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Fastest multi-gigabit internet plan
Best multi-gig internet plan for perks
Best 3-gigabit internet plan
The way we get online is constantly evolving and we’re seeing a rise in faster speeds, thanks in large part to technologies like fiber-optic internet, Wi-Fi 7 and even unique technologies like Li-Fi. Over the years, internet speeds have gotten faster. According to the most recent report from the USTelecom Broadband, speed offerings between 100 and 940Mbps have increased since 2015. In addition, according to data from OpenVault collected during the first quarter of 2024, gigabit internet adoption increased by 20% from 2023.
Another report from OpenVault shows that in the second quarter of 2024, the percentage of customers with speeds lower than 400 megabits per second decreased by 33% from last year — meaning more and more customers are relying on faster internet speeds.
We’re on the fast track to seeing high-speed internet become faster: The Fiber Broadband Association believes that by the end of this decade, a four-person household will require over 2,100Mbps (or just over 2 gigabits) in download speed.
Sure, it’s not 2030 yet, and making that big of an upgrade is probably overkill for households that simply don’t need that much speed. But that’s certainly not stopping internet service providers from offering multigigabit packages to customers, and more households are turning to those high-speed options to shoulder their broadband needs. Multi-gig services are offered by AT&T, Frontier, Optimum, Verizon Fios, and Ziply Fiber, to name a few. Other ISPs, including Comcast’s Xfinity and Google Fiber, also have solid multi-gig offerings.
What is multi-gigabit internet?
Multi-gigabit internet has speeds that are higher than a gigabit (or 1,000 megabits per second). So naturally, speed tiers of 2-,3-,4-,5,000Mbps and beyond all constitute multi-gigabit internet. Note that although our round-up primarily includes multi-gig offerings from fiber internet providers, there are a few cable internet providers that made the list as well. Cable internet is currently the most broadly available internet connection type, according to the Federal Communications Commission, but multi-gig offerings from cable providers are not always as common as those from fiber internet providers.
This list will focus on the best multi-gig internet offerings from the major ISPs in the country but don’t overlook smaller regional providers; seek out the competitive plans available. For instance, Midco offers South Dakota residents symmetrical speeds of 2Gbps and 5Gbps plans. Minnesota’s USI boasts a 10-gig fiber plan. The citizens of Chattanooga, Tennessee, have access to one of the country’s fastest residential plans, a 25Gbps tier from the city-owned fiber broadband of EPB. If you’re eligible for a multi-gig internet plan, it’s most likely coming from a national internet provider. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the best 2-gigabit and multi-gig internet plans available nationwide.
Best Multi-Gigabit Internet Plans
100 – 50,000 Mbps
$20 – $900 per month
Our take – Plans with maximum speeds of 2, 5 or even 10Gbps are becoming more common. 50Gbps? That’s unheard of, at least until Ziply Fiber launched said speeds across its entire fiber footprint.
100 – 50,000 Mbps
$20 – $900 per month
Our take – AT&T Fiber’s fastest plan is its 5-gig tier at $245 per month, but you can get the same perks for $100 less with the 2Gbps option. Specifically, you get AT&T ActiveArmor (free internet security), a gift card which covers two months of service and access to over 30,000 of AT&T’s hotspots nationwide. Your cost per Mbps (7 cents) may not be as low as AT&T Fiber 5000 (5 cents), but it still carries a significant value for a lower monthly charge. Whichever plan you choose, all fiber plans come with unlimited data and require no contracts.
Our take – This is your best, most affordable option to enter the multi-gig-verse. Google Fiber Home 3 Gig plan features a 3Gbps download and 2Gbps upload speed for a flat rate of $100 monthly. That works out to just 3 cents per Mbps and is cheaper than other providers’ 2Gbps offering. (Note: AT&T Fiber’s 2 gig plan features symmetrical download and upload speeds but costs $145 monthly.)
Our multi-gig honorable mentions
The three options we listed above rose to the top of our list but aren’t available in all markets. Additional speedy plans offered by other ISPs might get your attention, but they have one or two caveats that keep them from our winner’s circle. Here are additional multi-gigabit plans from national providers.
- AT&T Fiber 5 Gig: AT&T once had the top spot in this list with its top-tier fiber internet offering. It was introduced at $180 a month for symmetrical 5Gbps speeds. Now, it lists for $245 monthly. That’s still a staggeringly low cost of 5 cents per Mbps. Currently, Frontier Fiber and Ziply Fiber offer cheaper rates than that.
