Charlotte offers many high-speed internet providers with unlimited data and no contract. Here are my top picks for the top Charlotte ISPs. For more related articles visit unlimited wireless internet.

As a long-time resident of Charlotte, I remember when Time Warner Cable was the only alternative for the internet. Today, the internet options for homes in Charlotte are the same as in other cities, with one or two broadband providers and two or three broadband internet service providers. In the case of Charlotte, the only option for cable will include Spectrum, which is technically TWC but has been changed to Spectrum following its acquisition by Charter. If you are looking for fibre services, AT&T will be the most reliable option. However, you might come across Google Fiber or Kinetic by Windstream, too, depending on where you reside within this Queen City.

Charlotte also offers the unique choice of 5G internet at home by T-Mobile and is accessible to about half the households in the region. There are other options for internet, however like internet via DSL and satellite Internet but I'm not going bothered with them and, to be honest, we shouldn't. This is a look at the top Internet providers within the Charlotte area.

AT&T

Best Charlotte ISP overall

Price range:

 $55-$180 per month

The speed range is

 300-5,000Mbps.

Advantages

 Unlimited data with no contract, no equipment included.

Special offers:

 $200 gift card when you sign up for AT&T Fiber online

Why do you pick it?

AT&T is not just the most efficient provider in Charlotte; It's also the biggest fibre provider and is arguably the most efficient combination of value and speed of any service in the region.

AT&T provides internet access throughout most of Charlotte. However, there are some areas, for instance, in the west, around CLT-Douglas and the University region, where AT&T could be out of service.

The majority of AT&T-serviced homes in the area qualify for fibre internet service that can provide up to 5 Mbps, making AT&T the fastest internet service provider in Charlotte. If that's not the speed you require, AT&T Fiber has a range of other plans that are high-speed and high-value that come with unlimited internet, with no obligations to sign contracts and no cost for WiFi equipment.

AT&T's fibre service hasn't reached the Charlotte region yet, which means your address may be only accessible for AT&T Internet, an internet service that relies on DSL. Prices are still quite affordable for AT&T Internet, starting at $55 per month. However, speeds can differ, and DSL isn't a reliable connection. In conclusion, I'd suggest looking at alternative Charlotte internet service providers if you live in a home that is only accessible via DSL.

AT&T Home Internet

Google Fiber

The best gigabit connection in Charlotte

Price range:

 $70-$100 per month

Bandwidth : 1,000-2,000Mbps
Benefits

 No contracts and unlimited data. no equipment included

Why do I choose it?

 Google Fiber has slightly cheaper pricing than AT&T Fiber on gigabit and two-gigabit internet plans.

The decision to go with Google Fiber for your home internet service in Charlotte is a matter of two things: "Is it available?" and "Do you require gigabit-speed internet?" If you answer both of these questions, yes, Google Fiber is probably the best option.

The availability aspect could be a problem since the service is currently available to a small percentage of Charlotte households. The best chance of getting service if reside in or plan to move to the northeast of Charlotte close to Concord Mills or the Southpark region, but there are some areas within Uptown or around Charlotte that can also be serviced. If you're lucky enough to possess an address that Google Fiber can service, it's worth looking into.

Although Google Fiber has a higher beginning price over other Charlotte internet service providers, the speed you can get for the price is worth the price. Plans include unlimited data and no commitment to contract like most Internet providers located in Charlotte. WiFi is also available in the Google Fiber service.

Google Webpass, a high-speed fixed wireless service popular in multi-unit properties, isn't accessible in Charlotte.

Spectrum

The best Charlotte access to high-speed internet

Price range:

 $50-$110 per month

Bandwidth:

 200-940Mbps

Perks:

 Unlimited data, no contracts, modem included

Why you should choose it:

 Spectrum can be described as the most popular broadband internet provider in Charlotte. If you're in the city, you can be sure of having it accessible. Prices, speeds as well as bundle choices are not terrible either.

The biggest benefit of Spectrum's service in Charlotte is its availability. The internet service provider is accessible to all of Charlotte's households. This can facilitate signing up for internet service and transferring it when you relocate, no matter where you happen to be located in the city.

Cable providers typically get the wrong treatment, maybe justly so in certain instances; however, Spectrum is a great option for those who want to access the internet in Charlotte. The speeds are good and the affordable cost, although I believe there's an opportunity for the gig service to lower its price. Terms of service are also good because all Spectrum plans include unlimitable data and no contractual restrictions, and the option of a free modem.

Take note that it's a free modem. However, it's not a free router. That's the one you'll need to connect wirelessly to WiFi. A router rental costs only $5, or you can bring your device and not pay the cost.

