Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
It’s hard to cover the broadband options of an entire state like Vermont 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 the Green Mountain State. We tackle details such as internet connection types, max speeds, cheapest providers and more. If you don’t find the city you’re looking for below, check back later. We’re working to add more cities every week.
Xfinity has the most widely available cheap plan in the state at $30 per month for 300Mbps downloads with unlimited data. That pricing is good for a year, but you also need to factor in either an equipment rental fee at $15 a month or the cost of buying your own gear. When it comes to bang-for-the-buck plans, look into Burlington Telecom’s symmetrical gig service for $73 a month. Fidium Fiber offers one of the lowest introductory prices in Vermont, $25 monthly for 100Mbps down/100Mbps up, which increases to $45 after one year.
Plan | Starting monthly price | Monthly equipment fee | Max download speed (Mbps) |
---|---|---|---|
Xfinity Connect More Read full review | $30 ($80 after 12 months) | $15 (optional) | 300Mbps |
Fidium Fiber 100 | $25 ($45 after 12 months) | None | 100Mbps |
VTel GigE Solo | $49 | None | 1,000Mbps |
Spectrum Internet Read full review | $50 | None | 500Mbps |
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review | $65 ($50 with eligible mobile plans) | None | 245Mbps |
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review | $60 ($35 with eligible mobile plans) | None | 300Mbps |
Burlington Telecom | $58 | None | 150Mbps |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
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The best internet deals and top promotions in Vermont depend on what discounts are available during a given time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Vermont internet providers, such as Xfinity, Fidium Fiber or Verizon, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, however, including Burlington Telecom and T-Mobile Home Internet, tend to run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promotions, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Vermont was the 46th fastest state in a recent Ookla speed test ranking (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.), with a median download speed of just under 142Mbps. That’s not a great showing. For comparison, Rhode Island took the top spot with a 257Mbps median download speed. Many Vermont ISPs offer at least a gig-level plan. For a fast download speed, look to Xfinity’s 2,000Mbps plan as an option available to a good chunk of the state. Spectrum's gig plan for $70 a month is another option if you’re outside Xfinity’s service area.
Vermont doesn’t have a lot of multigig internet options beyond some local fiber ISPs, but a few addresses can pull down 10,000Mbps from Boundless Internet or VTel. The downside is the high price. If you are in Fidium Fiber’s coverage area, look for an introductory deal of $75 a month for 2,000Mbps service, a good value at just 4 cents per Mbps. Burlington Telecom delivers gig fiber across Burlington at $73 monthly.
Speed test data can give you a general sense of how fast the internet is in a state, but speeds can vary depending on the internet connection, network congestion, Wi-Fi equipment and location. Here are some tips for speeding up your internet.
Plan | Starting price | Max download speeds (Mbps) | Max upload speeds (Mbps) | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|---|
Boundless | $300 | 10,000Mbps | 10,000Mbps | Fiber |
VTel GigE 10 | $400 | 10,000Mbps | 10,000Mbps | Fiber |
Fidium Fiber 2 Gigs | $75 | 2,000Mbps | 2,000Mbps | Fiber |
Xfinity X2 Read full review | $90 | 2,000Mbps | 200Mbps | Cable |
Xfinity Gigabit Extra Read full review | $65 | 1,200Mbps | 200Mbps | Cable |
Burlington Telecom | $73 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | Fiber |
ECFiber | $134 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | Fiber |
Fidium Fiber | $55 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | Fiber |
Spectrum Read full review | $70 | 1,000Mbps | 35Mbps | Cable |
Boundless | $100 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | Fiber |
VTel GigE Solo | $49 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | Fiber |
Xfinity Gigabit Read full review | $50 | 1,000Mbps | 100Mbps | Cable |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Most internet connection plans can handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you want 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:
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.
For a small state, there are a lot of different ISPs covering Vermont. The best option for you will depend on which ones service your address. Fiber is nice if you can get it. Most Burlington residents will be in luck with Burlington Telecom. Elsewhere, look for Fidium Fiber or a local ISP like VTel or Tilson Broadband. Xfinity covers much of the state (except for some Spectrum territory in the northeast). It has a variety of plans to choose from and a good top speed of 2,000Mbps. It also has some of the most affordable introductory deals, but you must be prepared for future price hikes.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Vermont?
Xfinity’s $30-a-month 300Mbps cable internet plan is the cheapest widely available option in Vermont. It’s even better if you have your own gear and don’t have to pay the $15-a-month gateway fee. The price, however, is good for only a year before it goes up, so be prepared to negotiate.
Which internet provider in Vermont offers the fastest plan?
Regarding widely available plans, Xfinity’s 2,000Mbps downloads are the fastest. Depending on your location, though, you may get speeds up to 10,000Mbps from local fiber providers VTel or Boundless. If you’re in Burlington, check into Burlington Telecom’s symmetrical 1,000Mbps fiber plan for speedy uploads.
Is fiber internet available in Vermont?
Fiber internet can be found scattered about Vermont. Burlington Telecom is a major fiber provider in the Burlington area, but you don’t have to live in Vermont’s most populous city to connect with symmetrical speeds. Also, check in with Fidium Fiber, VTel, ECFiber, Boundless and Mansfield Community Fiber.
What internet provider has the best coverage in Vermont?
When looking at wired internet providers, Xfinity has the widest coverage across Vermont to the tune of nearly 65% of homes, according to FCC data. Consolidated Communications, which offers DSL and some fiber through its Fidium brand, reaches 64% of homes.
Source: cnet.com