- Frontier Fiber 2 Gig, 5 Gig and 7 Gig: Impressively, Frontier has rolled these multi-gig plans out to all fiber households within its footprint, which means about four million customers across 29 states. For context, AT&T’s multi-gigabit plans are available to more people (7 million) but are not yet available in all AT&T markets. Frontier’s offerings also has free Wi-Fi 6E equipment rental (Wi-Fi 7 equipment with the 7-gig plan), unlimited data, no contracts, no installation or activation fee and free multi-device security. Even better, Frontier recently lowered the introductory rates to $100 monthly for its 2 Gig and $130 monthly for its 5 Gig plan.
- Optimum 2 Gig Fiber and 5 Gig Fiber: Optimum, whose footprint includes both cable and fiber connections, has been working to vastly expand its fiber offerings. Just recently, Optimum has brought speeds of up to 8Gbps to West Orange, New Jersey residents. In select fiber markets, two multi-gig internet plans are available in Connecticut, Long Island, New Jersey and New York. The 2Gbps plan is $90 monthly, and the 5Gbps tier is $120 monthly. New customers for either multi-gigabit plan have the equipment included at no extra cost.
- Verizon Fios 2 Gig: Verizon Fios is often near the top regarding customer satisfaction numbers. Its 2Gbps tier is competitively priced at $110 per month and includes a free year-long subscription to Netflix and Max (with ads). In addition, you get to keep your monthly price of $110 for up to five years. It didn’t make the top of our list for the best multi-gig internet because it’s currently only available in New York City and surrounding areas.
- Xfinity Gigabit Pro: To its credit, Xfinity has been offering its multi-gigabit tier longer than other national providers. But at $300 a month, it’s also one of the most expensive plans. The 10Gbps plan is technically available in all cities within Xfinity’s footprint, but a site survey must first confirm availability for your address. Once you add the two-year contract requirement (with early termination fees looming if you bail early), a $20-a-month equipment rental charge and stiff activation and installation fees (potentially totaling $1,000), those top speeds can come with steep costs.
- Ziply Fiber 2 Gig, 5 Gig and 10 Gig: Ziply Fiber boasts the fastest speeds from an internet provider. Its 50Gbps plan will sure catch your attention. But you’ll pay a steep $900 a month for the top speeds. Fortunately, Ziply Fiber offers other multi-gig plans. The 2Gbps plan has a promo rate of $60 a month, as does the 5Gbps plan, which is excellently priced at $80 per month. The 10Gbps plan is a pricey $300 per month, but that’s a notable value of 3 cents per Mbps. All Ziply Fiber plans include unlimited data and require no contracts.
Top multi-gigabit internet plans compared
Note that the plans below show each provider’s fastest available speeds, which may not be available in your area. Overall, the best selection for you — and the most cost-effective plan — might be a different tier at a lower price but a better value. To more fully understand this value-based approach, check out CNET’s guide to examining the cost per Mbps.
