On average, today's satellite internet providers offer speeds that typically vary from 12 to Mbps. In most cases, that makes it a suitable option for smaller households who want to stream video, browse the internet and update social media.
New providers -- namely Elon Musk's Starlink network , which began expanding service in select areas this year -- are promising to bump those speeds up by using low Earth orbit satellites that are closer to the ground. That means that the signal doesn't need to travel as far, which also makes for a reduction in latency, or lag. Other big names are looking to get into the internet space race, too, including Amazon's Project Kuiper. Increased competition in the satellite internet industry may help bring costs down for the consumer.
Currently, satellite internet is the most expensive internet connection type, by far. Another option for rural communities is fixed wireless internet. Like satellite internet, fixed wireless requires you to install a fixed receiver or antenna, but it's likely to be much smaller than a satellite dish. The antenna picks up a signal transmitted from a nearby wireless hub to give you an internet connection.
Fixed wireless connections work best for communities that lack the resources needed for DSL. To receive the strongest signal, you'll want to place your antenna in an area with a clear view of the sky.
Fixed wireless internet connections require a direct line of sight, so if there are hills, trees, buildings or other obstacles nearby, they can distort your connection. Fixed wireless internet speeds range from 5 to 50Mbps, but there are many variables that can affect the quality of the incoming signal, so your speed may vary. That said, many providers offer gracious data caps compared to satellite internet. Though fixed wireless has traditionally been a rural internet option , the connection type is rapidly expanding in metro areas thanks to providers like Google Fiber and Starry Internet.
Instead of beaming services to individual residences, these providers send internet signals to entire buildings, such as an apartment complex, then run service to individual units via an Ethernet cable. These providers are capable of delivering speeds much faster than traditional fixed wireless service with gigabit speeds available in select areas.
Get smart home reviews and ratings, video reviews, buying guides, prices and comparisons from CNET. So which kind of internet connection is right for you? It depends on several factors. The first thing to think about is your typical usage, and how much speed you really need. If you plan to surf the web and check email only, you can get away with a slower connection, but smaller households with users who stream videos, play games online, or upload files for work or school will ideally want access to download speeds of at least 25Mbps.
Costs are another key factor, obviously. Some providers bundle their various services to offer you a discount , but be aware that the promotional pricing might not last as long as the service contract. And DSL plans are fairly straightforward when it comes to pricing, so it can be a good option if you need Wi-Fi at a cheap price with minimal fuss.
View 5G Providers 5G is built on the latest generation of wireless technology, which promises superspeeds of 1, Mbps and faster with minimal buffering. But 5G networks are still in the process of coming together, so it may be a few years before 5G home internet becomes a properly viable internet type.
Right now availability is very limited, as most wireless companies are focusing on cell phone service. Also, the technology works best in densely-populated areas, so 5G rollouts are mostly focused around towns and cities, for now at least. Otherwise you will have to access 5G over a phone or hotspot, which requires that you get a 5G device. Although the speeds can be inconsistent—since they depend on where you are in relation to the nearest cell tower—4G LTE internet still has some perks, including an affordable price and availability in rural areas.
View Fixed-Wireless Providers Fixed-wireless technology delivers internet over radio signals beamed to an antenna console that you install in your home. That said, fixed-wireless internet will still give you slower speeds and less data for the money compared to cable, DSL, and fiber providers.
But fixed wireless is usually offered by smaller internet providers, so that means you can get more personalized customer service experience. View Satellite Providers Satellite internet works by beaming a signal down from satellites in space. That means you can get satellite internet basically anywhere in the US. But it also means your internet will be fairly slow because your signal has to travel literally to space and back again—a distance that could span up to 1, miles one way—to reach your computer, tablet, or phone.
Satellite internet could get a lot more spectacular in the near future as companies like SpaceX race to launch LEO low-Earth orbit satellites into the cosmos to provide improved speeds and reduced latency. The type of internet connection you have is determined by your internet provider. You can either have fiber, cable, DSL, satellite, or fixed-wireless internet.
Some customers may also have access to 5G or another type of internet through their cell provider or a company like Starry Internet. The most common type of internet connection is cable. DSL is also extremely common. You can find out your internet connection type by checking to see what kind of connection you have between the network and your modem.
Punch in your zip code to see what internet providers and internet connection types are available in your area:. See Your Providers. Author - Peter Holslin. Peter Holslin has more than a decade of experience working as a writer and freelance journalist.
At HighSpeedInternet. Cara Haynes has been editing and writing in the digital space for seven years, and she's edited all things internet for HighSpeedInternet. When she's not editing, she makes tech accessible through her freelance writing for brands like Pluralsight. She believes no one should feel lost in internet land and that a good internet connection significantly extends your life span. So which internet type is best for you? Search by zip code Search Providers.
What types of internet are available? DSL, fiber, and cable DSL, fiber, and cable are the most common types of internet services available. Satellite You can also get satellite internet, which beams an internet signal down from space. What is the best type of internet connection? Type your zip code to find different types of internet providers in your area: Search by zip code Search Providers. How to know what type of internet you have.
Unavailable in Zip Check New Zip. View Plans Available in Zip. Check Availability Zip. Pro tip: If you want more info about providers and what types of connections they have, see our guide to comparing internet providers.
Fiber internet. Data caps. Download speeds. Transfers data to your home for activities like streaming, shopping and browsing social media.
Mbps Megabits per second. A unit of measurement used to indicate download and upload speeds. Upload speeds. Transfer data from your home for activities like video calls, uploading large files, working on online documents and live gaming. Get the latest internet, streaming, wireless, TV and home security news directly to your inbox.
Your speed test results:. Download Speeds. Upload Speeds. Need more for the price? View providers near me Rather chat? Give us a call: Rather chat? Related pages Allconnect reports the latest on U. What to read next Read more. Lisa Iscrupe — 4 min read. Taylor Gadsden — 4 min read.
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