wide range of internet plans depending on three regions – West, Central and Northeast.
And although Xfinity offers fiber internet service, it is so limited that it is primarily known as a cable internet provider. Xfinity’s high speeds, wide availability, and low latency make it an ideal gaming internet option.
Xfinity Plans
Since Xfinity offers different plans in different regions, here are its plans in the West to get an idea about its speeds and pricing. You can find similar high-speed internet plans for gaming in other regions.
| Plan | Monthly Promotional Price | Speed | Data Caps | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connect | $24.99/mo. | 50 Mbps | 1.2 TB | Call Now |
| Connect More | $39.99/mo. | 100 Mbps | 1.2 TB | Call Now |
| Fast | $54.99/mo. | 300 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| Superfast | $64.99/mo. | 600 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| Ultrafast | $74.99/mo. | 900 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| Gigabit | $79.99/mo. | 1200 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| Gigabit Pro | $299.95/mo. | 6000 Mbps | None | Call Now |
High Cable Internet Speeds
Xfinity provides one of the fastest fiber internet plans with 6000 Mbps speed. However, only a few people can access it due to its scarce availability. Xfinity mainly provides cable internet plans to its customers with asymmetrical upload and download speeds.
It offers the best cable internet speeds, which allow you to play your favorite games. Its mid-tier plans – Superfast and Ultrafast with speeds of 600 Mbps and 900 Mbps, are perfect for gaming enthusiasts, with enough upload speeds to support most gaming activities.
Low Latency
Xfinity has a slightly better average latency than its biggest competitor, Spectrum. It has an exceptional latency rate of 24 ms which is excellent for playing, downloading, and updating games.
Data Caps
Data caps are the biggest drawback of Xfinity. It enforces 1.2 TB data caps on some of its plans. Fortunately, it no longer imposes them on all internet plans. Additionally, these data limits also do not apply to Northeast customers. Therefore, you should search the available Xfinity internet plans if you live in other regions, so you can subscribe to the package without data caps if you are looking for internet for gaming.
Reasonable Rates for Cable Internet
Xfinity offers some of the cheapest starting internet plans. However, the price goes steeper as the speed increases. Though, its cable internet plans are still market-competitive compared to its expensive fiber internet plan. Xfinity also offers promotional rates, so price hikes are inevitable. It also charges equipment and a one-time installation fee.
Cox: Best Fast Service
Cox is the largest private broadband provider in the US, delivering its services to more than 20 million people. This provider covers 19 states and you can find it in cities like San Diego, Phoenix, Santa Barbara, Oklahoma City, and New Orleans.
It is prevalent in dense urban areas and offers a variety of internet plans with significantly faster internet speeds than DSL, satellite, and fixed wireless internet services.
Cox Plans
| Plan | Monthly Promotional Price | Speed | Data Caps | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox Internet Essential 100 | $49.99/month (no annual contract) | 100 Mbps | 1.25 TB | Call Now |
| Cox Internet Preferred 250 | $49.99/month | 250 Mbps | 1.25 TB | Call Now |
| Cox Internet Ultimate 500 | $69.99/month | 500 Mbps | 1.25 TB | Call Now |
| Cox Gigablast | $99.99/month | 1000 Mbps | 1.25 TB | Call Now |
Here are the important features to consider while choosing Cox internet for gaming activities:
Decent Internet Speeds
Cox may not provide comparable internet speeds to the fiber internet, but it’s Ultimate 500 and Gigablast plans are perfect internet for gaming. Its Gigablast is delivered through a coaxial or fiber connection to the customers, depending on your location.
Cox internet plans offer sufficient download speeds to support your gaming activities even while multiple people use your home internet. Its cable internet plans, however, have low upload speeds.
Low Latency
Cox has an average latency of 26 ms. This low latency makes it perfectly suitable for playing your preferred games. You don’t have to worry about glitches during playing, which allows you to put your skills to the best use to win the games.
Data Caps
Like Xfinity, Cox also enforces data caps on its plans. It provides you with a monthly data limit of 1.25 TB, which is more than enough internet for gaming activities if you are the sole gamer in your home. However, if your home has multiple gamers, you’ll need more data to manage their downloads.
