What is the best ISP in Waco?
Looking for the best internet service provider in Waco, TX? CNET's broadband experts reviewed service providers in the region to help you find the best plan for your needs. When it comes to fast and reliable Internet service in Waco, CNET is the best choice Spectrum. It offers unlimited data and decent prices for the first year with fast speeds. There is no contract requirement either. Your next best bets are Amazing broadband and Nextlink.
Astound offers some of the most affordable broadband in Waco with plans starting at 300 megabits per second for just $20 per month, including equipment. Need speed? AT&T fiber offers symmetrical speeds of up to 5 gigabits per second – the fastest plan in the area.
The best internet in Waco
Waco ISP Comparison
| Provider | Internet technology | Monthly price range | Speed range | Monthly equipment costs | Data cap | Agreement | CNET Review Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazing broadband Read the full review |
Cable | 20-55 dollars | 300-1,500 Mbps | No one | No one | No one | 7 |
| AT&T Internet Air Read the full review |
Fixed wireless | $60 ($47 with eligible wireless plan) | 75-225 Mbps | No one | No one | No one | 7.4 |
| AT&T fiber Read the full review |
Hair | $55-$245 | 300-5,000 Mbps | No one | No one | No one | 7.4 |
| Next link | Fixed wireless | 40-85 dollars | 50-500 Mbps | $8 (optional) | No one | 2 years | N/A |
| Spectrum Read the full review |
Cable | 25-70 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 ($30 for eligible mobile customers) | 72-245 Mbps | No one | No one | No one | 7.4 |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Waco?
| Provider | Initial monthly price | Maximum download speed | Monthly subscription for equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| An astonishing 300 Read the full review |
20 dollars | 300 Mbps | No one |
| Spectrum Internet Assist Read the full review |
25 dollars | 50 Mbps | Free modem; $10 router rental (optional) |
| Spectrum Internet advantage Read the full review |
30 dollars | 100 Mbps | Free modem; $10 router rental (optional) |
| An astonishing 600 Read the full review |
35 dollars | 600 Mbps | No one |
| Next link | 40 dollars | 50 Mbps | $8 (optional) |
| Amazed 1000 Read the full review |
45 dollars | 1,000 Mbps | No one |
| Next link | 45 dollars | 100 Mbps | $8 (optional) |
| Spectrum Internet Premier Read the full review |
50 dollars | 500 Mbps | Free modem; $10 router rental (optional) |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review |
$50 ($30 with eligible mobile subscription) | 245 Mbps | No one |
| AT&T Internet Air Read the full review |
$60 ($47 with eligible wireless plan) | 225 Mbps | No one |
| An astonishing 1,500 Read the full review |
55 dollars | 1,500 Mbps | No one |
| AT&T fiber Read the full review |
55 dollars | 300 Mbps | No one |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find online deals and promotions in Waco
The best online deals and top promotions in Waco depend on the discounts available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we often look for the latest offers.
Waco ISPs, such as Nextlink and Astound Broadband, may offer lower introductory rates or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, including AT&T and T-Mobile, have the same standard prices year-round.
For a more extensive list of promotions, our guide to the best internet deals are you covered.
Fastest Internet Plans in Waco
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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 Federal Communications Commission. Note that these are guidelines only — and that Internet speed, service, and performance 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 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 Waco
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 our historical data from ISPs, ISP sites and mapping information from FCC.gov.
But it doesn't end there. We use the FCC's website to check our data and make sure we account for every ISP that provides service in a given 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 the time 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?
- 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 it comes to 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 Waco Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best internet service provider in Waco?
Spectrum is the best ISP in Waco because of its wide coverage and simple service details. Speeds range from 50Mbps to 1,000Mbps, and unlimited data is included in monthly costs.
Is fiber optic internet available in Waco?
Yes. However, only two fiber providers exist in Waco — AT&T Fiber and Pavlov Media — and only half of the area's households will be able to use the fiber connection. according to the FCC.
What is the cheapest ISP in Waco?
The cheapest ISP in Waco is Astound Broadband. Its 300 Mbps plan costs just $20 per month.
Which ISP in Waco offers the fastest plan?
AT&T Fiber offers the fastest plan in Waco: 5,000 Mbps for $245. Astound Broadband takes second place with its 1.5 Gbps plan, which costs $55 per month.