Market Data
Best Internet Provider in Joliet, Illinois
Choosing the best internet provider in Joliet, Illinois, can be a daunting task with a plethora of options available. However, CNET has done the heavy lifting for you by recommending Xfinity as the top choice. Xfinity’s extensive coverage, reaching 99% of the city, is a significant advantage. The provider offers a broad range of plans with competitive pricing, making it accessible for a wide array of households. Xfinity’s speeds can reach up to an impressive 2 gigabits per second (Gbps), catering to even the most demanding online activities. Many plans even come with free equipment, reducing initial setup costs. For those on a budget, Xfinity’s affordable introductory rates offer download speeds up to 300Mbps for just $45 per month. If you need a bit more speed, the $55 Connect More plan delivers 500Mbps, ensuring smooth streaming and online gaming experiences. If Xfinity is not available at your address, AT&T Fiber and T-Mobile Home Internet are excellent alternatives, each with their own set of advantages.
Comparing Joliet’s Internet Providers
When it comes to finding the best internet service in Joliet, a detailed comparison can help you make an informed decision. Here’s a breakdown of the top providers:
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Xfinity (Cable)
- Monthly Price Range: $35-$95
- Speed Range: 150-2,000Mbps
- Monthly Equipment Costs: $15 (optional)
- Data Cap: 1.2TB on some plans
- Contract: 1-2 years on some plans
- CNET Review Score: 7.0
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AT&T Home Internet (DSL Hybrid)
- Monthly Price Range: $60
- Speed Range: 10-100Mbps
- Monthly Equipment Costs: None
- Data Cap: 1.5TB
- Contract: None
- CNET Review Score: 7.4
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AT&T Fiber (Fiber)
- Monthly Price Range: $55-$245
- Speed Range: 300-5,000Mbps
- Monthly Equipment Costs: None
- Data Cap: None
- Contract: None
- CNET Review Score: 7.4
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Bertram Internet (Fixed Wireless)
- Monthly Price Range: $60-$250
- Speed Range: 15-100Mbps
- Monthly Equipment Costs: None
- Data Cap: Optional
- Contract: None
- CNET Review Score: N/A
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Rise Broadband (Fixed Wireless)
- Monthly Price Range: $30-$40
- Speed Range: 25-50Mbps
- Monthly Equipment Costs: $5-$15 (optional)
- Data Cap: None, but required for some promotions
- Contract: None
- CNET Review Score: 6.2
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T-Mobile Home Internet (Fixed Wireless)
- Monthly Price Range: $50 ($35 for eligible Go5G Plus and Magenta Max mobile customers)
- Speed Range: 72-245Mbps
- Monthly Equipment Costs: None
- Data Cap: None
- Contract: None
- CNET Review Score: 7.4
- Verizon 5G Home Internet (Fixed Wireless)
- Monthly Price Range: $50-$70 ($35-$45 with qualifying Verizon 5G mobile plans)
- Speed Range: 50-1,000Mbps
- Monthly Equipment Costs: None
- Data Cap: None
- Contract: None
- CNET Review Score: 7.2
While Ookla reports Joliet’s median download speed at 288.6Mbps, residents have access to faster options. AT&T Fiber leads the pack with speeds up to 5 Gbps for $245 per month, including unlimited data and equipment. Xfinity also offers a 2-gigabit plan at $95 per month, providing another high-performance option for those who require top-tier speeds.
Cheapest Internet Plans in Joliet
For budget-conscious residents, the cheapest internet plans in Joliet offer a range of affordable options:
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Xfinity Connect
- Starting Monthly Price: $35
- Max Download Speed: 150Mbps
- Monthly Equipment Fee: $15 (optional)
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Xfinity Connect More
- Starting Monthly Price: $45
- Max Download Speed: 300Mbps
- Monthly Equipment Fee: $15 (optional)
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Rise Broadband 50Mbps
- Starting Monthly Price: $40
- Max Download Speed: 50Mbps
- Monthly Equipment Fee: $5-$15 (optional)
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Verizon 5G Home Internet
- Starting Monthly Price: $50 ($35 with eligible mobile plan)
- Max Download Speed: 300Mbps
- Monthly Equipment Fee: None
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AT&T Home Internet
- Starting Monthly Price: $60
- Max Download Speed: 100Mbps
- Monthly Equipment Fee: None
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AT&T Fiber 300
- Starting Monthly Price: $55
- Max Download Speed: 300Mbps
- Monthly Equipment Fee: None
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Bertram 15Mbps
- Starting Monthly Price: $60
- Max Download Speed: 15Mbps
- Monthly Equipment Fee: None
- T-Mobile Home Internet
- Starting Monthly Price: $50 ($35 with eligible mobile plan)
- Max Download Speed: 245Mbps
- Monthly Equipment Fee: None
Xfinity Connect is the most affordable option, costing just $35 per month for speeds up to 150Mbps. However, if you need a bit more speed, Xfinity Connect More offers 300Mbps for $45, making it a cost-effective choice for most households. Rise Broadband and T-Mobile Home Internet also provide budget-friendly plans with reasonable speeds, making them suitable for light to moderate internet usage.
