Best Internet Providers in Charlotte, North Carolina for 2026
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Charlotte, NC
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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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 | 467.46 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 355.98 | 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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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 | 440.56 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 415.35 | Mbps |
| Latency | 15 | 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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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 | 368.83 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 258.92 | Mbps |
| Latency | 30 | 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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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 | 318.21 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 22.89 | Mbps |
| Latency | 35 | 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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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 Charlotte, North Carolina, 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.).
In the city that lives and breathes NASCAR, it’s no surprise that residents like their internet to keep pace with those blazing fast racers. Charlotte’s broadband scene boasts median speeds above 340 Mbps, plenty for a range of internet needs, from high-definition streaming and lag-free gaming.
So who delivers the fastest internet in Charlotte? Google Fiber takes the top spot with a speedy median download speed of 467.46 Mbps, according to real-world user speed tests taken between July and December 2025, but it’s only available to a fraction of residents. For most of the city, AT&T Fiber provides the fastest speeds, offering widespread coverage and strong symmetrical speeds that keep pace with Charlotte’s growth.
Your internet needs depend on how you actually use your connection. 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 Charlotte
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 Charlotte, NC
According to Speedtest Intelligence®, as of January 2026, Charlotte reports the following city-wide median speeds:
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Median download speed | 342.93 Mbps |
| Median upload speed | 47.62 Mbps |
| Median latency | 14 ms |
| Top-performing ISP | Google Fiber (467.46 Mbps median download) |
| Most widely available ISP | Spectrum (95% availability) |
ISP Speeds in Charlotte
Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, here’s how the major providers compare:
- Google Fiber: Charlotte’s fastest provider with 14% coverage. Downloads of 467.46 Mbps, uploads of 355.98 Mbps, and latency around 16 ms. For those lucky enough to live in covered areas, the service offers symmetrical gigabit speeds, low latency, and rock-solid reliability.
- Ripple Fiber: A newer fiber provider with just 1% coverage but impressive speeds. Downloads of 440.56 Mbps, uploads of 415.35 Mbps, and latency around 15 ms. Where available, it offers near-symmetrical performance that rivals Google Fiber.
- AT&T Fiber: Covers 83% of the city with excellent performance. Downloads of 368.83 Mbps, uploads of 258.92 Mbps, and latency around 30 ms. Its symmetrical fiber plans are ideal for households that need fast uploads for video conferencing, cloud storage, and creative work.
- Spectrum: The most widely available ISP with 95% coverage. Downloads of 318.21 Mbps, uploads of 22.89 Mbps, and latency around 35 ms. Strong download speeds with multiple tiers to match different budgets, though upload performance lags behind fiber competitors.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Covers 81% of Charlotte with contract-free 5G fixed wireless. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market, but it’s a flexible alternative to traditional wired broadband.
- Verizon 5G Home Internet: Covers 29% of the city. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available, but it offers another wireless option for households in covered areas.
Charlotte 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.
Home Internet in Charlotte
At the time of this writing, the average starting price for internet in Charlotte is $64.08 per month. The lowest-cost wired plan comes from Kinetic by Windstream at $24.99, but its availability is limited. More common choices, such as Spectrum and AT&T Fiber, start from $30 and $34 per month, respectively. Google Fiber, the city’s fastest ISP according to Speedtest user tests, doesn’t come cheap, with plans beginning at $70 and topping out at $150. Most households can expect to spend $50–$70 for a plan that easily supports streaming, gaming, and work-from-home setups.
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 Charlotte
Google Fiber
- Type: Fiber
- Max speeds: Up to 8,000 Mbps symmetrical
- Best for: Speed seekers and households that upload as much as they download
- Availability: 14%
- Price range: $70–$150/month
Google Fiber delivers the fastest real-world download speeds in Charlotte, with median recorded speeds of 467.46 Mbps down and 355.98 Mbps up. Coverage is limited to roughly 14% of addresses in the city, but for those lucky enough to live in covered areas, the service offers symmetrical gigabit speeds, low latency, and rock-solid reliability.
