Top internet providers in Austin, TX: Plans, prices and how to choose

• Key factors to consider when choosing a provider include availability, speed, price, contract terms, and customer service.
• Top providers in Austin include Spectrum, AT&T, T-Mobile 5G Home, Google Fiber, Verizon 5G, and Astound Broadband.
• Several providers offer low-cost internet programs for eligible residents.

Finding internet in Austin, Texas, can be a challenge with so many options. Austin residents have access to several large providers that offer fiber, cable and 5G connections. Each internet service provider (ISP) offers different plans, speeds and prices. Which ISP you should go with depends on your household's internet usage and needs. For example, if you need ultra-high-speed internet and use a ton of bandwidth daily, consider a fiber internet plan.

This guide breaks down the top internet providers in Austin, what they offer and how to compare services. Whether you need fast speeds for streaming or affordable rates, here is what to know before picking a plan.

Top internet service providers in Austin, TX

Austin has several major internet providers. These companies stand out because of their coverage, speed options or pricing. Here are the top providers:

• Spectrum: Offers cable internet with no data caps and wide availability
• AT&T: Known for fiber plans with fast speeds
• T-Mobile 5G Home: Uses wireless 5G for home internet
• Google Fiber: Popular for high-speed fiber internet
• Verizon 5G: Another 5G home internet option
• Astound Broadband: Offers cable and fiber in some areas

Austin, TX internet provider comparison

Comparing providers helps you see which service fits your needs. Here is a closer look at each one.

Spectrum

Spectrum is a cable internet provider with service across much of Austin. It offers simple pricing, no contracts and unlimited data. Spectrum is often chosen for its wide coverage and reliable speeds.

Here's a quick look at some Spectrum internet plans offered in Austin.

• Internet Advantage: $30 per month; up to 100 Mbps download/20 upload
• Internet Premier: $40 per month; up to 500 Mbps download/20 upload
• Internet Gig: $70 per month; up to 1,000 Mbps download/40 upload

Read our full Spectrum review.

Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. Standard rates apply after promo period. 

AT&T

AT&T offers both fiber and DSL internet in Austin. Fiber plans give fast speeds, while DSL reaches more rural areas. AT&T is known for its range of options and bundle deals.

Here's a quick look at some AT&T internet plans offered in Austin.

• AT&T Internet 300: Start at $55 per month for download and upload speeds of 300/300 Mbps*. Fiber connection
• AT&T Internet 500: Start at $65 per month for download and upload speeds of 500/500 Mbps*. Fiber connection
• AT&T Internet 1,000: Start at $80 per month for download and upload speeds of 1,000/1,000 Mbps*. Fiber connection
• AT&T Internet Air: Start at $60 per month for download and upload speeds ranging from 90-300/8-30 Mbps*. 5G wireless connection

Read our full AT&T internet review.

*Plus taxes. Price after $10 per month discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless billing (within two bills). One time install charge may apply. Limited availability/areas. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101. 

T-Mobile 5G Home

T-Mobile uses its 5G network to provide home internet. This wireless option is available in many Austin neighborhoods. T-Mobile does not require contracts or data caps.

Here's a quick look at some T-Mobile 5G Home internet plans offered in Austin.

• T-Mobile Rely Home Internet: Starts at $40 per month for download and upload speeds up to 415 Mbps/55 Mbps*
• T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet: Starts at $60 per month for download and upload speeds of up to 415 Mbps/55 Mbps*
• T-Mobile All-In Home Internet: Starts at $70 per month for download and upload speeds of up to 415 Mbps/55 Mbps*

Read our full T-Mobile 5G home internet review.

*Plans and prices may vary by service area and availability. Actual download and upload speeds vary.

Google Fiber

Google Fiber offers high-speed fiber internet in parts of Austin. It is popular for fast speeds and simple pricing. Google Fiber focuses on unlimited data and no annual contracts.

Here's a quick look at some Google Fiber plans offered in Austin.

• Google Fiber Core (1 Gig): Starts at $70 per month for download and upload speeds of 1,000 Mbps
• Google Fiber Home (3 Gig): Starts at $100 per month for download and upload speeds of 3,000 Mbps
• Google Fiber Edge (8 Gig): Starts at $150 per month for download and upload speeds of 8,000 Mbps
• Webpass: Starts at $70 per month or $63 per month with a yearly plan for download and upload speeds of 1,000 Mbps (fixed wireless)

Read our full Google Fiber review.

*Plans and prices may vary by service area and availability. Actual download and upload speeds vary.

Verizon 5G Home Internet

Verizon’s 5G Home Internet service uses wireless signals. It is available in select areas of Austin and has no data caps. Verizon often runs deals for new customers.

Here's a quick look at some Verizon 5G internet plans offered in Austin.

