What is the best ISP in Flagstaff?
According to CNET, Optimally is the best overall ISP for most households in Flagstaff. It offers wide coverage and a maximum download speed of 1,000 megabits per second. That being said, Optimal service is not available everywhere in Flagstaff, so Quantum fibers is also a solid choice, depending on what's available in your area.
If you're looking for the lowest prices or fastest speeds, we've found those top options, too. Flagstaff's cheapest internet is Optimum's $40/month 300Mbps plan with equipment included. Flagstaff's fastest internet speed is tied between Optimum's 1,000Mbps cable plan and Quantum Fiber's 940Mbps plan. Quantum Fiber offers equally fast uploads, but availability is extremely limited.
Best Internet in Flagstaff, Arizona
Comparison of Flagstaff ISPs
| Provider | Internet technology | Monthly price range | Speed range | Monthly equipment costs | Data cap | Agreement | CNET Review Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CenturyLink Read the full review |
DSL | 55 dollars | 10-20Mbps | $15 (optional) | No one | No one | 6.7 |
| Optimally Read the full review |
Cable | 40-60 dollars | 300-1,000 Mbps | No one | No one | No one | 6.2 |
| Quantum fibers | Hair | 50-75 dollars | 500-940 Mbps | No one | No one | No one | 6.7 |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review |
Fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($30-$50 with eligible cellular plans) | 72-245 Mbps | No one | No one | No one | 7.4 |
Show more (0 item)
Shop suppliers at my address
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Other available ISPs in Flagstaff
- Bluespen: Bluespan is one of several fixed wireless ISPs that fill coverage areas that are not accessible by wired Internet options such as cable or DSL. Bluespan does not advertise prices or speeds, so you must check with the company for coverage and plan information for your address. Fixed wireless makes sense for rural homes that don't have good wired internet options. Also, consider it an alternative to slow DSL. Coverage and speeds depend on your location and good tower vantage point. Here's how fixed wireless compares to other types of internet.
- Broadband choice: Choice specializes in rural telephone and Internet service. Expect internet speeds of up to 25 Mbps. Plans start at $45 per month with $150 installation and a two-year contract.
- Catering wireless: Fixed wireless provider Hospitality Wireless covers much of the Flagstaff area with plans starting at $60 per month for speeds up to 30 Mbps with a two-year contract. No data limits.
- Satellite internet: If you live in a rural area near Flagstaff and can't get decent service from one of our top recommended ISPs, look into satellite internet from Starlink, Viasat or Hughesnett. It can be expensive and speeds tend to be variable, but satellite is a viable option for remote locations. You'll need a clear view of the sky, so keep that in mind if you're in a wooded area.
Cheap Internet Options in Flagstaff
Optimum is the main ISP for Flagstaff and also has the cheapest plan in town (not counting T-Mobile's home internet package deal). The cable company's 300 Mbps plan costs $40 per month. If you happen to be in one of the few areas served by Quantum Fiber, then jump on the $50/month 500Mbps plan with symmetrical speeds. Otherwise, it's hard to top Optimum's price/speed equation in Flagstaff.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Flagstaff?
| Provider | Starting price | Maximum download speed | Monthly subscription for equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimally Read the full review |
40 dollars | 300 Mbps | No one |
| Quantum fibers | 50 dollars | 500 Mbps | No one |
| CenturyLink Read the full review |
55 dollars | 10-20Mbps | $15 (optional) |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review |
$50 ($30 with eligible mobile plans) | 245 Mbps | No one |
Show more (0 item)
Shop suppliers at my address
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find online deals and promotions in Flagstaff
The best online deals and top promotions in Flagstaff depend on what discounts are available at that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we often look for the latest offers.
Flagstaff ISPs, such as Optimum, may offer lower introductory prices or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, including Quantum Fiber and Bluespan, tend to run the same standard prices throughout the year.
For a more extensive list of promotions, check out our guide to the best internet deals.
How fast is Flagstaff broadband?
Despite the lack of multi-gig and fiber-optic options, Flagstaff has performed decently recently Ookla Speed Test Report. (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis). Arizona speed test average as a whole. Optimum bills itself as Flagstaff's fastest provider, which makes sense given that there's little competition. CenturyLink's widespread but slow DSL network doesn't put up much of a fight, and Quantum Fiber is hard to find.
Fastest internet plans in Flagstaff
| Provider | Starting price | Maximum download speed | Maximum upload speed | Data cap | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantum fibers | 75 dollars | 940 Mbps | 940 Mbps | No one | Hair |
| Optimally Read the full review |
60 dollars | 1,000 Mbps | 35 Mbps | No one | Cable |
Show more (0 item)
Shop suppliers at my address
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 5Mbps lets you handle the basics: web browsing, sending and receiving email, and streaming low-quality video.
- From 5 to 40 Mbps, you can enjoy video streaming and video conferencing with higher quality.
- 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 Flagstaff
Internet providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest ones smart phone, laptop, router or kitchen toolit is impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. What is our approach? For starters, we use a proprietary database of price, availability, and speed information that is drawn from our historical ISP data, partner data, and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
It doesn't stop 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 look at real-world speed data from sources like Okla and The FCC reports.
To explore our process in more detail, visit our how we test ISPs page.
What's the final word on ISPs in Flagstaff?
Flagstaff can be a tricky place for the internet. Most residents will choose to go with Optimum thanks to the gig's affordability and speed levels if you need quick downloads. It also offers one of the most affordable plans in the city at 300 Mbps. Give Quantum Fiber and its symmetric velocities a weight if you happen to live in a pocket of coverage. If Optimum doesn't work for you, then check into T-Mobile's 5G home internet offerings. After that, contact Bluespan or another fixed wireless provider. Rural and remote homes may need to explore a backup option like Starlink satellite internet.
ISPs in Flagstaff FAQ
What is the cheapest ISP in Flagstaff?
Optimum's 300 Mbps cable internet plan starts at $40 per month with equipment included, making it one of Flagstaff's most affordable internet deals.
Which ISP in Flagstaff offers the fastest plan?
Optimum and Quantum Fiber are tied for the fastest download speeds in the city at around 1,000 Mbps. Quantum Fiber setups hit 940Mbps, while Optimum peaked at 35Mbps.
Is fiber optic internet available in Flagstaff?
Fiber internet is hard to find in Flagstaff. A few isolated neighborhoods, usually in new developments, can access Quantum Fiber at speeds up to 940Mbps. In most of the city, the fastest home internet is cable from Optimum.
Which ISP has the best coverage in Flagstaff?
According to FCC data, Lumen, the parent company of CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber, has the widest wire coverage throughout Flagstaff. The combined DSL and fiber optic network reaches just over 92% of homes. Optimum's cable network isn't far behind at just over 88%.