Best Internet Providers in Maryland
Verizon Fios
- Internet Technology - Fiber
- Monthly Price Range - Varies
- Speed Range - Up to 2,000Mbps
- Monthly Equipment Costs - Varies
- Data Cap - None
- Contract - None
Verizon Fios
is a leading Maryland internet provider, known for its
high-speed fiber internet,
straightforward plans, and wide availability across major metro areas. With speeds reaching up to 2,000Mbps,
it's an excellent choice for those who demand fast and reliable internet.
Xfinity
- Internet Technology - Cable
- Monthly Price Range - $30-$80/month
- Speed Range - Up to 2,000Mbps
- Monthly Equipment Costs - $15 (optional)
- Data Cap - Varies
- Contract - None
Xfinity is another popular choice,
offering cable internet services with broad coverage throughout Maryland. Their introductory pricing deals, including
a 200Mbps plan for $30 a month, make it an attractive option for many households.
T-Mobile Home Internet
- Internet Technology - 5G
- Monthly Price Range - Varies
- Speed Range - Varies
- Monthly Equipment Costs - Varies
- Data Cap - None
- Contract - None
T-Mobile Home Internet is a top pick for those
seeking 5G home internet. It competes closely with Verizon in terms of 5G services, and the choice comes down to availability
and your specific speed requirements. T-Mobile's coverage in Maryland makes it a solid option.
Verizon 5G Home Internet
- Internet Technology - Fixed Wireless
- Monthly Price Range - Varies
- Speed Range - Varies
- Monthly Equipment Costs - Varies
- Data Cap - Varies
- Contract - Varies
For those in Baltimore who can't access Verizon Fios, Verizon 5G Home Internet is an excellent alternative.
It's particularly attractive for Verizon mobile customers who can bundle their phone plan for additional savings.
Now that we've covered the best overall internet providers in Maryland, let's delve into options for rural areas,
budget-conscious consumers, and the fastest internet plans.
Rural Internet Options in Maryland
Antietam Broadband
- Internet Technology - Cable/Fiber
- Monthly Price Range - $50-$100/month
- Speed Range - 25-2,300Mbps
- Monthly Equipment Costs - Varies
- Data Cap - None
- Contract - None
Antietam Broadband is expanding its Flight Fiber network to reach rural areas in Washington County,
offering speeds of up to 2,300Mbps for $100 a month.
Choptank Fiber
- Internet Technology - Fiber
- Monthly Price Range - $85-$280/month
- Speed Range - 100-2,500Mbps
- Monthly Equipment Costs - None
- Data Cap - None
- Contract - 2-year
Choptank Fiber provides fiber internet to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, with speeds reaching up to 2,500 Mbps.
While pricing varies, there are no data caps, and a two-year commitment is required.
Satellite Internet
Providers - Starlink, HughesNet, Viasat
Speeds can be slow, and prices are often higher, but satellite internet may be the only option for some rural households.
Shentel Glo Fiber
- Internet Technology - Fiber
- Monthly Price Range - $65-$285/month
- Speed Range - 600-5,000Mbps
- Monthly Equipment Costs - None
- Data Cap - None
- Contract - Varies
Shentel's Glo Fiber service, available in parts of Frederick and Salisbury, offers blazing-fast speeds, with plans ranging from 600Mbps to 5,000Mbps.
However, availability is limited.
Telegia
- Internet Technology - Fixed Wireless
- Speed Range - 10-100Mbps
- Data Cap - Varies
- Contract - Varies
Telegia's Skyburst fixed wireless service covers rural areas around Frederick County, providing an alternative to satellite internet.
Budget-Friendly Internet Options in Maryland
If you're looking for affordable internet plans in Maryland, here are some budget-friendly options.
Breezeline 100
- Starting Monthly Price - $20/month
- Monthly Equipment Fee - $15/month (optional)
- Max Download Speed (Mbps) - 100
Astound Broadband 300
- Starting Monthly Price - $25/month
- Monthly Equipment Fee - None
- Max Download Speed (Mbps) - 300
Xfinity Connect More
- Starting Monthly Price - $30/month
- Monthly Equipment Fee - $15/month (optional)
- Max Download Speed (Mbps) - 200
These budget-friendly Maryland internet plans provide excellent value for money, making high-speed internet accessible
to a wide range of consumers.
Finding Internet Deals and Promotions
Internet deals and promotions in Maryland can vary, so it's essential to stay updated on the latest offers. Many ISPs,
like Xfinity, may offer lower introductory pricing, streaming add-ons, or other incentives for a limited time. It's wise
to explore current promotions to find the best deals.
How Fast is Maryland Broadband?
Maryland ranks well in terms of broadband speeds, with a median download speed of 216Mbps. This ranking is partly due
to the wide coverage of Verizon Fios and Xfinity, both of which offer high-speed plans. Fiber and cable providers in
Maryland offer gig-level plans and above, ensuring fast downloads and uploads.
Fastest Internet Plans in Maryland
Shentel Glo Fiber
- Starting Price - $285/month
- Max Download Speeds (Mbps) - 5,000
- Max Upload Speeds (Mbps) - 5,000
- Connection Type - Fiber
Choptank Fiber Ultra Gigafast
- Starting Price - $280/month
- Max Download Speeds (Mbps) - 2,500
- Max Upload Speeds (Mbps) - 2,500
- Connection Type - Fiber
Shentel Glo Fiber
- Starting Price - $135/month
- Max Download Speeds (Mbps) - 2,400
- Max Upload Speeds (Mbps) - 2,400
- Connection Type - Fiber
Antietam Broadband
- Starting Price - $100/month
- Max Download Speeds (Mbps) - 2,300
- Max Upload Speeds (Mbps) - 2,300
- Connection Type - Fiber
These plans offer lightning-fast speeds, making them ideal for heavy internet users and large households.
What's a Good Internet Speed?
The recommended internet speed depends on your specific needs. Here's a breakdown of minimum download
speeds for various activities, as per the FCC.
- 0 to 5Mbps - Basic browsing, email, and low-quality video streaming.
- 5 to 40Mbps - Higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
- 40 to 100Mbps - Sufficient for telecommuting, streaming, and online gaming.
- 100 to 500Mbps - Suitable for multiple high-bandwidth activities simultaneously.
- 500 to 1,000Mbps - Ideal for multiple users engaging in high-bandwidth activities.
Conclusion
So, Maryland offers a diverse range of internet providers, making it easier to find the perfect fit for your needs,
whether you're seeking speed, affordability, or rural coverage. Explore the options available in your area, compare
prices and speeds, and choose the Maryland internet providers that best meet your requirements for a seamless online
experience. With the right internet provider, you can make the most of the digital world in the Old Line State.
