The Smart Way to Compare Internet Providers Side-by-Side

Thinking of changing Internet service providers (ISPs)? Or moving and want to know all your Internet options in your new location? SmartMove has your back.

When it comes to comparing Internet providers, there’s more than just the advertised price to consider. From customer service and contract flexibility to hidden fees and added features, we’ve got the tools and tips you need to make a smart side-by-side comparison.

Why Side-by-Side Comparison Matters More Than Ever

It feels like every day there are more and more Internet providers and Internet service types — wireless Internet (WiFi), satellite Internet, 5G home Internet, fiber-optic Internet, and more. Then there’s the variance of price differences, download speeds and upload speeds, contract terms, and more. How can you be informed enough to make the right decision for your household?

SmartMove can help you cut through the noise to find the high-speed Internet, contract, and price that suit you.

More Providers, More Plans, More Confusion

As more and more ISPs enter the marketplace, increased competition has created an overwhelming array of choices. To attract new customers, companies often put forth their shiniest bells and loudest whistles, coupled with promotional prices that can look very appealing — all before you read the fine print. Once you do, however, you’ll often find that over time, prices rise, Internet speed is throttled, or there are data caps to contend with.

Small Plan Differences Can Lead to Big Experience Changes

One thing to keep in mind is that small plan differences can lead to very large differences in experience. Depending on your household’s needs, even modest differences in speed, say 100 Mbps vs. 300 Mbps, can impact real scenarios like video conferencing, gaming, or multiple users streaming in one household.

Not sure what you need? Make a list of your household’s current Internet usage, any potentials for change, and those occasional times when a lot of bandwidth is being consumed. Let that list guide you as you compare.

Comparing Without the Right Tools Can Be Misleading

One common problem with comparing Internet providers is that consumers sometimes rely on outdated or scattered information. It makes comparing the best Internet services a hassle. SmartMove’s side-by-side comparison tool removes all the guesswork and bad data, so you see the full picture quickly.

What to Look for When Comparing Providers

Sure, you want the fastest Internet possible at a price that fits your budget, but there’s a lot more to comparing Internet service than advertised speeds or base pricing. Here’s a better idea of what to consider.

Location, Location, Location

Living outside a major city often means fewer Internet options than someone in an urban area. Rural communities may have limited access to both service providers and connection types. For example, many rural areas still do not have broadband options, so satellite Internet might be the only option.

Moving and want to keep the Internet plan and cable you have? Check to see if it’s possible first. Assuming will mean a delay of service once you relocate.

Internet Speeds and Tier Differences

Now that you better understand the different types of Internet connections and companies that might be available near you, it’s time to look into Internet speed. While it’s pushed as being necessary, not everyone needs the fastest Internet option. Still, underestimating your household’s needs will definitely cause issues.

If you’re not sure how much Internet speed your household needs, take the SmartMove Speed Quiz to find out.

Related articles:

• How Much Internet Speed Do I Need?
• Internet Speed Test & What Your Test Result Means
• 10 Ways to Increase Your Home Internet Speed
• How Much Internet Speed Do I Need to Stream in 4K and 8K?

Price Breakdown (Not Just the Headlines)

While it’s already been mentioned in passing, it’s so important to compare Internet deals on more than just advertised prices. The thing is, many plans offer teaser pricing that’s great for the first few months or even the first year, but the increases you’ll endure later can defeat the purpose of early savings.

Additionally, be sure to ask about installation fees, the cost of modem/router rentals, as well as any other recurring costs, so you can assess the true cost of the service over time.

Contract Terms and Flexibility

You also need to pay attention to contract terms and the flexibility they provide. Some contracts are just month-to-month, while others lock you into a full year or more. If you’re not totally settled where you are and are possibly looking to move within a year or two, a month-to-month arrangement might be best — even if you pay a bit more each month than you would for a years-long contract.

Longer contract agreements are common. These contracts often offer a low introductory monthly price that then increases across the life of the contract. Whatever you decide, just be sure to familiarize yourself with any early termination or transfer penalties.

Customer Service and Technical Support

If your Internet always works flawlessly and your bill is never confusing, you might never need customer service or tech support. But we all know things don’t always go that smoothly, so it’s a good idea to check a company’s customer satisfaction and tech support ratings before signing up.

How easy is it to get in touch? Do they have 24/7 phone lines? An app? Online chat? Prioritize providers with a reputation for fast, accessible support.

Bundled Features and Equipment

While some households might not need any bundles, extra features, or equipment, others might benefit from a few extras. If you don’t already have your own router or modem, be sure to ask whether they’re included and how much extra they are a month. If you’re considering bundling services like cable TV, mobile, or a home phone line, you might be able to save. Just be sure to only add on and bundle what you were going to need anyway.

Researching Providers Available at Your Address

It's important to always know exactly which providers are available at your address, or at the address where you’re planning to move. For example, just because you have Spectrum Internet now, it doesn’t mean you’ll be able to keep it when you move across town.

Research is key, and SmartMove can help with that.

Availability Varies by Region — Even Block-by-Block

We’ve already discussed the difference in availability based on where you live. This is especially true for rural areas, but availability can actually vary by region and municipality, too.

As strange as it sounds, provider coverage really can differ by neighborhood or floor of an apartment building. It’s not just a ZIP code issue. Always confirm availability before committing to a provider based on name recognition alone.

Use Address-Level Search to Avoid Guesswork

There are a lot of tools out there that claim to be able to show you exactly which ISPs are available within your ZIP code. The problem with that, however, is that ZIP code lookups may provide incomplete results. SmartMove has built a powerful and accurate tool that gives address-specific provider and plan listings.

Making Your Final Decision

Now that you’ve done your research, it’s time to make the final decision. Here’s how to do it right.

Weigh Needs, Not Just Price

Your household needs have to be taken into consideration as much as price. Remember, a family of gamers and streamers likely needs higher speeds and better bandwidth than a couple that occasionally browses and streams. If you don’t get the speed you need, your cheap Internet might actually end up costing you more each month.

Keep an Eye Out for Short-Term Deals

Sometimes you can find a short-term deal that meets all your needs and saves you a bunch of money. These deals might offer contract-free trials, waived fees, or bundled gift cards that are only available in the short term. If you’ve done your research and read through the fine print, then act, and lock in a good promo rate when the timing is right.

Confirm That the Provider Supports DIY Setup or Fast Installs

Be sure that the ISP you choose offers self-installation kits or next-day appointments. Especially if you’re relocating and need Internet access to work remotely. Going a week without an Internet connection probably won’t be worth saving a few dollars a month.

Use SmartMove to Compare With Confidence

SmartMove is your go-to solution for simplifying Internet plan selection through trustworthy tools and personalized results based on your actual location. We make it easy for users to compare the best Internet providers by contract, cost, speed, and available features all in one place.

Still not sure about how much Internet you need? Look at all the broadband options, take the SmartMove Speed Quiz, and make the right choice today.