Pricier Plans
Cox plans are a bit on the expensive side, with price structure forcing you to move to a more expensive plan each year. Its starting prices are also pricier than its competitors. Cox offers promotional rates to the customers and hikes up your monthly bill after one year.
However, it offers you the option to reduce $10 from your monthly bill by agreeing to a 1-year contract. But you cannot escape price hikes despite the promotional offers.
Mediacom: Best for Gamers on Budget
It is the fifth largest cable internet provider in the US, serving approximately 8 million people, and is the best internet option for gamers on a budget. You can find Mediacom in regions like the Gulf Coast, Midwest, Arizona, California, and the Eastern Seaboard. So, if you live in cities like Columbus, Springfield, Huntsville, and Des Moines, you can subscribe to Mediacom.
Mediacom is also accessible in rural areas around Apache Junction, Clearlake, Elizabeth City, and Murray. Mediacom offers affordable internet plans for gaming with speeds up to 1000 Mbps.
Mediacom Plans
| Plan | Monthly Promotional Price | Speed | Data Caps | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet 100 | $20/mo. | 100 Mbps | 300 GB | Call Now |
| Internet 200 | $40/mo. | 300 Mbps | 1.5 TB | Call Now |
| Internet 400 | $50/mo. | 600 Mbps | 3 TB | Call Now |
| Internet 1 Gig | $60/mo. | 1000 Mbps | 6 TB | Call Now |
Here are the considerable features of Mediacom that allow it to be listed amongst the best internet providers for gaming.
Internet Speeds
Mediacom maintains fast internet speeds and is a preferable internet choice for many gamers with speeds up to 1000 Mbps. Like all other cable internet providers, Mediacom also offers asymmetrical upload and download speeds. However, it delivers higher upload speeds than other cable internet providers, maxing out at 50 Mbps. Mediacom’s gig plan is ideal for avid gamers living in large households.
Low Latency
Latency is the delay that can hinder your games. Fortunately, Mediacom has an average latency of 27 ms, which provides seamless internet for gaming without glitches.
High Data Limits
Mediacom offers different data limits on different internet plans. Its 1 Gig internet for gaming comes with 6 TB of data, which is very difficult to exceed. Hence, you don’t have to worry about your data consumption with this plan while playing your favorite games.
Cheap Promotional Rates
Mediacom offers some of the cheapest promotional rates, with plans starting from $20 to $60. However, the prices go up by $10 after a year, and they go up again after 24 months. The price keeps increasing each year, which makes Mediacom unaffordable after a time.
Best Rural Internet for Gaming
Living in rural areas means fewer internet options due to underdeveloped or limited infrastructure. The rural population finds it challenging to access reliable internet for gaming. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t find a suitable rural internet provider to play your favorite games.
The recommended internet speed for gaming ranges from 25 to 50 Mbps. Fortunately, several DSL and Fixed Wireless ISPs offer higher internet speeds to support gaming in rural areas. So, who are the best internet providers for gaming in rural areas?
| Plan | Speed Range | Latency | Data Caps | Connection Type | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinetic by Windstream | 50 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 26 ms | None | Fiber, DSL | Call Now |
| CenturyLink | 1 Mbps – 940 Mbps | 35 ms | None | Fiber, DSL | Call Now |
| Mediacom | 60 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 27 ms | 200 GB – 6000 GB | Cable | Call Now |
| Rise Broadband | 25 Mbps – 100 Mbps | 20 – 60 ms | 250 GB – Unlimited | Fixed Wireless | Call Now |
Windstream: Overall Best Gaming Internet for Rural Areas
Windstream is the best internet for gaming in rural areas. It offers some of the fastest DSL internet plans and more fiber internet coverage than any other rural internet provider. It is available in 18 states and predominantly covers Midwest, South, and Eastern US.
Windstream offers speeds from 50 Mbps to 1000 Mbps, which makes it an ideal choice for gaming over wireless connections. Its DSL internet is a viable option if its fiber service is unavailable at your location. It is much better than other providers and offers the recommended broadband speeds to 86% of households. Additionally, 65% of households get internet speeds up to 100 Mbps. Its lack of data caps and low average latency of 26 ms makes it the best gaming internet for rural areas.
