Best Internet Providers in Illinois (2026)
Illinois has 19 internet providers serving 5.0M households. With a broadband adoption rate of 87.8% (ranked #18 nationally) and average download speeds of 145.2 Mbps, the state earns a broadband grade of B. Fiber internet is available to 44.6% of households and expanding.
Find Internet Providers at Your Address in Illinois
Enter your ZIP code to see verified coverage, real speeds, and the best deals at your Illinois address. Coverage varies by location — get results specific to you.
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Best Internet Providers in Illinois by Category
Our picks for 2026, based on speed, price, ratings, and reliability across Illinois.
Internet Connection Types in Illinois
Illinois residents can choose from 5 connection technologies. Fiber covers 44.6% of households, with cable and 5G filling the gap.
Internet Landscape in Illinois
Illinois is a tale of two broadband realities. Chicagoland enjoys fierce competition between AT&T Fiber, Xfinity, RCN, and multiple wireless providers. Downstate Illinois and rural communities face persistent connectivity gaps, particularly in southern Illinois. The state's $1 billion broadband initiative targets 175,000 underserved locations.
Did you know? Chicago is the most connected city in the Midwest with more broadband providers than any other metro outside the coasts.
All 19 Internet Providers in Illinois
Illinois Internet Provider Comparison Table
All 19 providers sorted by rating. Availability varies by address.
| Provider | Type | Max Speed | Upload | Starting Price | Data Cap | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber | 5 Gbps | 5 Gbps | $35.00/mo | Unlimited | ★★★★ 4.4 (62,150 reviews) | Order | |
| Fiber | 2 Gbps | 2 Gbps | $55.00/mo | Unlimited | ★★★★ 4.3 (18,200 reviews) | Order | |
| 5G | 1 Gbps | 100 Mbps | $50.00/mo | Unlimited | ★★★★ 4.3 (48,200 reviews) | Order | |
| 5G | 200 Mbps | 30 Mbps | $47.00/mo | Unlimited | ★★★★ 4.2 (15,300 reviews) | Order | |
| Fiber | 7 Gbps | 7 Gbps | $44.99/mo | Unlimited | ★★★★ 4.1 (24,680 reviews) | Order | |
| FiberFixed Wireless | 5 Gbps | 5 Gbps | $39.95/mo | Unlimited | ★★★ 3.8 (12,340 reviews) | Order | |
| FiberDSL | 8 Gbps | 8 Gbps | $39.99/mo | Unlimited | ★★★ 3.7 (8,920 reviews) | Order | |
| Fiber | 8 Gbps | 8 Gbps | $70.00/mo | Unlimited | ★★★★ 4.6 (52,000 reviews) | Order | |
| Fiber | 2 Gbps | 2 Gbps | $24.95/mo | Unlimited | ★★★★ 4.3 (18,600 reviews) | Order | |
| 5G | 245 Mbps | 31 Mbps | $30.00/mo | Unlimited | ★★★★ 4.1 (28,450 reviews) | Order | |
| 5G | 200 Mbps | 30 Mbps | $34.99/mo | Unlimited | ★★★★ 4.1 (21,300 reviews) | Order | |
| FiberCable | 3 Gbps | 3 Gbps | $30.00/mo | Unlimited | ★★★★ 4 (28,300 reviews) | Order | |
| Satellite | 500 Mbps | 40 Mbps | $39.00/mo | Unlimited | ★★★★ 4 (32,000 reviews) | Order | |
| CableFiber | 10 Gbps | 10 Gbps | $20.00/mo | Unlimited | ★★★ 3.9 (72,000 reviews) | Order | |
| CableFiber | 1.5 Gbps | 1.5 Gbps | $20.00/mo | 1 TB | ★★★ 3.8 (28,400 reviews) | Order | |
| Cable | 2 Gbps | 200 Mbps | $14.99/mo | 600 GB | ★★★ 3.8 (35,600 reviews) | Order | |
| FiberDSL | 2 Gbps | 2 Gbps | $34.99/mo | Unlimited | ★★★ 3.7 (9,200 reviews) | Order | |
| Satellite | 150 Mbps | 10 Mbps | $39.99/mo | Limited | ★★★ 3.4 (18,500 reviews) | Order | |
| Satellite | 25 Mbps | 3 Mbps | $49.99/mo | 15 GB priority | ★★★ 3.2 (12,500 reviews) | Order |
Internet Coverage & Value in Illinois
Contract terms, data caps, and pricing for every provider in Illinois.
