What is the best internet provider in Springfield?
With fast, symmetrical speeds and straightforward pricing including device rental, unlimited data and no fixed price increases, AT&T Fiber offers the best value among Springfield internet providers. This 100% fiber optic provider has the fastest internet speeds in Springfield, up to 5,000 megabits per second, and also offers a variety of other plans from 300 to 2,000 Mbps.
Xfinity also has a small to negligible fiber presence in Springfield, but the provider primarily uses a cable internet network. As a result, maximum speeds are slower (especially upload speeds), but Xfinity still offers download speeds of up to 1,200Mbps in most areas. Xfinity also has the cheapest internet plans in Springfield, starting at $20 per month with download speeds up to 75Mbps.
For broadband alternatives to AT&T and Xfinity, consider fixed wireless service from T-Mobile Home Internet, Rise Broadband, or Verizon 5G Home Internet. T-Mobile Home Internet is arguably the best option, as it offers faster speeds than Rise Broadband and much better coverage in Springfield than Verizon 5G Home Internet.
CNET recommends Springfield’s best internet services in multiple categories, considering speed, pricing, customer service and overall value. Our assessment includes reference to a proprietary database built over years of reviewing Internet services. We verify this against provider information by spot-checking service availability at local addresses. We also read the provider’s terms and conditions carefully and call the ISP to verify details if needed.
While we strive to find the most up-to-date, accurate information, there are some limitations to our process that you should be aware of. Pricing and speed figures are variable: Some addresses may qualify for different service levels, and monthly costs may vary even within the same city. The best way to determine your specific options is to plug your address into the provider’s website.
Additionally, the prices, speeds, and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. Based on our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs, these cards show the full range of pricing and speeds from providers across the United States, while the text is specific to what’s available in Springfield. The prices quoted in this article are from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month – which is standard industry offering. Other discounts and promotions may also apply, such as signing a fixed-term contract or bundling multiple services.
To learn more about how we review internet providers, visit our full methodology page.
Best Internet in Springfield, IL
300-5,000 Mbps
$55-$250 per month
What we think – While AT&T Fiber isn’t the cheapest, it offers a ton of value. The service includes free device rentals, unlimited data, no contracts and no fixed price increases — all benefits that Xfinity doesn’t offer.
300-5,000 Mbps
$55-$250 per month
75-2,000 Mbps
$20-$120 per month
What we think – Xfinity is the Internet of choice for those in the Springfield area who don’t have access to AT&T Fiber or who are looking for a low-cost Internet connection. Service starts at $20 per month (less than half the price of AT&T Fiber’s cheapest plan), with download speeds up to 75Mbps. Renting equipment can add $15 to your bill, but faster Xfinity plans may include equipment rental at no additional cost.
75-2,000 Mbps
$20-$120 per month
fixed wireless
72-245 Mbps
$60 per month
What we think – If you have acceptable speeds, T-Mobile Home Internet is a good, low-hassle Internet option, probably between 72 and 245Mbps. There are no contracts, data caps or device fees, and eligible mobile customers can get an additional $10 or $20 off their monthly home internet rates.
fixed wireless
72-245 Mbps
$60 per month
Springfield, IL Internet Providers Comparison
| provider | Internet technology | monthly price range | speed range | Monthly equipment cost | data cap | contract | CNET Review Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
AT&T |
DSL, fiber optic | DSL $55, Fiber $55-$225 | 10-100Mbps DSL, 300-5,000Mbps fiber optic | not any | not any | not any | 7.4 |
|
Rise Broadband |
fixed wireless | $55 | 25-50Mbps | 10 USD | not any | not any | 6.2 |
|
T-Mobile Home Internet |
fixed wireless | $60 ($40-$50 with eligible mobile plans) | 72-245Mbps | not any | not any | not any | 7.4 |
|
Verizon 5G Home Internet |
fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$45 with eligible mobile plans) | 50-1,000Mbps | not any | not any | not any | 7.2 |
|
unlimited |
cable | $20-$85 | 75-1,200Mbps | $15 (included in most plans) | 1.2TB | 1-2 years (optional) | 7 |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What are the cheapest internet plans in Springfield?
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to Find Springfield Internet Deals and Promotions
Springfield’s best internet deals and top promotions depend on the discounts available during that time. Most offers are short-lived, but we’re often on the lookout for the latest deals.
