Best Internet Providers in Providence, RI
All 9 providers, ranked by coverage, speed and customer ratings
Find internet availability by address in Providence, RI
Providence has 9 internet service providers, they are sorted by coverage, available speed, and customer rating from our unbiased internet provider report. Fiber, Cable, DSL, and Fixed Wireless internet are available in the city. Reviews are grouped by provider and the type of service they offer, covering all 4 available internet technologies in Providence.
Ranks compare Providence with the 60 US metropolitan cities (1,000,000+ people), the tiers of our fastest-cities rankings.
The Best Internet in Providence, RI at a Glance
Providence Internet Providers, Ranked by Coverage, Speed and Customer Ratings
EarthLink
Connection
Customer Rating
Fiber
Fixed Wireless
Verizon
Connection
Customer Rating
Fiber
Fixed Wireless
Cox
Connection
Customer Rating
Fiber
Cable
XFINITY
Connection
Customer Rating
Cable
Providers with less than 1% coverage in this city are excluded from the list. To see if one of these providers is available at your home, please use the address search above.
Speed and technology may vary by address for all providers. Please note we may have a financial relationship with some of the providers above, which does not impact the customer ratings displayed. Customer ratings listed above are national ratings, local Providence ratings may vary and are shown below.
Who is the Best Internet Provider in Providence, RI?
Cox Communications is the highest-rated internet provider in Providence based on 30 Rhode Island customer reviews, and T-Mobile Home Internet has the highest rating nationwide. The provider information above and the information immediately below can help you decide. Compare provider ratings and review counts above.
Click here to get Cox Communications
or call 1-855-231-3455
Which Providers are Available at my Home in Providence?
Coverage changes block by block. Pick a provider and a technology to see where its service reaches: the darker the area, the larger the share of homes it covers. For your exact address, use the address search above.
Coverage map for each provider in Providence
- Cox - cable coverage map
- EarthLink - fiber coverage map
- Verizon - fiber coverage map
- XFINITY - cable coverage map
- Verizon - fixed wireless coverage map
- Cox - fiber coverage map
- i3 Broadband - cable coverage map
- T-Mobile Home Internet - fixed wireless coverage map
- AT&T - fixed wireless coverage map
- EarthLink - fixed wireless coverage map
- TMLP - fiber coverage map
- Spectrum - cable coverage map
How Providence Compares to Places Its Size
Providence's report card score is 59th of 60 and its connectivity index is tied 45th of 60.
| Measure | Providence | Rank among US metropolitan cities (1,000,000+ people) | Providence County | Rhode Island | US | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISP Report Card inputs: what providers offer here | ||||||
| Fiber availability | 72.8% | 37th of 60 | 95.8% | 90.7% | 71.5% | Bronx, NY (98.1%) |
| Average top speed | 1,903 Mbps | 59th of 60 | 1,984 Mbps | 1,934 Mbps | 3,486 Mbps | Salt Lake City, UT (7,550 Mbps) |
| Providers at a typical address | 5.4 | 56th of 60 | 5.9 | 5.7 | 7.1 | San Jose, CA (10.3) |
| Connectivity index inputs: how much households need and use the internet | ||||||
| People per household | 2.5 | Tied 44th of 60 | 2.6 | 2.5 | 2.7 | Riverside, CA (3.3) |
| Workers who work from home | 13% | Tied 45th of 60 | 13% | 13% | 15% | Austin, TX (27%) |
| Homes with a computer, tablet or phone | 95% | Tied 47th of 60 | 95% | 95% | 96% | Austin, TX and Dallas, TX and 8 more (98%) |
| Homes with internet | 92% | Tied 33rd of 60 | 91% | 92% | 91% | San Jose, CA (96%) |
| Homes on fiber, cable or DSL | 78% | Tied 33rd of 60 | 76% | 78% | 76% | San Jose, CA (85%) |
| More about the households here | ||||||
| Homes with a desktop or laptop | 79% | Tied 48th of 60 | 77% | 80% | 81% | San Jose, CA and Washington, DC (90%) |
| Median household income | $96,664 | 31st of 60 | $87,567 | $96,849 | $93,246 | San Jose, CA ($168,376) |
| Residents in school (6th grade to college) | 16% | Tied 21st of 60 | 17% | 17% | 16% | Fresno, CA (20%) |
Fiber reaches 72.8% of homes in Providence, against 95.8% across Providence County and 90.7% across Rhode Island. Households in Providence are smaller than the US average (2.5 people against 2.7); 13% of workers work from home (US 15%); and the median household income is $96,664 (US $93,246).
Our demographic data is sourced from the latest 5-year release of the American Community Survey by the US Census Bureau.
