Where are the best internet providers in Cambridge?
Although the number of wireless internet providers exceeds the number of wired internet providers in the region; Xfinity is the best internet service provider for most people in Cambridge. Xfinity’s cable internet service has the best broadband coverage in Cambridge, the lowest introductory prices, and the fastest download speeds of up to 1,200 megabits per second.
Fellow cable ISP Astound offers the fastest download speeds of any local provider, starting at just $55 a month, up to 1,500Mbps, but has very limited service availability in Cambridge. Ideally, your provider will offer the fastest tier, so it will have better availability. and Cheapest Internet Plans in Cambridge — $20/month with download speeds up to 300Mbps.
Like Astound, fiber provider Verizon Fios offers home internet in Cambridge, but availability is rare. In addition to Xfinity, broadband options in Cambridge may include fixed wireless providers such as Starry Internet, T-Mobile Home Internet, and Verizon 5G Home Internet. Starry Internet provides simple, low-cost internet connectivity when you move into a building that requires wired service.
Best Internet in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Comparison of internet providers in Cambridge, Massachusetts
| provider | internet technology | Monthly price range | speed range | Monthly equipment costs | data limit | contract | CNET review score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| amazing broadband Read the full review |
cable | $20-$55 | 300～1,500Mbps | none | none | none | 7 |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review |
fixed wireless | $50 to $70 ($35 to $50 on eligible mobile plans) | 72-245Mbps | none | none | none | 7.4 |
| starry internet Read the full review |
fixed wireless | $30-$55 | 200-500Mbps | none | none | none | 7 |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Read the full review |
fixed wireless | $50 to $70 ($35 to $45 on eligible mobile plans) | 50-250Mbps | none | none | none | 7.2 |
| verizon fios Read the full review |
fiber | $50-$90 | 300-940Mbps | none | none | none | 7.6 |
| Xfinity Read the full review |
cable | $30-$75 | 300～1,200Mbps | $15 (optional) | none | none | 7 |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Cambridge?
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How to find internet sales and promotions in Cambridge
The best internet deals and top promotions in Cambridge vary depending on the discounts available at the time. Most sales have a short shelf life, but we check frequently for the latest offers.
Cambridge Internet providers, such as T-Mobile Home Internet and Xfinity, may offer lower introductory prices, unlimited data, or other incentives for a limited time. Many services, including Starry and Verizon 5G Home Internet, have the same standard rate throughout the year.
For a more extensive list of promotions, check out our guide to the best internet deals.
Fastest internet plans in Cambridge
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What is a good internet speed?
Most internet connectivity plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that supports video conferencing, streaming video, and gaming, you’ll enjoy a better experience with a more robust connection. Here is an overview of recommended minimum download speeds for various applications. According to the FCC. Please note that these are just guidelines and internet speed, service and performance will vary depending on connection type, provider and address.
For more information, see our guide to the internet speed you actually need.
- At 0-5Mbps, you can tackle basic tasks like browsing the Internet, sending and receiving emails, and streaming low-quality videos.
- 5-40Mbps allows for higher quality video streaming and video conferencing.
- 40-100Mbps provides a single user with enough bandwidth to meet the demands of modern work-from-home, video streaming, and online gaming.
- 100-500Mbps allows one or two users to simultaneously participate in high-bandwidth activities such as video conferencing, streaming, and online gaming.
- 500-1,000Mbps allows three or more users to participate in high-bandwidth activities simultaneously.
How CNET chooses the best internet providers in Cambridge, Massachusetts
There are many Internet service providers and they vary by region. Unlike the latest smartphones, laptops, routers, and kitchen tools, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a particular city. So what is our approach? We start by researching pricing, availability, and speed information using our own historical ISP data, provider sites, and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission. FCC.gov.
But that’s not the end. We go to the FCC’s website and review the data to ensure we consider all ISPs that serve the area. Also, enter your local address on the provider’s website to find specific options for residents. Look at sources like the U.S. Customer Satisfaction Index and JD Power to rate how satisfied your customers are with your ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices may change frequently. All information provided is accurate at the time of publication.
Once you have this localized information, ask three main questions:
- Does your provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
- Are customers getting value for their money?
- Are your customers satisfied with your service?
The answers to these questions are often layered and complex, but the provider that comes closest to a “yes” to all three is recommended. When choosing the cheapest internet service, look for the plan with the lowest monthly fee, taking into account price hikes, equipment costs, contract details, etc. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively easy. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider actual speed data from sources such as: Okura and FCC report. (Ookla is owned by Ziff Davis, the same parent company as CNET.)
To find out more about our process, please visit our How We Test ISPs page.
Internet Providers in Cambridge, Massachusetts Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best internet service provider in Cambridge?
Xfinity is the best internet service provider in Cambridge. According to the FCC, it has the best coverage of any local ISP, reaching more than 99% of Cambridge households.
In addition to excellent local coverage, Xfinity offers low introductory rates with speeds ranging from 300 to 1,200Mbps. Plans include unlimited data and no contract. This isn’t unique to Cambridge Internet Providers, but Xfinity plans in many other markets may come with data caps or contracts.
Is fiber internet available in Cambridge?
According to June 2024 FCC data, only about 8% of residential addresses in Cambridge have fiber internet. Maintenance is best along the Charles River in eastern Cambridge and the Lecmire Square community. Verizon Fios is the region’s leading fiber internet provider.
Where is the cheapest internet provider in Cambridge?
Astound has the cheapest internet in Cambridge, offering services ranging from $20 to $55 per month with maximum download speeds of 300 to 1,500Mbps. However, Astound is largely unavailable in Cambridge. Xfinity is much more widely available and, while not as cheap as Astound, offers similarly low starting fees of $30 to $70 per month for speeds of 300 to 1,200Mbps.
Which internet provider offers the fastest plans in Cambridge?
Astound offers the fastest internet plans with speeds up to 1,500Mbps starting at just $55 per month, but again, this provider has limited availability in your area. Xfinity’s Gigabit Extra plan offers nearly the same download speeds of 1,200Mbps and is more widely available throughout the Cambridge area.
