Best Internet Providers in Phoenix, Arizona for 2026
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Phoenix, AZ
Not all plans are available in all areas. Provider plan, availability, and speed tier data provided by BroadbandNow.com. Speedtest real-world data is only present where sample size has reached significance within a region. Additionally, averages may include aggregated tests across multiple Internet Types (Fiber, DSL, Cable, etc.).
Phoenix summers can feel like 10 months long before the relief of "winter" kicks in, but the Valley of the Sun balances its heat with plenty of perks: its food and music scene, sprawling desert trails, and, for the sports fans, the Cardinals, Suns, and Diamondbacks. Reliable internet plays a big role in all that, keeping people connected, entertained, and productive while they beat the heat indoors.
Who delivers the fastest service in the city? Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, Cox leads Phoenix with median download speeds of 311.06 Mbps, followed by CenturyLink at 111.20 Mbps. Across the city, typical fixed connections average 219.36 Mbps down, enough for most households to stream, work from home, and game online without issue.
Your internet needs depend on how you actually use your connection. For most households of three to four people watching a moderate amount of streaming video and performing simpler work-from-home tasks such as emailing, Slack, Zoom, etc., a 300 to 500 Mbps plan is more than enough. But for creators, tech professionals, or large households, gigabit speeds and strong upload performance make a noticeable difference.
How to Pick the Right Internet Provider in Phoenix
Here are some practical tips:
Check Your Address
Many ISPs tout citywide coverage, but the reality is more complicated (like if your building isn't wired for fiber). Use provider lookup tools or Speedtest's zip code breakdowns to verify.
Consider More Than Speed
Reliability, customer support, and data caps matter just as much. Many fiber plans, for example, include unlimited data and no equipment rental fees. Watch out for plans that include data caps and extra charges.
Think About Uploads
If you send large files, stream on Twitch, or make frequent video calls, symmetrical upload/download speeds (only offered by fiber) are a game-changer.
Match a Plan to Your Needs
Don't pay for 1 gigabit if you're just browsing or streaming a few hours a night. On the flip side, don't skimp if you're running a business from home.
Read the Fine Print
Promo rates often expire after 12 months. Check for hidden fees, contracts, or equipment rentals that inflate the total cost.

How Much Speed Do I Need?
Download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 10 Mbps are widely considered fast enough to handle nearly any online activity. A quick guide to what speeds you need for different online activities is below, and you can read our full guide to internet speeds and performance for more information. Keep in mind that the numbers below are the bare minimum for one device at a time. If you’re trying to use multiple devices on a network at the same time, you’ll want higher speeds.
0–5 Mbps (Slow)
- Stream SD video
- Connect on Slack
- Use Microsoft Teams
- Write and read email
- Scroll social media
- General web browsing
5–20 Mbps (Better)
- Stream HD video at 1080p
20–40 Mbps (Solid)
- Stream 4K video
- Play games online
40–100 Mbps (Good)
- Stream HD games
100+ Mbps (Fast)
- Engage in multi-player gaming
- Download huge files
1+ Gbps (Very fast)
- Do anything you want on multiple devices
ISP Speeds in Phoenix, AZ
According to Speedtest Intelligence®, as of January 2026, Phoenix reports the following city-wide median speeds:
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Median download speed | 219.36 Mbps |
| Median upload speed | 40.18 Mbps |
| Median latency | 13 ms |
| Top-performing ISP | Cox (311.06 Mbps median download) |
| Most widely available ISP | Phoenix Internet (90% availability) |
ISP Speeds in Phoenix, AZ
Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, here's how the major providers compare:
- Cox: Phoenix's fastest and second most widely available provider with 83% coverage. Downloads of 311.06 Mbps, uploads of 59.77 Mbps. Its mix of cable and fiber infrastructure delivers strong performance across most neighborhoods, making it one of Phoenix's most practical choices for streaming, remote work, and gaming.
- CenturyLink: Covers 64% of the city with mixed DSL and fiber service. Downloads of 111.20 Mbps, uploads of 81.25 Mbps. Households within CenturyLink's fiber footprint will see much faster results, while those on DSL should expect more modest performance. Still a budget-minded option where fiber is available.
