Best Internet Providers in Chicago, Illinois for 2024
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Chicago, IL
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Chicago, Illinois, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Chicago, Illinois, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | 185.19 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 113.00 | Mbps |
| Latency | 11 | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Chicago, Illinois, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | 77.01 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 10.88 | Mbps |
| Latency | 51 | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Chicago, Illinois, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | 223.60 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 22.00 | Mbps |
| Latency | 19 | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Chicago, Illinois, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Chicago, Illinois, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Chicago, Illinois, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Chicago, Illinois, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Chicago, Illinois, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Chicago, Illinois, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Not all plans are available in all areas. Provider plan, availability, and speed tier data provided by BroadbandNow.com. Speedtest real-world data is only present where sample size has reached significance within a region. Additionally, averages may include aggregated tests across multiple Internet Types (Fiber, DSL, Cable, etc.).
At Speedtest, our commitment lies in furnishing accurate and dependable data, which serves as the bedrock of our ISP recommendations. Our repository of real-world data is amassed from millions of individuals worldwide who opt to take a Speedtest. This extensive data collection ensures that our insights into ISP performance are not only reliable but also current, enabling us to present an unambiguous and unbiased portrayal of ISP performance.
Three crucial metrics facilitate the assessment of an ISP's performance: download speed, upload speed, and latency. Download speed is paramount for tasks such as streaming and downloading content, delineating the speed at which data is transferred to your device. Conversely, upload speed is vital for sharing content and participating in online interactions, illustrating the pace at which data is sent from your device to the internet. Meanwhile, latency, or ping, holds significance in online gaming and video conferencing, influencing the responsiveness of your connection. Armed with this comprehensive understanding of an ISP's capabilities, you possess the requisite data to make an informed decision tailored to your specific internet usage patterns.
The choice of ISP technology significantly shapes the quality of your internet experience. Technologies such as fiber optics typically offer the fastest speeds, rendering them ideal for bandwidth-intensive online activities. Cable internet, a more widely accessible option, usually delivers commendable download speeds, albeit with potential lags in upload speeds. DSL (digital subscriber line) provides moderate speeds sufficient for basic browsing and streaming needs. Conversely, satellite internet, often the sole recourse in remote locations, tends to exhibit higher latency and slower speeds.
How Much Speed Do I Need?
Download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 10 Mbps are widely considered fast enough to handle nearly any online activity. A quick guide to what speeds you need for different online activities is below, and you can read our full guide to internet speeds and performance for more information. Keep in mind that the numbers below are the bare minimum for one device at a time. If you’re trying to use multiple devices on a network at the same time, you’ll want higher speeds.
0–5 Mbps (Slow)
- Stream SD video
- Connect on Slack
- Use Microsoft Teams
- Write and read email
- Scroll social media
- General web browsing
5–20 Mbps (Better)
- Stream HD video at 1080p
20–40 Mbps (Solid)
- Stream 4K video
- Play games online
40–100 Mbps (Good)
- Stream HD games
100+ Mbps (Fast)
- Engage in multi-player gaming
- Download huge files
1+ Gbps (Very fast)
- Do anything you want on multiple devices
ISP Speeds in Chicago, IL
In Chicago, according to our latest Speedtest data, Astound Broadband powered by Wave registers the highest median download speed at 223.74 Mbps, positioning it as the leader for fast internet in the city. This puts it at the forefront for residents looking for swift and reliable online connectivity.
When it comes to advertised speeds, some providers may demonstrate a significant disparity between what is advertised and the real-world speeds consumers might experience. For instance, AT&T Internet offers an incredible max download speed of 5,000 Mbps in their promotions, a figure that can be alluring but may not always align with the real-world speeds users might actually experience.
A good rule of thumb is that download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps are widely considered fast enough to handle nearly any online activity. At 100 Mbps, consumers can stream 4K high-definition (HD) videos on several devices, download large files for work, or plunge into HD gaming on multiple laptops or smartphones. Evaluating personal or household internet needs is crucial, as the right speed ensures a seamless digital experience for everyone.
Chicago Fixed Speeds
Download Mbps
Median download speed
Upload Mbps
Median upload speed
Latency ms
Median latency
To be added to this list for mobile or fixed broadband, 75% of a city's monthly unique user totals over a 13-month period must have a minimum of 200 monthly unique user results. To be updated for mobile or fixed broadband, 75% of a city's monthly unique user totals over a 13-month period must have a minimum of 100 monthly unique user results.
An operator or ISP must account for 3% or more of total test samples in the market to be on this list. We display data if at least two operators or ISPs meet this threshold in a designated region or city.
