Best Internet Providers in Ohio (2024)

From lively city life in Cleveland to peaceful rural areas in the Appalachian foothills, you find a blend of landscapes in Ohio. Wherever you live in the Buckeye State, having reliable internet keeps you connected.

With median download speeds of around 251 Mbps, you can easily stream, game and work from home without interruption. Ohio offers a variety of connection types, including widely available satellite and cable or the fastest fiber internet speeds up to 4,700 Mbps. Internet prices start at $35/mo. and range up to $245/mo., offering a balance between affordability and performance. Keep reading to explore top internet service providers in Ohio and find the perfect fit for your home.

Best internet providers in Ohio

The top-rated internet providers in Ohio are Verizon 5G and T-Mobile. Both providers offer 5G wireless internet at a low starting price of $35 or $40/mo., but review your plan details to know how long the promotional price lasts. Though Verizon is the highest-rated provider, it’s only available in 25% of the state, while T-Mobile covers 66% of Ohio. If speed is your priority, Verizon leads with download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps, compared to T-Mobile’s maximum of 245 Mbps.

Choosing the best Wi-Fi plan for your home will depend on availability in your area, budget and internet needs. To help you compare, refer to the following table for a breakdown of prices and download speeds for Ohio internet providers.

Internet technology in Ohio

With Ohio’s mix of rural and urban areas, connection availability varies throughout the state. Fortunately, satellite internet covers 100% of Ohio, so you can choose from providers like Starlink, Hughesnet and Viasat no matter where you live. Cable is also widely available, with 85% coverage in Ohio. Satellite and cable have the same lowest starting price, but if you’re in a rural area and need faster speeds, a cable internet provider like Spectrum might be best. You’ll find the fastest internet speed with fiber internet, though its availability is limited to about 36% of the state.

Use the following table to compare internet types and availability.

Top Ohio cities

Check out which internet providers Ohio has in your city. You can compare varying prices or home Wi-Fi deals based on your location.

• Internet providers in Cincinnati
• Internet providers in Cleveland
• Internet providers in Columbus
• Internet providers in Toledo

Cheap internet options in Ohio

The cheapest internet in Ohio is a Verizon 5G wireless plan starting at $35/mo. (with bundling discounts) but is only available throughout 25% of the state. While Verizon’s plan has download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, the next lowest starting price is $39.99/mo. from altafiber, which offers a better value and doubles the download speed up to 2,000 Mbps. However, fiber internet from altafiber has less coverage (27%) compared to the $40 5G fixed wireless plan from T-Mobile. But, to get that price, you have to bundle internet with a mobile plan. Without bundling, T-Mobile prices start at $60, which is something to keep in mind if you’re considering this option.

All of the lowest-priced home Wi-Fi plans in Ohio are at or below the average costs in the U.S. of $40–$60. Before signing up for cheap internet, check the fine print for additional fees, like equipment rental and potential price increases. This way, you can avoid unexpected costs and ensure you’re getting the best price for your budget.

Fast internet options in Ohio

Ohio’s median download speed is about 251 Mbps with a median upload of nearly 23 Mbps. While this is good for general browsing, streaming and light work-from-home needs, those searching for faster connections can explore options like 5G wireless, fiber and cable, all of which can offer speeds well above the median.

Fiber internet offers the fastest internet speeds and is available throughout 36% of Ohio. This means nearly half of Ohio residents can experience a fast connection, which is ideal for heavy internet users and large households. AT&T and altafiber are two fiber internet providers in the state. AT&T, a top internet company, offers the fastest plan with speeds up to 4,700 Mbps, which is nearly 19 times faster than the median speed in Ohio.

Rural internet options in Ohio

If you live in a rural area, having internet access is worth it to stay connected. Even if the speeds aren’t as fast as those in urban areas, the ability to connect to the internet can make a significant difference in daily life. Satellite internet covers 100% of Ohio, and you can choose from rural internet providers like Starlink, Hughesnet and Viasat. Starlink is the fastest option, offering speeds up to 220 Mbps, which can support multiple devices and streaming services. Starlink is a solid choice for those who need reliable internet for work or entertainment. However, this speed comes at a higher cost, with Starlink plans starting at $120/mo., which is double the average U.S. internet cost.

If you’re searching for a lower monthly bill, Hughesnet offers a more budget-friendly option with promotional prices starting at $49.99/mo. However, the trade-off is slower speeds, with Hughesnet maxing out at 100 Mbps. This speed might be good for basic browsing and single-device use, but if you need faster speeds, investing in Starlink is worth the extra cost to ensure a smoother and more reliable experience.

Ohio internet FAQs

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