Best Internet Providers in Cambridge, Massachusetts for 2024

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.

Download215.30Mbps
Upload105.64Mbps
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.

Download50.08Mbps
Upload15.29Mbps
Latency34ms
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.

Download206.51Mbps
Upload22.32Mbps
Latency23ms
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
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
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

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

Based on our proprietary Speedtest data, Starry emerges as the leading internet service provider in Cambridge, showcasing the fastest recorded median download speed in the city at 215.30 Mbps. It's a testament to their robust service quality.

XFINITY tops the list for the highest advertised max download speeds at up to 2,000 Mbps, a noteworthy mention alongside Astound Broadband Powered by RCN with 1,200 Mbps, and both Verizon and Starry at 1,000 Mbps. However, it’s pivotal for consumers to recognize the gap that may exist between advertised and actual speed experiences due to numerous influencing factors.

A handy guideline is that download speeds of 100 Mbps, along with upload speeds of 10 Mbps, are generally sufficient for most online activities, such as streaming 4K videos, downloading hefty files, or engaging in intense online gaming across several devices. An important consideration is how the network is utilized, including the number and kind of devices connected, which significantly dictates the requisite bandwidth.

Cambridge Fixed Speeds

Download Mbps

221.82

Median download speed

Upload Mbps

23.76

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, offers its residents a diverse range of internet service types from several providers. The internet types available include Fixed Wireless, Fiber, DSL, 5G Internet, Cable, and Satellite, catering to a wide variety of consumer needs and preferences.

Among the providers, Viasat Internet, HughesNet, and Starlink all boast nearly 100% coverage with Satellite service. XFINITY’s cable internet offering also stood out, offering coverage of 99.82% and an advertised max download speed of 2,000 Mbps.

When evaluating ISPs, residents should consider the type of internet service offered, as well as the maximum advertised speeds and coverage area to ensure they choose the best option for their specific needs. It's important for consumers to note that providers' maximum advertised speeds may not always mirror the actual speeds users experience. Factors such as the type of internet service, network congestion, and the technical setup at a user's home can all influence the real-world speeds achievable.

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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