Ripple Fiber
- Type: Fiber
- Max speeds: Up to 1,000 Mbps / 2,000 Mbps
- Best for: Households prioritizing upload performance
- Availability: 1%
- Price range: $65–$95/month
Ripple Fiber is a newer entrant with limited coverage but impressive real-world speeds of 440.56 Mbps down and 415.35 Mbps up. Where available, it offers near-symmetrical performance at competitive pricing.
AT&T Fiber
- Type: IPBB, Fiber, 5G Internet
- Max speeds: Up to 5,000 Mbps symmetrical
- Best for: Power users, remote workers, and content creators
- Availability: 83%
- Price range: $34–$255/month
AT&T Fiber delivers excellent real-world performance, with recorded median download speeds of 368.83 Mbps and upload speeds of 258.92 Mbps. Its symmetrical fiber plans are ideal for households that need fast uploads for video conferencing, cloud storage, and creative work.
Spectrum
- Type: Cable, Fiber
- Max speeds: Up to 2,000 Mbps download / 500 Mbps upload
- Best for: Most households, especially heavy streamers and gamers
- Availability: 95%
- Price range: $30–$90/month
Spectrum is Charlotte’s most widely available ISP, covering nearly the entire city. Its cable plans deliver strong download speeds, with recorded median speeds of 318.21 Mbps, and multiple tiers to match different budgets, though upload performance of 22.89 Mbps lags behind fiber competitors.
Kinetic by Windstream
- Type: DSL, Fiber
- Max speeds: Up to 2,000 Mbps symmetrical
- Best for: Budget-conscious households in covered areas
- Availability: 14%
- Price range: $24.99–$94.99/month
Kinetic offers the lowest starting price in Charlotte, though its availability is limited. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- Type: 5G Fixed Wireless
- Max speeds: Up to 415 Mbps download / 56 Mbps upload
- Best for: Renters, students, and households without wired options
- Availability: 81%
- Price range: $50–$70/month
T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet service offers simple setup and no contracts. Speeds vary by neighborhood, but for many residents it’s a flexible alternative to traditional wired broadband.
Verizon 5G Home Internet
- Type: 5G Fixed Wireless
- Max speeds: Up to 1,000 Mbps / 75 Mbps
- Best for: Moderate users looking for wireless flexibility
- Availability: 29%
- Price range: $35–$75/month
Verizon’s 5G home service provides another wireless option in covered areas. While availability is limited, it offers competitive pricing for households that don’t require the fastest wired speeds.
Satellite Internet Options in Charlotte
Most Charlotte households won’t need satellite internet due to strong wired and 5G coverage. But for residents in areas underserved by terrestrial providers, satellite may fill the gap.
- Starlink: Max speeds up to 350 Mbps / 35 Mbps; $80–$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
Is fiber internet available in Charlotte?
Yes. Google Fiber, AT&T Fiber, and Ripple Fiber all provide high-speed fiber service in parts of the city, with AT&T offering the most coverage at 83%.
Who has the fastest internet in Charlotte?
Google Fiber leads with median download speeds of 467.46 Mbps, followed by Ripple Fiber at 440.56 Mbps. AT&T Fiber offers the best combination of speed and coverage.
Who has the cheapest internet in Charlotte?
At the time of this writing, Kinetic by Windstream offers the lowest advertised starting price at $24.99 per month, though its availability is limited. Spectrum starts at $30.
Does Charlotte have 5G home internet?
Yes. T-Mobile and Verizon both offer 5G-based home internet options, covering 81% and 29% of the city respectively.
Where could I connect to the internet for free in Charlotte?
For free public WiFi, head over to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. The library also loans out Wi-Fi hotspots. For eligible families, Access Charlotte, a pilot project offered by the City of Charlotte, helps residents get connected to the internet through “partnerships with affordable housing providers and anchor institutions serving areas with low digital connectivity.” Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools can help eligible families sign up.
Speedtest TL;DR
Charlotte’s internet market offers a strong mix of speed and coverage. Google Fiber takes the speed crown but serves only a small portion of the city, while AT&T Fiber delivers excellent upload performance across much of the city. Ripple Fiber is a newer option with impressive near-symmetrical speeds in limited areas. Spectrum remains the most common choice for residents, and 5G home internet from T-Mobile and Verizon adds flexibility for renters and underserved areas.
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.