Top Internet Service Providers for Gaming in the USA

When you’re playing World of Warcraft, having a reliable internet connection is a must. You’re going to be playing online with your friends, chatting in Discord and probably listening to your favorite music in the background.

During this, constant disconnections and lag can sour your experience. So, for this, having a great internet connection is a must. Here is a list of the top Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the USA.

Spectrum

Google Fiber

Xfinity

AT&T

Verizon Fios

Internet Tips for Gamers

Spectrum

• Unlimited Data for Streaming and Downloading
• Not Contract Required
• FREE modem and antivirus software

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly internet option, that offers unlimited data without any contracts, then you should go for Spectrum. They offer some of the cheapest internet plans compared to other popular internet providers. 

Fiber internet is usually expensive, whereas DSL internet is slow. Spectrum’s internet sits right in the middle of the range, providing speeds of up to 1 Gbps, which should be more than enough for most gamers.

Not only that, their internet has no data caps. This can be great for gamers who like to stream their gameplay on websites like Twitch or YouTube.

Google Fiber

• Great Value for the Price
• Fast Symmetrical Upload and Download Speeds
• 1TB Free Cloud Storage

Google Fiber provides some of the best internet services for gamers. It offers extremely fast upload and download speeds with low latency and no data caps. And the price, although higher, is still reasonable for the value provided.

However, the only reason why it’s not at the top of our list is because it isn’t widely available. Google Fiber is currently only available in 17 states. Multiplayer gaming doesn’t require incredibly fast download speeds unless you’re using multiple devices on the same network.

Their base internet plan costs $70 per month and provides symmetrical upload and download speeds, along with 1TB of free cloud storage. The average latency is low because of the all-fiber connection which means you’re going to get a low, stable ping, which is great for gaming.

Xfinity

• Several Bundle Options
• Fast Download Speeds
• Wide Coverage

Although Xfinity isn’t the fastest internet you can get out there, it provides great add-on services for people who are looking for a phone, TV, and internet in a single bundle.

The ISP provides cable internet for the most part. However, they also offer fiber internet in some areas but its availability is limited and it’s costly. You can get download speeds of up to 1,200 Mbps and 35 Mbps uploads with low latency which is great for games that require a fast reaction speed.

There is a data cap of 1.2TB on the basic plan, but it can be avoided by paying an additional fee per month for unlimited data.

AT&T

• Great for Users in Metropolitan Areas
• Unlimited Data
• Affordable Fiber

According to J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Business Wireline Satisfaction Study, AT&T ranked the highest in the large enterprise segment. This attests to its competence and reliability. Not just that, they provide blazing-fast internet speeds with unlimited data caps, which is perfect for gaming and streaming.

AT&T Fiber costs less than other high-speed internet providers as you can get the 500 Mbps fiber plan for $65 per month. You can also get a $20 discount every month if you bundle your internet plan with an AT&T mobile plan. The discount works with all AT&T fiber plans so you can get a discount even on the highest plan.

AT&T Fiber is currently only available in 21 states, so make sure they provide service in your area.

Verizon Fios

• Symmetrical Upload and Download Speeds
• Offer Discounts on Bundles
• No Data Caps

Verizon Fios scores a low latency at an average of 9.21 ms, which is amazing for gamers who are always looking for the lowest pings. There are four fiber plans to choose from, starting from 300 Mbps to 2 Gbps.

One of the best features, besides its low latency, is that Verison Fois offers symmetrical upload and download speeds which add up to create an amazing gaming experience as the the data coming from and going to the server goes at the same speed.

Their plans start at $44.99 per month and have no data caps. However, make sure to check its availability in your area as their service is limited to bigger metropolitan areas.

Internet Tips for Gamers

Even if you’re using NASA-level internet, it won’t matter much if not used properly. So, here are some tips to make the best out of your internet connection for gaming.

• Use a Wired Connection: Using a wired connection is almost always better for gaming. They are generally much faster and aren’t prone to losing connection because of physical obstructions like walls or doors.
• Remove Unused Devices: When there are a lot of devices connected to your WiFi network, they can quickly take up valuable bandwidth. During your gaming sessions, try disconnecting devices you’re not using.
• Monitor Your Ping: In ideal cases, you should have an in-game ping anywhere between 0 and 30 ms. However, make sure to turn on the in-game network stats to view your ping on screen. If you see any fluctuations in your ping, try restarting your internet or contact customer support.

When it comes to online gaming, having a fast, reliable internet is a must. Typically, you should always try to go for fiber internet, like Google Fiber as it provides some of the best internet speeds with no data caps.

However, budget-friendly options like Spectrum’s Internet also exist that offer unlimited data with amazing speeds without needing to sign up for an annoying contract.