Best Internet Providers in Cincinnati, Ohio for 2024
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Cincinnati, OH
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 are deeply committed to offering accurate and trustworthy information that underpins our recommendations on ISPs. Our insights into ISP efficiency stem from real-world data collected from millions of individuals across the globe who opt to take a Speedtest. This approach ensures that our evaluations of ISP performance are both robust and current, offering a straightforward and fair perspective.
Understanding an ISP's performance hinges on three critical measures: download speeds, upload speeds, and latency. Download speed is pivotal for actions such as streaming and downloading, determining the rate at which data is transferred to your device. On the other hand, upload speed is crucial for sending data from your device to the internet, and is particularly significant for uploading content or participating in online transactions. Latency, often referred to as ping, is a key factor for ensuring a seamless online gaming experience and smooth video conference calls, as it affects the responsiveness of your connection.
The technology that underscores an ISP's service can substantially influence the overall quality of your internet experience. For instance, fiber optic technology often provides the fastest speeds, rendering it ideal for high-bandwidth activities. Cable internet, which is more broadly available, typically provides reliable download speeds even if upload speeds might not always be on par. Digital subscriber line (DSL) services offer modest speeds that are adequate for general browsing and streaming, while satellite internet, although sometimes the sole option in remote locations, tends to experience 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 Cincinnati, OH
In Cincinnati, Ohio, our proprietary real-world Speedtest data reveals that Spectrum offers the fastest recorded median download speed in the city, clocking in at an impressive 239.71 Mbps. This suggests that Spectrum is a strong choice for consumers seeking high-speed internet access.
When it comes to the fastest ISPs based on advertised maximum download speeds, altafiber stands out at an excellent 2,000 Mbps. However, it's crucial for consumers to understand that there can be a significant discrepancy between these advertised speeds and the actual speeds they might experience.
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 for nearly any online activity. Whether it's streaming 4K videos, downloading large files, or gaming across multiple devices, these speeds are generally sufficient. Remember, the number of connected devices plays a significant role in determining your required internet speed. As households continue to add more devices, understanding your specific needs and the number of people using the same connection is key.
Cincinnati 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
- Akron
- Alliance
- Ashland
- Athens
- Aurora
- Austintown
- Avon
- Avon Lake
- Barberton
- Bay Village
- Beachwood
- Beavercreek
- Beckett Ridge
- Bedford
- Bellefontaine
- Berea
- Bexley
- Blue Ash
- Boardman
- Bowling Green
- Brecksville
- Broadview Heights
- Brook Park
- Brunswick
- Canal Winchester
- Canton
- Centerville
- Chillicothe
- Cincinnati
- Circleville
- Clayton
- Cleveland
- Cleveland Heights
- Columbus
- Conneaut
- Cuyahoga Falls
- Dayton
- Defiance
- Delaware
- Delhi
- Dover
- Dublin
- Eastlake
- Elyria
- Englewood
- Euclid
- Fairborn
- Fairfield
- Fairlawn
- Fairview Park
- Findlay
- Five Points
- Forest Park
- Franklin
- Fremont
- Gahanna
- Garfield Heights
- Grandview Heights
- Green
- Grove City
- Hamilton
- Highland Heights
- Hilliard
- Huber Heights
- Hudson
- Independence
- Indian Hill
- Kent
- Kettering
- Lakewood
- Lancaster
- Landen
- Lebanon
- Lewis Center
- Lima
- Logan
- Lorain
- Lyndhurst
- Macedonia
- Mack
- Mansfield
- Maple Heights
- Marietta
- Marion
- Marysville
- Mason
- Massillon
- Maumee
- Mayfield Heights
- Medina
- Mentor
- Miamisburg
- Middleburg Heights
- Middletown
- Montgomery
- Montrose-Ghent
- Moreland Hills
- Mount Healthy
- Mount Vernon
- New Albany
- New Franklin
- New Philadelphia
- Newark
- Niles
- North Canton
- North Olmsted
- North Ridgeville
- North Royalton
- Norton
- Norwalk
- Norwood
- Olmsted Falls
- Oxford
- Painesville
- Parma
- Parma Heights
- Pataskala
- Pepper Pike
- Perrysburg
- Pickerington
- Piqua
- Powell
- Reynoldsburg
- Riverside
- Rocky River
- Sandusky
- Seven Hills
- Shaker Heights
- Sharonville
- Shelby
- Sidney
- Solon
- South Euclid
- Springboro
- Springfield
- Stow
- Streetsboro
- Strongsville
- Sylvania
- Tallmadge
- Tiffin
- Toledo
- Trotwood
- Troy
- Twinsburg
- Upper Arlington
- Vandalia
- Vermilion
- Wadsworth
- Warren
- Washington Court House
- West Carrollton
- Westerville
- Westlake
- Whitehall
- Wickliffe
- Willoughby
- Wilmington
- Woodbourne-Hyde Park
- Wooster
- Worthington
- Xenia
- Youngstown
- Zanesville
Home Internet in Cincinnati
Cincinnati residents enjoy a diverse range of internet options, including Cable, 5G Internet, Fiber, DSL, Satellite, and Fixed Wireless. This variety ensures that every resident can find a service that suits their personal internet needs and preferences.
Providers like Spectrum and altafiber, which offer extensive coverage across Cincinnati along with impressive advertised maximum download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps and 2,000 Mbps respectively, stand out particularly. The presence of Fiber internet, such as that offered by altafiber, is especially notable for its superior speed and reliability. When evaluating internet service options, considering factors such as the type of internet and the provider's coverage percentage in the city is essential for making a well-informed decision.
It is also important for consumers to keep in mind that the advertised maximum speeds from ISPs might not always reflect the real-world speeds users experience. This discrepancy can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the time of day, network congestion, and the specific type of internet connection.
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.