Best Internet Providers in Baltimore, Maryland for 2026
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Baltimore, MD
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 Baltimore, Maryland, 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 Baltimore, Maryland, 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 | 275.76 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 42.48 | Mbps |
| Latency | 24 | 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 Baltimore, Maryland, 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 | 156.85 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 109.44 | Mbps |
| Latency | 16 | 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 Baltimore, Maryland, 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 Baltimore, Maryland, 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 Baltimore, Maryland, 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 Baltimore, Maryland, 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 Baltimore, Maryland, 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 Baltimore, Maryland, 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 Baltimore, Maryland, 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 Baltimore, Maryland, 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 Baltimore, Maryland, 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 Baltimore, Maryland, 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.).
Baltimore’s internet speeds can change as quickly as the scenery from block to block—one street might have gigabit fiber from multiple providers, while the next relies on decades-old cable lines. That patchwork reflects the city’s mix of historic rowhouses, industrial waterfronts, and redeveloped neighborhoods.
So who delivers the fastest internet in Baltimore? The crown goes to Xfinity, which posted a median download speed of 275.76 Mbps, according to real-world user speed tests taken between July and December 2025. While its speeds in Baltimore may not match those of other major U.S. cities, Xfinity’s reach is wide—covering 96% of Baltimore. Other ISPs that cover a good deal of Charm City are Believe Wireless Broadband, T-Mobile, and Verizon, the latter of which offers fiber service.
The way you use the internet at home should guide how you choose a plan. For most households of three to four people watching a moderate amount of streaming video and performing simpler work-from-home tasks such as emailing, Slack, Zoom, etc., a 300 to 500 Mbps plan is more than enough. But for creators, tech professionals, or large households, gigabit speeds and strong upload performance make a noticeable difference.
How to Pick the Right Internet Provider in Baltimore
Here are some practical tips:
Check Your Address
Many ISPs tout citywide coverage, but the reality is more complicated (like if your building isn’t wired for fiber). Use provider lookup tools or Speedtest’s zip code breakdowns to verify.
Consider More Than Speed
Reliability, customer support, and data caps matter just as much. Many fiber plans, for example, include unlimited data and no equipment rental fees. Watch out for plans that include data caps and extra charges.
Think About Uploads
If you send large files, stream on Twitch, or make frequent video calls, symmetrical upload/download speeds (only offered by fiber) are a game-changer.
Match a Plan to Your Needs
Don’t pay for 1 gigabit if you’re just browsing or streaming a few hours a night. On the flip side, don’t skimp if you’re running a business from home.
Read the Fine Print
Promo rates often expire after 12 months. Check for hidden fees, contracts, or equipment rentals that inflate the total cost.
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 Baltimore, MD
According to Speedtest Intelligence®, as of January 2026, Baltimore reports the following city-wide median speeds:
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Median download speed | 268.51 Mbps |
| Median upload speed | 50.30 Mbps |
| Median latency | 13 ms |
| Top-performing ISP | Xfinity (275.76 Mbps median download) |
| Most widely available ISP | Xfinity (96% availability) |
ISP Speeds in Baltimore
Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, here’s how the major providers compare:
- Xfinity: Baltimore’s most widely available provider with 96% coverage. Downloads of 275.76 Mbps, uploads of 42.48 Mbps, and latency around 24 ms. Cable plans offer strong download speeds, though uploads lag behind fiber providers. With a wide variety of speed tiers, it’s a flexible option for households of all sizes.
- Verizon: Covers just over half of Baltimore with 51% geographic reach, offering a mix of fiber and 5G home internet. Downloads of 156.85 Mbps, uploads of 109.44 Mbps, and latency around 16 ms. The strong upload performance makes Verizon a top choice for remote workers, content creators, and households that value symmetrical speeds.
- Spectrum: Covers about a third of the city with 33% geographic reach. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for Spectrum in this market, but it offers an entry-level option for residents in its service area.
- Believe Wireless Broadband: A Baltimore-based provider offering fixed wireless service across 89% of the city. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available, but it’s an alternative option in areas without fiber or high-speed cable.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Covers 61% of Baltimore with contract-free 5G fixed wireless. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market, but speeds can vary by neighborhood and network congestion.
Baltimore 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
District of Columbia
Home Internet in Baltimore
At the time of this writing, the average starting price for internet in Baltimore is $59.54 per month. Entry-level plans from Xfinity and Spectrum start around $30–$40, while fiber plans from Verizon and other providers may cost $35 or more. Most residents can expect to pay $50–$70 for a plan with enough speed for streaming, remote work, and gaming.
