Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Despite Kinetic by Windstream taking the cake for the cheapest internet plan in Gainesville, it probably isn’t the best one. The majority of Kinetic's coverage in the city is through its DSL network, so you may experience lag or delay more often than you would with other connections. For the best overall value -- while still staying relatively cheap -- turn to T-Mobile Home Internet. Its base price is the same as Cox Essential and Verizon 5G Home Internet, but customers can save an additional $20 if they're an eligible mobile user.
Provider | Starting price | Max download speed | Monthly equipment fee |
---|---|---|---|
Kinetic by Windstream | $40 | 200Mbps | $10 (optional) |
Cox Essential 100 Read full review | $50 | 100Mbps | $13 (optional) |
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review | $50 ($40 with eligible mobile plans) | 245Mbps | None |
Verizon 5G Home Read full review | $50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans) | 300Mbps | None |
AT&T Fiber 300 Read full review | $55 | 300Mbps | None |
AT&T Internet Read full review | $60 | 100Mbps | None |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How many members of your household use the internet?
The best internet deals and top promotions in Gainesville depend on what discounts are available during that time period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Some Gainesville internet providers, such as Cox Communications, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, however, including AT&T Fiber, T-Mobile and Verizon, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promotions, check out our guide to the best internet deals.
Among the 50 states, Florida places third for the fastest broadband speeds, with a median download speed of 238Mbps in the fourth quarter of 2023. The state's fastest provider is AT&T Fiber, with a median download speed of 287Mbps. So how does Gainesville stack up? This small Florida city isn't far behind, with a median speed of 265Mbps. That's pretty fast.
People looking for more speed than 221Mbps have plenty of options. The fastest speed you’ll find in Gainesville is 5,000Mbps, which is offered by AT&T Fiber for $245 per month. Cox also offers a 2 gigabit plan for $100 monthly, which is a great option if you want to bundle your internet and television service.
Plan | Starting price | Max download speed | Max upload speed | Data caps | Internet technology |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AT&T Fiber 5000 Read full review | $245 | 5,000Mbps | 5,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
AT&T Fiber 2000 Read full review | $145 | 2,000Mbps | 2,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
Cox 2 Gig Read full review | $150 | 2,000Mbps | 100Mbps | 1.25TB | Cable |
AT&T Fiber 1000 Read full review | $80 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
Cox 1 Gig Read full review | $110 | 1,000Mbps | 35Mbps | 1.25TB | Cable |
Verizon 5G Home Plus Read full review | $70 ($45 with eligible mobile plans) | 1,000Mbps | 50Mbps | None | Fixed wireless |
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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 database of pricing, availability and speed information 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:
Though the answer to those questions is 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.
When it comes to home internet, fiber-optic connections are usually the best option. However, AT&T Fiber isn't widespread across Gainesville -- your address will likely only be able to get AT&T's DSL service. You’re better off with Cox Communications, which covers almost the entire city and offers faster speeds than DSL. Plus, Cox offers its new fiber network to select households in Gainesville, which is why it takes the number one spot for ISPs in the area.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Gainesville?
Though Kinetic by Windstream technically offers the cheapest plan in the city (at $40 per month), customers with eligible T-Mobile phone plans can get $10 off their T-Mobile Home Internet plan, bringing down their monthly bill to $40. In addition, T-Mobile Home Internet offers internet over a fixed wireless network versus Kinetic's DSL network, which makes it a much better value overall.
Which internet provider in Gainesville offers the fastest plan?
The fastest internet plan in Gainesville is offered by AT&T Fiber. For $245 per month, customers can reach speeds up to 5,000Mbps.
Is fiber internet available in Gainesville?
Yes. AT&T Fiber is the largest fiber provider in the area, but select addresses may be serviceable by Cox's new fiber-optic network. Kinetic by Windstream also offers fiber service, but availability is sparse in Gainesville.
Which internet provider has the best coverage in Gainesville?
Cox Communications has the best coverage in the city -- almost 100% of Gainesville households are serviceable by Cox.
Source: cnet.com