Best Internet Providers in Memphis, Tennessee for 2026
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Memphis, TN
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.).
Speedtest is on a mission to bring transparency to the internet, one connection at a time. Known worldwide for its user-friendly testing tool, Speedtest allows anyone to measure the real-world performance of their internet connection with a single click. Every test conducted contributes to a massive global dataset that reveals how internet service providers (ISPs) are truly delivering on their promises. This community-driven approach turns individual speed checks into powerful data that promotes accountability and helps shape a faster, more reliable internet for everyone.
To accurately judge the performance of an internet service provider (ISP), Speedtest evaluates three primary metrics: download speed, upload speed, and latency. These three indicators provide a comprehensive look at the quality of your connection—from how quickly you can download large files to the responsiveness of your online games. Speedtest captures these metrics in real time to offer a clear, unbiased snapshot of actual performance. By relying on data from millions of real users, Speedtest provides a trustworthy look at which ISPs are truly leading the pack.
The technology behind your internet connection plays a massive role in your overall experience. Wired options, like fiber and cable, generally offer the most reliable performance for modern households. Fiber-optic technology is the gold standard, providing symmetrical speeds and ultra-low latency perfect for bandwidth-heavy activities like 4K streaming and high-stakes gaming. Cable is also a robust choice, offering high download speeds for everyday browsing and streaming. For residents in areas where wired infrastructure hasn't reached, wireless options like 5G home internet, fixed wireless, and satellite bridge the digital divide, keeping households connected even in the most remote locations.
In the Home of the Blues, a solid internet connection is key to keeping your rhythm, and that usually starts with at least 100 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speeds. This baseline is perfect for streaming your favorite shows, catching a Grizzlies game, or hopping on a video call. However, if your household is full of gamers, remote workers, or smart home gadgets, you will likely want more bandwidth to avoid the dreaded buffer. A typical four-person household in Memphis should aim for 300 Mbps or more for a smooth experience across all devices. Whether you are checking emails at under 5 Mbps or powering a full home office and 4K theater setup at 1 Gbps+, matching your plan to your lifestyle ensures you stay connected from Beale Street to the suburbs without skipping a beat.

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 Memphis, TN
Staying connected in Memphis means choosing an internet provider that can keep up with your digital life, whether you're working from home in Midtown or streaming movies in East Memphis. AT&T Fiber is the fastest internet provider for Memphis residents, offering symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps. While multi-gig speeds are excellent for massive households or professional creators, many Memphis families will find the 1 Gbps or 2 Gbps tiers more than sufficient. For smaller households, AT&T Fiber also offers accessible 300 Mbps and 500 Mbps plans that still provide the reliability of a fiber connection.
Xfinity is the leading cable provider in the city, with a wide range of plans that reach up to 2 Gbps for high-demand homes. If you don't need gigabit capacity, Xfinity offers several mid-tier options like 400 Mbps or 600 Mbps, along with a budget-friendly 100 Mbps plan for light users. Spectrum is another strong contender for cable service, featuring a flagship 1 Gbps plan as well as 100 Mbps and 500 Mbps tiers. For those looking for high-speed wireless alternatives, C Spire offers fixed wireless options with plans that can reach up to 100 Mbps, providing a flexible choice for residents in specific parts of the metro area.
A download speed of 100 Mbps is a great starting point for most Memphians, providing enough power for HD streaming and reliable remote work. For larger households sharing the connection across multiple smartphones, laptops, and smart TVs, moving up to at least 300 Mbps ensures that everyone can stay online simultaneously without frustration. Homes with serious gamers or those uploading large creative files should consider 500 Mbps or gigabit plans to ensure consistent performance. With a competitive mix of fiber and cable options from AT&T, Xfinity, and Spectrum, finding a plan that matches your specific speed needs and budget is easier than ever in Bluff City.
Memphis 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
Tennessee
Alabama
Arkansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Home Internet in Memphis
From the historic streets of the South Main Arts District to the residential quiet of Cordova, Memphis offers a variety of wired and wireless connection types. Wired options like fiber and cable are the most prevalent, offering the stability and speed required for heavy internet usage. AT&T Fiber provides top-tier performance for those within its footprint, while cable from Xfinity or Spectrum offers near-universal reliability across the city. For residents in areas where traditional wiring might be a challenge, wireless solutions like 5G home internet from T-Mobile or Verizon, and satellite service from Starlink, ensure that every corner of the community stays plugged in.
Xfinity has the most extensive reach in Memphis, providing cable coverage to 98% of the city. Whether you're near the Mississippi River or heading toward Germantown, Xfinity's network is likely available at your address. AT&T Fiber also has a significant presence, covering 65% of Memphis with high-speed fiber-optic service. Its coverage is most dense in residential hubs like East Memphis and parts of Midtown, though availability can be sporadic in some outskirts. Spectrum services about 15% of the city, focusing primarily on specific neighborhoods on the eastern and northern edges of the metro area where it serves as a primary high-speed alternative to Xfinity.
The average starting price for internet service in Memphis is $49 per month. On average, wired connection plans start at $42 per month, while wireless alternatives begin around $54. It is important to remember that these entry-level prices apply to the lowest speed tiers; for example, Xfinity's 2 Gbps "Gigabit Extra" plan typically starts above $100 per month. If you are looking for the absolute maximum from AT&T Fiber, their 5 Gbps plan starts at $180 per month. Most residents find the sweet spot in the $50–$80 range, where 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps plans from AT&T and Xfinity offer a balance of high performance and reasonable monthly costs. Always check for local promotions or contract-free options, as Memphis providers frequently update their pricing to stay competitive.
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.










