Best Internet Providers in Boston, Massachusetts for 2025
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Boston, MA
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 Boston, Massachusetts, 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 Boston, Massachusetts, 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 | 221.14 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 94.60 | Mbps |
| Latency | 14 | 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 Boston, Massachusetts, 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 | 287.99 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 157.93 | Mbps |
| Latency | 10 | 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 Boston, Massachusetts, 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 | 245.47 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 23.75 | Mbps |
| Latency | 24 | 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 Boston, Massachusetts, 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 Boston, Massachusetts, 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 Boston, Massachusetts, 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 Boston, Massachusetts, 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 Boston, Massachusetts, 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 Boston, Massachusetts, 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 Boston, Massachusetts, 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.).
Here at Speedtest, we're dedicated to offering precise and dependable data that serves as the cornerstone for our ISP guidance. Our in-depth insights come from the vast number of global users who run a Speedtest, providing us with up-to-date and accurate performance data of ISPs. This enables us to offer a clear and impartial depiction of how ISPs stand up against each other.
Assessing an ISP's performance involves three key metrics: download speed, upload speed, and latency. Download speed is indispensable for quick data transfer to your device, crucial for activities like content streaming or downloading. Upload speed is vital for sending data from your device to the internet, playing a major role in digital communications. Latency, also known as ping, impacts online gaming and video conferencing by influencing the timeliness of your connection. Armed with this information, users can make well-informed decisions tailored to their specific internet needs.
The technology underpinning an ISP significantly shapes your online experience. Fiber optics technology, for instance, usually delivers the fastest speeds, perfect for intensive online activities. Cable internet, which is more prevalent, tends to offer satisfactory download speeds but might fall short in upload speeds. DSL internet works great for basic internet use like browsing and streaming, whereas satellite internet, often the sole option in remote areas, may face issues with 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 Boston, MA
Among the internet service providers (ISPs) in Boston, Massachusetts, Verizon stands out with the highest recorded median download speed according to our proprietary real-world Speedtest data. Users can enjoy speeds of up to 288 Mbps, which makes Verizon a top choice for speed-seeking consumers in the city. This is particularly notable for those interested in fiber internet, as Verizon includes fiber as one of its service options.
When considering the maximum speeds advertised by ISPs in Boston, XFINITY promises the highest advertised speed with up to 2,000 Mbps (2 Gbps) download speed, a number that is closely followed by Starlink and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN which 220 Mbps and 1,500 Mbps (1.5 Gbps) respectively. These figures may seem appealing; however, customers should be aware that actual speeds experienced can vary considerably from advertised speeds due to numerous factors including network congestion and the customer's location relative to the provider's infrastructure. When in doubt, compare our data with the real world experiences of your neighbors to determine which ISPs perform the best in your specific neighborhood.
A good rule of thumb to keep in mind 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. With 100 Mbps, users can effortlessly stream 4K high-definition videos, download large files quickly, and enjoy high-definition gaming across multiple devices. It's crucial to evaluate your household's internet needs based on how many devices will be connected and what the internet will be used for. For light browsing, lower speeds should suffice, but for heavy data usage like working from home or online gaming, higher speeds are recommended. The cumulative effect of multiple devices connected at the same time also needs to be considered to ensure a smooth online experience for everyone in the household. The more you plug into and pull from your network, the greater you need for speed will be.
Boston 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
- Acton
- Agawam
- Amesbury
- Amherst
- Andover
- Arlington
- Ashland
- Attleboro
- Auburn
- Barnstable
- Bedford
- Belmont
- Beverly
- Billerica
- Boston
- Bourne
- Braintree
- Brewster
- Bridgewater
- Brockton
- Brookline
- Burlington
- Cambridge
- Canton
- Charlton
- Chelmsford
- Chelsea
- Chicopee
- Concord
- Danvers
- Dartmouth
- Dedham
- Dennis
- Dracut
- Easton
- Everett
- Fall River
- Falmouth
- Fitchburg
- Foxborough
- Framingham
- Franklin
- Gardner
- Gloucester
- Grafton
- Great Barrington
- Greenfield
- Groton
- Harwich
- Haverhill
- Hingham
- Holden
- Holliston
- Holyoke
- Hopkinton
- Hudson
- Lancaster
- Lawrence
- Leominster
- Lexington
- Littleton
- Longmeadow
- Lowell
- Ludlow
- Lynn
- Malden
- Mansfield
- Marblehead
- Marlborough
- Marshfield
- Mashpee
- Maynard
- Medfield
- Medford
- Medway
- Melrose
- Methuen
- Middleborough
- Milford
- Milton
- Nantucket
- Natick
- Needham
- New Bedford
- Newburyport
- Newton
- North Adams
- North Andover
- North Attleborough
- North Reading
- Northampton
- Northborough
- Northbridge
- Norwood
- Oxford
- Peabody
- Pembroke
- Pepperell
- Pittsfield
- Plymouth
- Quincy
- Randolph
- Reading
- Rehoboth
- Revere
- Salem
- Sandwich
- Saugus
- Scituate
- Sharon
- Shrewsbury
- Somerville
- South Hadley
- Southbridge
- Springfield
- Stoneham
- Stoughton
- Sudbury
- Sutton
- Swampscott
- Taunton
- Tewksbury
- Wakefield
- Walpole
- Waltham
- Wareham
- Watertown
- Wayland
- Wellesley
- West Springfield
- Westborough
- Westfield
- Westford
- Weston
- Westport
- Weymouth
- Wilmington
- Winchester
- Woburn
- Worcester
- Yarmouth
Home Internet in Boston
Boston, the cultural and financial heart of New England, also offers a diversity of internet types to its residents. From fiber and cable to 5G internet, fixed wireless, and satellite, the available options cater to the needs and preferences that are as varied as Boston's residents. For example, Verizon offers both fiber and 5G internet, which highlights the easy access many Bostonians have to high-speed and cutting-edge technology. Meanwhile, Starlink brings satellite internet to the table, ensuring that even the most remote areas of Greater Boston can stay connected.
In terms of coverage area, XFINITY leads the pack with its cable internet service, boasting a reach that covers nearly the entirety of Bean Town. This wide availability ensures that most residents have access to reliable and high-speed internet. This is in stark contrast to services like Starry's fixed wireless, which, while innovative, still has a more limited coverage area. When choosing an internet provider, residents should prioritize reliability and speed, especially considering Boston's dense urban environment.
The average starting price for internet services in Boston is around $56.99, a fairly low median for a metropolitan area. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN is a good choice for Bostonians on a budget with its offer of the most budget-friendly starting plan at just $20 a month. The cost of its plans scales up hand in hand with speeds up to a maximum advertised download speed of 1,500 Mbps (1.5 Gbps). It's worth noting that the real-world speeds experienced by users can differ from those advertised, and prices may vary. When in doubt, check our data and compare it to the real world experiences of your neighbors to determine which ISP and plan might be right for your household.
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.