What is the best ISP in Worcester?
Of the several broadband providers serving Worcester, Spectrum is CNET's top pick for most households. Spectrum's network covers most of the area and has plans that are competitively priced and have simple service details. Hair and fixed wireless are also available at selected Worcester addresses via Verizon Fios and T-Mobile Home Internet. Ultimately, the best provider for your home will depend on your location.
For affordability, you'll be better off with either Spectrum or Verizon's fixed wireless plans under its 5G Home Internet network, both of which offer $50 base plans. Selco also offers significantly lower speeds of 50 megabits per second for just $40 a month. Spectrum, Verizon Fios and Verizon 5G Home Internet offer 1 gigabit speed for $70 per month, the fastest speed available in Worcester. Selco also offers a 1 gig fiber plan with symmetrical upload speeds for $105.
The best internet in Worcester in 2024
Worcester ISPs compared
| Provider | Internet technology | Monthly price range | Speed range | Monthly equipment costs | Data cap | Agreement | CNET Review Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selco | Cable/fiber | 40-105 dollars | 50-1,000 Mbps | $10 (optional) | 400GB-1.5TB | No one | N/A |
| Spectrum Read the full review |
Cable | 50-70 dollars | 500-1,000 Mbps | Free modem; $10 router rental (optional) | No one | No one | 7.2 |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review |
Fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$55 for eligible Go5G Plus and Magenta Max mobile customers) | 72-245 Mbps | No one | No one | No one | 7.4 |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Read the full review |
Fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$45 with eligible Verizon 5G cellular plans) | 50-1,000 Mbps | No one | No one | No one | 7.2 |
| Verizon Fios Read the full review |
Hair | 50-90 dollars | 300-940 Mbps | No one | No one | No one | 7.6 |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Worcester?
| Provider | Starting price | Maximum download speed | Monthly subscription for equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selco bronze | 40 dollars | 50 Mbps | $10 (optional) |
| Verizon Fios 300 Read the full review |
50 dollars | 300 Mbps | No one |
| Spectrum Internet Read the full review |
50 dollars | 500 Mbps | Free modem; $10 router rental (optional) |
| Home on Verizon 5G Read the full review |
$50 ($35 for eligible phone customers) | 300 Mbps | No one |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review |
$50 ($35 for eligible phone customers) | 245 Mbps | No one |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find online deals and promotions in Worcester
The best online deals and top promotions in Worcester depend on what discounts are available at the time. Most deals are short-lived, but we often look for the latest offers.
Worcester ISPs, such as Spectrum, may offer lower introductory prices or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Others, however, such as Verizon, have the same standard prices year-round.
For a more extensive list of promotions, check out our guide to the best internet deals.
Fastest internet plans in Worcester
| Provider | Starting price | Maximum download speed | Maximum upload speed | Data cap | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selko platinum | 105 dollars | 1,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | 1.5 TB | Hair |
| Spectrum Internet gig Read the full review |
70 dollars | 1,000 Mbps | 35 Mbps | No one | Cable |
| Verizon 5G Home Plus Read the full review |
$70 ($45 for eligible phone customers) | 1,000 Mbps | 50 Mbps | No one | Fixed wireless |
| Call 1 gig | 90 dollars | 940 Mbps | 880 Mbps | No one | Hair |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What is a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an Internet plan that can accommodate video conferencing, streaming video, or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a stronger connection. Here's an overview of recommended minimum download speeds for different apps, according to the FCC. Note that these are guidelines only and that internet speed, service and performance will vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, see our guide to how much internet speed do you really need?.
- 0 to 5 Mbps lets you handle the basics: web browsing, sending and receiving email, streaming low-quality video.
- From 5 to 40 Mbps, you can enjoy higher quality video streaming and video conferencing.
- 40 to 100 Mbps should give a user enough bandwidth to meet the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
- 100 to 500 Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities such as video conferencing, streaming, and online gaming.
- 500 to 1,000 Mbps allows three or more users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities.
How CNET picked the best ISPs in Worcester
Internet providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest ones smart phone, laptop, router or kitchen toolit is impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what is our approach? We start by researching price, availability and speed information, drawing on our historical data from ISPs, supplier locations and mapping information. FCC.gov.
But it doesn't end there. We go to the FCC website to check our data and make sure we account for every ISP that provides service in a certain area. We also enter local addresses on supplier websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and JD Power, to gauge how satisfied customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent change; all information provided is correct as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
- Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
- Are customers getting decent value for what they are paying for?
- Are customers satisfied with their service?
While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to saying yes to all three are the ones we recommend. When choosing the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also take into account factors such as price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively simple. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and also look at real-world speed data from sources like Okla and The FCC reports. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
To explore our process in more detail, visit our how we test ISPs page.
ISPs in Worcester FAQ
What is the best internet service provider in Worcester?
Thanks to wide availability and a variety of speeds for customers to choose from, Spectrum is Worcester's best ISP. As an added bonus, Spectrum pricing includes unlimited data and a free modem at no additional cost.
Is fiber optic internet available in Worcester?
Unfortunately fiber optic internet is limited in Worcester — less than 13% of addresses can access it. Verizon Fios is the largest fiber provider in the area, but certain households may also be serviced under Selco's fiber network.
What is the cheapest ISP in Worcester?
For the fastest speeds possible, check out Spectrum or Verizon 5G Home Internet, both of which offer plans starting at $50 per month.
Which ISP in Worcester offers the fastest plan?
The fastest, most widespread Internet plans in Worcester come from Spectrum, Verizon 5G Home Internet, Verizon Fios, and Selco, all of which offer 1,000 Mbps plans.