Best Internet Providers in Raleigh, North Carolina for 2026
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Raleigh, NC
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 Raleigh, North Carolina, 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 Raleigh, North Carolina, 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 | 439.26 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 333.84 | Mbps |
| Latency | 19 | 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 Raleigh, North Carolina, 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 | 351.96 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 285.46 | 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 Raleigh, North Carolina, 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 | 334.12 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 22.25 | Mbps |
| Latency | 35 | 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 Raleigh, North Carolina, 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 Raleigh, North Carolina, 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 Raleigh, North Carolina, 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 Raleigh, North Carolina, 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 Raleigh, North Carolina, 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 Raleigh, North Carolina, 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 Raleigh, North Carolina, 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 Raleigh, North Carolina, 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 Raleigh, North Carolina, 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 Raleigh, North Carolina, 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.).
Between tech startups, research triangle opportunities, and a culture where innovation meets Southern charm, Raleigh moves at its own pace. So whether you’re logging on from a North Hills apartment, a downtown loft near Fayetteville Street, or a house in one of the tree-lined neighborhoods, your internet speeds should keep up.
Who delivers the fastest connection in the City of Oaks? Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, Google Fiber leads in Raleigh with median download speeds of 439.26 Mbps, followed by AT&T at 351.96 Mbps. Across the city, typical fixed connections average 400.49 Mbps down, enough for remote work, streaming, and everyday multitasking across multiple devices.
Your internet needs depend on how you actually use your connection. For most households of three to four people watching a moderate amount of streaming video and performing simpler work-from-home tasks such as emailing, Slack, Zoom, etc., a 300 to 500 Mbps plan is more than enough. But for creators, tech professionals, or large households, gigabit speeds and strong upload performance make a noticeable difference.
How to Pick the Right Internet Provider in Raleigh
Here are some practical tips:
Check Your Address
Many ISPs tout citywide coverage, but the reality is more complicated (like if your building isn’t wired for fiber). Use provider lookup tools or Speedtest’s zip code breakdowns to verify.
Consider More Than Speed
Reliability, customer support, and data caps matter just as much. Many fiber plans, for example, include unlimited data and no equipment rental fees. Watch out for plans that include data caps and extra charges.
Think About Uploads
If you send large files, stream on Twitch, or make frequent video calls, symmetrical upload/download speeds (only offered by fiber) are a game-changer.
Match a Plan to Your Needs
Don’t pay for 1 gigabit if you’re just browsing or streaming a few hours a night. On the flip side, don’t skimp if you’re running a business from home.
Read the Fine Print
Promo rates often expire after 12 months. Check for hidden fees, contracts, or equipment rentals that inflate the total cost.
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 Raleigh, NC
According to Speedtest Intelligence®, as of January 2026, Raleigh reports the following city-wide median speeds:
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Median download speed | 400.49 Mbps |
| Median upload speed | 141.10 Mbps |
| Median latency | 13 ms |
| Top-performing ISP | Google Fiber (439.26 Mbps median download) |
| Most widely available ISP | Spectrum (93% availability) |
ISP Speeds in Raleigh
Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, here’s how the major providers compare:
- Google Fiber: Delivers Raleigh’s fastest speeds with 44% coverage. Downloads of 439.26 Mbps, uploads of 333.84 Mbps, and latency around 19 ms. Its fiber infrastructure offers symmetrical speeds that make it ideal for remote workers, content creators, and households with high upload demands. Where available, it’s the top choice for both speed and consistency.
- AT&T: Covers 87% of the city with strong fiber and IPBB performance. Downloads of 351.96 Mbps, uploads of 285.46 Mbps, and latency around 24 ms. Its extensive fiber footprint delivers excellent upload performance, making it a solid option for video conferencing, cloud storage, and creative work. 5G Home Internet extends coverage further, though speeds vary.
- Spectrum: The most widely available provider in Raleigh with 93% coverage. Downloads of 334.12 Mbps, uploads of 22.25 Mbps, and latency around 35 ms. Its cable infrastructure is nearly ubiquitous, offering solid download speeds, though uploads lag behind fiber options. A reliable default for most households.
- Verizon: Covers 47% of Raleigh. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market, suggesting limited sample size in the area. Its 5G Home Internet offers contract-free plans ideal for renters, though performance depends on signal strength.
- Ting: Available in 4% of neighborhoods. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market. Where available, its fiber plans provide symmetrical speeds and straightforward pricing for tech-savvy users.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Covers 76% of Raleigh. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market, but it delivers quick setup and contract-free plans, ideal for renters or those who move frequently.
