In today’s tech-powered world, you can do just about everything online. Whether you live in small-town America or our favorite city on the planet — Austin, Texas! — the internet brings the world to your fingertips. Want to order food from your favorite Austin restaurant? Do it online. Want to check out secret spots for live music in Austin? Get online. Looking for an Austin florist that can deliver flowers to a loved one? Yup, it’s all online.
But to get the most out of our tech-centered world, any old internet service won’t do. You need fast speeds, safe surfing, and great customer support with your internet service. If you just moved to Austin or are looking for a new provider, you’ve come to the right place.
These days, getting online is easier than ever thanks to a host of internet providers you can choose from. Plus, with so many different providers vying for the fastest speeds and the best perks — like movie subscription services and free concert tickets — signing up for internet service can actually be fun. Here’s our breakdown of the top providers where you can get the best internet in Austin.
Top 5 Providers for The Best Internet in Austin
When choosing the best internet options, it’s important to look at pricing, internet coverage, internet speed, and any restrictions or benefits that come with a provider plan. Some companies limit the amount of data you can use and then throttle speeds if you exceed the data cap. Other companies offer unlimited data, making those a better choice for people like gamers and remote workers who need to be connected all the time.
Many internet providers also offer benefits like discounts for cable TV bundles or free subscription services. Finding the best internet providers in Austin depends on what you’re looking for. Here, we’ll break down the top options whether you need the fastest option around or want a great deal.
1. Spectrum
Spectrum is one of the nations’ leading internet service providers. The company offers home wifi internet packages for both fiber optic and cable internet as well as television and phone services. Spectrum Internet download speeds reach up to 200Mbps (megabits per second) and rates start at $44.99 per month. You’ll get a free internet modem and won’t have any data caps or hidden fees. Best of all, Spectrum is available just about everywhere in Austin so you can get a connection whether you live in Burnet, Cedar Creek, or right in the heart of downtown.
2. AT&T
AT&T offers wireless internet access for businesses as well as residential internet. AT&T Internet offers both DSL and AT&T Fiber to meet different customer needs. Pricing starts around $35 and speeds can reach 100Mbps on DSL Internet and 1000Mbps on fiber. Their fiber optic internet isn’t available everywhere in Austin so make sure to check availability to find the best high-speed internet plan for your needs.
With AT&T, you can also save money by bundling other services. You can choose to add U-Verse or DirecTV or home phone and home security services. You’ll also get access to hundreds of AT&T wifi hotspots and have greater control of your accounts and usage thanks to data tracking and parental controls.
3. Google Fiber
Google Fiber offers some of the fastest internet plans in the Austin area. Download speeds can reach 2 Gbps (gigabits per second), though it’s only available in about a third of Austin homes. With higher speeds also comes a higher price tag. Rates start at around $100 per month, but it’s an excellent option for people who need a fast internet connection to stream content or work.
4. Grande Communications
Grande Communications offers some of the fastest internet speeds and several different plan options to meet different budgets and speed needs. Their fast internet clocks in at up to 940 Mbps download speeds and 50 Mbps upload speeds. That’s for their top tier plan — called Gig Internet — which costs $69.99 per month. They also offer 300Mbps and 600Mbps plans at $39.99 and $49.99 per month.
5. EarthLink
EarthLink HyperLink Internet offers a fast internet connection with up to 1000 Mbps speeds. It’s available all across Austin, making it easy to connect both as a business and as a residential user. The company also offers additional business services including website development and branding, making it a great choice if you’re starting a business and are new to the area. Internet packages start at $45 per month.
Get Connected and Explore Austin
Whether you’re looking for the fastest internet in town or the best deal for online access, these are the top providers for the best internet in Austin. Other companies like Viasat, HughesNet, Xfinity, Ranch Wireless also offer internet services — though generally at lower speeds than names like Google and AT&T.
The best internet service can mean different things to different people. Some are focused more on affordability while others need top speed at any cost. To find the best Austin internet plan for you, compare double and triple play bundles from different providers.
Once you get connected, you’re ready to discover all the joys Austin has to offer. Head over to ATX Guide to discover top tips for new arrivals — like the best moving companies in Austin — or find new spots to enjoy as a local on our list of the best patios in Austin.
