Best Internet Providers in Charlotte, North Carolina for 2025
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Charlotte, NC
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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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 | 348.63 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 254.42 | Mbps |
| Latency | 26 | 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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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 | 399.02 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 291.41 | Mbps |
| Latency | 17 | 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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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 | 294.76 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 20.58 | Mbps |
| Latency | 35 | 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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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, we take pride in delivering accurate and dependable data, serving as the foundation for our ISP recommendations. Our insights are drawn from millions globally participating in Speedtest, ensuring our ISP performance data is trustworthy and up-to-date. This enables us to provide a transparent, impartial perspective on ISP performance.
Three essential metrics to assess an ISP's performance include download speed, upload speed, and latency. Download speed is crucial for efficiently streaming and downloading content, indicating how quickly data reaches your device. Conversely, upload speed matters for uploading content and participating in online interactions, showing how rapidly data travels from your device to the web. Latency, or ping, plays a pivotal role in online gaming and video calls, affecting how responsive your connection is. With a comprehensive understanding of an ISP’s capabilities, you can make an informed decision tailored to your unique internet needs.
The technology behind your ISP significantly shapes your online experience. Fiber optics typically provide the quickest speeds and are best for those engaging in high-demand online activities. Cable internet, a more ubiquitous option, often delivers solid download speeds, though its upload speeds can sometimes fall short. DSL is suitable for basic web activities and streaming, while satellite internet, generally the only option in remote areas, tends to have 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 Charlotte, NC
In Charlotte, North Carolina, based on our proprietary real-world Speedtest data, Google Fiber emerges as the ISP with the fastest recorded median download speed of 399 Mbps. This provider is renowned for its high-speed internet, particularly favorable for consumers in search of superior download capabilities. With its fiber infrastructure, Google Fiber not only guarantees lightning-fast internet speeds but also low latency, making it a prime choice for heavy internet users engaged in streaming, online gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive activities.
Among the ISPs in Charlotte, both Google Fiber and AT&T Fiber stand out with their advertised maximum download speeds of 8000 Mbps and 5000 Mbps, respectively. These figures are significantly higher than what most providers offer, showcasing the potential for unparalleled internet speeds. However, it’s crucial for consumers to understand that the actual internet speeds experienced may not always match these advertised peaks due to various factors affecting network performance.
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, you can stream 4K high-definition (HD) videos on several devices, download large files for work, or play HD games on multiple laptops or smartphones in the same home. Considering how the network will be used and the number of individuals utilizing it is key. For those engaging in basic web browsing, modest speed may suffice. Yet, for remote workers or households with multiple users, faster speeds are essential. The cumulative effect of internet usage, dictated by the number of connected devices, is a critical factor in determining the speed your household requires, especially as homes continue to integrate more devices.
Charlotte 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
- Apex
- Asheboro
- Asheville
- Belmont
- Boone
- Burlington
- Carolina Beach
- Carrboro
- Cary
- Chapel Hill
- Charlotte
- Clayton
- Clemmons
- Concord
- Cornelius
- Davidson
- Durham
- Elizabeth City
- Fayetteville
- Fort Bragg
- Franklin
- Fuquay Varina
- Garner
- Gastonia
- Goldsboro
- Greensboro
- Greenville
- Harrisburg
- Havelock
- Hendersonville
- Hickory
- High Point
- Holly Springs
- Hope Mills
- Huntersville
- Indian Trail
- Jacksonville
- Kannapolis
- Kernersville
- Kill Devil Hills
- Kings Grant
- Kings Mountain
- Kinston
- Kitty Hawk
- Knightdale
- Lake Norman of Catawba
- Laurel Park
- Leland
- Lenoir
- Lexington
- Linden
- Lumberton
- Matthews
- Mebane
- Mint Hill
- Monroe
- Mooresville
- Morganton
- Morrisville
- Mount Airy
- Mount Holly
- New Bern
- Oak Island
- Pinehurst
- Raleigh
- Reidsville
- Rocky Mount
- Salisbury
- Sanford
- Shelby
- Silver Lake
- Smithfield
- Southern Pines
- Statesville
- Summerfield
- Thomasville
- Wade
- Wake Forest
- Waynesville
- Weddington
- Wesley Chapel
- Wilmington
- Wilson
- Winston-Salem
Home Internet in Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina, a bustling hub with a rich history and vibrant culture, offers its residents a wide array of internet service providers (ISPs) that cater to diverse needs and preferences. These providers deliver a variety of internet types including fiber, IPBB, 5G internet, DSL, cable, and satellite. Notably, fiber internet stands out in Charlotte for its high-speed and reliable connections, making it a preferred choice for many.
Residents of Charlotte have access to several ISPs with broad coverage across the city. Notably, Spectrum offers the highest availability, excluding satellite and fixed wireless providers, with coverage extending to 94.6% of residential areas. It is followed by AT&T Fiber with an 83.44% coverage area. These providers not only promise wide availability, but also a range of services that include the highly sought-after fiber internet, which caters to the varying customer needs of Charlotte residents, from basic browsing to high-bandwidth demands for streaming and gaming.
The average starting price for all providers in Charlotte is $64.08, a price point on the higher end of metropolitan areas. Prices across providers range from as low as $24.99 to as high as $245, which indicates a wide variety of plans to suit different budgets. Kinetic by Windstream offers the most affordable plan at $24.99, with their plans scaling up in price depending on the maximum advertised download speed. This highlights the variability in pricing and speed options available to consumers. However, it's important to note that the advertised maximum speeds may not always reflect real-world experiences, and prices can vary based on several factors.
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.