When it comes to selecting the best internet provider, then you must always search for fast speed and better customer service. Other than this the price also matters. You would also want a no-contract facility, unlimited data, and zero installation cost. Depending on the location you have to make a list of internet providers near you and then look for the best internet providers in Houston.
How to find the best internet provider in Houston?
The first thing you have to check is the services available in your location. Providers of the internet offer different facilities based on areas. So, you need to check the speed you will get and the pricing with other features.
Compare the different factors
You would always want to get a plan that offers good data speed, reliable service, and a better upper cap for a month, all of it at a reasonable rate. Every internet provider offers a set of unique facilities and this helps in picking the one with the specialities that you require the most. Some of the most critical things in this stage include:
- Consumer satisfaction
- Different plans and their pricing
- Data speed
- Data caps
- Costing for equipment and their installation
Even though the plans and facilities are easy to understand but you will get several offers that will include ultrafast speed and different costs. While some may offer you access to incredibly high data speed, others may come with direct plans that are easy to comprehend.
Some of the internet providers in Houston may also add data caps on how much data can be used every month, while you can have unlimited data with some providers. It’s best to go for a plan that has no contract so that you are free to quit at any point without paying any termination charges.
Look for promotions and discounts
As you are looking around to find the best internet provider near you, you must search for the discounts and promotions you can get from the package. If you are getting a TV or telephone connection with the internet plan, then it will be a better deal. Popular internet providers like Xfinity and AT&T offer bonuses with new connections and you will get no-cost subscriptions for different streaming devices. You might also get a discount on the installation charges after you have decided on a plan for your home or workplace.
Determine the speed you require
If you determine the speed you need for the internet then it will help you choose better plans. The best thing you can do is to choose a plan that offers optimum speed for downloads and uploads and other regular requirements. You would always want the data speed to be fast but not way too fast unnecessarily or else you will have to pay for the excess bandwidth that you don’t even need.
If you are switching providers, you have to make sure that you are under no agreement from the service issuer. You must not think that if you are not paying the amount then it will have a bad score on your credit history. Other than this, if you pay the termination fee beforehand, you also have to return the modems and routers.
Learn Also: How to Get Internet Where there is No Service
Top 5 Best Internet Providers in Houston
Once you have noted the different considerations, now you have to select the most reliable internet provider. You have completed your research on the things you need, so here you will get the list of best internet providers in Houston. You will get the features they offer with the pros and cons of their services.
1. Xfinity
The plans and price of Xfinity are based on the location even though the reliability and data speed remains the best in the entire country. Looking at the price, you will get competitive rates, when you compare the same with others providing services in the same location. There are six different plans to select from although the offers and availability may change. If you are living in Los Angeles, the internet bills for the month are likely to range between 20 and 95 USD.
Xfinity normally delivers reliable download speeds ranging from 50 to 1200 MBPS. But the issue is that it doesn’t come with any symmetrical speed for uploading and it is low. Even though it is adequate for those handling Zoom calls or uploading files on YouTube, if you want to watch a live stream or need to send large files daily, you would want better internet speed always. As for general internet speed, Xfinity has a good ranking among its rivals.
- Superfast download speed
- Good promotional rates
- Available all over the US
- The price can vary based on location
2. HughesNet
If you are looking for better speed for your internet connection in Houston then HughesNet is one of the best choices. You will get a special satellite connection and this service is available in the entire nation. There are no data limits in the plans, and you will get packages up to 100 GB. Hughesnet does not provide fiber connection to rural areas. But the satellite connection is better than DSL, and also has a higher price than that. Availability is the biggest perk of HughesNet, and you will get internet service with the speed of broadband. Users will also get flexible data and Wifi services.
HughesNet offers Gen5 plans that have a download speed of 25 Mbps and the upload speed is 3 Mbps. The speed of Gen5 matches the minimum requirement for broadband connection, and although the rural areas do not get fiber services, the speed is never compromised.
- The availability in rural areas
- The unmatched speed of the internet
- You can add your phone with the HughesNet internet service.
- You will have to make a two-year contract
- The plans rate are higher than others.
3. AT&T
This service is popular for providing free speed boost to the users. While fiber hybrid services are very common among users, the true value comes in fiber internet plans. It offers a combination of fiber plus DSL and fully fiber plans in bigger cities. But the DSL service is more common in suburbs and rural areas. The maximum speed of the internet is 100 MBPS even though it may get as little as 10 MBPS. All the internet plans of AT&T start with promotional pricing that lasts for a year. After that, you can expect the monthly charges to go up by an additional $10 to $20.