| Provider | Technology | Starting Price | Contract | Data Cap | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber | $35.00/mo | None | Unlimited | ★ 4.4 | |
| Fiber | $55.00/mo | None | Unlimited | ★ 4.3 | |
| 5G | $50.00/mo | None | Unlimited | ★ 4.3 | |
| 5G | $47.00/mo | None | Unlimited | ★ 4.2 | |
| Fiber | $44.99/mo | None | Unlimited | ★ 4.1 | |
| FiberFixed Wireless | $39.95/mo | None | Unlimited | ★ 3.8 | |
| FiberDSL | $39.99/mo | None | Unlimited | ★ 3.7 | |
| Fiber | $70.00/mo | None | Unlimited | ★ 4.6 | |
| Fiber | $24.95/mo | None | Unlimited | ★ 4.3 | |
| 5G | $30.00/mo | None | Unlimited | ★ 4.1 | |
| 5G | $34.99/mo | None | Unlimited | ★ 4.1 | |
| FiberCable | $30.00/mo | None | Unlimited | ★ 4.0 | |
| Satellite | $39.00/mo | None | Unlimited | ★ 4.0 | |
| CableFiber | $20.00/mo | None | 1.2 TB | ★ 3.9 | |
| CableFiber | $20.00/mo | None | 1 TB | ★ 3.8 | |
| Cable | $14.99/mo | None | 600 GB | ★ 3.8 | |
| FiberDSL | $34.99/mo | None | Unlimited | ★ 3.7 | |
| Satellite | $39.99/mo | 2-year | Limited | ★ 3.4 | |
| Satellite | $49.99/mo | 2-year | 15 GB priority | ★ 3.2 |
Fastest Internet in Illinois
- #1
Brightspeed 8 Gbps - #2
Frontier 7 Gbps - #3
AT&T Fiber 5 Gbps - #4
EarthLink 5 Gbps - #5
T-Mobile Fiber 2 Gbps
Cheapest Internet in Illinois
- #1
AT&T Fiber From $35.00/mo - #2
EarthLink From $39.95/mo - #3
Brightspeed From $39.99/mo - #4
Frontier From $44.99/mo - #5
AT&T Air From $47.00/mo
Best by Activity in Illinois
All Internet Plans Available in Illinois
Detailed plan breakdowns for every provider. Click to expand.
| Plan | Download | Upload | Price | Contract | Data Cap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber 500 | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | $44.99/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Fiber 1 Gig | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps | $49.99/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Fiber 2 Gig | 2 Gbps | 2 Gbps | $64.99/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Fiber 5 Gig | 5 Gbps | 5 Gbps | $89.99/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Fiber 7 Gig | 7 Gbps | 7 Gbps | $109.99/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Plan | Download | Upload | Price | Contract | Data Cap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet 300 | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | $35.00/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Internet 500 | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | $45.00/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Internet 1000 | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps | $60.00/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Internet 2000 | 2 Gbps | 2 Gbps | $110.00/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Internet 5000 | 5 Gbps | 5 Gbps | $180.00/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Plan | Download | Upload | Price | Contract | Data Cap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber 100 | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | $49.95/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Fiber 300 | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | $54.95/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Fiber 1 Gig | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps | $39.95/mo $74.95 | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Fiber 2 Gig | 2 Gbps | 2 Gbps | $119.95/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Fiber 5 Gig | 5 Gbps | 5 Gbps | $189.95/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Wireless Home Internet | 200 Mbps | 25 Mbps | $55.00/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Plan | Download | Upload | Price | Contract | Data Cap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOW Internet | 100 Mbps | 10 Mbps | $30.00/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Connect | 150 Mbps | 10 Mbps | $20.00/mo | None | 1.2 TB | Order |