- Phoenix Internet: The city's most widely available provider at 90% coverage. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market, suggesting limited sample size in the area. Provides fixed wireless service with symmetrical speeds up to 100 Mbps, valuable in neighborhoods where wired providers are limited.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Covers 48% of Phoenix. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market. Speeds can vary based on congestion and location, but its ease of setup and flat pricing make it appealing for renters and families who don't want contracts.
- Triad Wireless: Covers 57% of Phoenix. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market. Advertised speeds up to 1,000 Mbps make it an alternative worth looking into if you're within its coverage area, though real-world performance can vary with fixed wireless.
- AirFiber WISP: Available in 50% of Phoenix. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market. Offers fixed wireless service with advertised speeds as high as 1,000 Mbps, though performance depends heavily on location and line-of-sight to towers.
- AireBeam: Covers 70% of Phoenix with fixed wireless. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market. Speeds top out at 30 Mbps down and 15 Mbps up, enough for basic browsing and streaming in standard definition but will struggle with 4K video or heavy gaming.
Phoenix Fixed Speeds
Download Mbps
Median download speed
Upload Mbps
Median upload speed
Latency ms
Median latency
To be added to this list for mobile or fixed broadband, 75% of a city's monthly unique user totals over a 13-month period must have a minimum of 200 monthly unique user results. To be updated for mobile or fixed broadband, 75% of a city's monthly unique user totals over a 13-month period must have a minimum of 100 monthly unique user results.
An operator or ISP must account for 3% or more of total test samples in the market to be on this list. We display data if at least two operators or ISPs meet this threshold in a designated region or city.
Internet Providers in Nearby Cities
New Mexico
Oklahoma
Home Internet in Phoenix
At the time of this writing, the average starting price for internet in Phoenix is $59.82 per month, based on entry-level plans from major providers including Spectrum ($30), AT&T Fiber ($42), and most others starting at $50. Fiber providers such as Quantum Fiber and Wyyerd Fiber generally start at $50ndash;$65 but provide service to only a small fraction of households. Most residents can expect to spend $50ndash;$80 per month for a plan that supports everyday needs.
Top Internet Providers in Phoenix
Phoenix Internet
- Type: Fixed Wireless
- Max speeds: Up to 100 Mbps symmetrical
- Best for: Families outside reliable cable or fiber coverage
- Availability: ~90%
- Price range: $64.99ndash;$124.99/month
Phoenix Internet provides the city's largest footprint via fixed wireless. While slower than fiber or cable, its symmetrical speeds can support remote work and moderate streaming. It's especially valuable in neighborhoods where wired providers are limited.
Cox
- Type: Cable, Fiber
- Max speeds: Up to 2,000 Mbps symmetrical
- Best for: Households wanting reliable speed and availability
- Availability: ~83%
- Price range: $50ndash;$150/month
Cox is the city's second most widely available ISP as well as its fastest. Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, Cox delivers real-world median speeds of 311.06 Mbps down and 59.77 Mbps up. Its mix of cable and fiber service means speeds vary by neighborhood, but overall, it's one of Phoenix's most practical choices for streaming, remote work, and gaming.
AireBeam
- Type: Fixed Wireless
- Max speeds: Up to 30 Mbps download / 15 Mbps upload
- Best for: Households in rural edges of Phoenix needing a basic connection
- Availability: ~70%
- Price range: $59.95ndash;$84.95/month
AireBeam covers much of Phoenix with fixed wireless, though its speeds top out at 30 Mbps down and 15 Mbps up. That's enough for basic browsing and streaming in standard definition but will struggle with 4K video or heavy gaming.
CenturyLink
- Type: DSL, Fiber
- Max speeds: Up to 940 Mbps symmetrical
- Best for: Budget-minded households where fiber is available
- Availability: ~64%
- Price range: $50ndash;$75/month
CenturyLink offers widespread coverage but with mixed results. Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, CenturyLink delivers real-world median speeds of 111.20 Mbps down and 81.25 Mbps up. Households within CenturyLink's fiber footprint will see much faster results, while those on DSL should expect more modest performance.
Triad Wireless
- Type: Fixed Wireless
- Max speeds: Up to 1,000 Mbps
- Best for: Residents in underserved zones who want higher potential speeds
- Availability: ~57%
- Price range: Contact company for quote
Triad Wireless' advertised speeds make it an alternative worth looking into if you're within its coverage area. Because it offers fixed wireless, real-world performance can vary, but Triad is worth considering in parts of the city underserved by fiber or cable.
