Best Internet Providers in Cleveland, Ohio for 2026
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Cleveland, OH
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.).
In a city where winter means bundling up for long walks and lining up streaming queues, your internet connection needs to be reliable. Fortunately, Cleveland has several strong options—but not all ISPs offer the same speed, value, or coverage. Speedtest data reveals a clear standout, along with other solid picks that vary by neighborhood and need.
The fastest provider in The Forest City? That would be AT&T Fiber, clocking in with a median download speed of 296.55 Mbps and an impressive 347.64 Mbps upload speed, according to real-world user speed tests taken between July and December 2025.
Internet Availability by Neighborhood
Cleveland’s infrastructure includes strong coverage from both fiber and cable providers, but service still varies by location.
- Downtown, Ohio City, Tremont: Excellent fiber and cable coverage
- University Circle, Little Italy: Strong AT&T Fiber presence
- West Park, Old Brooklyn: Spectrum is dominant, but fiber is expanding
- Slavic Village, South Broadway: Service options depend on exact location; some areas favor fixed wireless
- Edgewater, Detroit–Shoreway: Multiple ISPs compete—check your building or address for exact coverage
Because even neighboring blocks can have different wiring, always confirm availability using your exact address.
Finding the right speed depends on how your household uses the internet. 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 Cleveland
Here are some tips to simplify your decision:
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 Cleveland, OH
According to Speedtest Intelligence®, as of January 2026, Cleveland reports the following city-wide median speeds:
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Median download speed | 296.55 Mbps |
| Median upload speed | 36.03 Mbps |
| Median latency | 19 ms |
| Top-performing ISP | AT&T Fiber (365.64 Mbps down / 347.64 Mbps up) |
| Most widely available | AT&T Fiber (95%), Spectrum (84%) |
ISP Speeds in Cleveland
Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, here’s how the major providers compare:
- AT&T Fiber: Cleveland’s fastest provider with 95% coverage. Downloads of 365.64 Mbps, uploads of 347.64 Mbps, and latency around 25 ms. Near-symmetrical speeds make it ideal for homes that do a lot of Zooming, uploading, or multitasking on multiple devices.
- Spectrum: Widely available with 84% coverage. Downloads of 315.95 Mbps, uploads of 22.34 Mbps, and latency around 36 ms. Strong download speeds for most households, though upload performance lags behind fiber competitors.
- Cox: Covers 16% of Cleveland. Downloads of 285.84 Mbps, uploads of 40.55 Mbps, and latency around 44 ms. A solid cable option where available.
- Kinetic by Uniti: Covers 11% of the city with DSL and fiber options. Downloads of 257.46 Mbps, uploads of 271.06 Mbps, and latency around 34 ms. Excellent near-symmetrical upload performance for a smaller provider.
- Verizon 5G Home Internet: Covers 32% of Cleveland. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market.
- Breezeline: Cable service covering 24% of the city. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Covers 62% of Cleveland with contract-free 5G service. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market.
Cleveland 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
Minnesota
North Dakota
Home Internet in Cleveland
At the time of this writing, the average starting price for home internet service in Cleveland is $49.49 per month, though actual plan pricing can vary widely. On the low end, PCs for People offers basic internet access for $15 per month, though it’s only available to about 8% of the city and has strict eligibility requirements. More commonly, starting prices range from $20 to $70, with some premium multi-gig plans reaching above $200.
Before committing, check whether promo pricing will increase after 12 months and whether your provider charges extra for equipment, installation, or data overages.
Top Internet Providers in Cleveland
AT&T Fiber
- Type: Fiber
- Max speeds: Up to 5,000 Mbps symmetrical
- Best for: Remote workers, creators, power users
- Availability: 95%
- Price range: $34–$255/month
AT&T Fiber delivers the fastest and most consistent speeds in Cleveland. With median download speeds of 365.64 Mbps and uploads of 347.64 Mbps, it’s ideal for homes that do a lot of Zooming, uploading, or multitasking on multiple devices. The fiber connection also means symmetrical speeds, no data caps, and no equipment fees. If it’s available at your address, it’s hard to beat.
