Best Internet Providers in Cambridge, Massachusetts for 2025

Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Cambridge, MA

Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Starry
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download222.91Mbps
Upload94.18Mbps
Latency15ms
Verizon
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download143.10Mbps
Upload129.79Mbps
Latency12ms
XFINITY
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download236.33Mbps
Upload23.63Mbps
Latency22ms
AT&T Internet Air
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download-Mbps
Upload-Mbps
Latency-ms
EarthLink Fiber
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download-Mbps
Upload-Mbps
Latency-ms
Viasat Internet
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download-Mbps
Upload-Mbps
Latency-ms
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download-Mbps
Upload-Mbps
Latency-ms
Hughesnet
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download-Mbps
Upload-Mbps
Latency-ms
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download-Mbps
Upload-Mbps
Latency-ms
Starlink
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download-Mbps
Upload-Mbps
Latency-ms

Not all plans are available in all areas. Provider plan, availability, and speed tier data provided by BroadbandNow.com. Speedtest real-world data is only present where sample size has reached significance within a region. Additionally, averages may include aggregated tests across multiple Internet Types (Fiber, DSL, Cable, etc.).

Here at Speedtest, we take immense pride in offering precise and credible data, serving as the foundation of our ISP suggestions. This data stems from millions who perform Speedtests worldwide, rendering our insights both trustworthy and current. This enables us to present an honest, impartial overview of ISP performance.

Three pivotal metrics to ascertain an ISP's efficacy are: download speed, upload speed, and latency. Download speed is paramount for activities such as streaming and downloading, dictating the speed at which data is transferred to your device. Importantly, upload speed underpins online content sharing and interactions, indicative of the speed at which data travels from your device to the internet. Latency, or ping, is crucial for online gaming and video calls, influencing your connection's responsiveness. Armed with this detailed understanding of ISP performance, you're equipped to make an informed decision tailored to your unique internet needs.

The technology underpinning your ISP is crucial in shaping the quality of your online experiences. Fiber optics, for instance, generally deliver the fastest speeds, catering well to high-demand online activities. Cable internet, more readily available, tends to offer commendable download speeds, though upload speeds might not match up. DSL technology, delivering moderate speeds, is adequate for basic web browsing and streaming, whereas satellite internet, often the sole option in remote locations, usually exhibits higher latency and slower speeds.

How Much Speed Do I Need?

Download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 10 Mbps are widely considered fast enough to handle nearly any online activity. A quick guide to what speeds you need for different online activities is below, and you can read our full guide to internet speeds and performance for more information. Keep in mind that the numbers below are the bare minimum for one device at a time. If you’re trying to use multiple devices on a network at the same time, you’ll want higher speeds.

0–5 Mbps (Slow)

  • Stream SD video
  • Connect on Slack
  • Use Microsoft Teams
  • Write and read email
  • Scroll social media
  • General web browsing

5–20 Mbps (Better)

  • Stream HD video at 1080p

20–40 Mbps (Solid)

  • Stream 4K video
  • Play games online

40–100 Mbps (Good)

  • Stream HD games

100+ Mbps (Fast)

  • Engage in multi-player gaming
  • Download huge files

1+ Gbps (Very fast)

  • Do anything you want on multiple devices

ISP Speeds in Cambridge, MA

In Cambridge, Massachusetts, the spotlight shines on XFINITY as the provider with the highest recorded median download speeds. XFINITY boasts a remarkable 236 Mbps according to our proprietary real-world Speedtest data gathered from thousands of anonymized tests. This showcases XFINITY's strong presence in the city, particularly for consumers seeking speedy and reliable internet service. Notably, XFINITY also offers fiber options, further emphasizing their capability to provide high-speed internet.

When evaluating ISPs based on advertised maximum download speeds, XFINITY leads the pack with an impressive 2000 Mbps available in its pricier packages, a number that showcases the potential for ultra-fast internet speeds. However, it's essential for consumers to understand that there may be a discrepancy between advertised and actual speeds experienced. This is a common occurrence across providers, including Verizon and Starry, which also promise high maximum speeds and include fiber as part of their service, potentially offering customers some of the fastest available connections. When in doubt, check our data and cross-reference it with real-world observations from your neighbors.

A good rule of thumb to keep in mind when assessing internet needs suggests that download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps are plenty sufficient for nearly any online activity, from streaming 4K HD videos to engaging in high-definition gaming across multiple devices. The critical factor in determining what you personal speed requirements might be lies not just in the activities performed, but also in the cumulative network usage, particularly in households or environments where multiple devices are simultaneously connected. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, understanding and selecting the right speed tier will become increasingly important for ensuring a seamless online experience.

Cambridge Fixed Speeds

Download Mbps

222.90

Median download speed

Upload Mbps

23.81

Median upload speed

Latency ms

13

Median latency

Historical Data

To be added to this list for mobile or fixed broadband, 75% of a city's monthly unique user totals over a 13-month period must have a minimum of 200 monthly unique user results. To be updated for mobile or fixed broadband, 75% of a city's monthly unique user totals over a 13-month period must have a minimum of 100 monthly unique user results.

Expected Speed Range

Expected speed range by Provider refers to the interquartile range of median download speed.

An operator or ISP must account for 3% or more of total test samples in the market to be on this list. We display data if at least two operators or ISPs meet this threshold in a designated region or city.

Home Internet in Cambridge

Cambridge, Massachusetts, a hub of intellectual and technological innovation near Boston, is well-served by a diverse array of internet service providers offering various types of connections, including fiber, DSL, 5G Internet, and satellite. This variety ensures residents have access to a range of options tailored to different needs and preferences.

Residents of Cambridge should consider XFINITY and Verizon among their top choices for wide coverage, a figure which excludes satellite and fixed wireless options. XFINITY, with its almost complete coverage, and Verizon, known for its extensive fiber network, stand out for their reliability and service quality. Fiber, as offered by Verizon, represents the highest of high-speed internet, making it an attractive option for those in search of the fastest and most reliable connections.

The average starting price for internet service providers in Cambridge sits at $58.99. With plans ranging widely, some plans fall below this average, offering more budget-friendly options for students and residents alike. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN offers the cheapest plan starting at $20 a month, though their speeds and prices can increase hand-in-hand up to the maximum advertised download speed of 1500 Mbps for this provider. As always, it's important for consumers to remember that the maximum advertised speeds may not always reflect real-world experiences, and prices may vary. When in doubt, consult the data and check in with neighbors about what their experiences are.

How we test the speed of ISPs

Speedtest is the definitive way to test the performance and quality of an internet connection. Millions of users like you use Speedtest.net and our Android and iOS apps every day to test internet performance (including bandwidth, latency, coverage, video metrics, and more) in real world situations. We then use rigorous scientific approaches to aggregate and anonymize those results to empower people like you with content like this so you can understand and optimize your internet experience.

The data found within has not been subjected to the rigorous Speedtest marketing claims and data methodology, and therefore cannot be used in commercial applications. Additionally, promised speeds and plans offered are always subject to change.

How to test your internet speed

Speedtest can help you test the speed and overall performance of your internet for free from any device. Click here to open a new page and take a Speedtest. You can then compare your results with what you’ve learned about internet performance near you. If you aren’t getting the results you expect, you can either use this guide to use your Speedtest results to talk to your internet provider or you can shop for a new provider.

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