Internet providers in Springfield, such as T-Mobile Home Internet and Xfinity, may offer lower introductory prices or other incentives, such as free device rentals for a limited time. Others, including AT&T Fiber and Rise Broadband, use the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of deals, check out our guide to the best internet deals.
The fastest internet plans in Springfield
| plan | starting price | Maximum download speed | Maximum upload speed | data cap | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
AT&T Internet 5000 |
$225 | 5,000Mbps | 5,000Mbps | not any | fiber |
|
AT&T Internet 2000 |
$125 | 2,000Mbps | 2,000Mbps | not any | fiber |
|
Xfinity Gigabit Extra |
$85 | 1,200Mbps | 35Mbps | 1.2TB | cable |
|
AT&T Internet 1000 |
$80 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | not any | fiber |
|
Xfinity Gigabit |
$60 | 1,000Mbps | 20Mbps | 1.2TB | cable |
|
Verizon 5G Home + Internet |
$70 ($45 with eligible mobile plans) | 1,000Mbps | 75Mbps | not any | fixed wireless |
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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 can accommodate video conferencing, streaming video, or gaming, you’ll get a better experience with a stronger connection. Below is an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications according to FCC regulations. Please note that these are guidelines only – Internet speeds, service and performance vary based on connection type, provider and address.
For more information, see our guide on the internet speed you really need.
- 0 to 5Mbps allows you to handle the basics—browse the Internet, send and receive email, stream low-quality video.
- 5 to 40Mbps gives you higher quality video streaming and video conferencing.
- 40 to 100Mbps should provide one user with enough bandwidth to meet the needs of modern remote working, video streaming, and online gaming.
- 100 to 500Mbps allows one or two users to participate in high-bandwidth activities such as video conferencing, streaming and online gaming simultaneously.
- 500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities simultaneously.
CNET How to Choose the Best Internet Provider in Springfield, IL
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 specific city. So what is our approach? We first looked at pricing, availability, and speed information based on our own historical ISP data, provider websites, and map information from the Federal Communications Commission’s FCC.gov.
But it didn’t end there. We went to the FCC’s website to check our data and make sure we accounted for every ISP offering service in a certain area. We also enter local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We evaluate customer satisfaction with ISP services by looking at sources such as the US Customer Satisfaction Index and JD Power. ISP plans and prices may change frequently; all information provided is accurate as of publication time.
Once we have localized information, we ask three main questions:
- Does the provider offer reasonably fast internet speeds?
- Are customers getting value for money?
- Are customers satisfied with their service?
While the answers to these questions are often layered and complex, we recommend the provider that comes closest to a “yes” on these three questions. When choosing the cheapest internet service, we look for plans with the lowest monthly fees, although we also consider factors like price increases, equipment fees, and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively simple. 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.
Internet Providers FAQs in Springfield, IL
What is the best internet service provider in Springfield?
AT&T Fiber is the best internet service provider in Springfield. AT&T Fiber, the region’s largest fiber optic internet provider, offers speeds ranging from 300 to 5,000Mbps. All plans include symmetrical upload and download speeds, unlimited data, and free device rental. In recent years, AT&T Fiber’s speeds, pricing, and simple service terms have helped the provider earn high customer satisfaction ratings from the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power.
Is there fiber optic internet in Springfield?
The latest FCC data from June 2023 shows that more than 43% of Springfield households, or about 28,800 homes, have access to fiber optic internet. AT&T Fiber is Springfield’s largest fiber optic internet provider and is responsible for much of the fiber coverage throughout the region.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Springfield?
Xfinity offers the cheapest internet service in Springfield, starting at $20 and $35, respectively, with download speeds up to 75 Mbps and 200 Mbps. T-Mobile Home Internet has the potential to be the next cheapest internet provider, but only if combined with mobile bundle discounts that bring the monthly price down to $40 or $50.
Which internet provider in Springfield offers the fastest plans?
AT&T Fiber offers the fastest internet plans in Springfield, with speeds up to 5,000Mbps. Other speed grades range from 300 to 2,000Mbps. AT&T Fiber plans come with symmetrical upload and download speeds, a benefit unique to fiber optic internet services. Xfinity offers download speeds of up to 1,200 and 1,000 Mbps in Springfield, but the maximum upload speed is significantly lower at 35 Mbps.