Price Range: $40.00 – $70.00/month
Max Speed: 1000 Mbps
Data Caps: None
Average Latency: 26 ms
Rise Broadband: Best Fixed Wireless Internet for Gaming in Rural Areas
Rise Broadband is a top fixed wireless internet for gaming in rural areas, covering 6% of the US households. It is available in 16 states and has a significant presence in Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Texas, Nebraska, and Utah.
Like satellite internet, it doesn’t need wired lines to the home, which makes it accessible in areas without cable or fiber infrastructure. It is a better option than Satellite internet due to lower latency, unlimited data options, and speeds up to 100 Mbps.
Price Range: $25 – $35/month
Max Speed: 100 Mbps
Data Caps: 250 GB and some unlimited data options
Average Latency: 20 – 60 ms
How to Choose the Best Internet for Gaming?
Your internet should have the ability to keep up with your games. Hence, selecting the appropriate gaming internet provider, internet plan, and connection type is essential for avid gamers. You should be aware of your gaming internet requirements and consider the following factors:
Type of Internet Connection
There are several types of internet connections for gaming available in the market. They have different technologies, speeds, availability, and reliability. When choosing a broadband connection type for gaming, you must evaluate the type of games you prefer and the number of people in your home.
Fiber-Optic Internet
Fiber internet is the best internet for gaming with reliable performance, high speeds, unlimited data, and low latency. It transmits data as light pulses through fiber-optic cables with strands of fiber made from plastic or glass. Unfortunately, it has low availability due to the high cost of developing its infrastructure. This is why cable internet still serves most of the major cities.
Cable Internet
Cable internet is the next best internet choice for gaming as it is more reliable and faster than DSL. It uses the same coaxial wire that delivers cable TV service to provide home internet. It is widely available and also has low latency to support your games. However, its speeds slow down during rush hours.
DSL Internet
DSL internet is another internet option for gaming, especially for the rural population. It uses existing phone lines to deliver internet service to the people. It has slightly higher latency than cable internet, but it isn’t that high to cause lags.
Internet Speed for Gaming Online
Internet speed plays an important role when playing games that require quick reflexes. It is the combination of upload and download speeds and is the rate at which your connection sends or receives data. We usually mean the download speeds when we talk about the required internet speed for gaming. However, upload speed also plays a crucial role as it impacts the latency rate.
The minimum speed requirements for an internet connection for gaming are not very high. FCC has recommended 3 to 4 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload speeds. However, opt for plans with higher speeds as the number of people and your other online activities also consume your bandwidth.
For a smooth gaming experience, consider getting an internet plan for gaming with 50 Mbps or higher download speeds and 10 Mbps upload speed.
Latency
| Latency Rate | Gaming Experience |
|---|---|
| 1 – 40 ms | Exceptional without any lags |
| 40 – 100 ms | Decent with some lag |
| 100+ ms | Poor and laggy |
Data Required
Gaming is not a high data consumption activity. However, downloading and updating games consume tremendous amounts of data. The last thing you want is to pay extra for additional data. Always opt for internet plans for gaming with more data if you live in a large household.
Most ISPs offer 1 TB of data which is more than enough to support your games. Otherwise, you can always opt for unlimited data plans.
Things to Consider Before Choosing the Best Internet for Gaming
Choosing the best internet for gaming among multiple options can become a chore. Gamers always search for an internet plan that offers the best value for their money. However, there is a lot more that you should consider before choosing the best internet for gaming.
Your Gaming Preferences
You should know about the type of games and their speed requirements before choosing an internet plan for gaming. A gigabit internet plan is not always necessary for playing games and can lead you to overpay for the speeds you don’t need.
Other Online Activities
Let’s be honest! You’ll not only use the internet for gaming. Therefore, you should consider the speed requirements of other online activities like streaming, browsing the internet, downloading, or playing music before choosing the internet for gaming.
