Source: CNET analysis of provider data
The cheapest internet plans in Harrisburg come from Xfinity, T-Mobile Home Internet and Verizon 5G Home Internet. Each provider offers plans at $50 a month or less, but this is a bit misleading with Xfinity. Its Connect More plan starts at $30 monthly, but you’ll pay $50 in year two and $77 in year three. The Xfinity Fast plan increases to $70 in year three and $92 in year four.
Provider | Starting price | Max download speed | Monthly equipment fee |
---|---|---|---|
Xfinity Connect More Read full review | $30 | 200Mbps | $15 (optional) |
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review | $50 ($30 with eligible mobile plans) | 245Mbps | None |
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review | $50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans) | 300Mbps | None |
Xfinity Fast Read full review | $50 | 400Mbps | None |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data
The best internet deals and the top promotions in Harrisburg depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Harrisburg internet providers such as Xfinity may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, including Verizon Fios and T-Mobile Home Internet, run the same standard pricing year-round.
How many members of your household use the internet?
For a more extensive list of deals, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
According to FCC data, 99.8% of Harrisburg residents have access to 250/25Mbps speeds -- higher than Pennsylvania (86.7%) and the US. (87.3%). Four gig-speed plans are available in Harrisburg, which is on par with nearby Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
Provider | Starting price | Max download speed | Max upload speed | Data cap | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Xfinity Gigabit Extra Read full review | $90 | 1,200Mbps | 35Mbps | None | Cable |
Verizon 5G Home Plus Internet Read full review | $70 ($45 with qualifying Verizon 5G mobile plans) | 1,000Mbps | 75Mbps | None | Fixed wireless |
Xfinity Gigabit Read full review | $80 | 1,000Mbps | 20Mbps | None | Cable |
Verizon Fios 1 Gig Read full review | $90 | 940Mbps | 880Mbps | None | Fiber |
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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.
This guide leverages an in-house artificial intelligence tool called RAMP, which is trained on our own writing and uses our database to generate content about specific internet service providers that our writers can use in determining and presenting our picks for a given guide. Check CNET’s AI policy for more information about how our teams use (and don’t use) AI tools.
Because our database is not exhaustive, we go to the FCC’s website to check the primary data for ourselves and make sure we’re considering every ISP that provides service in an area. Plans and prices also vary by location, so we input local addresses on provider websites to find the specific options available to 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 the time of our pre-publication fact-check.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
While 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 it comes to 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 also take into account real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
To explore our process in more depth, you can visit our How we test ISPs page.
Harrisburg has fewer internet options than other cities of its size, but you can’t go wrong with the ones it does have. Verizon Fios is one of the best providers anywhere in the country, and it’s an easy choice if you live in the half of the city where you can get it. If not, Xfinity is a decent backup option -- just be prepared for annual price increases. If your house won’t be using many devices at once, T-Mobile Home Internet provides excellent value and won’t raise your price for as long as you stay a customer.
What is the best internet service provider in Harrisburg?
The best internet service provider in Harrisburg is Verizon Fios. Its fiber internet plans offer symmetrical speeds up to 940Mbps without data caps or equipment fees. Xfinity’s plans start at just $30 a month for those looking for something more affordable, but prices increase in the second year. T-Mobile Home Internet is another solid option for smaller households, with speeds up to 245Mbps.
Is fiber internet available in Harrisburg?
Yes. Verizon Fios offers fiber internet service in about half of Harrisburg with download speeds up to 940Mbps and no data caps, contracts, or equipment fees. Bundling with an eligible Verizon Wireless plan can save up to $25 monthly.
Who is the cheapest internet provider in Harrisburg?
The cheapest internet provider in Harrisburg is Xfinity, which starts at just $30 a month for 200Mbps. That said, the price increases to $50 in the second year and $77 in the third. Both T-Mobile and Verizon Fios start at $50.
Which internet provider in Harrisburg offers the fastest plan?
Xfinity offers the fastest plan available in Harrisburg. Xfinity offers cable internet service with download speeds up to 1,200Mbps, the fastest option in Harrisburg. Verizon 5G Home Internet also offers speeds up to 1,000Mbps.
Source: cnet.com