Best Internet Providers in Boston, Massachusetts for 2024
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 | 217.60 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 107.17 | 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 | 280.52 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 162.85 | Mbps |
| Latency | 11 | 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 | 219.19 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 22.94 | 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 |
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
Drawing on our unique Speedtest data, Verizon stands out as the fastest internet service provider, boasting a median download speed of 280.52 Mbps. This impressive performance is largely due to their Fiber service, known for its unmatched speed and reliability compared to other types of internet connections.
XFINITY leads in terms of the highest advertised download speeds, offering up to 2,000 Mbps, indicating the possibility of exceptionally fast internet via their cable service, though their advertised upload speeds cap at 200 Mbps.
A good rule of thumb is that download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps are generally sufficient for most online activities, including streaming 4K HD videos, downloading large files, and playing online games on multiple devices. The required speed can vary based on how the network is used and the number of people and devices accessing it. For those with a light internet use case, lower speeds may suffice, but higher speeds would be necessary for home offices or homes with multiple users sharing the connection. It's crucial to consider the cumulative effect of devices connected to a network, as this can significantly impact the required bandwidth and speeds.
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
- 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, Massachusetts, steeped in American history and rich in cultural heritage, serves as a vibrant hub for education, innovation, and sports, embodying the spirit of New England's largest city. Boston residents have a diverse array of internet service types, including Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL, 5G Internet, Cable, and Satellite. This variety ensures that the needs and preferences of the entire community can be met, from the most basic browsing to the demands of a fully connected smart home.
Xfinity stands out in the city with its extensive coverage, reaching 99% of residents and offering cable internet with speeds up to 2,000 Mbps. For those in more remote areas of the city, satellite internet from providers such as Viasat, HughesNet, and Starlink offers a viable alternative, albeit at lower speeds. Making the right choice in internet service provider involves considering factors like coverage area, type of internet, and speed to find the option that best suits one's needs.
It's crucial to underline that advertised speeds might not always reflect the real-world experience due to factors like the specific plan chosen, network congestion, and infrastructure at the user's location. This discrepancy highlights the importance of choosing a provider that not only offers high speeds on paper but also has a track record of delivering reliable service.
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.