Spectrum is certainly one of your top options for internet in Charlotte; however, it's the cable internet. It means much slow upload times than the fibre and the possibility of slower speeds during peak time. However, the cable connection makes Spectrum the best option for bundling Internet and TV services.

T-Mobile

The best option for internet at home wired in Charlotte

Price range:

 $50 per month

The speed range is

35-115Mbps

Advantages

 No contracts and unlimited data. no equipment included

Why you should choose it:

 You're firmly opposed to the internet cable, and fibre internet isn't accessible at your address.

5G's arrival has brought needed competition to the internet home market, especially in rural and suburban regions. Still, it isn't quite there yet before it can compete with fibre internet or cable.

For $50 per month, you can get speeds of up to 115Mbps T-Mobile's home internet service 5G is a good choice if you're out of Charlotte's urban limits. for instance, further down Lancaster, South Carolina or located in rural areas or Rowan County. If you live in Charlotte or Mecklenburg County, you'll likely have a more efficient, wired connection like Spectrum and AT&T.

Maybe you've tried both of them or other providers in the Charlotte region but are not satisfied with the quality of service. If that's the case, you might consider considering 5G home internet through T-Mobile. There's only one that costs $50 per month, which is the fastest speed at your location. Still, it includes everything you require, including internet access and unlimited data, for no additional cost. You have to sign no obligation, so you can test it completely risk-free and test whether you're ready to change your wired connection for wireless.

Compare Charlotte, NC internet provider details

TOP CHARLOTTE INTERNET PROVIDERS BY AVAILABILITY

Spectrum AT&T T-Mobile 5G Kinetic is a product of Windstream Google Fiber Comporium

Price for the first month$50-$110 $55-$180 $50 $37-$67 $70-$100 $30-$83

Range of speed200-940Mbps 300-5,000Mbps 25-115Mbps 200-1,000Mbps 1,000-2,000Mbps 100-1,000Mbps

The cost of the equipment$5 None None $10 None $10

Data capNone None None None None None

ContractNone None None None None None

Accessibility100% 88% 50% 13% 10% 1%

Score of the CNET's review7.2 7.4 N/A 6.7 7.4 N/A

What are other options for internet available in Charlotte?

They may be accessible to some areas of Charlotte, but they aren't your first or even the second option for home internet unless you live outside the city.

Comporium

 Beyond the Steele Creek area, specifically Ayrsley cable internet service from Comporium, is available only in the southern part of Charlotte beyond the border to South Carolina and parts of Union County. Starting at $30 monthly, Comporium offers the lowest price in the region. However, customers must be prepared to see a rise following the first three months.

EarthLink

 Internet service provided by EarthLink operates through other providers' networks. For Charlotte, the provider is AT&T which means that EarthLink is technically accessible wherever you can find AT&T. It is worth noting that AT&T offers many of the advantages of EarthLink like Unlimited data with no contract in addition to lower prices and a lower cost of data, so it's better choosing AT&T.

Kinetic from Windstream

 Kinetic by Windstream Kinetic is most well-known for providing service in rural or suburban areas, and the coverage in Charlotte isn't any different. While Kinetic services some Charlotte communities, you'll get the greatest coverage in the nearby areas like Albemarle, Concord and Matthews. If Kinetic's fibre services are accessible at your location is worth a look; however, you might opt to stay away from Kinetic's DSL service if it's the only one you're getting.

Satellite service offered by HughesNet or Viasat can be available in most of Charlotte and the area around; however, given the numerous other internet options accessible, satellite internet isn't worth the price.

A closer look at home internet in Charlotte

Cost and speed are usually the most crucial aspects of selecting an internet provider. However, additional factors such as limitations on the data and contracts you should consider.

How can Charlotte internet providers compare? Let's take a look at the things to look for when shopping for low-cost or high-speed internet plans in Charlotte and the terms and conditions associated with signing up.

Charlotte internet pricing

The cost of starting internet access in Charlotte is under fifty dollars per month. Comporium is the cheapest starting cost for internet in Charlotte, which is $30 per month, for speeds of up 100Mbps. But the service is also hard to find, and prices increase over three months. You can find the most expensive starting cost with Google Fiber at $70. However, this plan is also a good value when you add gig speed.

The two biggest Charlotte Internet service providers, AT&T and Spectrum, both have the same start cost of $55 per month. However, Spectrum will cost you $5 less if you utilize your device. In the second year of service, watch out for an that could be between $25 and $30 per month for Spectrum, which will give AT&T a distinct price advantage.

What is the most affordable internet service in Charlotte?

