Best Internet Providers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for 2025
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Philadelphia, PA
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 are committed to delivering accurate and reliable data that corresponds with our advice on choosing ISPs. Our recommendations are based on real-world data collected from millions worldwide who run Speedtest, making our insights both trustworthy and current. This allows us to provide a candid and unbiased view of ISP performance across the globe.
Three essential metrics — download speed, upload speed, and latency — are central to understanding an ISP's performance. Download speed affects how quickly data can be received, which is crucial for downloading content and streaming. Upload speed determines the pace at which data is sent from your device to the internet, important for uploading files and video conferencing. Latency impacts the responsiveness of your connection, particularly in use cases like online gaming and video calls. A comprehensive grasp of these metrics can significantly inform your choice of ISP based on how you intend to use the internet.
The underlying technology of an ISP can significantly affect your online experience, with options like Fiber optics typically offering the fastest and most reliable speeds. While Cable internet is broadly available and offers decent download speeds, its upload speeds might not match those of Fiber. DSL is adequate for basic browsing and streaming, whereas Satellite internet, often the only choice in remote areas, may have slower speeds and higher latency. Understanding these distinctions is critical when selecting an internet service that meets your needs.
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 Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia residents enjoy the luxury of choice when it comes to internet service providers (ISP), with Verizon breaking away as the city's speed king. According to our proprietary real-world Speedtest data, Verizon boasts the fastest recorded median download speed, rounding to an impressive 276 Mbps. This is particularly notable for consumers interested in fiber, as Verizon offers this type of internet service, which promises high-speed and reliable connections ideal for heavy web activities.
In the realm of advertised maximum download speeds, XFINITY and Verizon stand out with their breathtaking offers. XFINITY astonishes with a maximum advertised download speed of 2 Gbps, while Verizon impresses with a 1 Gbps offer. It's important to highlight the potential discrepancies between these advertised peaks and the actual speeds users might encounter with regular usage. This variance underlines the crucial distinction between promised performance and real-world usability, especially for services that include fiber.
A good rule of thumb to look for 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 could 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 your network will be used and how many people will be using it is key to determining your need for speed. Internet usage is cumulative and with devices constantly being added to homes, it's imperative to remember that each added device will take up some portion of your network's speed and bandwidth and then plan for which speed you might need accordingly.
Philadelphia 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
- Allentown
- Altoona
- Ardmore
- Bala Cynwyd
- Baldwin
- Bensalem
- Bethel Park
- Bethlehem
- Camp Hill
- Carlisle
- Carnegie
- Chambersburg
- Coatesville
- Colonial Park
- Cranberry Township
- East Norriton
- Elim
- Elizabethtown
- Elkins Park
- Ephrata
- Ephrata Township
- Erie
- Exton
- Forest Hills
- Glenside
- Greensburg
- Hampton Township
- Hanover
- Harleysville
- Harrisburg
- Havertown
- Hazleton
- Hermitage
- Hershey
- Horsham
- Indiana
- Johnstown
- King of Prussia
- Kingston
- Lancaster
- Lansdale
- Levittown
- Linglestown
- Lower Burrell
- McCandless
- McKeesport
- Meadville
- Monroeville
- Moon
- Mount Lebanon
- Mount Oliver
- Mountain Top
- Murrysville
- Nether Providence Township
- New Castle
- Norristown
- Penn Hills
- Philadelphia
- Phoenixville
- Pittsburgh
- Plum
- Pottsgrove
- Quakertown
- Reading
- Robinson Township
- Ross Township
- Saint Marys
- Schlusser
- Scranton
- Springfield
- State College
- Upper Darby
- Upper Providence Township
- Upper Saint Clair
- Wayne
- West Norriton
- Wexford
- Whitehall
- Wilkes-Barre
- Williamsport
- Willow Grove
- Wynnewood
- Wyomissing
- York
Home Internet in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love and the birthplace of the U.S. is rich in history and diversity. This richness extends to the wealth of internet service options available to its residents. From cable and fiber to 5G and satellite, the variety in internet types ensures that every household's needs can be met. Providers like Verizon and XFINITY offer the cutting-edge fiber technology, renowned for its speed and reliability, which ensures that residents can enjoy high-speed services for all their online activities.
When evaluating the plethora of ISPs in Philadelphia, residents should consider not only the type of internet offered but also the coverage across the city. With providers like XFINITY boasting a 99.47% coverage, most of the city's residents are well within reach of high-quality internet service. Additionally, Verizon makes its mark with an impressive 83.08% coverage, highlighting the widespread availability of high-speed internet services, especially those involving fiber and setting the table for a competitive ISP landscape in Philly.
The average starting price for internet providers in Philadelphia is around $60.62, just about in the middle of the pack for large metropolitan areas. With plans ranging from as low as $20 to as high as $5000, there’s a significant variance in pricing that isn't always reflected in the services on can expect. Those looking for a more economical option can consider Astound Broadband Powered by RCN, which offers the cheapest plan at $20, although prices increase with speeds. However, it's crucial to be aware that advertised maximum speeds may not always correspond to the real-world experiences due to various factors and prices may vary between plans offering, essentially, very similar results. .
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.