Internet Providers in Nearby Cities
- Addison
- Algonquin
- Alsip
- Alton
- Arlington Heights
- Aurora
- Barrington
- Barrington Hills
- Bartlett
- Batavia
- Belleville
- Belvidere
- Berwyn
- Bloomingdale
- Bloomington
- Bolingbrook
- Bourbonnais
- Bridgeview
- Brookfield
- Buffalo Grove
- Burbank
- Burr Ridge
- Campton Hills
- Carbondale
- Carol Stream
- Carpentersville
- Cary
- Champaign
- Channahon
- Charleston
- Chicago
- Cicero
- Clarendon Hills
- Collinsville
- Crystal Lake
- Danville
- Darien
- Decatur
- Deerfield
- DeKalb
- Des Plaines
- Downers Grove
- East Moline
- East Peoria
- Edwardsville
- Effingham
- Elgin
- Elk Grove Village
- Elmhurst
- Elmwood Park
- Evanston
- Fairview Heights
- Forest Park
- Fox Lake
- Frankfort
- Franklin Park
- Freeport
- Galesburg
- Geneva
- Gilberts
- Glen Carbon
- Glen Ellyn
- Glencoe
- Glendale Heights
- Glenview
- Granite City
- Grayslake
- Gurnee
- Hanover Park
- Hawthorn Woods
- Herrin
- Hickory Hills
- Highland Park
- Hinsdale
- Hoffman Estates
- Homer Glen
- Homewood
- Huntley
- Itasca
- Jacksonville
- Joliet
- Kankakee
- Kildeer
- La Grange
- La Grange Park
- Lake Forest
- Lake in the Hills
- Lake Zurich
- Lakemoor
- Lansing
- Libertyville
- Lincolnwood
- Lisle
- Lockport
- Lombard
- Loves Park
- Macomb
- Marion
- Matteson
- Mattoon
- McHenry
- Melrose Park
- Mokena
- Moline
- Montgomery
- Morton
- Morton Grove
- Mount Prospect
- Mundelein
- Naperville
- New Lenox
- Niles
- Normal
- Norridge
- North Aurora
- North Chicago
- Northbrook
- O'Fallon
- Oak Brook
- Oak Forest
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- Orland Park
- Oswego
- Ottawa
- Palatine
- Palos Heights
- Palos Hills
- Park Forest
- Park Ridge
- Pekin
- Peoria
- Plainfield
- Prospect Heights
- River Forest
- Riverside
- Rock Island
- Rockford
- Rolling Meadows
- Romeoville
- Roselle
- Round Lake
- Round Lake Beach
- Roxana
- Saint Charles
- Schaumburg
- Shiloh
- Shorewood
- Skokie
- South Elgin
- Springfield
- Sterling
- Streamwood
- Swansea
- Sycamore
- Tinley Park
- Urbana
- Vernon Hills
- Villa Park
- Washington
- Waukegan
- West Chicago
- Westchester
- Western Springs
- Westmont
- Wheaton
- Wheeling
- Willowbrook
- Wilmette
- Wood Dale
- Wood River
- Woodridge
- Woodstock
- Yorkville
- Zion
Home Internet in Chicago
Chicago offers its residents a diverse array of internet service options, showcasing providers that offer IPBB, Fiber, Cable, Satellite, and 5G Internet. This variety ensures that, regardless of their specific needs or location within the city, Chicagoans can find a service that meets their requirements.
In Chicago's competitive ISP landscape, HughesNet stands out for its extensive coverage, blanketing practically every corner with 100% coverage via Satellite internet. Close behind is XFINITY, boasting near-complete coverage at 99% with its cable internet service. Meanwhile, AT&T Internet offers a robust 92% coverage for those preferring fiber connections. When choosing a provider, residents should not only consider the types of internet available but also prioritize coverage to ensure seamless service delivery to their specific location.
It's important for consumers to understand that the maximum speeds advertised by ISPs might not always mirror the speeds experienced by users. Factors such as network congestion, the specific plan chosen, and technical limitations can all affect actual internet speed. Hence, while the advertised speeds provide a glimpse into the potential of an Internet connection, real-world speeds might differ.
How we test the speed of ISPs
Speedtest is the definitive way to test the performance and quality of an internet connection. Millions of users like you use Speedtest.net and our Android and iOS apps every day to test internet performance (including bandwidth, latency, coverage, video metrics, and more) in real world situations. We then use rigorous scientific approaches to aggregate and anonymize those results to empower people like you with content like this so you can understand and optimize your internet experience.
The data found within has not been subjected to the rigorous Speedtest marketing claims and data methodology, and therefore cannot be used in commercial applications. Additionally, promised speeds and plans offered are always subject to change.
How to test your internet speed
Speedtest can help you test the speed and overall performance of your internet for free from any device. Click here to open a new page and take a Speedtest. You can then compare your results with what you’ve learned about internet performance near you. If you aren’t getting the results you expect, you can either use this guide to use your Speedtest results to talk to your internet provider or you can shop for a new provider.