Although the population of Washington, DC, dropped to 670,050 people in 2021, there are still enough homes and businesses to support healthy internet competition. Three of the top high-speed internet providers service the Washington, DC Metro area. These are Verizon, Xfinity, and Cox. If you're moving to the area, you'll also have a few other choices, including Ultra Home Internet, Starry, and Telegia.
Homes in the Washington area may also sign up for broadband Internet through Virginia Broadband or Freedom Broadband for fixed wireless, which, unfortunately, has wildly varying speeds from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps throughout Washington, DC and into Virginia. This doesn't mean you can't get a great connection, it just means that you have to be cautious before you sign a contract. Our guide can walk you through speeds, availability, and price.
11 Internet Service Providers in Washington
To avoid wasting your time, providers with less than 1% coverage in the Washington metro area are not shown.
Our Top Choice For Internet In Washington, DC is Verizon
We've scoped out all of the major providers in the area and found that Verizon's Fiber service is your best bet for high-speed Internet in Washington, DC. Not only is Verizon a known name, but the powerhouse ISP has also laid the groundwork to serve more than 85% of the city with speeds just shy of a gig.
Unfortunately, there are a few spots where you can't get Verizon, and, for these, you'll want to go with Xfinity if it's available. Fort Myers is a perfect example here, and Xfinity is available to more than 99% of homes while Verizon's fiber services less than 10%. Those living between Columbia Pike and Southgate Road, however, have full access to the power of Verizon fiber. Xfinity is also the best option for those in the 20052 ZIP Code, which covers about a dozen blocks between Whole Foods and Hotel Hive.
Although approximately 15% of the city is not eligible for Verizon's fiber service, we will stick to our guns here that it's the go-to for the most reliable, fastest, and overall best high-speed Internet in Washington, DC.
Washington Satellite TV & Internet Providers
DISH Satellite TV
DIRECTV Satellite TV
Not sure whether to choose Dish or DIRECTV? For most people most of the time we recommend DISH. But click here to learn more.
HughesNet Satellite Internet
Where in the Washington metro area is internet available?
Internet Availability Key
Internet service is available in 99.34% of the Washington metro area. Areas in green are more likely to have fiber, cable, DSL, or fixed wireless internet service. Areas in red may be more reliant on satellite service. The most widely available provider is Verizon. Call one of the companies with service in the Washington metro area above to see who has service at your home, or click the technology to see where it can be found in the Washington metro area.
How fast are internet speeds in the Washington metro area?
The map below shows maximum internet speeds by area in the Washington metro area.
Internet Speed Key
The average Washington home can get up to 992 Mbps on their internet plan. For most people, the fastest download speed in the city is 10,000 Mbps, which less than 1% of residents can get. Some homes and apartments do not have access to these speeds. On the slower end, for example, less than 1% of homes can only purchase plans up to 0.50 Mbps. See the internet provider details below for info about their speed and coverage in the Washington metro area.
Internet speeds tend to be faster in the west parts of the Washington metro area, and slower in the southwest areas of the city.
What type of internet should I choose in the Washington metro area?
The fastest internet for you may vary based on where in the Washington metro area you live. If speed is your main concern, cable will be the fastest internet in the city.
- Fiber is the fastest internet type for 2.48% of Washington homes.
- Cable is fastest for 95.99% of the city.
- DSL is fastest for less than 1%.
- Fixed wireless is fastest for less than 1%.
- Satellite internet may be the only option for less than 1% of Washington homes.
Internet Market Health in Washington
Internet Competition Key
The map shows how competitive the the Washington metro area internet service market is. Areas in green have more alternatives, areas in yellow have a few choices, and areas in red may have only one provider. More competition usually means faster speeds and better prices for you, the customer.
Below are quick facts on internet competition and market health in the Washington metro area based on what connections the average home has availabile:
- Average number of internet service providers to a home: 3.1 (healthy)
- Average types of service (fiber, cable, DSL, etc): 2.9 (very healthy)
- Average providers with broadband (25 Mbps+) speeds: 2.4 (healthy)
Overall, competition is healthy.
Washington internet customers have the ability to buy internet service from 1 to 6 different providers, depending on where they live. For different types of service, Washington homes have between 1 and 4 options. The type(s) of service available are cable, fiber, dsl, and fixed wireless, though these may vary depending on the region within the city.
When it comes to broadband download speeds faster than 25 Mbps, the situation is worse. Washington internet customers who want faster speeds have between 0 and 5 choices of companies offering speeds up to or over 25 Mbps.
More internet companies with faster speeds means fewer monopolies and better prices for customers. In promoting a free market for internet, the Washington metro area is doing better than most.
TV & Internet Providers in Depth
Below you'll find which TV and internet providers offer service in the Washington metro area, along with details on where in the Washington metro area and at what speeds.