AirFiber WISP
- Type: Fixed Wireless
- Max speeds: Up to 1,000 Mbps download
- Best for: Residents across the city wanting wireless gigabit alternatives
- Availability: ~50%
- Price range: $49.95ndash;$109.95/month
AirFiber WISP reaches about half of Phoenix, offering fixed wireless service with advertised speeds as high as 1,000 Mbps. Real-world performance can depend heavily on location and line-of-sight to towers, but it gives many households another option if fiber or cable aren't available. For residents in its coverage zone, AirFiber WISP is among the more ambitious wireless providers in Phoenix's crowded market.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- Type: 5G Fixed Wireless
- Max speeds: Up to 415 Mbps download / 56 Mbps upload
- Best for: Renters and households without wired service
- Availability: ~48%
- Price range: $50ndash;$70/month
T-Mobile provides a flexible wireless alternative for households across nearly half of Phoenix. Speeds can vary based on congestion and location, but its ease of setup and flat pricing make it appealing for renters and families who don't want contracts.
Looking for high-speed fiber?
While Cox leads in real-world speeds across Phoenix, a handful of smaller fiber providers advertise ultra-fast plans. Quantum Fiber tops out at 8 Gbps, while AT&T Fiber and Wyyerd Fiber each advertise speeds up to 5 Gbps. These speeds are far beyond what most households need, but they're ideal for gamers, content creators, or anyone moving large files regularly. That said, each of these providers only covers a small portion of the city, so availability depends heavily on your exact address.
FAQs
Who has the fastest internet in Phoenix?
Cox leads in real-world performance with a median download speed of 311.06 Mbps, based on Speedtest user data collected in the second half of 2025. In terms of advertised speeds, Quantum Fiber boasts the city's speediest plan with 8 Gbps down.
Is fiber internet available in Phoenix?
Yes, but coverage is limited. Cox and CenturyLink both offer fiber in certain areas, while Quantum Fiber, AT&T Fiber, and Wyyerd Fiber cover smaller portions of the city.
Who has the cheapest internet in Phoenix?
At the time of this writing, Spectrum offers the lowest starting price at $30 per month, though most plans across the city begin around $50.
What about satellite internet in Phoenix?
Starlink, HughesNet, and Viasat are available everywhere in the city, but due to their price and latency being less than ideal, consider terrestrial options such as fixed wireless first.
Where can I connect to the internet for free in Phoenix?
According to the city's website, Phoenix's Wi-Fi coverage is available outside of nearly 50 libraries, community, senior, and recreation centers. "Residents can sit in parking lots and public areas outside of participating facilities to connect their devices daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m."
Speedtest TL;DR
Phoenix stands out in the internet market because of its crowded fixed wireless ecosystem. Phoenix Internet (covering 90% of the city), AirFiber WISP, Triad Wireless, and AireBeam collectively serve a huge share of households that either lack wired options or want an alternative. Add in 5G home internet from Verizon and T-Mobile, plus satellite options like Starlink, and nearly every address in the Valley of the Sun has a way to get online. But for the fastest speeds in the city, look to Cox, with recorded median download speeds of 311.06 Mbps. That may be beaten by Quantum Fiber and AT&T Fiber, which both advertise blazing gigabit plans but only reach a small share of the city.
How we test the speed of ISPs
Speedtest is the definitive way to test the performance and quality of an internet connection. Millions of users like you use Speedtest.net and our Android and iOS apps every day to test internet performance (including bandwidth, latency, coverage, video metrics, and more) in real world situations. We then use rigorous scientific approaches to aggregate and anonymize those results to empower people like you with content like this so you can understand and optimize your internet experience.

The data found within has not been subjected to the rigorous Speedtest marketing claims and data methodology, and therefore cannot be used in commercial applications. Additionally, promised speeds and plans offered are always subject to change.
How to test your internet speed
Speedtest can help you test the speed and overall performance of your internet for free from any device. Click here to open a new page and take a Speedtest. You can then compare your results with what you’ve learned about internet performance near you. If you aren’t getting the results you expect, you can either use this guide to use your Speedtest results to talk to your internet provider or you can shop for a new provider.
