Raleigh 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.
Home Internet in Raleigh
At the time of this writing, the average starting price for internet in Raleigh is $63.69 per month, based on entry-level plans from major providers including Spectrum ($30), Brightspeed ($29.99), AT&T ($34), Google Fiber ($70), and T-Mobile 5G Home Internet ($50). While fiber plans bring fast upload and download speeds to much of the city, cable infrastructure remains the most widely available option, with 5G home internet filling gaps in areas without wired connections.
Top Internet Providers in Raleigh
Google Fiber
- Type: Fiber
- Max speeds: Up to 8,000 Mbps download / 8,000 Mbps upload
- Best for: Symmetrical speeds and low latency
- Availability: ~44%
- Price range: $70–$150/month
Google Fiber leads Raleigh in speed and performance. Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, Google Fiber delivers median download speeds of 439.26 Mbps and upload speeds of 333.84 Mbps, with 19 ms latency. Its fiber infrastructure offers symmetrical speeds ideal for content creators, remote workers, and households with high upload demands. Where available, it’s the top choice for both speed and consistency.
AT&T
- Type: IPBB, Fiber, 5G Internet
- Max speeds: Up to 5,000 Mbps download / 5,000 Mbps upload
- Best for: Wide coverage and fast uploads
- Availability: ~87%
- Price range: $34–$255/month
AT&T’s extensive network covers most of Raleigh. Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, AT&T delivers real-world median speeds of 351.96 Mbps down and 285.46 Mbps up, with 24 ms latency. Its fiber service offers excellent upload performance, while 5G Home Internet extends access to more neighborhoods, though performance can vary.
Spectrum
- Type: Cable, Fiber
- Max speeds: Up to 2,000 Mbps download / 1,000 Mbps upload
- Best for: Citywide coverage and reliability
- Availability: ~93%
- Price range: $30–$90/month
Spectrum is Raleigh’s most widely available provider. Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, Spectrum delivers median download speeds of 334.12 Mbps and upload speeds of 22.25 Mbps, with 35 ms latency. Its cable infrastructure is nearly ubiquitous, offering solid download speeds and straightforward pricing with no data caps, making it a reliable default for most households.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- Type: 5G Internet
- Max speeds: Up to 415 Mbps download / 56 Mbps upload
- Best for: Renters and homes without wired connections
- Availability: ~76%
- Price range: $50–$70/month
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet delivers quick setup and contract-free plans, ideal for renters or those who move frequently. Speeds depend heavily on network congestion and building density, but the service offers flexibility without long-term commitments.
Verizon 5G Home Internet
- Type: 5G Internet
- Max speeds: Up to 1,000 Mbps download / 75 Mbps upload
- Best for: Small households in strong signal zones
- Availability: ~47%
- Price range: $35–$75/month
Verizon covers less than half of Raleigh, mostly in northern and western areas. Performance fluctuates with signal strength, but in strong 5G zones it’s a solid alternative to cable with no annual contracts.
Ting
- Type: Fiber
- Max speeds: Up to 1,000 Mbps download / 2,000 Mbps upload
- Best for: Tech-savvy users prioritizing customer service
- Availability: ~4%
- Price range: from $89/month
Ting offers fiber in select neighborhoods with straightforward pricing and no promotional games. Where available, its symmetrical speeds and responsive customer service appeal to remote professionals and heavy data users.
FAQs
Who has the fastest internet in Raleigh?
Google Fiber currently leads with median download speeds of 439.26 Mbps, based on Speedtest user data collected in the second half of 2025.
Who offers the cheapest plans?
At the time of this writing, Brightspeed starts at $29.99 per month, which is the lowest entry-level pricing for internet in Raleigh among major providers. Spectrum also offers competitive starting prices at $30 per month.
Is fiber internet available in Raleigh?
Yes. Google Fiber, AT&T, Ting, and Brightspeed all offer fiber service across parts of the city, though access depends on your building’s wiring and neighborhood infrastructure.
Where can I find public Wi-Fi in Raleigh?
According to the City of Raleigh, free public Wi-Fi is available at City Plaza and Peach Road Park as well as certain park facilities. Branches of the Wake County Public Library also offer free Wi-Fi.
Speedtest TL;DR
Raleigh’s internet market benefits from strong competition between Google Fiber, AT&T, and Spectrum, each offering different strengths. Google Fiber leads in speed where available, AT&T provides the widest fiber coverage, and Spectrum delivers near-universal cable access. With 5G home internet options also expanding, most residents have multiple viable choices, though fiber availability remains the key differentiator for those seeking the best performance.
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.