Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
It’s hard to cover the broadband options of an entire state and give individual cities the attention they deserve. That’s why we also compile lists of the best internet providers in cities across the US, including those in Minnesota. We tackle details such as internet connection types, max speeds and cheapest providers. Check back later if you don’t find the location you’re looking for below. We’re working to add more cities every week.
The cost of internet in Minnesota will depend on the available ISPs in your area and the plan you choose, but most providers have a starting price of $50 a month or less. Keep in mind that equipment fees and data caps can add to your monthly bill.
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Plan | Starting price | Max download speed | Monthly equipment fee |
---|---|---|---|
Xfinity Connect Read full review | $20 | 150Mbps | $15 (optional) |
Midco Fiber 250 | $23 | 250Mbps | $11 (optional) |
Metronet Read full review | $30 | 100Mbps | None ($12 monthly tech service fee) |
Mediacom Prime Internet Read full review | $35 | 100Mbps | $14 modem rental |
Kinetic Internet | $40 | 15-100Mbps | $10 (optional) |
Frontier Fiber 500 Read full review | $50 (with autopay) | 500Mbps | None |
Quantum Fiber 500 | $50 | 500Mbps | None |
Spectrum Internet Read full review | $50 | 300Mbps | Free modem, $5 router rental (optional) |
CenturyLink | $50 | 100Mbps | $15 (optional) |
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review | $60 ($35 with eligible mobile plans) | 300Mbps | None |
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review | $60 ($40 with eligible mobile plans) | 245Mbps | None |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Minnesota's best internet deals and top promotions depend on what discounts are available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Minnesota internet providers, such as Xfinity, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, however, including Quantum Fiber, Spectrum and Midco, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Minnesota is slightly lower than average compared to other US states regarding median download speeds, according to recent Ookla speed test data. Average speeds in the third quarter of 2023 were around 165Mbps, ranking 39th among all states and Washington, DC, and falling well below the national average of 216Mbps.
Plan | Starting price | Max download speed | Max upload speed | Data cap | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
US Internet 10 Gig | $195 | 10,000Mbps | 10,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
Frontier Fiber 5000 Read full review | $155 | 5,000Mbps | 5,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
Midco Fiber 5 Gig | $249 | 5,000Mbps | 5,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
Xfinity Gigabit x2 Read full review | $120 | 2,000Mbps | 50Mbps | 1.25TB or unlimited | Cable |
Mediacom 1 Gig Read full review | $55-$70 | 1,000Mbps | 50Mbps | 3TB | Cable |
Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review | $90 | 1,000Mbps | 35Mbps | None | Cable |
Quantum Fiber 940Mbps | $75 | 940Mbps | 880Mbps | None | Fiber |
Arvig 1Gbps | $200 | 940Mbps | 880Mbps | None | Fiber |
Verizon 5G Home Plus Internet Read full review | $80 ($45 with qualifying Verizon 5G mobile plans) | 1,000Mbps | 75Mbps | 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. 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 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.
Minnesota is home to many internet service providers. The speeds you can get and what you can expect to pay each month will depend on the internet providers in your area.
If Quantum Fiber is available in your area, the low, stable pricing and simple service terms make it a top choice for home internet. Other fiber internet providers -- including Frontier Fiber, US Internet, Midco and Metronet -- are decent options for many of the same reasons. However, their coverage in Minnesota isn’t as good as Quantum Fiber.
Cable internet -- from Mediacom, Spectrum, Xfinity or others -- is also worth considering. Spectrum is ideal for its straightforward pricing, and Xfinity has the cheapest starting price of any major ISP in Minnesota at $20 a month for speeds up to 150Mbps.
In areas where cable or fiber service is unavailable, the best options may be fixed wireless internet from T-Mobile Home Internet or DSL service from CenturyLink or Kinetic. For everywhere else, there’s always satellite internet.
What is the best internet service provider in Minnesota?
Quantum Fiber is Minnesota's best internet service provider because of its large fiber-optic coverage, competitive pricing and customer-friendly service terms that include free equipment rental and unlimited data.
Is fiber internet available in Minnesota?
Yes. Just over two thirds of Minnesota households are eligible for fiber internet, according to the most recent FCC data. Quantum Fiber is the largest fiber ISP in the state, but Arvig, Frontier, Metronet, Midco and US Internet, among others, contribute to fiber internet availability in Minnesota.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Minnesota?
Xfinity has the lowest starting price of any major ISP in Minnesota at $20 monthly for download speeds up to 150Mbps. Customers will likely be required to sign a one-year term agreement to get the lowest pricing, and the rate may rise significantly (by $30 or more) after the first year.
Which internet provider in Minnesota offers the fastest plan?
Local fiber provider US Internet offers the fastest speed tier of any major ISP in the state, up to 10,000Mbps, starting at $195 monthly. Service is limited to select areas in Minneapolis.
Source: cnet.com