What Internet Can You
Actually Get?
The average U.S. download speed is 876 Mbps, but only 96% of ZIP codes have fiber access and 301 areas still lack broadband entirely. Search 34K ZIP codes to see providers, speeds, fiber availability, and whether your area has real competition or a monopoly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What internet speed do I need for streaming and working from home?
The FCC defines broadband as 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. For streaming 4K video, you need about 25 Mbps per stream. A household with 2-3 people should aim for 200-300 Mbps. Households with 4+ people, multiple remote workers, and 4K streaming should target 500+ Mbps. Upload speed matters most for video calls and cloud backups — aim for at least 20 Mbps upload if you work from home.
How do I check what internet providers are available at my address?
Search your ZIP code using the search bar above to see every provider in your area, their maximum speeds, and whether fiber is available. Our data comes from the FCC Broadband Data Collection, which tracks availability at the individual address level for over 116 million locations. You can also check your state page to compare broadband quality across different areas.
What is a good internet speed in 2026?
The average U.S. download speed is 876 Mbps. The FCC broadband standard is 100/20 Mbps, with a long-term goal of 1 Gbps/500 Mbps. For most households, 200-300 Mbps download is sufficient. Gigabit plans (1,000 Mbps) provide significant headroom for large households. Only 96% of U.S. ZIP codes currently have fiber access, which offers the fastest and most reliable connections.
Why is my internet slow even though my plan says it is fast?
Your router is likely the bottleneck. Wi-Fi 5 routers max out at 400-800 Mbps in practice. Walls, distance from the router, and interference further reduce speed. Test with an ethernet cable plugged directly into your modem — if wired speed matches your plan, the issue is your Wi-Fi equipment. Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 or a mesh system typically resolves this. Use the speed test on this page to check your actual throughput.
What is the difference between fiber, cable, and DSL?
Fiber optic internet transmits data using light through glass strands and offers the fastest, most reliable connections, typically 500 Mbps to 5 Gbps symmetrical. Cable internet uses the same coaxial lines as cable TV and typically delivers 100-1,000 Mbps download but much slower upload speeds. DSL runs over copper telephone lines and maxes out around 50-100 Mbps, with speeds degrading over distance from the central office. Our grade weights fiber availability at 20% because fiber infrastructure is a strong indicator of future-proof connectivity.
How can I improve my broadband situation?
Start by checking which providers actually serve your address, since FCC data sometimes shows availability that is not yet built out. If you are in an underserved area (below 100/20 Mbps), check whether your state has applied for BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) funding, which is distributing $42.5 billion to expand broadband access. Fixed wireless providers like T-Mobile and Starlink have also expanded coverage in rural areas where wired options are limited. Filing an FCC broadband availability challenge can also prompt providers to correct overstated coverage claims.
How do I test my internet speed?
Use the speed test on this page to measure your real download speed. For the most accurate results, connect via ethernet cable, close other applications, and test at different times of day. Our test downloads data to your browser and measures actual throughput. Run the test on multiple services (DownloadSpeed, Fast.com, Speedtest) for a complete picture. If your wired speed matches your plan but Wi-Fi is slow, your router is the bottleneck.
Does Starlink work as a home internet replacement?
Starlink provides 50-200 Mbps download in most areas, which meets the FCC broadband standard of 100/20. It works best in rural areas where wired options are limited or nonexistent. Latency is higher than fiber or cable (25-60ms vs 5-20ms), which affects real-time gaming but is fine for streaming and video calls. Starlink costs around $120/month plus a one-time equipment fee. If you have access to fiber or cable with 3+ providers, those will typically offer better speed and value.