Best Internet Providers in Houston, Texas for 2026
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Houston, TX
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 Houston, Texas, 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 Houston, Texas, 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 | 509.81 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 450.12 | Mbps |
| Latency | 7 | 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 Houston, Texas, 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 | 365.99 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 311.06 | 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 Houston, Texas, 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 | 286.25 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 41.55 | Mbps |
| Latency | 23 | 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 Houston, Texas, 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 Houston, Texas, 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 Houston, Texas, 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 Houston, Texas, 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 Houston, Texas, 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 Houston, Texas, 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 Houston, Texas, 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 Houston, Texas, 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 Houston, Texas, 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 Houston, Texas, 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 Houston, Texas, 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 Houston, Texas, 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 Houston, Texas, 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 Houston, Texas, 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 Houston, Texas, 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 Houston, Texas, 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 Houston, Texas, 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.).
If you’ve ever screamed into the void because your internet dropped mid-rent payment or froze just as the Astros were about to walk it off in extra innings, welcome to the club. To pick the best Internet Service Provider (ISP) in H-Town, you wouldn’t automatically go with the fastest plan per se, or whatever is labeled as “unlimited.” To be honest, those words mean nothing when you’re stuck watching a buffering wheel spin on a Friday night. That’s why we here at Speedtest take our time and go through results from folks who live in the city and can actually attest to whether an ISP is legit or not.
All types of people are testing their internet, including those working on home renovation projects via YouTube tutorials, DJs mixing live sets for Twitch streams from Third Ward, teachers uploading lesson plans from their back patios, and sneakerheads chasing exclusive drops before they sell out. Their Speedtests show us which ISPs are keeping up, and which ones may not be all that they claim to be.
The truth is, internet quality isn’t just about how fast you can load a meme. You need strong download speeds for the basics, upload speeds if you’re creating or sharing anything, and low latency to keep video calls and real-time interactions running smoothly. Fiber plans are usually the top choice, but you could also select a cable service that’ll likely accommodate whatever you need to do. However, the best plan is the one that actually keeps up with your day-to-day.
How much speed do you need? A 25 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload will do the trick for basic needs like email, banking, and the group FaceTime. Essentially, that’s like cruising the Katy Freeway at 30 mph … technically fine, but far from optimal when you’re juggling a smart TV, Alexa routines, and a fridge that somehow needs Wi-Fi to tell you you’re out of oat milk.
In reality, Houston homes are doing a lot more than just scrolling social media. Maybe you’re running a climate-controlled reptile room with smart sensors (yes, that’s a thing), running live podcast streams out of your bedroom, or managing a small business from your garage that relies on cloud-based tools. All of that stacks up. You’ll want higher speeds—especially with numerous devices and people online all at the same time. Overall, Houston’s internet market can handle the load if you pick the right plan.
What’s Coming Down the Pipeline?
Houston is leaning heavily into digital equity and innovation that depend on strong internet structure:
- Houston Library Tech Labs: These labs are hosting AI, digital media, and coding workshops for teens and adults looking to boost their digital skills. These labs are powered by high-speed fiber and open to all.
- Ion District’s Smart Tech Hub: Midtown is drawing startups focused on clean energy, robotics, and software development—most of which depend on strong ISP support to thrive in Houston’s growing innovation space.
- HTX Tech Career Pathways: Houston Community College offers courses in cloud computing, IT networking, and cybersecurity—fields that can’t exist without reliable high-speed connections both on campus and at home.
How to Choose the Right Internet Plan in Houston
Sometimes you have to just get down to it, analyze your needs, and go from there. Simply put, do you use a little internet or a lot? And how much pressure are you putting on your devices during your usage? All of that matters.
If you’re running a creative agency from your living room, hosting virtual cooking classes, or you have smart speakers in every room, you need a plan with fast uploads and low latency to handle the overlap. And if you’re frequently updating a blog, managing cloud storage for clients, or just backing up all your pics like a responsible adult, symmetrical fiber plans are your friend.
Houston’s ISP space is huge, diverse, and getting faster every year. Whatever your situation, there’s a plan out there that’ll match your bandwidth lifestyle.
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 Houston, TX
Houston isn’t just massive in size, it’s actually very tech-savvy, culturally varied, and constantly online. You could be gaming it up with friends in Midtown, editing videos in the Museum District, or managing an e-commerce hustle in The Heights, and you will always need a highly stable internet connection. Thankfully, the city’s internet infrastructure is on the up and up.
According to Speedtest Intelligence®, as of January 2026, Houston’s median fixed broadband download speed is 325.84 Mbps, with an upload speed of 116.44 Mbps and an impressively low latency of only 9 ms. That means Houston is cruising well above the national average and handling bandwidth-heavy households with ease.
Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, here’s how the major providers compare:
- AT&T Internet: Which includes fiber where available, offers excellent performance with 92% coverage. With median download speeds of 365.99 Mbps, upload speeds of 311.06 Mbps, and latency around 16 ms, it’s the go-to for high-performance users like graphic designers or people who are always somehow in a Zoom work meeting.
- Xfinity: Also holding its own in Houston with 94% coverage. Median download speeds of 286.25 Mbps, upload speeds of 41.55 Mbps, and latency of 23 ms. It’s widely accessible and works well for binging Hulu and downloading large files. Heavy uploaders like digital artists and vloggers may still prefer fiber’s faster upload speeds.
For households with average demands, cable providers like Xfinity offer plenty of speed for things like going down the rabbit hole on Reddit, remote learning, and ordering food you could’ve made at home. If your internet life is more “scroll and chill” than “broadcast and build,” it’ll serve you just fine.
Houston 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
Texas
Home Internet in Houston
With new townhomes going up in EaDo and modern condos popping up in Montrose, more Houstonians are living and working in hybrid setups than ever before. Add in the city’s growing number of technological transplants, and the demand for high-speed fiber has skyrocketed.
Neighborhoods like West University and River Oaks are full of connected households that need reliable ISP options. In these setups, symmetrical plans are the way to go, especially for those who need upload and download speeds to match.
At the time of this writing, prices in Houston vary by provider and promo, but in general, you’re looking at $30 to $75 per month for most broadband plans. AT&T Fiber plans start around $55, while Xfinity’s entry tier runs closer to $35–$40, though costs can rise after promotional periods end. The key is to check availability by address since not every neighborhood is wired the same way.
What About Wireless and Satellite Options?
Houston’s 5G coverage is expanding fast thanks to providers like T-Mobile Home Internet and Verizon 5G, both offering speeds around 245–300 Mbps respectively, depending on signal strength and location. If you’re in an apartment, hate dealing with installations, or just want to avoid committing to a contract, these wireless options offer flexibility and surprisingly solid performance for most daily use.
Speedtest data isn’t widely available yet for these plans, but these kinds of services are quickly gaining traction among those who rent and who only want short-term stays. Just don’t expect enterprise-level performance if you’re gaming competitively or editing high-resolution videos in real time.
As for satellite, you can get it everywhere with Starlink, Viasat, and HughesNet on offer. But unless you’re living on the outskirts of the urban areas or need something you can rely on during outages, it might not be the first ISP you choose. High latency and variable speeds make satellite more of a “just in case” option than a daily driver, but if it works for you, go for it!
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.