Finding Internet Deals and Promotions in Joliet
The best internet deals and promotions in Joliet can vary depending on the time of year and the specific providers. Most providers offer limited-time discounts or add-ons to attract new customers. Xfinity and Rise Broadband, for instance, may provide lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. AT&T and Verizon, on the other hand, tend to maintain consistent pricing throughout the year. Here are some tips to help you find the best deals:
- Stay Informed: Regularly check provider websites and local news for the latest promotions.
- Bundle Services: Consider bundling your internet service with other services like TV and phone to save money.
- Ask for Discounts: Don’t hesitate to call customer service and inquire about any current or upcoming deals.
- Check Eligibility: Some providers offer special discounts for new customers or those who meet certain criteria, such as having an existing mobile plan.
- Read the Fine Print: Make sure to understand any price increases or additional fees that may apply after the introductory period.
For a more comprehensive list of promotions and deals, you can refer to CNET’s guide on the best internet deals. This will help you stay updated and make the most of any available discounts.
Fastest Internet Plans in Joliet
If you’re looking for the fastest internet service in Joliet, AT&T Fiber stands out as the leading provider. Here are the top plans available:
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AT&T Fiber 5000
- Starting Price: $245
- Max Download Speed: 5,000Mbps
- Max Upload Speed: 5,000Mbps
- Data Cap: None
- Connection Type: Fiber
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AT&T Fiber 2000
- Starting Price: $145
- Max Download Speed: 2,000Mbps
- Max Upload Speed: 2,000Mbps
- Data Cap: None
- Connection Type: Fiber
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Xfinity Gigabit X2
- Starting Price: $95
- Max Download Speed: 2,000Mbps
- Max Upload Speed: 200Mbps
- Data Cap: None
- Connection Type: Cable
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AT&T Fiber 1000
- Starting Price: $80
- Max Download Speed: 1,000Mbps
- Max Upload Speed: 1,000Mbps
- Data Cap: None
- Connection Type: Fiber
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Xfinity Gigabit
- Starting Price: $75
- Max Download Speed: 1,000Mbps
- Max Upload Speed: 20Mbps
- Data Cap: 1.2TB
- Connection Type: Cable
- Verizon 5G Home Plus Internet
- Starting Price: $70 ($45 with eligible mobile plan)
- Max Download Speed: 1,000Mbps
- Max Upload Speed: 75Mbps
- Data Cap: None
- Connection Type: Fixed Wireless
AT&T Fiber 5000 offers the highest speed with symmetrical download and upload speeds of 5,000Mbps, making it ideal for households with multiple users engaging in high-bandwidth activities. Xfinity’s Gigabit X2 plan is a close second, offering 2,000Mbps download speeds for a more affordable price.
What’s a Good Internet Speed?
Understanding what constitutes a good internet speed can help you choose the right plan. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) provides guidelines for various applications:
- 0 to 5Mbps: Suitable for basic internet tasks like browsing, sending and receiving emails, and streaming low-quality video.
- 5 to 40Mbps: Ideal for higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
- 40 to 100Mbps: Sufficient for modern telecommuting, high-quality video streaming, and online gaming for a single user.
- 100 to 500Mbps: Allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming, and online gaming.
- 500 to 1,000Mbps: Supports three or more users engaging in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
These guidelines are just a starting point, and actual performance can vary based on connection type, provider, and address. However, they provide a useful reference for determining the speed you need based on your household’s internet usage.
How CNET Chose the Best Internet Providers in Joliet
CNET’s methodology for selecting the best internet providers in Joliet is rigorous and multi-faceted. We start by gathering extensive data on pricing, availability, and speed from various sources, including provider websites, historical ISP data, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This initial research ensures we have a comprehensive understanding of the local market.
We then cross-reference our data with FCC reports to ensure accuracy and completeness. We also input local addresses into provider websites to identify specific options available to residents. Customer satisfaction is a crucial factor in our evaluation, and we consult sources like the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power to gauge how happy customers are with their service.
Our final selection is based on three main criteria:
- Speed: Does the provider offer reasonably fast internet speeds?
- Value: Do customers get good value for what they’re paying?
- Satisfaction: Are customers satisfied with their service?
The providers that score highest on these criteria are recommended as the best in Joliet. For the cheapest internet service, we look at plans with the lowest monthly fees while considering potential price increases, equipment costs, and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is more straightforward, focusing on advertised upload and download speeds and real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
To delve deeper into our evaluation process, you can visit our how we test ISPs page. This detailed approach ensures that residents of Joliet can make an informed decision when choosing an internet provider that meets their needs and budget.