CHEAPEST INTERNET PLANS IN CHARLOTTE

ProviderPrice of the start The standard price Maximum download speed Cost of equipment

Comporium Essential Internet$30 $50 (after 3 months) 100Mbps $10
Kinetic Internet$40 $55 (after 12 months) 50Mbps $7
Spectrum Internet$50 $75 (after 12 months) 200Mbps $5
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet$50 $50 115Mbps None
AT&T Fiber 300$55 $55 300Mbps None
Google Fiber Gig$70 $70 1,000Mbps None

Internet service for low-income households in Charlotte

Every household requires broadband access; however, many households can't afford it. To aid in access to broadband internet for the most economically challenged Charlotte families and communities in general, the North Carolina Department of Information and Technology suggests seeking help through the Federal Communications Commission's Affordable Connectivity program.

As per the NCDIT program, there is the benefit of $30 per month to help eligible Charlotte households access high-speed internet and an all-in-one discount of up to $100 on laptops, tablets, or desktop computers. For more information, visit Trey Paul's piece on is the Affordable Connectivity program is and how you can apply.

Charlotte internet service providers AT&T and Spectrum may also provide low-income internet services independent of or together to ACP. Affordable Connectivity Program. AT&T's low-cost internet service, Access from AT&T, could even offer free broadband, with speeds ranging from 100Mbps (at an annual cost of $30 per month, which amounts to zero dollars when paired together with ACP advantages). Spectrum has a similar plan. Spectrum Internet Assist provides speeds of up to 30Mbps, but the rates will vary based on household, and there's still the $5 rental fee for WiFi equipment. Cost.

Charlotte internet speeds

Charlotte isn't the home of the most affordable internet plans you can get; however, it does boast the most speedy internet speeds for home use everywhere. Google Fiber has offered multi-gig speeds of up to 2 Mbps (2Gbps) in the Charlotte region for about a year, and AT&T is now part of the multi-gig club by offering the 2,000Mbps plan of its own, as well as a five-year plan that is 5,000Mbps. If neither service is accessible at your location, Spectrum still offers download speeds of up to 940Mbps across the entire Charlotte region.

What's the fastest internet speed in Charlotte?

The fastest internet plans in CHARLOTTE

ProviderStart price Maximum download speed Maximum upload speed Data cap

AT&T Fiber 5000$180 5,000Mbps 5,000Mbps None
Google Fiber 2Gig$100 2,000Mbps 1,000Mbps None
Comporium Zipstream$83 1,000Mbps 1,000Mbs None
Kinetic Gig$70 1,000Mbps 1,000Mbps None
Spectrum Internet Gig$110 940Mbps 35Mbps None

The majority of the top internet plans available in Charlotte are also symmetrical or have extremely fast upload speeds. The only exception is Spectrum, which, as a cable internet provider, cannot offer the same upload speeds as you expect from the fibre connection. Comporium has a fibre connection. However, it is primarily an internet service provider via cable, which means there could be some areas not qualified to benefit from the highest upload speeds that the company offers within the region.

Don't be worried about the high-quality print.

If you have a fast broadband connection, it's possible to use up a large amount of data every month, which could be problematic when you're under a limited amount of data. However, there's no need to worry about this in Charlotte since most ISPs in the region offer unlimited data.

Contracts aren't a problem also, since AT&T, Comporium, Google Fiber, Kinetic, Spectrum and T-Mobile's 5G home broadband service don't require contracts when you sign up.

CHARLOTTE INTERNET FAQS

Do you have access to free internet access in Charlotte?

Apart from access through AT&T along with other programs like the Affordable Connectivity Programme, the most effective way to connect to free WiFi within Charlotte is to visit your neighbourhood Mecklenburg County Library branch. Other county facilities, like Mecklenburg County Courthouse, for instance. Mecklenburg County Courthouse may have a free WiFi connection and other public spaces, including coffee shops and restaurants. Remember when you use the open wireless connectivity that the information might not be safe So, avoid entering or accessing sensitive information on your computer or mobile device while using the WiFi network of a public place.

What is the cost of WiFi in Charlotte?

WiFi is a method of connecting to your internet provider and is not a service in itself; therefore, you'll require a standard internet connection and a WiFi router for WiFi to connect your home. The cost of internet access in Charlotte can range from $30 to 70 dollars per month. However, the additional cost for WiFi will differ based on service. AT&T, Google Fiber and T-Mobile 5G include WiFi equipment for free, so your WiFi service is basically "free." Spectrum is charged $5 per month to use WiFi rental. However, you can avoid that cost by using your device.

Do you know if Charlotte owns Optimum as well? Xfinity?

No. Spectrum is the main internet provider via cable in the Charlotte region, but Comporium might offer a choice for people who live south in the city. Optimum and Xfinity aren't offered in Charlotte. 