DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) provides high-speed internet through existing telephone lines, offering a major upgrade from traditional dial-up. With speeds reaching up to 100 Mbps, it’s much faster than dial-up and doesn’t tie up your phone line. Since it runs on existing infrastructure, DSL is widely available and remains one of the most affordable broadband choices.
DSL is sufficient for meeting basic broadband needs (25 Mbps or more), but it’s generally slower than cable or fiber. This makes it best for everyday activities such as browsing, emailing, and paying bills online, rather than heavy streaming or online gaming.
Although many internet providers are phasing out DSL and some no longer accept new customers, it continues to serve millions of users reliably. As the US upgrades its internet networks, DSL will remain a practical option in many areas for the foreseeable future.

With download speeds that can exceed 1,000 Mbps, cable internet ranks among the fastest options in the US. Built on the same infrastructure as cable TV, it’s available to nearly 88% of Americans through 200+ providers nationwide. This combination of speed and wide availability makes cable internet a practical choice for many households.
One drawback is that upload speeds are slower compared to fiber. Still, for most users this isn’t a major issue since everyday online activities—like streaming, browsing, and downloading—depend more on download speed than upload speed.
Cable internet delivers better speed and reliability than DSL or satellite, and it’s often easier to access than fiber. If your home already has cable TV lines, installation is usually fast and straightforward, with many providers offering simple self-installation kits.
For more details, check out our DSL vs. Cable and Fiber vs. Cable guides to see if cable internet fits your needs, or explore our full internet comparison to review all available options.

Fiber internet is a high-speed broadband technology that transmits data using light signals through fiber-optic cables, delivering multi-gigabit upload and download speeds. Recognized as the fastest and most reliable internet available, most fiber plans also include transparent pricing and Wi-Fi equipment. While fiber now covers more than half of U.S. households, access in rural and underserved areas remains limited.
Offering the lowest latency of any internet type, fiber is ideal for activities that require real-time responsiveness, such as gaming, video conferencing, and online collaboration. It’s also the only technology that provides symmetrical speeds—meaning uploads are just as fast as downloads—making it perfect for remote work, HD streaming, content creation, and live streaming.
So reliable that it forms the backbone of the global internet, fiber-optic cables even connect continents through massive undersea networks. If it powers the world’s digital infrastructure, it’s undoubtedly the best choice for keeping your home connected.

Satellite internet connects your home to the web using signals from orbiting satellites, making it accessible almost anywhere in the country—particularly in rural areas without DSL, cable, or fiber service. Instead of ground-based infrastructure, a small satellite dish installed on or near your home transmits and receives the signal. Major providers include Viasat, Hughesnet, and newer players like Starlink.
Most satellites operate in geostationary orbit (GSO), remaining fixed over a single point in the sky. In the U.S. and other parts of the northern hemisphere, satellite internet is available nearly everywhere with a clear view of the southern sky.
Low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, on the other hand, function much closer to Earth and move quickly across the horizon, requiring large satellite constellations to deliver continuous coverage. Some providers, such as Hughesnet, are also experimenting with hybrid satellite-and-wireless solutions that combine the broad reach of GSO satellites with the faster, more responsive performance of newer technologies.

Mobile wireless—often called mobile broadband—provides internet access through a network of cell towers, using 4G or 5G signals. These radio waves power everything from phone calls and text messages to video streaming and web browsing, all without the need for physical cables.
Almost every American uses mobile wireless daily. More than half rely solely on their cell phones for communication, and one in five depend on their mobile plans as their primary source of internet access. While smartphones are the most common way to connect, many providers also offer mobile hotspots, allowing you to create a portable Wi-Fi network wherever you go.