Number of People Using your Home Internet
Speed requirements increase with the number of people using the internet. As more devices connect to the network, they consume more bandwidth. Therefore an internet plan with 50 Mbps speed can also be insufficient for gaming if five people are using your home internet. Thus, you should include the people and their online activities in your internet speed requirements before opting for a suitable internet plan.
Find the Best Internet for Gaming in Your Area
Not every provider is available at every location. Therefore, you should explore the available gaming internet providers in your area, so you can compare their internet plans in terms of internet speeds, packages, prices, data, and latency.
Discover the available gaming internet options in your area by adding your zip code in this search bar.
Top 10 US Cities with the Best Internet for Gaming
The gaming industry has seen explosive growth over the years. The industry that was seen as counterintuitive in the past now has billions of supporters. So, which cities are the most gamer-friendly? We have compiled a list of the top 10 best cities with the best internet for gaming.
Best Internet Providers for Gaming in Irvine
This planned city in Orange County, California, is known for its top healthcare and educational facilities. It has 25 internet providers to connect the residents online and boasts decent network coverage. DSL and Cable internet are more widely available in this city than fiber internet.
The average internet speed in Irvine is approximately 400 Mbps, which is fast enough to support the gaming culture. Here are the best gaming internet providers in Irvine:
| Provider | Speed Range | Latency | Data Caps | Connection Type | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | 100 Mbps – 5000 Mbps | 24 ms | None | DSL, Fiber | Call Now |
| Google Fiber | 1000 Mbps – 2000 Mbps | 25 ms | None | Fiber | Call Now |
| Spectrum | 300 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 33 ms | None | Cable | Call Now |
| Cox | 25 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 26 ms | 1.25 TB | Fiber, Cable | Call Now |
Best Internet Providers for Gaming in Austin
This cultural hub of Texas is one of the most gamer-friendly cities in America. It is the capital of Texas and is known for its music culture and recreational activities. Austin has 36 gaming internet providers to fulfill the connectivity requirements of the locals.
It fosters a gamer-friendly environment with an average speed of 923 Mbps. The best internet providers for gaming in Austin are
| Provider | Speed Range | Latency | Data Caps | Connection Type | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | 100 Mbps – 5000 Mbps | 24 ms | None | DSL, Fiber | Call Now |
| Google Fiber | 1000 Mbps – 2000 Mbps | 25 ms | None | Fiber | Call Now |
| Spectrum | 300 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 33 ms | None | Cable | Call Now |
Best Internet Providers for Gaming in San Francisco
This commercial and cultural center of California has some of the most iconic landmarks in the country. The city boasts a rich history and friendly people. The city currently has 22 ISPs to fulfill the increasing demand for a reliable internet connection for gaming. DSL and Cable internet cover the entire city, while fiber optic is limited to certain areas.
The average internet speed in San Francisco is 165 Mbps, which is enough for avid gamers in small households. The best internet providers for gaming in San Francisco are
| Provider | Speed Range | Latency | Data Caps | Connection Type | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | 100 Mbps – 5000 Mbps | 24 ms | None | DSL, Fiber | Call Now |
| Xfinity | 50 Mbps – 6000 Mbps | 23 ms | 1.2 TB | Fiber, Cable | Call Now |
Best Internet Providers for Gaming in Seattle
This largest city in Washington State is one of the best places to live in the country. It is environmentally friendly and has a strong job market. It has 19 internet service providers in Seattle to cater to the increasing demand for gaming internet. The city offers multiple high-speed internet options for gaming and has an excellent network infrastructure.
It is also one of the best cities for gamers, with an average speed of 444 Mbps. The best internet providers for gaming in Seattle are
| Provider | Speed Range | Latency | Data Caps | Connection Type | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | 50 Mbps – 6000 Mbps | 23 ms | 1.2 TB | Fiber, Cable | Call Now |
Best Internet Providers for Gaming in Orlando
Orlando is a city in Florida known for attracting millions of tourists due to its theme parks, warm climate, and exciting nightlife. Orlando has an excellent network infrastructure with 21 ISPs operating to keep up with the internet requirements for gaming.
