What is the best internet provider in Tempe?
CNET recommends Cox as the top internet provider in Tempethanks to high speed, affordable starting prices and comprehensive coverage. While Cox’s upload speeds lag behind download speeds – unless you use the fiber optic network – and its customer satisfaction scores could be better, it remains the best option for high-speed internet in the region.
For those looking for fiber optic internet, Quantum fiber is the best choice in Tempe. Although availability is limited, Quantum Fiber offers excellent performance and offers a “Price for Life” guarantee on all of its plans, making it a standout option.
Verizon 5G home internet is another solid alternative that offers competitive speeds and discounts for eligible Verizon cell phone customers. However, such wireless Internet connections are more susceptible to network disruptions compared to cable or fiber optic services.
Best Internet in Tempe, Arizona
Tempe Internet Providers Compared
| Provider | Internet technology | Monthly price range | Speed range | Monthly equipment costs | Data cap | Contract | CNET review score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CenturyLink Read the full review |
DSL | $55 | Up to 30 Mbps | $15 (optional) | None | None | 6.7 |
| Cox Read the full review |
Cable | $30-$150 | 100-2,000 Mbps | None | 1.25TB | None | 6.2 |
| Phoenix Internet | Fixed WiFi | $75-$140 | 50-1,000 Mbps | $10 (optional) | None | None | N/A |
| Quantum fiber | fiber | $50-$95 | 500-2,000 Mbps | None | None | None | 6.7 |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review |
Fixed WiFi | $50-70 ($35-55 for eligible wireless customers) | 72-245 Mbps | None | None | None | 7.4 |
| Verizon 5G home internet Read the full review |
Fixed WiFi | $50-70 ($35-45 for eligible customers) | 50-250 Mbps | None | None | None | 7.2 |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Tempe?
| Provider | Starting price | Maximum download speed | Monthly equipment fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cox ConnectAssist Read the full review |
$30 | 100 Mbps | None |
| Quantum fiber | $50 | 500 Mbps | None |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review |
$50 ($35 with cellular plan) | 245 Mbps | None |
| Verizon 5G home internet Read the full review |
$50 ($35 with eligible wireless plans) | 300 Mbps | None |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to Find Internet Deals and Promotions in Tempe
Tempe’s best internet deals and top promotions depend on what discounts are available at any given time. Most offers are short-lived, but we regularly check for the latest offers.
Tempe internet providers like Verizon 5G Home Internet may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many providers, including Cox, Quantum Fiber, and T-Mobile Home Internet, offer the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more detailed list of promotions, see our guide on the The best internet offers.
Fastest Internet Rates in Tempe
| Provider | Starting price | Maximum download speed | Maximum upload speed | Data cap | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantum fiber | $95 | 2,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | None | fiber |
| Cox 2 gigs Read the full review |
$150 | 2,000 Mbps | 100 Mbps (cable), 2,000 (fiber) | 1.25TB | Cable |
| Verizon 5G Home Plus Internet Read the full review |
$70 ($45 with eligible wireless plans) | 1,000 Mbps | 75 Mbps | None | Fixed WiFi |
| Quantum fiber | $75 | 940 Mbps | 940 Mbps | None | fiber |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What is a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that allows for video conferencing, video streaming, or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more stable connection. Here you will find an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications. according to the FCC. Please note that these are guidelines only and that internet speeds, service and performance vary depending on connection type, provider and address.
For more information, see our guide at How much internet speed you really need.
- With 0 to 5 Mbps, you can handle the basics: surf the web, send and receive emails, and stream low-quality videos.
- With 5 to 40 Mbit/s you get higher quality video streaming and video conferencing.
- 40 to 100 Mbps should provide a user with enough bandwidth to meet the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming, and online gaming.
- With 100 to 500 Mbps, one to two users can simultaneously participate in high-bandwidth activities such as video conferencing, streaming and online gaming.
- With 500 to 1,000 Mbps, three or more users can participate in high-bandwidth activities simultaneously.
How CNET chose the best Internet providers in Tempe
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest one Smartphone, laptop, routers or kitchen toolIt is impractical to personally test every ISP in a particular city. What is our approach? We begin by researching pricing, availability and speed information based on our own historical ISP data, provider locations and Federal Communications Commission map information FCC.gov.
But it doesn’t stop there: We go to the FCC’s website to review our data and make sure we’re including every ISP that offers service in an area. We also enter local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and JD Power to evaluate how satisfied customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; All information provided is correct at the time of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
- Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
- Are customers getting fair value for what they pay?
- Are customers satisfied with their service?
While the answer to these questions is often multi-layered and complex, we recommend the providers that are most likely to answer “yes” to all three questions. When choosing the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, but also consider things like price increases, device fees, and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively easy. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider 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 detail, visit our how we test ISPs Page.
Frequently asked questions about internet providers in Tempe
What is the best internet provider in Tempe?
Cox is Tempe’s top Internet service provider, offering the fastest plans, lowest starting prices, and the most comprehensive coverage. However, Cox also has disadvantages such as slow upload speeds and below-average customer satisfaction scores.
Is fiber optic internet available in Tempe?
Yes, fiber optic internet is available at 11% of Tempe addresses. according to FCC information. Quantum Fiber and Pavlov Media both offer fiber services in the city.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Tempe?
Cox is the cheapest at $30, but Quantum Fiber, T-Mobile Home Internet and Verizon 5G Home Internet all offer starting prices of $50 per month in Tempe.
Which Internet provider in Tempe offers the fastest plan?
Cox and Tempe offer the fastest plan in Tempe with download speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps.