Fiber, 5G, Cable and DSL Internet in Providence
Which Fiber Internet Providers are Available in Providence?
EarthLink Fiber in Providence, RI
Availability:
68.5%
Customer Rating:
(6)
Avg. Download Speed
983 Mbps
EarthLink offers Fiber service to 68.5% of Providence homes. Across the city, EarthLink Fiber has speeds up to 983 Mbps, with speeds from 75 Mpbs up to 2,300 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 75 and as high as 2,300, with an average of 883 Mbps throughout the city. EarthLink Fiber is rated about the same as other types of internet service available in Providence from EarthLink in terms of customer satisfaction.
Verizon Fiber in Providence, RI
Availability:
68.5%
Customer Rating:
(452)
Avg. Download Speed
983 Mbps
Verizon offers Fiber service to 68.5% of Providence homes. Across the city, Verizon Fiber has speeds up to 983 Mbps, with speeds from 75 Mpbs up to 2,300 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 75 and as high as 2,300, with an average of 883 Mbps throughout the city. Verizon Fiber is rated about the same as other types of internet service available in Providence from Verizon in terms of customer satisfaction.
Cox Fiber in Providence, RI
Availability:
5.1%
Customer Rating:
(54)
Avg. Download Speed
1,153 Mbps
Cox Communications offers Fiber service to 5.1% of Providence homes. Across the city, Cox Fiber has speeds up to 1,153 Mbps, with speeds from 1,000 Mpbs up to 2,000 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 35 and as high as 2,000, with an average of 149 Mbps throughout the city. Cox Fiber is rated lower than other types of internet service available in Providence from Cox in terms of customer satisfaction.
TMLP Fiber in Providence, RI
Availability:
1.7%
Customer Rating:
(0)
Avg. Download Speed
1,000 Mbps
Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant offers Fiber service to 1.7% of Providence homes. Across the city, TMLP Fiber is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Which Fixed Wireless and LTE Internet Providers are Available in Providence?
T-Mobile Home Internet Fixed Wireless in Providence, RI
Availability:
93.8%
Customer Rating:
(341)
Avg. Download Speed
60 Mbps
T-Mobile Home Internet offers Fixed Wireless service to 93.8% of Providence homes. Across the city, T-Mobile Home Internet Fixed Wireless is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 60 Mbps, with speeds from 25 Mpbs up to 100 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 3.0 and as high as 20, with an average of 11 Mbps throughout the city.
EarthLink Fixed Wireless in Providence, RI
Availability:
70.7%
Customer Rating:
(4)
Avg. Download Speed
35 Mbps
EarthLink offers Fixed Wireless service to 70.7% of Providence homes. Across the city, EarthLink Fixed Wireless has speeds up to 35 Mbps, with speeds from 25 Mpbs up to 100 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 3.0 and as high as 20, with an average of 5.3 Mbps throughout the city.
AT&T Fixed Wireless in Providence, RI
Availability:
70.7%
Customer Rating:
(205)
Avg. Download Speed
35 Mbps
AT&T offers Fixed Wireless service to 70.7% of Providence homes. Across the city, AT&T Fixed Wireless is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 35 Mbps, with speeds from 25 Mpbs up to 100 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 3.0 and as high as 20, with an average of 5.3 Mbps throughout the city.
Verizon Fixed Wireless in Providence, RI
Availability:
49.1%
Customer Rating:
(362)
Avg. Download Speed
255 Mbps
Verizon offers Fixed Wireless service to 49.1% of Providence homes. Across the city, Verizon Fixed Wireless has speeds up to 255 Mbps, with speeds from 25 Mpbs up to 1,000 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 6.0 and as high as 75, with an average of 19 Mbps throughout the city.
Which Cable Internet Providers are Available in Providence?
Cox Cable in Providence, RI
Availability:
59.5%
Customer Rating:
(399)
Avg. Download Speed
2,000 Mbps
Cox Communications offers Cable service to 59.5% of Providence homes. Across the city, Cox Cable has speeds up to 2,000 Mbps
XFINITY Cable in Providence, RI
Availability:
33.6%
Customer Rating:
(2074)
Avg. Download Speed
1,861 Mbps
XFINITY from Comcast offers Cable service to 33.6% of Providence homes. Across the city, XFINITY Cable is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 1,861 Mbps, with speeds from 1,200 Mpbs up to 2,000 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 35 and as high as 2,000, with an average of 493 Mbps throughout the city.
i3 Broadband Cable in Providence, RI
Availability:
2.9%
Customer Rating:
(2)
Avg. Download Speed
2,000 Mbps
i3 Broadband offers Cable service to 2.9% of Providence homes. Across the city, i3 Broadband Cable is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 2,000 Mbps
Spectrum Cable in Providence, RI
Availability:
1.3%
Customer Rating:
(1738)
Avg. Download Speed
1,000 Mbps
Spectrum offers Cable service to 1.3% of Providence homes. Across the city, Spectrum Cable is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Which DSL Internet Providers are Available in Providence?
