Best Internet Providers in Charlotte, North Carolina for 2024
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Charlotte, NC
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Charlotte, North Carolina, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Charlotte, North Carolina, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | 297.40 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 246.45 | Mbps |
| Latency | 19 | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Charlotte, North Carolina, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | 349.65 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 259.05 | Mbps |
| Latency | 19 | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Charlotte, North Carolina, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | 251.74 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 20.00 | Mbps |
| Latency | 35 | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Charlotte, North Carolina, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | 65.83 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 8.98 | Mbps |
| Latency | 53 | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Charlotte, North Carolina, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Charlotte, North Carolina, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Charlotte, North Carolina, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Charlotte, North Carolina, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Charlotte, North Carolina, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Not all plans are available in all areas. Provider plan, availability, and speed tier data provided by BroadbandNow.com. Speedtest real-world data is only present where sample size has reached significance within a region. Additionally, averages may include aggregated tests across multiple Internet Types (Fiber, DSL, Cable, etc.).
At Speedtest, we take pride in delivering accurate and dependable data, serving as the foundation for our ISP recommendations. Our insights are drawn from millions globally participating in Speedtest, ensuring our ISP performance data is trustworthy and up-to-date. This enables us to provide a transparent, impartial perspective on ISP performance.
Three essential metrics to assess an ISP's performance include download speed, upload speed, and latency. Download speed is crucial for efficiently streaming and downloading content, indicating how quickly data reaches your device. Conversely, upload speed matters for uploading content and participating in online interactions, showing how rapidly data travels from your device to the web. Latency, or ping, plays a pivotal role in online gaming and video calls, affecting how responsive your connection is. With a comprehensive understanding of an ISP’s capabilities, you can make an informed decision tailored to your unique internet needs.
The technology behind your ISP significantly shapes your online experience. Fiber optics typically provide the quickest speeds and are best for those engaging in high-demand online activities. Cable internet, a more ubiquitous option, often delivers solid download speeds, though its upload speeds can sometimes fall short. DSL is suitable for basic web activities and streaming, while satellite internet, generally the only option in remote areas, tends to have higher latency and slower speeds.
How Much Speed Do I Need?
Download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 10 Mbps are widely considered fast enough to handle nearly any online activity. A quick guide to what speeds you need for different online activities is below, and you can read our full guide to internet speeds and performance for more information. Keep in mind that the numbers below are the bare minimum for one device at a time. If you’re trying to use multiple devices on a network at the same time, you’ll want higher speeds.
0–5 Mbps (Slow)
- Stream SD video
- Connect on Slack
- Use Microsoft Teams
- Write and read email
- Scroll social media
- General web browsing
5–20 Mbps (Better)
- Stream HD video at 1080p
20–40 Mbps (Solid)
- Stream 4K video
- Play games online
40–100 Mbps (Good)
- Stream HD games
100+ Mbps (Fast)
- Engage in multi-player gaming
- Download huge files
1+ Gbps (Very fast)
- Do anything you want on multiple devices
ISP Speeds in Charlotte, NC
Based on our proprietary real-world Speedtest data, Google Fiber boasts the fastest recorded download speeds in Charlotte, with median speeds reaching up to 349.65 mbps. This provider stands out not only for its speed but also for being one of the few offering fiber internet, known for its higher performance levels.
When considering the fastest ISPs based on their advertised maximum download speeds, AT&T Internet leads with a staggering 5000 mbps. However, it's crucial for consumers to note that there can be a discrepancy between advertised and actual speeds. While Google Fiber and Verizon also promise high maximum speeds, real-world performance can vary.
A good rule of thumb is to aim for download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps for nearly any online activity. This baseline is enough for streaming 4K HD videos, downloading large files, and gaming on multiple devices. The actual speed needed might be more significant depending on the network's usage and the number of connected devices, underscoring the importance of considering your specific internet demands.
Charlotte Fixed Speeds
Download Mbps
Median download speed
Upload Mbps
Median upload speed
Latency ms
Median latency
To be added to this list for mobile or fixed broadband, 75% of a city's monthly unique user totals over a 13-month period must have a minimum of 200 monthly unique user results. To be updated for mobile or fixed broadband, 75% of a city's monthly unique user totals over a 13-month period must have a minimum of 100 monthly unique user results.
An operator or ISP must account for 3% or more of total test samples in the market to be on this list. We display data if at least two operators or ISPs meet this threshold in a designated region or city.
Internet Providers in Nearby Cities
- Apex
- Asheboro
- Asheville
- Belmont
- Boone
- Burlington
- Carolina Beach
- Carrboro
- Cary
- Chapel Hill
- Charlotte
- Clayton
- Clemmons
- Concord
- Cornelius
- Davidson
- Durham
- Elizabeth City
- Fayetteville
- Fort Bragg
- Franklin
- Fuquay Varina
- Garner
- Gastonia
- Goldsboro
- Greensboro
- Greenville
- Harrisburg
- Havelock
- Hendersonville
- Hickory
- High Point
- Holly Springs
- Hope Mills
- Huntersville
- Indian Trail
- Jacksonville
- Kannapolis
- Kernersville
- Kill Devil Hills
- Kings Grant
- Kings Mountain
- Kinston
- Kitty Hawk
- Knightdale
- Lake Norman of Catawba
- Laurel Park
- Leland
- Lenoir
- Lexington
- Linden
- Lumberton
- Matthews
- Mebane
- Mint Hill
- Monroe
- Mooresville
- Morganton
- Morrisville
- Mount Airy
- Mount Holly
- New Bern
- Oak Island
- Pinehurst
- Raleigh
- Reidsville
- Rocky Mount
- Salisbury
- Sanford
- Shelby
- Silver Lake
- Smithfield
- Southern Pines
- Statesville
- Summerfield
- Thomasville
- Wade
- Wake Forest
- Waynesville
- Weddington
- Wesley Chapel
- Wilmington
- Wilson
- Winston-Salem
Home Internet in Charlotte
Charlotte offers its residents a diverse array of internet types provided by various ISPs, including options such as Fiber, IPBB (sometimes known as high-speed DSL), Cable, 5G, and Satellite. Each technology offers different benefits and coverage within the city.
Spectrum stands out for its extensive coverage across Charlotte, with its cable internet service accessible to over 95% of residents. AT&T Internet also offers notable coverage, particularly for its fiber service, catering to those seeking higher speed options.
When evaluating providers, residents should consider the available network types, coverage, and how the provider's offerings align with their internet use needs. It's important to remember that a provider’s advertised maximum speeds might not always align with the speeds users experience. Factors such as network congestion, the user's location within the city, and the type of internet service can influence actual speeds. This disclaimer encourages consumers to consider both advertised speeds and other factors when choosing their ISP.
How we test the speed of ISPs
Speedtest is the definitive way to test the performance and quality of an internet connection. Millions of users like you use Speedtest.net and our Android and iOS apps every day to test internet performance (including bandwidth, latency, coverage, video metrics, and more) in real world situations. We then use rigorous scientific approaches to aggregate and anonymize those results to empower people like you with content like this so you can understand and optimize your internet experience.
The data found within has not been subjected to the rigorous Speedtest marketing claims and data methodology, and therefore cannot be used in commercial applications. Additionally, promised speeds and plans offered are always subject to change.
How to test your internet speed
Speedtest can help you test the speed and overall performance of your internet for free from any device. Click here to open a new page and take a Speedtest. You can then compare your results with what you’ve learned about internet performance near you. If you aren’t getting the results you expect, you can either use this guide to use your Speedtest results to talk to your internet provider or you can shop for a new provider.