What are the best internet providers in Chesapeake?
CNET recommends Verizon Fios as Chesapeake's top internet providerproviding some of the fastest speeds, symmetrical connections and extensive coverage in some cities. If you don't have Verizon Fios, Cox, T-Mobile and Verizon's 5G home internet on your address is a strong choice.
Looking for savings or speed? Eligible T-Mobile and Verizon mobile customers can get Home Internet for $35-$45 per month. Cox leads Chesapeake's fastest program, offering 2Gbps for $120 a month, while other providers offer up to 1,000Mbps if unavailable.
The best internet in Chesapeake
Chesapeake Internet Provider
| Provider | Internet technology | Monthly price range | Speed range | Monthly equipment cost | Data cap | contract | CNET Comment Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox Communications Read the full review |
Cable/Fiber | $30-$120 | 100-2,000Mbps | Nothing | 1.28TB | Nothing | 6.2 |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review |
Fixed wireless | $50-$70 (Qualified Mobile Customers $35-$55) | 72-245Mbps | Nothing | Nothing | Nothing | 7.4 |
| Verizon Fios Read the full review |
fiber | $50- $90 | 300-1000Mbps | Nothing | Nothing | Nothing | 7.6 |
| Verizon 5G home internet Read the full review |
Fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$45, eligible for Verizon 5G Mobile Plan) | 100-300Mbps | Nothing | Nothing | Nothing | 7.2 |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Chesapeake?
| Provider | Start monthly prices | Maximum download speed | Monthly equipment fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cox 250 Read the full review |
$50 | 250Mbps | Nothing |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review |
$50 ($35 for qualified mobile plans) | 245Mbps | Nothing |
| Verizon Fios 300 Read the full review |
$50 | 300Mbps | Nothing |
| Verizon 5G home Read the full review |
$50 ($35 for qualified mobile plans) | 300Mbps | Nothing |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find internet deals and promotions in Chesapeake
Chesapeake's best internet deals and top promotions depend on discounts during this period. Most transactions are short-lived, but we often look for the latest quotes.
Chesapeake Internet providers such as Cox may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming accessories for a limited time. Many people, including Verizon and T-Mobile, run the same standard pricing throughout the year.
For a wider list of promotions, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Image by Ferrantraite/Getty
Chesapeake's Fastest Internet Plan
| Provider | Starting price | Maximum download speed | Maximum upload speed | Data cap | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox 2 performance Read the full review |
$120 | 2,000Mbps | 100Mbps | 1.25TB | cable |
| Cox 1 performance Read the full review |
$80 | 1,000Mbps | 100Mbps | 1.25TB | cable |
| Verizon 5G Home Plus Read the full review |
$70 ($45 for qualified mobile plans) | 1,000Mbps | 75Mbps | Nothing | Fixed wireless |
| Verizon Fios 1 show Read the full review |
$90 | 940Mbps | 880Mbps | Nothing | fiber |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What is good internet speed?
Most Internet connectivity programs can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you are looking for an internet plan that can accommodate video conferencing, streaming videos, or games, you will get better experience and have a stronger connection. According to the FCC, this is an overview of the minimum download speeds recommended for various applications. Note that these are just guides, internet speed, services and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, see our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
- 0 to 5Mbps allows you to solve the basics: browse the internet, send and receive emails and stream low-quality video.
- 5 to 40Mbps provides you with higher quality video streaming and video conferencing.
- 40 to 100Mbps should provide a user with enough bandwidth to meet the needs of modern remote office, video streaming and online gaming.
- 100 to 500Mbps allows one to perform high bandwidth activities for two users simultaneously, such as video conferencing, streaming and online gaming.
- 500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high bandwidth activities simultaneously.
How to choose the best Internet provider in Chesapeake
There are numerous and regional Internet service providers. Unlike the latest smartphones, laptops, routers, or kitchen tools, it is impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What is our method? We begin by looking at pricing, availability and speed information, leveraging our own historical ISP data, provider sites, and information from the FCC.Gov FCC.
It doesn't end: We visit the FCC's website to check our data and make sure we consider all ISPs that provide services in a certain area. We also enter a local address on the provider's website to find specific options for residents. We look at resources including the U.S. Customer Satisfaction Index and JD Power to evaluate how satisfied ISP services have with customers. ISP plans and prices change frequently; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once this local information is obtained, we ask three main questions:
- Can providers access reasonable and fast internet speeds?
- Do customers get decent value for the money they pay?
- Are customers satisfied with their service?
The answers to these questions are usually layered and complex, but the closest of these three questions we recommend are the closest providers. When choosing the cheapest internet service, we look for the lowest monthly plan, but we also consider things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively simple. We view upload and download speeds on ads and consider actual speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET.)
To explore our process more deeply, visit our test ISP page.
Chesapeake FAQ Internet Provider
What is the best internet service provider in Chesapeake?
Verizon Fios is the best internet service provider in Chesapeake. The provider offers a wide range of coverage, symmetric speed, unlimited data, no annual contracts. This is the best choice for most Chesapeake residents.
Does Chesapeake have fiber optic internet?
Yes. Verizon Fios is Chesapeake’s largest fiber optic provider, but select homes may be able to access Cox’s fiber network.
Who is the cheapest internet provider in Chesapeake?
T-Mobile and Verizon offer discounts for qualified mobile customers, so you may pay less and get faster with these ISPs.
Which internet provider at Chesapeake offers the fastest plan?
The fastest you can get in Chesapeake is 2 Gigabit, and the Cox is available for $120 per month.