• Verizon 5G Home: Starts at $50 per month for download speeds of up to 300 Mbps, with unlimited data and 1080p HD video streaming included
• Verizon 5G Home Plus: Starts at $60 per month for download speeds of up to 500 Mbps, with unlimited premium data and 1080p HD video streaming included
• Verizon 5G Home Ultimate: Starts at $75 per month for download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps, unlimited premium data, Ultra HD 4K streaming, Whole-Home Wi-Fi** (one Wi-Fi Extender) and a free router upgrade after three years included

Read our full Verizon 5G review.

*For new and existing myHome customers. Available on 5G Ultra Wideband high-band or mmWave spectrum. Applies only to the then-current base monthly rate exclusive of any other setup and additional equipment charges. Auto-pay and paperless billing discount included. Prices vary by location and are subject to change. Actual speeds may vary. 5G Home Internet plans vary depending on address/location, equipment, network connection, and external factors affecting cellular networks.

Astound Broadband

Astound offers cable and some fiber internet in select areas of Austin. It is known for flexible plans and lower introductory rates.

Here's a quick look at some Astound internet plans offered in Austin.

• Internet 300: Starts at $30 per month for download and upload speeds of 300/20 Mbps*. One-year price guarantee and no contract. Cable connection
• Internet 600: Starts at $45 per month for download and upload speeds of 600/20 Mbps*. One-year price guarantee and no contract. Cable connection
• Internet 1000: Starts at $65 per month for download and upload speeds of 940/50 Mbps*. Three-year price guarantee and no contract. Cable connection
• Internet 1,500: Starts at $85 per month for download and upload speeds of 1,500/50 Mbps*. Three-year price guarantee and no contract. Cable connection

Read our full Astound internet review.

* Based on Austin, Texas, region. Plans and prices vary by service area and availability. Promotional rates reflect discounts for Autopay and paperless billing. Actual download and upload speeds may vary.

Which internet providers offer the cheapest internet in Austin, TX?

Here are the cheapest starting prices for each provider:

1. Astound Broadband 300: Starts at $30 per month for download and upload speeds of 300/20 Mbps
2. Spectrum: Starts at $30 per month for download speeds of up to 100/20 Mbps
3. T-Mobile Rely: Starts at $40 per month for download and upload speeds of up to 415 Mbps/55 Mbps
4. Verizon 5G Home: Starts at $50 a month for download speeds of up to 300 Mbps
5. AT&T: Starts at $55 per month for download and upload speeds of 300/300 Mbps
6. Google Fiber: Starts at $70 per month for download and upload speeds of 1,000/1,000 Mbps

*Plans and prices may vary by service area and availability. Actual download and upload speeds vary.

What are the fastest internet options in Austin, TX?

Download speed affects how quickly you can stream videos, play games or download files. Faster speeds help if you have many devices or use the internet for work or school. Here is how the fastest download speeds compare:

1. Google Fiber: Up to 8 Gbps (fiber)
2. AT&T: Up to 1 Gbps (fiber)
3. Spectrum: Up to 1 Gbps (cable)
4. Astound: Up to 1,500 Mbps (cable)
5. Verizon 5G Home Plus: Up to 1 Gbps (5G)
6. T-Mobile 5G Home: Up to 415Mbps (5G)

*Plans and prices may vary by service area and availability. Actual download and upload speeds vary.

How to choose an internet service provider in Austin, TX

When looking for internet in Austin, it is important to compare providers and plans. Here are some important factors to consider:

Customer service: Good support can help if issues come up.What types of internet are available in Austin, TX?

Availability: Not all providers cover every part of Austin. Check if the provider serves your address.

Speed: Internet speeds significantly impact streaming, gaming and downloads. Higher speeds are better if you use several devices.

Price: Monthly costs can vary. Compare prices and see what is included.

Contract terms: Some plans require contracts or have early termination fees.

Austin has a mix of connection types:

5G: Wireless internet using 5G cellular networks. Offered by T-Mobile and Verizon

Fiber: Uses glass cables for fast, reliable internet. Offered by AT&T and Google Fiber

Cable: Uses coaxial cables. Provided by Spectrum and Astound

Are there any special programs for affordable internet in Austin, TX?

Many providers in Austin offer programs for lower-cost internet. These programs require meeting certain income or program criteria.

• Spectrum Internet Assist: Starts at $25 a month for download speeds of 50 Mbps. Must meet eligibility requirements
• Access from AT&T: Starts at $30 a month for download speeds of 100 Mbps. Monthly cost includes Wi-Fi and installation, with no equipment fees, no deposit and no annual contract. Must meet eligibility requirements
• Verizon Forward: Discounted Verizon internet plans for Verizon 5G and Verizon Fios customers. Must qualify.

Contributing: Lisa Iscrupe, Hannah Whatley, Allconnect

This article was edited with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. Learn more about Gannett’s AI guidelines and policy here.

This page was revised to reflect updated plans and pricing for Spectrum internet service.