Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Among all internet providers in Baltimore, the average starting price is around $51 per month. Xfinity has the lowest starting price of $30 for speeds up to 300Mbps, but the price rises by $20 after 24 months.
Another cheap option is Port Networks, which offers plans at $50 a month to customers in its footprint for download speeds of up to 100Mbps.
Provider | Starting price | Max download speed | Monthly equipment fee | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Xfinity Connect Read full review | $30 | 300Mbps | $15 modem and router ($25 after 12 months) | |
Port Networks | $50 | 100Mbps | None | |
Verizon Fios 300 Read full review | $50 ($25 with eligible phone plans) | 300Mbps | None | |
Hughesnet Read full review | $50 ($75 after 12 months) | 50Mbps | $15 a month or $300 one-time purchase | |
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review | $60 ($40 with eligible mobile plans) | 245Mbps | None |
Show more (1 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How many members of your household use the internet?
The best internet deals and top promotions in Baltimore depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Baltimore internet providers, such as Xfinity, T-Mobile Home Internet and Port Networks, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Other providers, such as Verizon Fios, may run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Internet speeds in Baltimore -- median download speeds of 198Mbps -- are lower than the state (227Mbps) and national averages (250Mbps), according to Ookla's latest speed test data. Many factors -- including equipment, connection mode, and the internet plan itself -- affect speed test results. Your results might vary greatly.
While the city’s average download speed may not be impressive, you can find much faster speeds with most providers in Baltimore. Xfinity, for example, offers a speed tier of up to 2 gigs in the Baltimore area.
Verizon offers fiber-optic internet service in Baltimore, with download speeds of up to 2 gigs and upload speeds of 885Mbps. Xfinity’s cable internet service has higher download speeds of up to 2 gigs but slower upload speeds.
Provider | Starting price | Max download speed | Max upload speed | Data cap | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Verizon Fios 2 Gig Read full review | $110 ($85 with select 5G mobile plans) | 2,300Mbps | 2,300Mbps | None | Fiber |
Xfinity Gigabit X2 Read full review | $95 | 2,000Mbps (varies by location) | 35Mbps | None | Cable |
Xfinity Gigabit Extra Read full review | $75 | 1,200Mbps | 35Mbps | None | Cable |
Xfinity Gigabit Read full review | $55 | 1,000Mbps | 20Mbps | None | Cable |
Verizon Fios 1 Gig Read full review | $90 ($65 with select 5G mobile plans) | 940Mbps | 880Mbps | None | Fiber |
Show more (1 item)
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 ISP in a given city. What’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
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, although 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.
Like many cities, Baltimore has grappled with rural dead zones and a digital divide for years. According to the Baltimore Community Foundation, about 40% of the city's households did not have access to the internet during the pandemic. This imposed restrictions on many households, preventing children from learning remotely due to lacking access to telehealth.
Baltimore is taking steps -- like opening its Office of Broadband and Digital Equity -- to expand internet access to all of its residents. The city promises it will permanently close its digital divide by 2030.
While fiber internet is typically a better option than cable internet, that’s not the case in Baltimore. Verizon Fios simply doesn’t cover enough people in the area. If you can get it, great. Start there. For most in Baltimore, the best option is Xfinity, which offers fast, reliable service with several plans to suit just about any household.
Which is the best internet service provider in Baltimore?
Xfinity is the best internet service provider in Baltimore because of its budget-friendly plans, high speeds and availability.
Show more
Is fiber internet available in Baltimore?
Yes. Baltimore households can get fiber internet through Verizon Fios.
Show more
What is the cheapest internet provider in Baltimore?
Xfinity offers internet plans starting at $35 per month for 300Mbps and Port Networks at $50 monthly for 100Mbps. Like Port Networks, Verizon Fios offers a $50 monthly plan, but for 300Mbps. That price drops to $25 monthly for customers with eligible phone plans.
Show more
Which internet provider in Baltimore offers the fastest plan?
Verizon Fios offers a 2 gig plan in the Baltimore area, but only at select addresses. Most households in the area that are serviceable for Xfinity's home internet can have access to the Gigabit X2 tier plan and or the Gigabit Extra plan, featuring download speeds of 2,000Mbps and 1,200Mbps, respectively.
Show more
Is Xfinity or Verizon better?
Xfinity and Verizon are two of the top internet providers in the US. Xfinity boasts greater availability, lower promotional pricing and faster top download speeds than Verizon Fios. The fiber service of Verizon Fios features faster upload speeds and consistently earns top scores for customer service. Read CNET's Xfinity vs. Verizon overview.
Show more
Can I get free Wi-Fi in Baltimore?
Yes, it’s possible to find free Wi-Fi in Baltimore. Project Waves, offers free home internet service and high-speed public Wi-Fi in several locations across Baltimore city.
Show more
Source: cnet.com