Verizon Fiber in Washington, DC
Verizon fiber coverage
About 85.03%, or 4,460,711 people, have Verizon fiber internet available to them in the city. The company covers the entire Washington area. Verizon is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in most of the Washington metro area.
Verizon fiber download speeds
Verizon is above average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Washington metro area. Versus other fiber providers in the area, Verizon fiber is below average. There are no different maximum speeds throughout the Washington metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Washington metro area can order from Verizon goes up to 940 Mbps, and all Washington customers can get this speed.
Show all download speeds
- 100.0% up to 940.0 Mbps
Verizon fiber upload speeds
In the Washington metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for Verizon fiber. Compared to other ISPs, Verizon is above average where upload speeds are concerned, and below average compared to other Washington fiber providers. Verizon offers no different upload speeds across the city. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Washington metro area is up to 880 Mbps, which is available to everyone covered.
Show all upload speeds
- 100.0% up to 880.0 Mbps
XFINITY from Comcast Cable in Washington, DC
XFINITY cable coverage
About 77.83%, or 4,083,013 people, have XFINITY cable internet available to them in the city. The company covers the entire Washington area. XFINITY is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in much of the Washington metro area.
XFINITY from Comcast cable download speeds
XFINITY is above average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Washington metro area. Versus other cable providers in the area, XFINITY cable is above average. There are 2 different maximum speeds throughout the Washington metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Washington metro area can order from XFINITY goes up to 1,000 Mbps, the slowest package only goes up to 300 Mbps, and the city-wide average maximum speed for Washington customers is up to 993 Mbps.
Show all download speeds
- 99.0% up to 1,000.0 Mbps
- 1.0% up to 300.0 Mbps
XFINITY from Comcast cable upload speeds
In the Washington metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for XFINITY cable. Compared to other ISPs, XFINITY is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and above average compared to other Washington cable providers. XFINITY offers 2 different upload speeds across the city, so your internet plan's upload speed may vary by neighborhood. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Washington metro area is up to 35 Mbps. Some customers have slower plan choices, which only go up to 10 Mbps. On average, XFINITY customers can get speeds up to 35 Mbps.
Show all upload speeds
- 99.0% up to 35.0 Mbps
- 1.0% up to 10.0 Mbps
Verizon DSL in Washington, DC
Verizon DSL coverage
About 72.04%, or 3,779,245 people, have Verizon DSL internet available to them in the city. The company covers the entire Washington area. Verizon is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in much of the Washington metro area.
Verizon DSL download speeds
Verizon is below average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Washington metro area. Versus other DSL providers in the area, Verizon DSL is the slowest. There are 8 different maximum speeds throughout the Washington metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Washington metro area can order from Verizon goes up to 15 Mbps, the slowest package only goes up to 0.77 Mbps, and the city-wide average maximum speed for Washington customers is up to 8.5 Mbps.
Show all download speeds
- 29.4% up to 15.0 Mbps
- 15.6% up to 10.0 Mbps
- 15.3% up to 7.0 Mbps
- 20.5% up to 5.0 Mbps
- 10.7% up to 3.0 Mbps
- 7.8% up to 1.5 Mbps
- 0.6% up to 1.0 Mbps
- 0.0% up to 0.8 Mbps
Verizon DSL upload speeds
In the Washington metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for Verizon DSL. Compared to other ISPs, Verizon is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and the slowest compared to other Washington DSL providers. Verizon offers 4 different upload speeds across the city, so your internet plan's upload speed may vary by neighborhood. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Washington metro area is up to 1.0 Mbps. Some customers have slower plan choices, which only go up to 0.13 Mbps. On average, Verizon customers can get speeds up to 0.84 Mbps.
Show all upload speeds
- 45.0% up to 1.0 Mbps
- 46.5% up to 0.8 Mbps
- 8.5% up to 0.4 Mbps
- 0.0% up to 0.1 Mbps
Cox Communications Cable in Washington, DC
Cox cable coverage
About 21.09%, or 1,106,127 people, have Cox cable internet available to them in the city. The company covers the central, west, south, northwest, southwest, north, and east Washington area. Cox is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a small portion of the Washington metro area.
Cox Communications cable download speeds
Cox is above average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Washington metro area. Versus other cable providers in the area, Cox cable is above average. There are 2 different maximum speeds throughout the Washington metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Washington metro area can order from Cox goes up to 1,000 Mbps, the slowest package only goes up to 300 Mbps, and the city-wide average maximum speed for Washington customers is up to 997 Mbps.
Show all download speeds
- 99.6% up to 1,000.0 Mbps
- 0.4% up to 300.0 Mbps
Cox Communications cable upload speeds
In the Washington metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for Cox cable. Compared to other ISPs, Cox is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and above average compared to other Washington cable providers. Cox offers 2 different upload speeds across the city, so your internet plan's upload speed may vary by neighborhood. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Washington metro area is up to 35 Mbps. Some customers have slower plan choices, which only go up to 30 Mbps. On average, Cox customers can get speeds up to 35 Mbps.
