Best Internet Providers in Madison, Wisconsin for 2024
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Madison, WI
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 Madison, Wisconsin, 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.
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 Madison, Wisconsin, 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 | 289.40 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 240.68 | Mbps |
| Latency | 16 | ms |
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 Madison, Wisconsin, 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 | 247.78 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 11.47 | Mbps |
| Latency | 36 | ms |
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 Madison, Wisconsin, 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 | 228.19 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 159.75 | Mbps |
| Latency | 9 | ms |
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 Madison, Wisconsin, 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 |
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 Madison, Wisconsin, 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 |
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 Madison, Wisconsin, 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 |
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 Madison, Wisconsin, 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 |
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 Madison, Wisconsin, 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 |
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 Madison, Wisconsin, 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 |
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 Madison, Wisconsin, 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.).
At Speedtest, we take pride in delivering accurate and up-to-date data that serves as the foundation for our ISP advice. Our insights are derived from millions of Speedtest users globally, ensuring our ISP performance evaluations are based on trustworthy and current data. This empowers us to present an impartial and clear view of how ISPs stack up.
To accurately assess an ISP's performance, three key metrics are essential: download speed, upload speed, and latency. Download speed is crucial for streaming and downloading operations, indicating the rapidness of data transfer to your device. Upload speed is pivotal for content uploads and participating in online interactions, signifying the swift transmission of data from your device. Latency, or ping, plays a significant role in online gaming and video calls, affecting your connection’s responsiveness. It's this detailed performance analysis that equips you with the information necessary for choosing an ISP that meets your specific online needs.
The technology behind your ISP's network can significantly impact your internet experience. Fiber optic technology is known for providing top-tier speeds, ideal for demanding online activities. Cable internet, more commonly available, typically offers commendable download speeds, though upload performance may not match. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology delivers moderate speeds, adequate for everyday browsing and streaming, whereas satellite internet, often the lone option in remote areas, usually experiences higher latency and reduced 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 Madison, WI
Based on our proprietary real-world Speedtest data, AT&T Internet emerges as the fastest ISP in Madison, Wisconsin, with an impressive recorded median download speed of 289.4 Mbps. This velocity is particularly notable for users keen on high-speed internet for seamless streaming, gaming, and downloading activities.
When it comes to advertised maximum download speeds, AT&T Internet leads the pack with a staggering 5,000 Mbps, followed by several providers including Spectrum and TDS Telecom, each offering up to 1000 Mbps. However, it's important to understand that these advertised speeds may not always match the speeds users experience, due to a variety of factors affecting internet performance.
A general rule of thumb for evaluating internet speeds is considering download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 10 Mbps as sufficiently fast for most online pursuits. Such speeds enable multi-device 4K streaming, large file downloads, and fast competitive gaming. It’s crucial, however, to factor in your specific usage habits and the number of users or devices connecting simultaneously to gauge the most suitable speed for your household.
Madison Fixed Speeds
Download Mbps
Median download speed
Upload Mbps
Median upload speed
Latency ms
Median latency
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.
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.
Internet Providers in Nearby Cities
- Allouez
- Appleton
- Ashwaubenon
- Baraboo
- Bellevue
- Beloit
- Brookfield
- Burlington
- Caledonia
- Cedarburg
- De Pere
- Delafield
- Eau Claire
- Fitchburg
- Fond du Lac
- Fox Crossing
- Fox Point
- Franklin
- Germantown
- Glendale
- Grafton
- Green Bay
- Greendale
- Greenfield
- Howard
- Hudson
- Janesville
- Kenosha
- La Crosse
- Lake Hallie
- Madison
- Manitowoc
- Marshfield
- Menasha
- Menomonee Falls
- Mequon
- Middleton
- Milwaukee
- Mount Pleasant
- Muskego
- Neenah
- New Berlin
- Oak Creek
- Oconomowoc
- Onalaska
- Oshkosh
- Pewaukee
- Platteville
- Pleasant Prairie
- Plover
- Racine
- Rice Lake
- Sheboygan
- South Milwaukee
- Sparta
- Stevens Point
- Sun Prairie
- Superior
- Verona
- Watertown
- Waukesha
- Waunakee
- Wausau
- Wauwatosa
- West Allis
- West Bend
- Weston
- Whitefish Bay
- Wisconsin Rapids
Home Internet in Madison
Madison, Wisconsin, benefits from a diverse range of internet service types provided by various ISPs, including Fiber, Cable, Satellite, and 5G Internet, presenting residents with multiple performance and price point options.
Among the providers, Spectrum stands out with the highest city coverage at 94.75%, offering Cable internet. Close behind, AT&T Internet and U.S. Cellular boast considerable coverage rates of 82% and 85.28% respectively, with AT&T providing options in IPBB and Fiber, enhancing the choices available to residents. When selecting an ISP, it's crucial for residents to weigh the coverage area, internet type, and how the service aligns with their specific internet usage needs.
However, a disclaimer is warranted regarding providers' advertised maximum speeds. These figures, while an indicator of potential capacity, might not always reflect the actual speeds users will experience, which can be influenced by network congestion, environmental conditions, and infrastructure compatibility.
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.