CNET’s broadband experts are here to help you find the right internet provider and plan for your needs. We've done the work, and whether you want the fastest speeds or the most budget-friendly option, we've found something for everyone. After reviewing the available providers, our experts selected Spectrum as the best internet service provider in North Carolina for its fast speeds, widespread availability and reasonable pricing. The cable giant services a lot of addresses in the state, but if you're out of its coverage area, there are plenty of other options, depending on where you live.
If you want top speeds, Google Fiber offers the fastest internet in North Carolina, with speeds as high as 8,000 megabits per second at reasonable prices. However, Google Fiber only serves select cities in North Carolina, such as Charlotte and Wilmington. If you're in a rural area, you can opt for local fiber providers or fixed wireless options like T-Mobile Home Internet. Select parts of the state can also access speeds of up to 5,000Mbps through AT&T Fiber. Check out all of our top picks below to find the best internet provider for your home.
What's the best internet providers in North Carolina?
Whether gaming, watching movies and TV shows, or working, North Carolina is home to some of the fastest internet speeds in the country. While AT&T and Google’s fiber options are mainly limited to Charlotte and The Triangle, North Carolinians can access many internet connection types. Due to its wide availability in the state, fast speeds and simple pricing, we’re giving the nod to Spectrum as the best internet provider overall in North Carolina. Your options will vary depending on where you live, but fortunately, everyone in the state can get online, although it may be through satellite internet.
Best internet options in North Carolina
Rural internet options in North Carolina Provider Connection type Price range Speed range Data cap Availability Brightspeed DSL $50 Up to 100Mbps None Eastern part of the state Brightspeed Fiber Fiber $49-$89 200-2,000Mbps None Eastern part of the state Hughesnet
Read full review Satellite $75-$90 ($25 discount available for first 12 months) 50-100Mbps 100-200GB Entire state T-Mobile Home Internet
Read full review Fixed wireless $50-$70 ($35-$55 with eligible phone plans) 87-415Mbps None Entire state Viasat
Read full review Satellite $100 25-150Mbps 850GB Entire state Show more (0 item) Shop providers at my address
Source: CNET analysis of provider data
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