According to the most recently submitted data by internet service providers to the FCC, there are currently no DSL providers available in Providence, RI.
Internet in Providence by Neighborhood and ZIP Code
Fiber reaches from 50.7% of homes in College Hill to 100.0% in Wayland; by ZIP code, from 82.1% in 02903 to 98.8% in 02909. Each row links to that place’s page.
Neighborhoods in Providence
| Neighborhood | People | Homes with fiber | Average top speed | Providers at a typical address | Report card | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West End | 17,453 | 99.3% | 2,000 Mbps | 6.1 | B+ | 47/100 |
| Silver Lake | 14,272 | 99.8% | 2,000 Mbps | 5.7 | B+ | 68/100 |
| Elmhurst | 13,357 | 84.3% | 1,998 Mbps | 6 | B- | 77/100 |
| Wanskuck | 12,374 | 89.1% | 1,998 Mbps | 6.5 | B | 56/100 |
| Mount Pleasant | 11,719 | 99.7% | 2,000 Mbps | 6 | B+ | 70/100 |
| Elmwood | 11,685 | 98.4% | 2,000 Mbps | 5.8 | B | 71/100 |
| College Hill | 11,418 | 50.7% | 1,710 Mbps | 5.6 | C+ | 76/100 |
| Washington Park | 8,299 | 88.7% | 1,997 Mbps | 6.7 | B | 69/100 |
| Hartford | 8,112 | 99.6% | 2,000 Mbps | 5.4 | B | 52/100 |
| Charles | 7,927 | 100.0% | 1,998 Mbps | 6.6 | B+ | 44/100 |
| Federal Hill | 7,590 | 93.1% | 1,999 Mbps | 5 | B- | 54/100 |
| Blackstone | 7,561 | 96.7% | 2,000 Mbps | 5.4 | B | 80/100 |
| Olneyville | 7,514 | 97.8% | 1,994 Mbps | 6.3 | B+ | 55/100 |
| Lower South Providence | 7,049 | 99.1% | 1,998 Mbps | 6.1 | B+ | 42/100 |
| Smith Hill | 6,753 | 93.8% | 2,000 Mbps | 6.2 | B | 44/100 |
| Wayland | 6,688 | 100.0% | 1,998 Mbps | 6.1 | B+ | 66/100 |
| Marieville | 6,089 | 100.0% | 2,000 Mbps | 6.1 | B+ | 75/100 |
| Downtown | 5,665 | 77.1% | 1,914 Mbps | 5.3 | C+ | 47/100 |
| Valley | 5,648 | 99.7% | 1,990 Mbps | 6.3 | B+ | 79/100 |
| Mount Hope | 5,327 | 99.1% | 1,983 Mbps | 6.1 | B+ | 57/100 |
| Fox Point | 5,116 | 99.3% | 2,000 Mbps | 6.2 | B+ | 71/100 |
| Hope | 4,803 | 95.5% | 2,000 Mbps | 6 | B | 76/100 |
| Upper South Providence | 4,607 | 96.6% | 1,960 Mbps | 5.1 | B- | 34/100 |
| Reservoir | 4,481 | 98.7% | 1,988 Mbps | 6.7 | B+ | 87/100 |
| Centerdale | 4,462 | 97.4% | 1,998 Mbps | 6.2 | B | 48/100 |
| Manton | 4,400 | 73.9% | 2,000 Mbps | 6.4 | B- | 57/100 |
| Twin Rivers Beach | 3,829 | 85.5% | 1,948 Mbps | 6.1 | B- | 61/100 |
| South Elmwood | 3,044 | 100.0% | 2,000 Mbps | 6.5 | B+ | 84/100 |
ZIP codes in Providence
| ZIP code | People | Homes with fiber | Average top speed | Providers at a typical address | Report card | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02909 | 46,113 | 98.8% | 1,999 Mbps | 5.9 | B | 58/100 |
| 02908 | 42,323 | 89.6% | 1,998 Mbps | 6.1 | B | 70/100 |
| 02904 | 30,930 | 98.1% | 1,983 Mbps | 6.2 | B+ | 54/100 |
| 02907 | 29,893 | 98.4% | 1,999 Mbps | 5.8 | B | 64/100 |
| 02906 | 28,095 | 89.3% | 1,997 Mbps | 6 | B | 78/100 |
| 02905 | 26,108 | 94.9% | 1,999 Mbps | 6.4 | B | 59/100 |
| 02903 | 13,099 | 82.1% | 1,823 Mbps | 5.2 | C+ | 47/100 |
| 02912 | 2,818 | 1.7% | 2,000 Mbps | 7.8 | C+ | 78/100 |
How Providence Compares to Nearby Places
The 10 places nearest to Providence that have their own pages are all within 6 miles, 1 of them in Massachusetts. Among them, East Providence has the most homes with fiber (99.7%) and North Providence the fewest (92.5%); Providence has 72.8%.