| Connect More | 300 Mbps | 15 Mbps | $40.00/mo | None | 1.2 TB | Order |
| Fast | 500 Mbps | 20 Mbps | $50.00/mo | None | 1.2 TB | Order |
| Superfast | 800 Mbps | 25 Mbps | $60.00/mo | None | 1.2 TB | Order |
| Ultrafast | 1 Gbps | 35 Mbps | $70.00/mo | None | 1.2 TB | Order |
| Gigabit Extra | 1.2 Gbps | 40 Mbps | $80.00/mo | None | 1.2 TB | Order |
| Gigabit x2 | 2 Gbps | 200 Mbps | $100.00/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| X10 Fiber | 10 Gbps | 10 Gbps | $299.95/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Plan | Download | Upload | Price | Contract | Data Cap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber 100 | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | $30.00/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Fiber 500 | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | $50.00/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Fiber 1 Gig | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps | $80.00/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Internet 1.2 Gig | 1.2 Gbps | 100 Mbps | $95.00/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Fiber 3 Gig | 3 Gbps | 3 Gbps | $100.00/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Plan | Download | Upload | Price | Contract | Data Cap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet 100 | 100 Mbps | 10 Mbps | $49.99/mo | None | 600 GB | Order |
| Internet 300 | 300 Mbps | 30 Mbps | $30.00/mo | None | 1 TB | Order |
| 1 Gig Internet | 1 Gbps | 100 Mbps | $50.00/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| 2 Gig Internet | 2 Gbps | 200 Mbps | $70.00/mo | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Xtream Connect | 100 Mbps | 10 Mbps | $14.99/mo $29.99 | None | 600 GB | Order |
| Plan | Download | Upload | Price | Contract | Data Cap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet 200 | 200 Mbps | 10 Mbps | $20.00/mo $35.00 | None | 1 TB | Order |
| Internet 400 | 400 Mbps | 20 Mbps | $35.00/mo $50.00 | None | 1 TB | Order |
| Internet 1 Gig | 1 Gbps | 50 Mbps | $50.00/mo $65.00 | None | Unlimited | Order |
| Internet 1.5 Gig | 1.5 Gbps | 1.5 Gbps | $70.00/mo $85.00 | None | Unlimited | Order |
Illinois Broadband Report Card
Connectivity Metrics
Speed & Demographics
Internet Service in Illinois: What You Need to Know
Illinois has 19 internet providers offering fiber, cable, DSL, 5G home internet, satellite connections. With 87.8% broadband adoption and average download speeds of 145.2 Mbps, the state earns a grade of B. Plans start at $35.00/mo with speeds up to 8 Gbps.
How to Choose Internet in Illinois
Speed requirements: For 1–2 users doing email and browsing, 50–100 Mbps suffices. Streaming households need 200+ Mbps. Gamers and remote workers should target 300–500 Mbps. Large families (5+ devices) benefit from gigabit service. The fastest option in Illinois is Brightspeed at 8 Gbps.
Budget considerations: Starting prices range from $35.00/mo to premium gigabit plans. The average entry price is $38/mo. AT&T Fiber has the most affordable starting plan. Promotional pricing typically lasts 12–24 months.
Technology: Fiber internet from AT&T Fiber and T-Mobile Fiber delivers symmetric speeds and minimal latency — ideal for video conferencing and gaming. 5G home internet from Verizon 5G Home Internet and AT&T Air requires no wiring and typically has no contracts.
Internet Availability Across Illinois
88.4% of Illinois's population lives in urban areas with the most provider competition. Metro areas like Chicago, Aurora, Joliet typically offer 5+ providers including fiber. Rural areas may have fewer wired options, though satellite and fixed wireless extend coverage statewide.
Illinois has relatively strong coverage — only 12.2% of households lack adequate broadband.
