Best Internet Providers in Cincinnati, Ohio for 2025

Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Cincinnati, OH

Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Cincinnati, Ohio, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Spectrum
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Cincinnati, Ohio, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download274.09Mbps
Upload29.80Mbps
Latency40ms
altafiber
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Cincinnati, Ohio, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download213.81Mbps
Upload187.74Mbps
Latency20ms
AT&T Internet Air
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Cincinnati, Ohio, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download-Mbps
Upload-Mbps
Latency-ms
Viasat Internet
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Cincinnati, Ohio, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download-Mbps
Upload-Mbps
Latency-ms
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Cincinnati, Ohio, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download-Mbps
Upload-Mbps
Latency-ms
EarthLink 5G Home Internet
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Cincinnati, Ohio, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download-Mbps
Upload-Mbps
Latency-ms
Hughesnet
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Cincinnati, Ohio, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download-Mbps
Upload-Mbps
Latency-ms
Agile Networks
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Cincinnati, Ohio, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download-Mbps
Upload-Mbps
Latency-ms
Starlink
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Cincinnati, Ohio, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download-Mbps
Upload-Mbps
Latency-ms
Verizon
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Cincinnati, Ohio, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download-Mbps
Upload-Mbps
Latency-ms

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.).

At Speedtest, we are deeply committed to offering accurate and trustworthy information that underpins our recommendations on ISPs. Our insights into ISP efficiency stem from real-world data collected from millions of individuals across the globe who opt to take a Speedtest. This approach ensures that our evaluations of ISP performance are both robust and current, offering a straightforward and fair perspective.

Understanding an ISP's performance hinges on three critical measures: download speeds, upload speeds, and latency. Download speed is pivotal for actions such as streaming and downloading, determining the rate at which data is transferred to your device. On the other hand, upload speed is crucial for sending data from your device to the internet, and is particularly significant for uploading content or participating in online transactions. Latency, often referred to as ping, is a key factor for ensuring a seamless online gaming experience and smooth video conference calls, as it affects the responsiveness of your connection.

The technology that underscores an ISP's service can substantially influence the overall quality of your internet experience. For instance, fiber optic technology often provides the fastest speeds, rendering it ideal for high-bandwidth activities. Cable internet, which is more broadly available, typically provides reliable download speeds even if upload speeds might not always be on par. Digital subscriber line (DSL) services offer modest speeds that are adequate for general browsing and streaming, while satellite internet, although sometimes the sole option in remote locations, tends to experience higher latency and slower speeds.

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 Cincinnati, OH

In Cincinnati, Ohio, Spectrum emerges as the trailblazer for internet speed, based on our proprietary real-world Speedtest data. Spectrum tops other ISPs as the city's fastest recorded median download speed, clocking in at an impressive 274 Mbps. This showcases Spectrum's capability to deliver topnotch internet speed while significantly enhancing the online experience for its users in Cincinnati.

When considering advertised maximum download speeds, two providers stand out in Cincinnati: Spectrum and altafiber, with both advertising speeds of up to 2000 Mbps. However, there's a notable divergence between these advertised peaks and the actual speeds users may experience, as demonstrated by our real-world data. This discrepancy highlights the importance of scrutinizing not only the advertised speeds but also the real-world speed test results provided by independent sources and comparing those with testimonials of your neighbors vis-a-vis real world experience.

A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps are generally sufficient for almost all online activities. Such speeds allow for seamless streaming of 4K high-definition videos on multiple devices, downloading large files swiftly, and indulging in HD gaming without lag. Considering the cumulative nature of internet usage and the increasing number of devices per household, it becomes crucial to choose a plan that accommodates the collective bandwidth requirement. For everyday browsing to high-bandwidth tasks for multiple users, understanding the specific needs based on usage and connected devices is key to selecting the appropriate speed.

Cincinnati Fixed Speeds

Download Mbps

268.85

Median download speed

Upload Mbps

177.41

Median upload speed

Latency ms

10

Median latency

Historical Data

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.

Expected Speed Range

Expected speed range by Provider refers to the interquartile range of median download speed.

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

Home Internet in Cincinnati

Cincinnati, a vibrant city known for its rich history, chili, stunning architecture, and dynamic cultural scene, also offers a variety of internet types to its residents. These include cable, fiber DSL 5G internet, and satellite options. Providers like Spectrum, altafiber, and AT&T Internet Air offer diverse internet services, which helps to ensure that residents have access to a range of options to suit their personal needs, from high-speed fiber connections to flexible 5G internet plans.

In Cincinnati, high availability of internet service is paramount. Spectrum and altafiber stand out for their extensive coverage, a data set that excludes providers of satellite and fixed wireless internet types to highlight those with broadest accessibility. Spectrum, with a 94.43% coverage area in the city, and altafiber, covering 91.42% of the city, offer extensive service areas which ensure that most Cincinnatiens can access high-quality internet services. These providers leverage their extensive networks to offer robust internet solutions across the city with the aim of meeting the demands of a diverse population.

The average starting price for internet providers in Cincinnati is $60.29. With offerings ranging up to $104.99/month, altafiber stands out for providing the most economical entry-level plan at $34.99/month. Their plans scale up in price as they reach the maximum advertised download speed, which illustrates the range of options available to meet various needs and budgets. Not everyone needs the fastest speeds and it's important to consider how heavy or light your household's usage is when looking at your speed options. However, it's worth noting that advertised maximum speeds might not always align with actual user experiences, and prices can vary. This underscores the importance of considering both the cost and the quality of service when choosing an internet provider. When in doubt, check our data and then poll your neighbors for the real world experiences.

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.

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