| Place | People | Homes with fiber | Average top speed | Providers at a typical address | Report card | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence metro area (this page) | 1,676,579 | 72.8% | 1,903 Mbps | 5.4 | C+ | 66/100 |
| Cranston | 83,257 | 94.7% | 1,976 Mbps | 5.9 | B | 69/100 |
| Pawtucket | 76,487 | 98.9% | 1,998 Mbps | 6.1 | B+ | 59/100 |
| Johnston | 29,332 | 98.2% | 1,999 Mbps | 6.1 | B | 71/100 |
| Central Falls | 22,787 | 99.6% | 1,962 Mbps | 6.4 | B+ | 44/100 |
| East Providence | 20,891 | 99.7% | 1,994 Mbps | 6.2 | B+ | 51/100 |
| Lincoln | 19,477 | 99.3% | 1,992 Mbps | 5.7 | B | 67/100 |
| North Providence | 17,410 | 92.5% | 2,000 Mbps | 6.3 | B | 53/100 |
| Riverside | 16,331 | 93.8% | 1,999 Mbps | 5.6 | B | 65/100 |
| Seekonk, MA | 15,566 | 98.0% | 1,724 Mbps | 6.2 | B | 77/100 |
| Rumford | 9,244 | 99.7% | 1,997 Mbps | 6 | B+ | 59/100 |
Who is the Fastest Internet Provider in Providence?
Based on both FCC data and unbiased customer ratings, the fastest internet in the city comes from Cox Communications.
Data Reported to FCC by ISPs: Average Maximum Available in Providence
| Verizon | 2,300 |
|---|---|
| EarthLink | 2,300 |
| Cox Communications | 2,000 |
| XFINITY from Comcast | 2,000 |
| i3 Broadband | 2,000 |
| Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant | 1,000 |
| Spectrum | 1,000 |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | 100 |
| Viasat | 100 |
| AT&T | 100 |
| HughesNet | 25 |
How fast is your internet?
Test your connection here and see it next to the speeds providers advertise in Providence. It takes about 20 seconds and, on a fast line, can move a few hundred MB of data.
Customer Ratings for Providence Internet Providers
Based on 30 reviews from Rhode Island internet customers, Cox Communications is the best internet service provider for Providence residents. Cox Communications was rated at an average of 3.63 out of 5 in our report for overall customer satisfaction. Verizon wins for second-place in Rhode Island, with 3.00 out of 5 stars and 90.5% coverage in Providence.
At a national level, based on 7026 national reviews for any of the providers listed above, T-Mobile Home Internet is rated higher than any other provider, with a rating of 4.01 out of 5.
Local, State, and National Ratings for all Providence Internet Providers
The table below shows average customer ratings from customers in Providence, Rhode Island, and customers throughout the country.
| ISP / Tech Type | Providence Overall | Rhode Island Overall | National Overall | For Service | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox | (4) | (16) | (453) | View Plans | ||
| i3 Broadband | (0) | (1) | (29) | View Plans | ||
| Verizon | (2) | (13) | (815) | View Plans | ||
| XFINITY | (0) | (0) | (2374) | View Plans | ||
| Spectrum | (0) | (0) | (1948) | View Plans | ||
| HughesNet | (0) | (0) |  (25) | View Plans | ||
| T-Mobile Home Internet | (0) | (0) | (341) | View Plans | ||
| AT&T | (0) | (0) | (1051) | View Plans | ||
| EarthLink | (0) | (0) | (15) | View Plans | ||
| Viasat | (0) | (0) |  (12) | View Plans | ||
| TMLP | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans |
Customer Ratings for Internet Provider Speeds in Providence
Based on data reported by Providence ISPs to the FCC, the fastest speeds in the city are available through Cox Communications. The company offers speeds up to 2,000 Mbps in Providence. Therefore, the average customer can get up to 1,946 Mbps if they’re willing to purchase the fastest subscription tier available at their homes.
