Best Internet Providers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for 2024
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Philadelphia, PA
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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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 | 249.10 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 169.57 | Mbps |
| Latency | 13 | 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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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 | 188.75 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 21.71 | Mbps |
| Latency | 28 | 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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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 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
In Philadelphia, Verizon leads the pack with the fastest recorded median download speed of 249.1 Mbps, according to our proprietary Speedtest data. This not only showcases Verizon's robust performance in providing high-speed internet but also highlights their Fiber offering, which is known for its superior speeds and reliability. Such data clearly makes Verizon a compelling choice for residents in need of fast and dependable internet service.
Offer-wise, XFINITY advertises the highest maximum download speed of 2,000 Mbps among the providers in Philadelphia, revealing a wide gap between potential and actual speeds experienced by consumers. It's essential for customers to recognize this potential discrepancy as advertised speeds do not always reflect real-world usage conditions.
A good rule of thumb is that download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps can accommodate nearly all online activities, including streaming 4K videos, large file downloads, and high-definition online gaming. The required speed increases with the number of simultaneous users and devices connected to the network. Speed is a cumulative resource in a household; hence, a greater number of devices equates to a higher demand for bandwidth to maintain optimal performance across activities.
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
- 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
- Warminster
- Wayne
- West Norriton
- Wexford
- Whitehall
- Wilkes-Barre
- Williamsport
- Willow Grove
- Wynnewood
- Wyomissing
- York
Home Internet in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is served by a range of ISPs offering various types of internet services, including Fiber, Cable, and Satellite, and 5G. Notably, providers like Verizon and EarthLink Fiber offer Fiber internet, known for its high-speed and reliable connectivity, making it a preferred choice for bandwidth-intensive tasks.
Among the providers, XFINITY stands out with the highest coverage rate of 99.65%, offering Cable internet throughout Philadelphia. Satellite internet providers, such as Viasat Internet and HughesNet, offer comprehensive coverage but with different speed and reliability metrics. Residents should carefully consider each provider's coverage, maximum advertised speeds, and the types of internet services offered to find the best fit for their needs.
It's critical for consumers to understand that the maximum speeds advertised by ISPs may not always align with the actual speeds experienced due to various factors such as network congestion and the quality of home networking equipment. Therefore, while high advertised speeds are appealing, they should be viewed as an indicator of potential performance rather than a guarantee.
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.