Internet service now comes in a bewildering range of types, speeds and plans. Reviews recommend Verizon FiOS fiber-optic cable if it's available in your area, or cable Internet otherwise; both can be bundled with TV and phone service as well. If cable isn't available in your area, DSL or mobile broadband are good choices. (We have a separate report on mobile broadband.)

Dial-up and satellite ISPs get the lowest ratings for customer satisfaction. Depending on your area, though, some ISPs stand out as best; see our Full Report and Best Reviewed ISPs.

Here's what reviews say to look for in a paid Internet service provider:

  • Ask your neighbors about their ISP's connection speed, reliability, customer service and technical support. An ISP may earn top ratings from customers in most of the country, but do a dismal job right where you are. BroadbandReports.com is another good source of information on local ISP services.
  • Read the fine print even before committing to a trial period. Users and reviewers urge reading all the fine print in a contract -- including the terms of trial periods, early termination fees, usage limits, and extra taxes and fees. If you're buying a bundle of services, be extra careful as this can make it even harder to cancel. If at all possible, avoid signing a long-term contract until you've tried the equipment and service first. (Use an online speed test such as SpeedTest.net to check the actual speeds you're getting.)
  • Choose the speed you need. Most of the price differences among ISP plans depend on the maximum download speed. Take the advertised speed with a big grain of salt, expecting your average to be less -- especially toward the end of each day. On the other hand, there's no need to pay for speed you'll never use. If you want Internet connection for occasional e-mail and browsing, a slower speed will be fine. If you plan to stream TV and movies and music, or play games, get the fastest speed you can afford.
  • Be aware of any usage caps. Sometimes ISPs make their usage caps very clear, but if you don't read the fine print, you might just find your connection speed slowing to a crawl, or even mysteriously disconnected. Not all ISPs impose caps; just be sure to check.
  • Expect to pay less than $25 per month for a dial-up connection and about $30 to $75 per month for broadband Internet. You can often lower your monthly fee by bundling Internet services with phone, wireless and/or TV service. That's one reason cable Internet service is growing, while DSL services are stagnant or losing customers.
  • Look for 24/7 technical support by phone. If you have a choice between two ISPs with similar speeds and pricing, look carefully at other customers' ratings of their technical support. Many Internet service providers now provide "live chat" customer service, which allows you to type in a question and receive a response in real time -- but it only works if you can get online to use it.
  • While speed is important, reliability is king. Broadband is touted as being around 100 times faster than dial-up, and dial-up has been enhanced for faster loading, but if your service is unavailable, speed doesn't matter. CNet.com suggests that the best way to gauge reliability is by asking your neighbors. Or, you can check out BroadbandReports.com for user reviews on service reliability in your area.
  • If you are considering an upgrade to DSL, cable or other high-speed Internet services, you may have to change your e-mail address. It's a good idea to use an e-mail address that stays the same no matter what your ISP, such as a Gmail or Yahoo! e-mail address.
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