Additionally, actual customers rated their satisfaction with internet speed highest with Cox Communications. This indicates Cox reliably delivers speeds expected by the customer based on the plan they are paying for.
| ISP / Tech Type | Providence Speed | Rhode Island Speed | National Speed | For Service | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i3 Broadband | (0) | (1) | (29) | View Plans | ||
| Verizon | (2) | (13) | (815) | View Plans | ||
| Cox | (4) | (16) | (453) | View Plans | ||
| XFINITY | (0) | (0) | (2374) | View Plans | ||
| Spectrum | (0) | (0) | (1948) | View Plans | ||
| HughesNet | (0) | (0) | (25) | View Plans | ||
| T-Mobile Home Internet | (0) | (0) | (341) | View Plans | ||
| AT&T | (0) | (0) | (1051) | View Plans | ||
| EarthLink | (0) | (0) | (15) | View Plans | ||
| Viasat | (0) | (0) | (12) | View Plans | ||
| TMLP | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans |
Who is the Cheapest Internet Provider in Providence?
Of the providers in Providence, customers rate Cox Communications the best for price. Data comes from customers rating their satisfaction with pricing: in Providence where enough of them have reviewed a provider, otherwise across Rhode Island or the country. This feedback is valuable because it considers price changes and whether the speeds paid for are worth it.
Cox Communications is rated 3.25 out of 5 for price, which is lower than the average across all internet providers in the country. Verizon is rated second for affordability, with an average price rating of 3.00 out of 5.
The table below shows how customers in Providence, Rhode Island, and the United States rated the affordability of their internet service.
Rated Affordability in Providence
| ISP / Tech Type | Providence Affordability | Rhode Island Affordability | National Affordability | For Service | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i3 Broadband | (0) | (1) | (29) | View Plans | ||
| Verizon | (2) | (13) | (815) | View Plans | ||
| Cox | (4) | (16) | (453) | View Plans | ||
| Spectrum | (0) | (0) | (1948) | View Plans | ||
| XFINITY | (0) | (0) | (2374) | View Plans | ||
| HughesNet | (0) | (0) | (25) | View Plans | ||
| T-Mobile Home Internet | (0) | (0) | (341) | View Plans | ||
| AT&T | (0) | (0) | (1051) | View Plans | ||
| EarthLink | (0) | (0) | (15) | View Plans | ||
| Viasat | (0) | (0) | (12) | View Plans | ||
| TMLP | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans |
Customer Reviews for Internet Service Providers in Rhode Island
Customer Reviews
Paige W
Cox Cable
December 09, 2024 Using cox is alright. I haven't been a customer for very long so others may have differing opinions. The way they handle customers is fine, not exceptional. As someone who has a lower budget and was looking for internet for working from home, they do the job.
A Providence, RI Customer
Verizon Fixed Wireless
May 24, 2023 It's not the worst provider, but I've had some issues with connectivity. I also don't like that I had to have so many monthly fees for the router and the modem, which I have to get directly from Verizon. That said, it still works with mostly fixable issues.
MG
Verizon Fiber
April 09, 2023 I think that my ISP has been doing a pretty good job. There have been limited outages, at least in my area. During bad weather, they seem to stay on top of keeping all the lines up and everything. I've only had to deal with them once over the phone, and the transaction went pretty smoothly.
A Providence, RI Customer
Cox Cable
March 16, 2023 I rent my apartment and we've maintained the internet service that my roommate had before I started living with her, so I have not done any comparison shopping for providers. With that said, I do find that the internet occasionally lags, even with only two users, and the router cuts out and needs to be restarted once a week or so. Also, our monthly bill rose about $20 between last year and this. I'm not sure if we have any other options -- I think our provider essentially has a monopoly in our area -- but I wish our service was more reliable, especially for the amount we pay for it.
SL
Cox Cable
February 28, 2023 They are adequate - I used to have inet bundled with TV, but the TV part got way out of control cost-wise, so I dropped that.
Rate your provider
Share your experience to help others in your area choose.
Verified customer: we detected your connection is on this provider.
Reviews are independent and unedited. Published after a quick spam check.
Which ISP Should You Choose in Providence?
The right ISP for you depends upon your needs, but in general we can make the following suggestions:
- The best all-around internet service provider in Providence is Cox.
- The fastest internet provider should be Cox Communications. Considering speed for the money and reliability in speeds, Cox Communications may be a better choice based on real-world local customer feedback.
- The most affordable internet provider in Providence is Cox.
- Viasat, T-Mobile Home Internet, and HughesNet has the broadest coverage in Providence, available to 93.8% of homes, and is most likely to cover your home. To find out exactly what’s available at your home, please use our address search tool.