Show all upload speeds
- 99.6% up to 35.0 Mbps
- 0.4% up to 30.0 Mbps
Astound Broadband powered by RCN Cable in Washington, DC
Astound Broadband cable coverage
About 11.65%, or 611,145 people, have Astound Broadband cable internet available to them in the city. The company covers the north, east, central, northeast, southwest, and west Washington area. Astound Broadband is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a very small piece of the Washington metro area.
Astound Broadband powered by RCN cable download speeds
Astound Broadband is above average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Washington metro area. Versus other cable providers in the area, Astound Broadband cable is below average. There are 2 different maximum speeds throughout the Washington metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Washington metro area can order from Astound Broadband goes up to 1,000 Mbps, the slowest package only goes up to 330 Mbps, and the city-wide average maximum speed for Washington customers is up to 786 Mbps.
Show all download speeds
- 68.1% up to 1,000.0 Mbps
- 31.9% up to 330.0 Mbps
Astound Broadband powered by RCN cable upload speeds
In the Washington metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for Astound Broadband cable. Compared to other ISPs, Astound Broadband is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and below average compared to other Washington cable providers. Astound Broadband offers no different upload speeds across the city. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Washington metro area is up to 20 Mbps, which is available to everyone covered.
Show all upload speeds
- 100.0% up to 20.0 Mbps
T-Mobile Home Internet in Washington, DC
T-Mobile Home Internet fixed wireless coverage
About 24.84%, or 1,302,868 people, have T-Mobile Home Internet fixed wireless internet available to them in the city. The company covers the entire Washington area. T-Mobile Home Internet is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a small portion of the Washington metro area.
T-Mobile Home Internet fixed wireless download speeds
T-Mobile Home Internet is below average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Washington metro area. Versus other fixed wireless providers in the area, T-Mobile Home Internet fixed wireless is below average. There are no different maximum speeds throughout the Washington metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Washington metro area can order from T-Mobile Home Internet goes up to 25 Mbps, and all Washington customers can get this speed.
Show all download speeds
- 100.0% up to 25.0 Mbps
T-Mobile Home Internet fixed wireless upload speeds
In the Washington metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for T-Mobile Home Internet fixed wireless. Compared to other ISPs, T-Mobile Home Internet is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and below average compared to other Washington fixed wireless providers. T-Mobile Home Internet offers no different upload speeds across the city. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Washington metro area is up to 3.0 Mbps, which is available to everyone covered.
Show all upload speeds
- 100.0% up to 3.0 Mbps
STARRY Fixed Wireless in Washington, DC
STARRY fixed wireless coverage
About 8.07%, or 423,122 people, have STARRY fixed wireless internet available to them in the city. The company covers the central, east, and north Washington area. STARRY is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a very small piece of the Washington metro area.
STARRY fixed wireless download speeds
STARRY is below average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Washington metro area. Versus other fixed wireless providers in the area, STARRY fixed wireless is above average. There are no different maximum speeds throughout the Washington metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Washington metro area can order from STARRY goes up to 200 Mbps, and all Washington customers can get this speed.
Show all download speeds
- 100.0% up to 200.0 Mbps
STARRY fixed wireless upload speeds
In the Washington metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for STARRY fixed wireless. Compared to other ISPs, STARRY is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and the fastest compared to other Washington fixed wireless providers. STARRY offers no different upload speeds across the city. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Washington metro area is up to 200 Mbps, which is available to everyone covered.
Show all upload speeds
- 100.0% up to 200.0 Mbps
All Points Broadband Fixed Wireless in Washington, DC
All Points Broadband fixed wireless coverage
About 5.64%, or 295,777 people, have All Points Broadband fixed wireless internet available to them in the city. The company covers the northwest and west Washington area. All Points Broadband is a large internet service provider internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a very small piece of the Washington metro area.
All Points Broadband fixed wireless download speeds
All Points Broadband is below average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Washington metro area. Versus other fixed wireless providers in the area, All Points Broadband fixed wireless is below average. There are no different maximum speeds throughout the Washington metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Washington metro area can order from All Points Broadband goes up to 25 Mbps, and all Washington customers can get this speed.
Show all download speeds
- 100.0% up to 25.0 Mbps
All Points Broadband fixed wireless upload speeds
In the Washington metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for All Points Broadband fixed wireless. Compared to other ISPs, All Points Broadband is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and below average compared to other Washington fixed wireless providers. All Points Broadband offers no different upload speeds across the city. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Washington metro area is up to 3.0 Mbps, which is available to everyone covered.