| Plan | Starting price | Max download speed | Cost per Mbps | Equipment fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altafiber Fioptics 2 Gig | $80 | 2,000Mbps | 4 cents | $12 (optional) |
| AT&T Fiber 2000 Read full review |
$145 | 2,000Mbps | 7 cents | None |
| AT&T Fiber 5000 Read full review |
$245 | 5,000Mbps | 5 cents | None |
| Brightspeed Fiber 2 Gig | $89 | 2,000Mbps | 4 cents | None |
| Cox Go Beyond Fast Internet | $110 | 2,000Mbps | 5 cents | $15 (optional) |
| Frontier Fiber 2 Gig Read full review |
$100 | 2,000Mbps | 5 cents | None |
| Frontier Fiber 5 Gig Read full review |
$130 | 5,000Mbps | 3 cents | None |
| Frontier Fiber 7 Gig Read full review |
$200 | 7,000Mbps | 2 cents | None |
| Google Fiber Home 3 Gig Read full review |
$100 | 3,0000Mbps | 3 cents | None |
| Google Fiber Edge 8 Gig Read full review |
$150 | 8,000Mbps | 2 cents | None |
| Kinetic Fiber 2 Gig | $100 | 2,000Mbps | 5 cents | $11 (optional) |
| Metronet 2 Gig Read full review |
$70 | 2,000Mbps | 3 cents | None |
| Metronet 5 Gig Read full review |
$110 | 5,000Mbps | 2 cents | None |
| Optimum Fiber 2 Gig Read full review |
$90 | 2,000Mbps | 4 cents | None |
| Optimum Fiber 5 Gig Read full review |
$120 | 5,000Mbps | 2 cents | None |
| Optimum Fiber 8 Gig Read full review |
$280 | 8,000Mbps | 4 cents | None |
| Quantum Fiber 3 Gig | $100 | 3,000Mbps | 3 cents | None |
| Quantum Fiber 8 Gig | $165 | 8,000Mbps | 2 cents | None |
| Verizon Fios 2 Gig Read full review |
$110 | 2,300Mbps | 5 cents | None |
| Xfinity Gigabit X2 Read full review |
$90 | 2,000Mbps | 4 cents | $15 (optional) |
| Xfinity Gigabit Pro Read full review |
$300 | 10,000Mbps | 3 cents | $20 |
| Ziply Fiber 2 Gig | $60 | 2,000Mbps | 3 cents | $15 (optional) |
| Ziply Fiber 5 Gig | $80 | 5,000Mbps | 2 cents | $15 (optional) |
| Ziply Fiber 10 Gig | $300 | 10,000Mbps | 3 cents | $15 (optional) |
| Ziply Fiber 50 Gig | $900 | 50,000Mbps | 2 cents | $15 (optional) |
Show more (20 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Multi-gig internet plans FAQs
What is multi-gig internet?
Multi-gigabit internet is a broadband plan of 2,000 megabits per second (2 gigabits) or higher. Most multi-gigabit plans come from a fiber-optic internet connection, but some cable internet providers, like Xfinity, offer up to 2 gigs. Xfinity’s 10Gbps plan isn’t cable internet but a fiber connection.
How can I get multi-gig internet?
In most cases, especially if you already have fiber internet service, you won’t have to do anything beyond contacting your provider to upgrade to a multi-gig internet plan. There may be an installation fee (often waived if you order online), but usually, any additional equipment you need (a modem/router capable of multi-gig speeds) will be included.
To take advantage of Xfinity’s Gigabit Pro plan, you’ll need to reach out to Xfinity and schedule a site survey. Even if you’re a current Xfinity customer or know you’re in an Xfinity serviceable area, Comcast will still need to see if your home is within the minimum distance from a fiber node. If everything checks out, it may take several weeks before your household can get Gigabit Pro fully installed.
Is multi-gigabit internet expensive?
Generally speaking, the top multi-gig internet plans are relatively affordable with a fiber internet connection. Fiber typically provides the best performance, featuring symmetrical or near-equal download and upload speeds, and presents the cheapest options. For example, Optimum’s 2Gbps plan is currently offered at $90 a month in the first year, and Ziply Fiber’s 2Gbps plan, which includes unlimited data, checks in at $60 a month. Ziply Fiber’s 10Gbps plan, which isn’t cheap at $300 monthly, has a cost per Mbps of 3 cents, which is good. Ziply’s 5Gbps tier is just over 2 cents per Mbps, the best value we’ve seen. None of those plans require a contract.
Conversely, Xfinity’s Gigabit Pro is one of the more expensive multi-gig plans. It costs $300 per month, and you can only get it if you sign up for a two-year contract. The cost per Mbps, at 3 cents, is good, but there’s a $20-a-month rental charge for equipment. There’s also a hefty additional expenditure right out of the gate: Households face an activation fee of up to $500 and an additional installation fee of another $500. That’s $1,000 before you even get to the regular monthly charges.
Is a 2-gig internet plan worth it?
Perhaps. Even if you go with the most expensive plan, the monthly cost per Mbps of multi-gigabit internet is quite competitive. Plus, these plans’ near-symmetrical upload and download speeds certainly give your household plenty of opportunities to utilize many connected devices now and in the future.
Most households don’t need that much speed. Dropping down to a provider’s gigabit plan, for example, still gives you plenty of bandwidth at just 5 to 10 cents per Mbps — often with modem/router fees included. It may not be as flashy as having 2-gig internet or the fastest residential plan currently available, but it’ll get you some splashy speeds at a more affordable price.
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2025-02-25 13:00:00