It is one of the top cities for online gaming, with an average internet speed of 522 Mbps. The best internet providers for gaming in Orlando are
| Provider | Speed Range | Latency | Data Caps | Connection Type | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | 100 Mbps – 5000 Mbps | 24 ms | None | DSL, Fiber | Call Now |
| Spectrum | 300 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 33 ms | None | Cable | Call Now |
| Xfinity | 50 Mbps – 6000 Mbps | 23 ms | 1.2 TB | Fiber, Cable | Call Now |
Best Internet Providers for Gaming in Anaheim
This second largest city in California has many hidden gems. This home of Disneyland is also famous for its professional sports teams. The city has 17 ISPs providing high-speed internet for gaming to the residents. Its average internet speed of 406 Mbps allows gamers to play their favorite games.
The best internet providers for gaming in Anaheim are
| Provider | Speed Range | Latency | Data Caps | Connection Type | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | 100 Mbps – 5000 Mbps | 24 ms | None | DSL, Fiber | Call Now |
| Spectrum | 300 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 33 ms | None | Cable | Call Now |
Best Internet Providers for Gaming in Fremont
This second largest city in California has many hidden gems. This home of Disneyland is also famous for its professional sports teams. The city has 17 ISPs providing high-speed internet for gaming to the residents. Its average internet speed of 406 Mbps allows gamers to play their favorite games.
| Provider | Speed Range | Latency | Data Caps | Connection Type | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | 100 Mbps – 5000 Mbps | 24 ms | None | DSL, Fiber | Call Now |
| Xfinity | 50 Mbps – 6000 Mbps | 23 ms | 1.2 TB | Fiber, Cable | Call Now |
Best Internet Providers for Gaming in San Diego
San Diego is located on the Pacific Coast of California and is known for its breathtaking beaches and pleasant climate. The outstanding network infrastructure of San Diego promotes the gaming culture, with cable internet being the most common internet choice of gamers.
San Diego currently has 24 internet providers for gaming offering a range of internet services. The average internet speed in San Diego is 283 Mbps, enough to support most gaming activities. The best internet providers for gaming in this city are.
| Provider | Speed Range | Latency | Data Caps | Connection Type | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | 100 Mbps – 5000 Mbps | 24 ms | None | DSL, Fiber | Call Now |
| Cox | 25 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 26 ms | 1.25 TB | Fiber, Cable | Call Now |
Best Internet Providers for Gaming in Washington
Washington is a family-friendly city located in Washington County, Utah. It is famous for its excellent outdoor activities and pleasant climate. This city allows gamers to show their skills with an average internet speed of 426 Mbps.
The city has a phenomenal network infrastructure with 15 gaming internet providers offering. The best internet provider for gaming in this city is
| Provider | Speed Range | Latency | Data Caps | Connection Type | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CenturyLink | 100 Mbps – 940 Mbps | 35 ms | None | Fiber, DSL | Call Now |
Best Internet Providers for Gaming in San Jose
California has all the gamer-friendly cities. This significant technology hub of America has a competitive broadband climate with 28 ISPs offering various connection types. San Jose is a top city for gaming, with an average speed of 414 Mbps.
The major internet providers for gaming in this city are:
| Provider | Speed Range | Latency | Data Caps | Connection Type | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier | 115 Mbps – 2000 Mbps | 20 ms | None | Fiber, DSL | Call Now |
| AT&T | 100 Mbps – 5000 Mbps | 24 ms | None | DSL, Fiber | Call Now |
| Spectrum | 300 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 33 ms | None | Cable | Call Now |
| Xfinity | 50 Mbps – 6000 Mbps | 23 ms | 1.2 TB | Fiber, Cable | Call Now |
Conclusion
Gaming culture has transcended from merely a pastime hobby to an actual profession these days. Therefore, a reliable internet connection for gaming has become an absolute necessity. People often make the mistake of choosing the fastest internet option, but for an uninterrupted gaming session, it is equally important to consider other factors like latency and data limits.
We have provided a detailed overview of the best internet for gaming to help you find the most appropriate internet plan for gaming.
FAQ