Show all upload speeds
- 100.0% up to 3.0 Mbps
Telegia Communications Fixed Wireless in Washington, DC
Telegia Communications fixed wireless coverage
About 2.83%, or 148,459 people, have Telegia Communications fixed wireless internet available to them in the city. The company covers the northwest, north, and northeast Washington area. Telegia Communications is a large internet service provider internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a very small piece of the Washington metro area.
Telegia Communications fixed wireless download speeds
Telegia Communications is below average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Washington metro area. Versus other fixed wireless providers in the area, Telegia Communications fixed wireless is below average. There are no different maximum speeds throughout the Washington metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Washington metro area can order from Telegia Communications goes up to 30 Mbps, and all Washington customers can get this speed.
Show all download speeds
- 100.0% up to 30.0 Mbps
Telegia Communications fixed wireless upload speeds
In the Washington metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for Telegia Communications fixed wireless. Compared to other ISPs, Telegia Communications is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and below average compared to other Washington fixed wireless providers. Telegia Communications offers no different upload speeds across the city. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Washington metro area is up to 15 Mbps, which is available to everyone covered.
Show all upload speeds
- 100.0% up to 15.0 Mbps
Virginia Broadband Fixed Wireless in Washington, DC
Virginia Broadband fixed wireless coverage
About 1.36%, or 71,361 people, have Virginia Broadband fixed wireless internet available to them in the city. The company covers the southwest Washington area. Virginia Broadband is a large internet service provider internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a very small piece of the Washington metro area.
Virginia Broadband fixed wireless download speeds
Virginia Broadband is below average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Washington metro area. Versus other fixed wireless providers in the area, Virginia Broadband fixed wireless is above average. There are no different maximum speeds throughout the Washington metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Washington metro area can order from Virginia Broadband goes up to 100 Mbps, and all Washington customers can get this speed.
Show all download speeds
- 100.0% up to 100.0 Mbps
Virginia Broadband fixed wireless upload speeds
In the Washington metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for Virginia Broadband fixed wireless. Compared to other ISPs, Virginia Broadband is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and above average compared to other Washington fixed wireless providers. Virginia Broadband offers no different upload speeds across the city. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Washington metro area is up to 50 Mbps, which is available to everyone covered.
Show all upload speeds
- 100.0% up to 50.0 Mbps
freedom broadband Fixed Wireless in Washington, DC
freedom broadband fixed wireless coverage
About 1.18%, or 61,826 people, have freedom broadband fixed wireless internet available to them in the city. The company covers the north and northeast Washington area. freedom broadband is a large internet service provider internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a very small piece of the Washington metro area.
freedom broadband fixed wireless download speeds
freedom broadband is below average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Washington metro area. Versus other fixed wireless providers in the area, freedom broadband fixed wireless is below average. There are no different maximum speeds throughout the Washington metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Washington metro area can order from freedom broadband goes up to 10 Mbps, and all Washington customers can get this speed.
Show all download speeds
- 100.0% up to 10.0 Mbps
freedom broadband fixed wireless upload speeds
In the Washington metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for freedom broadband fixed wireless. Compared to other ISPs, freedom broadband is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and below average compared to other Washington fixed wireless providers. freedom broadband offers no different upload speeds across the city. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Washington metro area is up to 5.0 Mbps, which is available to everyone covered.
Show all upload speeds
- 100.0% up to 5.0 Mbps
Washington Internet by Area
This information is most helpful to those looking for homes or considering moving to the Washington metro area or any of the areas nearby.
How does internet in the Washington metro area compare to the rest of District of Columbia?
Internet speeds in the Washington metro area are comparable versus the average speeds in District of Columbia: 998 Mbps in District of Columbia versus 992 Mbps in the city. The state has similar internet availability compared to the city. Average internet coverage in District of Columbia is 99.68% versus 99.34% in the Washington metro area.
What zip codes have widespread internet?
Internet coverage varies by zip code and neighborhood. Some examples in or around the Washington metro area are shown below. You can enter any zip code here to see TV and internet providers by zip code.
What does internet service look like in other cities?
Below are cities nearby and with similar populations. This comparison can be useful if living somewhere with fast internet is important to you.
Nearby Cities
- Washington, DC: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Fort Myer, VA: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Arlington, VA: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Mount Rainier, MD: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Friendship Heights Village, MD: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Brentwood, MD: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- Chevy Chase Village, MD: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Cottage City, MD: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Colmar Manor, MD: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- North Brentwood, MD: more internet coverage, faster speeds
Cities with Similar Populations
- Atlanta Metro, GA: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- San Francisco Metro, CA: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Miami Metro, FL: less internet coverage, faster speeds
- Philadelphia Metro, PA: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Boston Metro, MA: less internet coverage, faster speeds
- Phoenix Metro, AZ: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- Houston Metro, TX: less internet coverage, slower speeds
- Riverside Metro, CA: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- Dallas Metro, TX: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- Detroit Metro, MI: more internet coverage, slower speeds