Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Cable and fiber internet connections are only available to around 82% of Kentucky households, meaning many residents across the state will have to rely on other connection types. Here’s what to look for, in order from most to least recommended.
It’s hard to cover the internet options of an entire state while giving individual cities the in-depth attention they deserve. That’s why we’ve also put together lists of the best internet providers in cities across the US, including those in Kentucky. If you don’t find your hometown below, check back later. We’re working to add more every day.
How many members of your household use the internet?
The cost of internet in Kentucky will depend on the available providers in your area and the plan you choose. Still, it’s possible to get home internet starting at $20 to $30 per month from ISPs like Xfinity, Mediacom and Metronet. Other providers such as Kinetic, Spectrum, AT&T Fiber and T-Mobile start at $40 to $55 monthly.
When shopping for cheap internet, remember that equipment fees and other charges, such as a data overage fee, can inflate your monthly cost of internet.
Plan | Starting price | Max download speed (Mbps) | Monthly equipment fee |
---|---|---|---|
Xfinity Connect Read full review | $20 | 150 | $15 (optional) |
Mediacom Internet 100 Read full review | $25 | 100 | $13 (optional) |
Metronet 100 Read full review | $30 | 100 | None, $12 tech service fee |
Kinetic Fiber 500 | $40 | 500 | $10 (optional) |
Altafiber Fioptics 400 | $40 | 400 | $11 |
Spectrum Internet Read full review | $50 | 500 | $10 (optional) |
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review | $50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans) | 50-300 | None |
AT&T Fiber 300 Read full review | $55 | 300 | None |
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review | $60 ($40 with eligible mobile plans) | 72-245 | None |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
The best internet deals and promos in Kentucky depend on what discounts are available at the time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Kentucky internet providers such as Xfinity and Mediacom may offer lower introductory pricing or other incentives for a limited time. Many, however, including AT&T Fiber, Kinetic and Spectrum, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Recent Ookla speed test data placed Kentucky 20th fastest among all US states with average median download speeds of 191Mbps. Louisville had the fastest median speeds in the state at around 240Mbps, followed by Lexington at 207Mbps.
Speeds around 200Mbps are fast enough to accommodate many homes and uses. If you’re looking for a little more speed, Kentucky fiber and cable internet providers, along with fixed wireless home internet service from Verizon, can offer speeds up to a gig or higher.
Plan | Starting price | Max download speed (Mbps) | Max upload speed (Mbps) | Data cap | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AT&T Fiber 5000 Read full review | $250 | 5,000 | 5,000 | None | Fiber |
Altafiber 2 Gig | $90 | 2,000 | 2,000 | None | Fiber |
Kinetic 2 Gig | $180 | 2,000 | 2,000 | None | Fiber |
Xfinity Gigabit Pro Read full review | $85 | 1,200 | 35 | 1.25TB or unlimited | Cable |
Metronet 1Gbps Read full review | $60 | 1,000 | 1,000 | None | Fiber |
Mediacom 1 Gig Read full review | $60 | 1,000 | 50 | 3,000GB | Cable |
Spectrum Gig Read full review | $70 | 1,000 | 35 | None | Cable |
Verizon 5G Home Plus Internet Read full review | $70 ($45 with qualifying Verizon 5G mobile plans) | 85-1,000 | 10-75 | 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 ISP in a given city. So 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.
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, and 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 that 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, you can visit our how we test ISPs page.
Spectrum is our top pick for internet in Kentucky thanks to its broad coverage (more than half the state) and simple plan and pricing structure. AT&T Fiber and Kinetic are leading choices for high-value fiber connections, but you’ll find the absolute cheapest internet in Kentucky from Xfinity.
T-Mobile Home Internet is a relatively new and promising broadband option for many residents of Kentucky’s rural areas. However, DSL or satellite internet may be the only options available in some parts.
Whether you're in a rural area or bigger city like Louisville or Lexington, it’s always important to explore all your internet options to find the provider and plan that best fits your needs.
What's the best internet service provider in Kentucky?
Spectrum has the best wired coverage of any Kentucky internet provider, offering service with download speeds up to 1,000Mbps to over half the state. While pricing can be higher than competing ISPs, Spectrum’s favorable service terms (no data caps, no contracts), low equipment fees and transparent pricing structure help it stand out as one of the best, not just in Kentucky, but nationally.
Is fiber internet available in Kentucky?
Yes. Approximately 48% of Kentucky households are serviceable for fiber internet. Availability is highest in Louisville and Lexington where providers like AT&T Fiber, Kinetic and Metronet have a large fiber presence. Altafiber is another popular choice for fiber internet, though service is limited in Kentucky to the southern suburbs of Cincinnati.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Kentucky?
Xfinity has the cheapest plan in Kentucky, starting at $20 monthly for max download speeds of 150Mbps. Mediacom and Metronet also offer a cheap plan with speeds up to 100Mbps starting at $25 and $30 per month, respectively.
Pricing for other providers typically starts at $40 to $50 monthly or higher. However, fixed wireless home internet from T-Mobile or Verizon may be available for $35 to $40 a month with qualifying mobile discounts.
Which Kentucky internet provider has the fastest plan?
AT&T Fiber currently offers the fastest plan in Kentucky with speeds up to 5,000Mbps starting at $250 per month. Altafiber and Kinetic offer speeds up to 2,000Mbps while other providers such as Mediacom, Metronet, Spectrum, Xfinity max out at 1Gbps or slightly higher.
Kinetic advertises an 8Gbps plan, which would make it the fastest internet provider in Kentucky, but availability is limited thus far and pricing varies by location.
Source: cnet.com