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If you're fortunate enough to live in an area with multiple internet service providers, you face a tough choice: Which ISP will give you the best home internet connection for the greatest value? How can you connect to Wi-Fi for free while trying to decide?
Whether using the internet for work, school or play, broadband is becoming a utility on par with electricity and water. Here at CNET, we've put together a cheat sheet full of our expert advice. We help answer your most pressing home internet questions, from in-depth looks at undersea broadband cables to the impacts of the loss of the Affordable Connectivity Program.
How do I choose an internet provider?
Picking an internet service provider isn't easy, especially these days when you have more options — hello, 5G home internet — than ever before. CNET has taken the time to review the top ISPs in the country to help level the playing field for you. We can help you cut through the clutter to determine the right provider for you and what plans best fit your household's needs.
- Best Satellite Internet Providers
- Best Internet Service Providers
- Best Cheap Internet Providers
- Best Rural Internet Providers
- AT&T Home Internet Review
- Xfinity Home Internet Review
- T-Mobile Home Internet Review
- Starlink Satellite Internet Review
- Spectrum Home Internet Review
- Verizon 5G Home Internet Review
- Verizon Fios Home Internet Review
What should I look for in a Wi-Fi router?
Once you've decided on an ISP, consider choosing a router. We've tested dozens of routers over the last few years and can help you find what you're looking for, whether it's a Wi-Fi 6 router, a mesh router system, a gaming router or a Wi-Fi extender system.
- Best Wi-Fi Routers
- Best Mesh Routers
- Best Wi-Fi 6 Routers
- Best Wi-Fi Extenders
- Best Gaming Routers
- Should You Buy or Rent Your Router? The Wrong Decision Cost Me Nearly $1K
How do I cut costs on internet bills?
Most of us are concerned about saving money. Just as we might scrutinize how often we leave the lights on when trying to lower our electricity bill, we can explore ways to save a little money on our broadband service. Whether investing in a router or learning to better manage your data caps, we have suggestions to help you save.
- Best Internet Deals
- Best Internet Deals for Seniors
- Best Home Internet and TV Bundles
- How to Spot Hidden Fees and Save Money
- Low-Income Internet Guide for All 50 States
- Best Student Deals and Discounts on Internet Service
- Cost per Mbps: A Key to Finding Good Value in Your Internet Plan
- Need an ACP Alternative? Find Additional Savings With the Lifeline Program
Can I speed up my Wi-Fi?
We all want to get the most out of what we pay for. But even if we're subscribing to our provider's fastest plan, we may not feel the effects of those zippy download speeds in our Wi-Fi. Here are some avenues to explore to see if your ISP is to blame or your setup could be better maximized.
- Best Internet Speed Tests
- Improve Your Home Wi-Fi Speed in 4 Easy Steps
- Slow Wi-Fi? Throttling Might Be the Problem
- Improve Your Home Wi-Fi Speed in 4 Easy Steps
- How to Get a Stronger Wi-Fi Connection in Your Apartment
- Having Trouble With Your Wi-Fi? Your Router Might Be in the Wrong Place
How do I troubleshoot internet issues myself?
One way to save money (and time) is to learn how to diagnose problems independently without calling in professionals. We've got you covered, whether you're battling choppy video calls or simply trying to avoid the fee that comes with a technician visit.
- Learn How to Self-Install Your New Internet Service
- DOCSIS 3.0 vs. 3.1: Which Cable Modem is Better?
- How to Fix Common Causes for Your Internet Outages
- Everything I Learned From Testing Home Wi-Fi and Ethernet
What steps do I take to keep my Wi-Fi secure?
You might be well versed in spotting phishing scams but not as tuned into the dangers posed to your household's wireless broadband connections. Let CNET get you up to speed.
- Changing Your Wi-Fi Password Is Easy. Here's How to Do It
- Changing Your Wi-Fi Password Is Easy. Here's How to Do It
Is there anything else I should know about home internet?
Whether you're researching the best providers for unlimited data, the best ISPs in Los Angeles or trying to track down how fast broadband speed really is, you can count on CNET to get you the content you need.
- I Gave My Internet a Stress Test
- My Simple Steps to Revive Slow Gigabit Speeds
- How to Keep Your Internet On When the Power Is Out
- Americans Are Dissatisfied With ISPs, but the Ratings Are Improving
- An Early Adopter's Hands-On Experience With T-Mobile Home Internet
- I Have 5G on My Phone at Home, So Why Can't I Get 5G Home Internet?