Saving Money on Internet in Illinois
1. Compare all options. Use our free comparison tool — we regularly find savings of $20–50/mo. 2. Watch for promo rates. Know the regular price before signing up. 3. Buy your own equipment. Skip the $10–15/mo rental fee. 4. Check low-income programs. FCC Lifeline, Spectrum Internet Assist, and AT&T Access can help qualifying households. See all programs.
Free & Low-Cost Internet in Illinois
Programs to help Illinois residents get connected at reduced rates.
📋 FCC Lifeline Program
$9.25/mo discount on phone or internet for qualifying low-income households. Participating Illinois providers include AT&T Fiber, T-Mobile Fiber, Verizon 5G Home Internet. Check eligibility.
Lifeline Program
$9.25/mo discount on phone or internet for qualifying households in Illinois.
🏠 Provider Low-Income Plans
Spectrum Internet Assist ($17.99/mo), AT&T Access ($5–10/mo), and similar programs. Check eligibility.
🏫 Community WiFi
Libraries, community centers, and municipal WiFi programs across Illinois offer free access.
Find Your Perfect Internet Plan in Illinois
Our experts compare every provider so you don't have to. Sign up now for exclusive deals not available elsewhere.
Get Connected — It's FreeInternet Providers by City in Illinois
Browse internet availability for 723 cities in Illinois. 88.4% of the state's population lives in urban areas with the most options.
Major Cities
Nearby States — Internet Providers
Browse providers in states near Illinois.
Internet Providers in Other States
📚 Broadband Glossary — Key Terms Explained
- Mbps
- Megabits per second — the standard unit for measuring internet speed. 100 Mbps handles HD streaming on 3–4 devices.
- Gbps
- Gigabits per second — 1 Gbps = 1,000 Mbps. Gig-speed plans are ideal for large households or home offices with heavy upload needs.
- Fiber Internet
- Uses light pulses through glass cables. The fastest, most reliable technology available — symmetric upload and download speeds.
- Cable Internet
- Delivered over coaxial TV lines. Fast downloads, widely available — upload speeds are slower than fiber.
- DSL
- Digital Subscriber Line — uses existing phone lines. Reliable and widely available but slower than fiber/cable.
- 5G Home Internet
- Fixed wireless access using 5G towers. No line required — quick self-install. Speeds vary by distance from tower.
- Satellite Internet
- Delivered from satellites in orbit. Available almost everywhere — higher latency than ground-based options.
- Latency
- The delay in ms before data transfer begins. Low latency (<20ms) is critical for gaming and video calls; high latency (>100ms) causes lag.
- Bandwidth
- The maximum data capacity of your connection. Higher bandwidth = more devices streaming simultaneously without slowdowns.
- Data Cap
- A monthly limit on how much data you can use. Exceeding it may slow your speeds or result in overage charges.
- Symmetric Speeds
- When upload and download speeds are equal. Only fiber typically offers symmetric speeds — important for video calls and cloud backup.
- ISP
- Internet Service Provider — the company that sells your internet connection (e.g., Xfinity, AT&T, Spectrum).
Frequently Asked Questions — Illinois Internet
What are the best internet providers in Illinois in 2026?
What is the fastest internet available in Illinois?
What is the cheapest internet in Illinois?
Is fiber internet available in Illinois?
How does Illinois's internet compare to other states?
How many internet providers serve Illinois?
What internet speed do I need in Illinois?
What cities in Illinois have the best internet?
Major Cities in Illinois
Explore internet options in Illinois's largest cities. Each city page shows local providers, speeds, and pricing.
Editorial Disclosure: Our rankings use FCC broadband data, independently verified speed tests, and customer reviews. We may earn a commission when you sign up through partner links — keeping our comparison service free. Recommendations are based on objective criteria. Read our full methodology →
Last updated: March 2026 · Data for Illinois (19 providers, 723 cities) · Coverage may vary by address
Last reviewed by our editorial team: March 2026. Provider pricing, speed, and availability data verified against official sources and FCC Broadband Data Collection.