The fiber internet plans from AT&T have unlimited data, and this is the best since you will not gave to think twice before downloading a movie or updating any device. The service provider offers contracts to the users and they are best in the markets of Houston.
- DSL can be bundled with DIRECTV
- Optimally priced fiber plans topped with unlimited data
- Full fiber connection in selected areas
- Minimal fiber availability
- One TB data capping on various DSL plans
4. CenturyLink
This is another best service in the list of the internet providers in Houston, CenturyLink comes with some best perks. These include unlimited internet, zero contract, and pricing lock. They offer two variants of internet plans, DSL and fiber. Both of them are conveniently priced but if you have access to Fiber, then you can have better value for money. The service providers promise to connect the users with the fastest possible internet speed which may range anywhere between 15 and 100 MBPS.
When you are searching for service providers that can give you decent internet speed at very affordable prices, then this is your option. While the internet speed may disappoint you at times, the ISP gives unlimited data on all the plans. Also, if you are working from home with students attending their classes from home, the unlimited data package can be very useful.
- Gig fiber option for selected cities
- Lowest pricing
- Unlimited internet for all plans
- Price lock and no restriction of the contract
- Customer service is not the best in the market
5. Frontier
Frontier is very popular in Houston location. It has internet plans of 940 Mbps and the price starts with the lowest of $37.99 per month. You will also get unlimited internet, which means you won’t have to pay extra if you cross the limit. Frontier offers fiber optic or DSL service, based on your location in Houston. If you are searching for services from home, then you can connect multiple devices. The best plan here is you will get 25 Mbps. The optic plans of Frontier are known as FiOS, which provides a speed over 25 Mbps. Although the Frontier DSL plans provide a speed of 115 Mbps in some areas, then many locations do not even get 10 Mbps.
The main difference between Frontier Optic fiber and Frontier DSL is if you get the connection of the fiber, you will gain better speed and overall services. The beginning price is higher than usual but you will always get the best value from the selected provider. You can always stream your favorite shows, download things using the internet and get unlimited data with Frontier in Houston.
- There are no hidden fees with Frontier internet plans
- The fiber optic solutions will offer fast speed with better rates
- Internet plans are also available in rural areas.
- The fiber-optic connection is limited
- The customer services are not up to the mark.
FAQs for making a better decision
What are the different options got internet connections?
There are different options to select from other than narrowing down the service providers. For instance, first, you have to decide whether you want to go for the bundle facility or only the internet. In most cases, bundling the services of internet and cable is much cheaper compared to streaming alone.
Other options you can consider are cable internet, DSL or Digital Subscriber Line, Fixed Wireless Internet, Fiber Optic, and Satellite Internet. There are differences in terms of performance, reliability, pricing, and of course, availability. You must first evaluate your needs so that you can sign up for the right internet service provider in your locality.
What to consider before deciding on internet speed?
This will differ from one home to another. But a common mistake that most people commit is ruling out the requirements of lesser-used equipment like a mesh network, security systems, and other smart appliances. Secondly, you should consider the frequency at which you depend on technologies like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, FaceTime, and Google Meet.
If you play video games, check whether you use gaming consoles like Xbox. If you play games on mobile phones, the data requirements will be much lower. Last but not the least, you should think about whether you are ready to shell out some extra penny for improved internet speed.
What to check before switching internet providers?
There can be various reasons to change the internet provider. It can be because of higher rates, lagging speed, or poor customer service. Whatever the reason you have, before switching the internet providers Houston, you need to read the agreements properly. Look for the hidden fees or the termination charges you have to pay. Check if you have to return the tools and system you have previously used. Internet providers sometimes miss vital things when they cancel the packages. So, it will be your responsibility to check for the fees and returnable items. If you have deposited an amount, you have to ask the provider to return it.
The Bottom Line
Finding good internet providers in Houston can take a lot of time and it can be frustrating as well. But the task will be easier if you have a list of the things you want from the provider. Also, you must have a standard budget in mind. Here, you will get the list of the top internet providers in Houston and the services they provide to users with the pros and cons.
When you are looking for the best internet providers in your area, you also have to check some factors that will help you get the best deals. In any case, you always have to check the agreement and understand what the provider can give you and what you have to pay. A clear view of the internet plans will always help you get the best services.