Best Internet Providers in Worcester, Massachusetts – CNET

What is the best internet provider in Worcester?

Out of the few broadband providers that serve Worcester, Spectrum is CNET’s top pick for most households. Spectrum’s network covers most of the area and comes with competitively priced plans and simple service details. Fiber and fixed wireless connectivity are also available at select Worcester addresses through Verizon Fios and T-Mobile Home Internet. Ultimately, the best provider for your home will depend on your location.

Although Xfinity beats its competitors with its low prices and fast speeds in Worcester, serviceability is scarce, with only 2% of addresses being covered by this cable provider — according to data from the Federal Communications Commission.

For affordability, you’ll be better off with either Spectrum or Verizon, both offering $50 base plans. Selco does offer 50 megabits per second for only $40 per month, but its availability isn’t much better than Xfinity’s. In Worcester, Xfinity’s 1.2 gigabit plan is the fastest service, but Selco, Spectrum and Verizon also offer 1 gigabit of speed, varying in cost.

Our methodology

Speed range

100 – 1,000 Mbps

Price range

$30- $90 per month

Our take – Spectrum is the largest internet service provider in Worcester, offering service to over 93% of addresses. This cable giant offers three plans under its network: $50 for 300Mbps, $70 for 500Mbps and $80 for 1,000Mbps. All of Spectrum’s plans include a free modem and unlimited data, and you won’t have to worry about signing an annual contract.

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Check with Spectrum

Connection

Cable

Speed range

300 – 2,000 Mbps

Price range

$50 – $120 per month

Our take – Though fiber connectivity isn’t very accessible in Worcester, Verizon Fios is a great option for residential internet if your household can get it. Verizon Fios offers symmetrical speeds up to 940Mbps, meaning your download and upload speeds will be matched. Plus, there are no data caps, equipment fees or required contracts.

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Check with Verizon

Connection

Fiber

Speed range

85 – 1,000 Mbps

Price range

$50 – $70 per month

Our take – If Verizon Fios isn’t an option at your home, Verizon 5G Home Internet most likely will be — this provider’s fixed wireless coverage is much larger than its fiber coverage. Verizon 5G Home Internet offers speeds up to 1,000Mbps for only $70, but eligible mobile users can save $15-$25 monthly with no additional fees for unlimited data or equipment.

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Check with Verizon

Connection

Fixed wireless

Provider Internet technology Monthly price range Speed range Monthly equipment costs Data cap Contract CNET review score Selco Cable/fiber $40-$105 50-1,000Mbps $10 (optional) 400GB-1.5TB None N/A Spectrum Cable $50-$80 300-1,000Mbps Free modem; $5 router None None 7.2 T-Mobile Home Internet Fixed wireless $50 ($30 for eligible Go5G Plus and Magenta Max mobile customers) 72-245Mbps None None None 7.4 Verizon 5G Home Internet Fixed wireless $50-$70 ($35-$45 with qualifying Verizon 5G mobile plans) 50-1,000Mbps None None None 7.2 Verizon Fios Fiber $50-$90 300-940Mbps None None None 7.6 Xfinity Cable $25-$80 200-1,200Mbps $15-$25 gateway rental (optional) None 1 year on some plans 7

Historic Elm Park in Worcester, Massachusetts, after a dusting of snow. Historic Elm Park in Worcester, Massachusetts, after a dusting of snow.

Provider Starting price Max download speed Max upload speed Data cap Connection type Xfinity Gigabit Extra $80 1,200Mbps 35Mbps None Cable Selco Platinum $105 1,000Mbps 1,000Mbps 1.5TB Fiber Spectrum Internet Gig $80 1,000Mbps 35Mbps None Cable Verizon 5G Home Plus $70 ($45 for eligible phone customers) 1,000Mbps 50Mbps None Fixed wireless Xfinity Gigabit $70 1,000Mbps 20Mbps None Cable Fios 1 Gig $90 940Mbps 880Mbps None Fiber

Thanks to its wide availability and variety of speeds for customers to choose from, Spectrum is Worcester’s best internet provider. As an added bonus, Spectrum’s prices include unlimited data and a free modem for no additional charge.

Is fiber internet available in Worcester?

Although Xfinity offers the cheapest plan in Worcester, this provider’s small coverage in the area means it’s an unlikely option at your address. Instead, check out Spectrum or Verizon, which both offer plans starting at $50 per month.