Need internet in Charlotte, NC? We’ve got you covered, we compared all the major national players and local internet service providers to make sure you stay connected.
What is the best internet provider in Charlotte?
AT&T Fiber is CNET’s pick for the best Charlotte internet provider overall. The service is the faster provider between AT&T and Spectrum, which are the biggest names in the area. Though both providers present unique pros and cons, Spectrum has a cheaper plan and more-extensive high-speed coverage throughout Charlotte.
Google Fiber and Kinetic by Windstream tie for the speediest plan, offering 8 gigabits per second for $150 and $300 per month, respectively. For the most affordable home broadband, check out Kinetic by Windstream’s $40 per month plan, which reaches speeds up to 500 megabits per second. Comporium also offers a $40 plan — which has a wider coverage map — but hits speeds only up to 100Mbps.
As a lifelong resident of greater Charlotte — from Concord to Fort Mill, with time spent in University City, Oakhurst and Pineville — I’ve become familiar with the internet providers in the area and have found the cheapest service and the fastest speeds to help you compare your options.Best internet in Charlotte, North CarolinaCharlotte internet providers compared
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.Other available internet providers in Charlotte
Comporium: Outside of the Steele Creek area, specifically Ayrsley, cable internet from Comporium is only available to the south of Charlotte over the border into South Carolina and parts of Union County. With plans starting at $40 per month, Comporium is one of the cheapest providers in the area, but customers should expect a price increase after the first three months.
EarthLink: Internet service from EarthLink runs on the networks of other providers. In Charlotte, that provider is AT&T, so EarthLink is technically available wherever you find AT&T. However, AT&T has many of the same selling points as EarthLink, such as unlimited data and no contracts, not to mention lower pricing, so you’re better off going with AT&T.
Kinetic by Windstream: Kinetic is largely known for offering service in suburban or rural areas, and its coverage in Charlotte is no different. While a few Charlotte neighborhoods are serviceable for Kinetic, you’ll find the best coverage in surrounding areas such as Albemarle, Concord and Matthews. If Kinetic’s fiber service is available at your address, it’s worth checking out, but you may want to pass on the DSL service if that’s all you can get.
Satellite internet: Service from Hughesnet and Viasat is also available throughout most of Charlotte and the surrounding area. But with plenty of other internet options, satellite service is not worth the cost.Cheap internet options in Charlotte
The average starting price for internet service in Charlotte is around $50 per month. Comporium and Kinetic by Windstream are tied for the lowest starting price in the area at $40 per month. However, Kinetic by Windstream has a better base plan with speed up to 500Mbps versus 100Mbps from Comporium.What’s the cheapest internet plan in Charlotte?
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
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peopleHow to find internet deals and promotions in Charlotte
The best internet deals and top promotions in Charlotte depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
