Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
If you're looking for the cheapest internet service in Minneapolis, look no further than Xfinity's $20 Connect (150Mbps) plan. Note, however, that this cheaper plan requires a one-year contract. For just $5 more (for the first two years), Xfinity offers a 300Mbps plan. Mediacom also offers a $20 plan for 250Mbps, which includes equipment for no extra fee.
Provider | Starting price | Max download speeds | Monthly equipment fee |
---|---|---|---|
Xfinity Connect Read full review | $20 | 150Mbps | $15 (optional) |
Mediacom Xtream Read full review | $20 | 250Mbps | None |
Xfinity Connect More Read full review | $25 | 300Mbps | None |
Quantum Fiber | $50 | 500Mbps | None |
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review | $50 ($40 with eligible mobile plan) | 245Mbps | None |
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
The best internet deals and top promotions in Minneapolis depend on the discounts available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
How many members of your household use the internet?
Minneapolis internet providers, such as Xfinity, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, however, including Quantum Fiber, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Apologies to Prince, but perhaps the slower median internet speeds in his home city are why doves cry. Ookla estimates Minneapolis' median download speed to be 183Mbps, with median upload speeds of just over 53Mbps.
With that said, speeds approaching 1Gbps are available for those willing to pay more per month, and those willing to shell out hundreds have access to a super zippy high-speed plan from USI. If you're looking for blazingly fast internet in Minneapolis, USI offers a 10-gig plan for $195. For most City of Lakes residents looking for speed, Mediacom and Xfinity offer plans that top out at 1,000Mbps and 2,000Mbps, respectively.
Provider | Starting price | Max download speeds | Max upload speeds | Data cap | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
USI 10 Gig | $195 | 10,000Mbps | 10,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
USI 2.5 Gig | $125 | 2,500Mbps | 2,500Mbps | None | Fiber |
Xfinity Gigabit X2 Read full review | $80 | 2,000Mbps | 200Mbps | 1.2TB | Cable |
Mediacom Xtream Read full review | $65 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | None | Cable |
USI 1 Gig | $75 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
Xfinity Gigabit Read full review | $65 | 1,000Mbps | 20Mbps | None | Cable |
Quantum Fiber | $75 | 940Mbps | 940Mbps | None | Fiber |
Show more (2 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines -- and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it's impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. So what's our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary pricing, availability and speed database that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
But it doesn't end there. We go to the FCC's website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
While the answers to those questions are often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
Minneapolis doesn't rank high regarding the median internet speeds on Ookla's most populous cities list, but options exist based on where you live in the City of Lakes. If you live within USI's coverage area, it comes highly recommended by its customers. For everyone else, it'll mostly boil down to a choice between Xfinity and CenturyLink.
Which is the best internet service provider in Minneapolis?
The best internet service provider in Minneapolis will depend on where you live and what services are available to you. Most city residents can get internet through Comcast, Mediacom or Quantum Fiber, which offer comparable speeds and pricing. Many people heartily recommend regional provider USI if you live within its service area.
Show more
Is fiber internet available in Minneapolis?
Yes, fiber internet is available in Minneapolis: Quantum Fiber and USI offer it. Plans start at $50 and $65 for each company, respectively.
Show more
What is the cheapest internet provider in Minneapolis?
The cheapest internet provider in Minneapolis is Xfinity, which offers a $20 per month plan with a one-year contract. For $5 more, you can get Xfinity's 300Mbps plan. Mediacom's 250mbps plan costs $20 as well, but availability is more scarce compared to Xfinity.
Show more
Which internet provider in Minneapolis offers the fastest plan?
Some residents of Minneapolis have access to a blazing-fast 10 gigs from regional provider USI. This beats out Xfinity's fastest offering of 2Gbps. USI's 10Gbps plan comes with a cost: a hefty monthly charge of $195. But then, what can't you do with such fast speeds?
Show more
Should I choose Xfinity or Quantum Fiber?
Xfinity is a cable internet provider with one of the widest ranges of plan options available among ISPs. On the other hand, you can get symmetrical speeds from Quantum Fiber. If DSL is your only CenturyLink option, then Xfinity wins, hands down. But if Quantum Fiber is available, it's a much closer battle. For more specific details, check out CNET's CenturyLink vs. Xfinity guide comparing the two most common internet providers in Minneapolis.
Show more
Source: cnet.com