Best Internet Providers in Washington, District of Columbia for 2025
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Washington, DC
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 Washington, District of Columbia, 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 Washington, District of Columbia, 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 | 210.85 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 131.14 | Mbps |
| Latency | 10 | 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 Washington, District of Columbia, 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 | 238.57 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 23.73 | Mbps |
| Latency | 22 | 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 Washington, District of Columbia, 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 Washington, District of Columbia, 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 Washington, District of Columbia, 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 Washington, District of Columbia, 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 Washington, District of Columbia, 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 Washington, District of Columbia, 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 Washington, District of Columbia, 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 Washington, District of Columbia, 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 Washington, District of Columbia, 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 providing reliable and precise data, serving as the foundation for our ISP evaluations. Our insights are derived from countless people globally taking a Speedtest, ensuring our data reflects current and credible ISP performance. This methodology grants us the confidence to present a transparent, impartial view of internet service performance.
Evaluating an ISP's prowess involves considering three crucial metrics: download and upload speeds, and latency. Download speed is essential for streaming and downloading, indicating how quickly data is moved to your device. Upload speed, important for sending content and online communication, shows how swiftly data travels from your device to the web. Latency, or ping, pivotal in gaming and video calling, affects your connection's reaction time. A thorough grasp of these metrics can guide you toward an ISP that aligns with your particular internet needs.
The technology underlying your internet connection plays a decisive role in your online experience. Fiber-optic technology, for instance, often delivers unrivaled speeds, making it a superb choice for intensive online activities. Cable internet, while more accessible, tends to offer solid download speeds but can falter in upload performance. DSL internet accommodates basic browsing and streaming with moderate speeds, whereas satellite internet, sometimes the sole option in isolated areas, generally exhibits 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 Washington, DC
Based on our proprietary real-world based Speedtest data, XFINITY boasts the fastest recorded median download speeds in Washington D.C, with an impressive 239 Mbps. This remarkable speed underscores XFINITY's capabilities to deliver top-notch internet service, and make it a standout choice for residents seeking rapid download capabilities, but it's not the only option
For those curious about the fastest ISPs based on advertised maximum download speeds, XFINITY tops the charts with a staggering max download speed of 2,000 Mbps for fiber and cable, closely followed by Verizon with up to 1,000 Mbps download speed for its fiber service. It's crucial to note the potential discrepancy between these advertised speeds and the actual speeds users might experience, which can vary based on a multitude of factors such as infrastructure and home equipment.
A good rule of thumb is that download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps are widely considered fast enough to handle nearly any online activity. At 100 Mbps, you can stream 4K high-definition videos on several devices, download large files quickly, or play HD games online without lag. The actual need for speed varies depending on internet usage habits and the cumulative effect of multiple devices connected to the network. Therefore, assessing how the network will be used and by how many people is key in determining the speed requirements for your household.
Washington 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
Home Internet in Washington
Washington D.C., the nation's capital, is not only a hub of the federal government and historical monuments, but also a vibrant community with diverse internet needs. In response, local ISPs offer an array of internet types to residents, including fiber, 5G internet, cable, satellite, and fixed wireless. This variety ensures that whether residents are streaming high-definition content, gaming online, or working from home, there is an internet service to meet their needs.
In the landscape of Washington's internet providers, XFINITY demonstrates the highest availability, covering 99.21% of the city with its cable and fiber services. This makes it an excellent option for nearly all residents. Verizon, which offers fiber internet, follows with substantial coverage of 85.91%. These providers signify the city's commitment to ensure that high-speed internet is accessible to a vast majority of its residents.
The average starting price of internet services in D.C. comes in at $57.99, a bit below other metro areas. D.C. residents can choose between a broad spectrum of pricing options, from economical to premium service tiers. Those seeking the most wallet-friendly choice might consider Astound Broadband Powered by RCN, which begins at the lowest price of $20. Astound's plan pricing scales up from there to meet higher speed demands at their maximum advertised download speed of 1,500 Mbps. While these figures offer a glimpse into potential costs, it's important for consumers to be aware that real-world speeds can differ from those advertised, and prices may vary based on the plan and provider.
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.