Spectrum
- Type: Cable
- Max speeds: Up to 2,000 Mbps download / 35 Mbps upload
- Best for: Most households, especially streamers and casual users
- Availability: 84%
- Price range: $30–$90/month
Spectrum is widely available in Cleveland and offers solid cable internet with median download speeds of 315.95 Mbps. Upload performance is on the lower end at 22.34 Mbps, which may frustrate those who livestream, work remotely, or rely on large file transfers. That said, it’s fast enough for most households and doesn’t require a contract.
Cox
- Type: Cable
- Max speeds: Up to 1,000 Mbps download / 100 Mbps upload
- Best for: Households in Cox’s coverage area seeking cable reliability
- Availability: 16%
- Price range: $55–$169/month
Cox covers a smaller portion of Cleveland but delivers solid performance with median downloads of 285.84 Mbps and uploads of 40.55 Mbps. A reliable cable option where available.
Kinetic by Uniti
- Type: DSL, Fiber
- Max speeds: Up to 2,000 Mbps symmetrical
- Best for: Households prioritizing upload performance
- Availability: 11%
- Price range: $24.99–$94.99/month
Kinetic delivers impressive near-symmetrical speeds with median downloads of 257.46 Mbps and uploads of 271.06 Mbps. Where available, it’s an excellent choice for remote workers and content creators who need strong upload performance.
Breezeline
- Type: Cable
- Max speeds: Up to 1,000 Mbps download / 50 Mbps upload
- Best for: Budget-conscious households in covered areas
- Availability: 24%
- Price range: $20–$75/month
Breezeline covers about a quarter of Cleveland with cable service at competitive pricing. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- Type: Fixed Wireless (5G)
- Max speeds: Up to 415 Mbps download, 56 Mbps upload
- Best for: Renters or people who want flexible, no-hassle internet
- Availability: 62%
- Price range: $50–$70/month
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet covers over half the city and offers easy setup, no equipment fees, and no contracts. It’s a decent alternative if you can’t (or don’t want to) hook up to a wired service.
Verizon 5G Home Internet
- Type: Fixed Wireless (5G)
- Max speeds: Up to 1,000 Mbps download / 75 Mbps upload
- Best for: Flexible, contract-free service
- Availability: 32%
- Price range: $35–$75/month
Verizon’s 5G Home Internet covers about a third of Cleveland households and offers a decent wireless option where fiber or cable isn’t available.
Satellite Internet Options in Cleveland
Most Cleveland households won’t need satellite internet due to strong wired coverage. But for residents in areas underserved by terrestrial providers, satellite may fill the gap.
- Starlink: Max speeds up to 350 Mbps / 35 Mbps; $59–$165/month
- Viasat: Max speeds up to 100 Mbps / 3 Mbps; $69.99–$119.99/month
- Hughesnet: Max speeds up to 100 Mbps / 5 Mbps; $39.99–$119.99/month
FAQs
What is the fastest internet provider in Cleveland?
AT&T Fiber, with median speeds of 365.64 Mbps down and 347.64 Mbps up.
Does Cleveland have fiber internet?
Yes. AT&T Fiber reaches about 95% of the city and offers the best symmetrical performance. Smaller fiber providers include Lit Fiber, Brightspeed, and Kinetic by Uniti.
Who has the cheapest internet in Cleveland?
At the time of this writing, PCs for People offers the lowest advertised starting price at $15 per month, though eligibility is limited. Breezeline starts at $20, and Kinetic starts at $24.99.
Is 5G home internet available in Cleveland?
Yes, T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet reaches about 62% of the city, and Verizon covers about 32%.
Can I get free internet in Cleveland?
The Cuyahoga County Public Library system offers free Wi-Fi access that extends to the parking lots of the branches and is available even while they’re closed. Check out Cuyahoga County’s information page on free and reduced priced home internet for certain households.
Speedtest TL;DR
Cleveland offers excellent wired internet coverage, with AT&T Fiber and Spectrum reaching most homes. Fiber is the clear winner for speed, uploads, and long-term value—but cable and 5G still offer solid options for most day-to-day use. Check your exact address, compare plan features, and don’t forget to read the fine print before signing up.
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.