Before committing to any plan, keep in mind that real-world internet speeds may differ from advertised speeds, and plan costs can vary based on a range of factors.
Top Internet Providers in Baltimore
Xfinity
- Type: Cable, Fiber
- Max speeds: Up to 2,000 Mbps / 200 Mbps
- Best for: Most households, especially heavy streamers and gamers
- Availability: 96%
- Price range: $40–$70/month
Xfinity is Baltimore’s most widely available provider and the fastest in the city according to real-world Speedtest data. Its cable plans offer strong download speeds of 275.76 Mbps, though uploads of 42.48 Mbps lag behind fiber providers. With a wide variety of speed tiers, it’s a flexible option for households of all sizes.
Verizon
- Type: Fiber, 5G Internet
- Max speeds: Up to 1,000 Mbps / 2,300 Mbps
- Best for: Remote workers, content creators, and households that value upload speed
- Availability: 51%
- Price range: $35–$109.99/month
Verizon services just over half of Baltimore, offering a mix of fiber and 5G home internet. With median downloads of 156.85 Mbps, uploads of 109.44 Mbps, and latency of 16 ms, Verizon delivers strong performance for remote workers and content creators. Fiber plans deliver symmetrical gigabit speeds where available, while 5G home internet offers flexible installation in covered areas. Availability varies by neighborhood, so checking your exact address is key.
Spectrum
- Type: Cable
- Max speeds: Up to 2,000 Mbps / 35 Mbps
- Best for: Budget-conscious households in Spectrum’s service area
- Availability: 33%
- Price range: $30–$90/month
Spectrum covers about a third of Baltimore, offering cable service with competitive entry-level pricing. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for Spectrum in this market.
Believe Wireless Broadband
- Type: Fixed Wireless
- Max speeds: Up to 1,000 Mbps
- Best for: Households without access to wired connections, those who’d prefer a local provider
- Availability: 89%
- Price range: Quote required
Believe Wireless Broadband is a Baltimore-based provider offering fixed wireless service across much of the city. While performance depends on line-of-sight and equipment placement, it’s an alternative option in areas without fiber or high-speed cable.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- Type: 5G Fixed Wireless
- Max speeds: Up to 415 Mbps download / 56 Mbps upload
- Best for: Renters, students, and mobile-first households
- Availability: 61%
- Price range: $50–$70/month
T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet service offers a contract-free option with simple setup. Speeds can vary by neighborhood and network congestion, but for light to moderate use, it can be an appealing alternative to traditional wired ISPs.
Satellite Internet Options in Baltimore
Most Baltimore households won’t need satellite internet due to wired and 5G coverage options. But for residents in buildings with restrictive wiring or anyone who needs a nontraditional backup connection, satellite may fill the gap.
- Starlink: Max speeds up to 350 Mbps / 35 Mbps; $59–$165/month
- Viasat: Max speeds up to 150 Mbps / 3 Mbps; $69.99–$119.99/month
- Hughesnet: Max speeds up to 100 Mbps / 5 Mbps; $39.99–$119.99/month
FAQs
Who has the fastest internet speeds in Baltimore?
Xfinity leads with a median download speed of 275.76 Mbps and near-total coverage. Verizon’s fiber service offers strong competition where available, with median downloads of 156.85 Mbps and excellent upload speeds of 109.44 Mbps.
Who offers the cheapest internet in Baltimore?
Spectrum and Xfinity offer plans starting around $30–$40/month, but as always, read the fine print to know how long these prices will last.
Is fiber internet available in Baltimore?
Verizon Fios covers about half the city, and EarthLink Fiber is available in select areas with 13% coverage.
Where can I connect to the internet for free in Baltimore?
According to the city’s website, “Baltimore City offers free indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi service (FreeBmoreWiFi) at recreation centers and in select neighborhoods and senior centers.” More information can be found here.
Speedtest TL;DR
In Charm City, where every community has its own identity, some residents may enjoy lightning-fast fiber, while others make do with older infrastructure that tops out at far lower speeds. Xfinity holds the speed crown and provides near-universal coverage across the city, while Verizon fiber is the go-to for symmetrical uploads. With growing wireless options from T-Mobile and Believe Wireless, residents do have some choices to get online.
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.