Best Internet Providers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for 2025
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Pittsburgh, PA
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 reliable data that serves as the foundation of our ISP recommendations. Our data is derived from millions of users globally who choose to use our Speedtest apps, ensuring that our insights into ISP performance are not only trustworthy but also up to date. This enables us to present a clear, impartial picture of how ISPs are performing.
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. 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 Pittsburgh, PA
In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Verizon stands out as the fastest Internet Service Provider (ISP) based on real-world Speedtest data. It boasts an impressive median download speed of 285 Mbps. For residents seeking swift and efficient internet connectivity, Verizon is a top-tier option.
The fastest ISPs in Pittsburgh based on the providers’ advertised maximum download speeds include XFINITY, with up to 2,000 Mbps, and Verizon, with speeds up to 940 Mbps. Following closely behind is EarthLink Fiber at just about the same top speed. Notably, both Verizon and EarthLink Fiber offer fiber internet which is known for its high speed and reliability. However, potential customers should be aware of the discrepancy that often exists between advertised and actual speeds, which can vary based on numerous factors including network congestion and the user’s location within the city.
A good rule of thumb to remember when choosing an ISP is that download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps are widely considered fast enough to handle nearly any online activity. At 100 Mbps, users can stream 4K high-definition (HD) videos on several devices, download large files for work, or play HD games on multiple laptops or smartphones in the same home. Considering your own need for speed is key, especially based on how your network will be used and the number of people using it. It’s also important to remember that internet usage is cumulative, and the number of devices connected can significantly impact the speed your household requires.
Pittsburgh 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
- Allentown
- Altoona
- Ardmore
- Bala Cynwyd
- Baldwin
- Bensalem
- Bethel Park
- Bethlehem
- Camp Hill
- Carlisle
- Carnegie
- Chambersburg
- Coatesville
- Colonial Park
- Cranberry Township
- East Norriton
- Elim
- Elizabethtown
- Elkins Park
- Ephrata
- Ephrata Township
- Erie
- Exton
- Forest Hills
- Glenside
- Greensburg
- Hampton Township
- Hanover
- Harleysville
- Harrisburg
- Havertown
- Hazleton
- Hermitage
- Hershey
- Horsham
- Indiana
- Johnstown
- King of Prussia
- Kingston
- Lancaster
- Lansdale
- Levittown
- Linglestown
- Lower Burrell
- McCandless
- McKeesport
- Meadville
- Monroeville
- Moon
- Mount Lebanon
- Mount Oliver
- Mountain Top
- Murrysville
- Nether Providence Township
- New Castle
- Norristown
- Penn Hills
- Philadelphia
- Phoenixville
- Pittsburgh
- Plum
- Pottsgrove
- Quakertown
- Reading
- Robinson Township
- Ross Township
- Saint Marys
- Schlusser
- Scranton
- Springfield
- State College
- Upper Darby
- Upper Providence Township
- Upper Saint Clair
- Wayne
- West Norriton
- Wexford
- Whitehall
- Wilkes-Barre
- Williamsport
- Willow Grove
- Wynnewood
- Wyomissing
- York
Home Internet in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, a city known for its rich history in steel production and vibrant cultural scene, offers its residents just as diverse a range of internet service types, including fiber, DSL, 5G, cable, and satellite. The availability of fiber internet from providers like Verizon and EarthLink Fiber caters to the city's growing demand for high-speed internet connectivity for both work and entertainment.
Residents of Pittsburgh have access to a wide array of ISPs, with XFINITY and Verizon providing extensive coverage when excluding satellite and fixed fireless internet. This ensures that the majority of the city enjoys robust service options and coverage. XFINITY, with its nearly universal coverage, offers both cable and fiber options, which highlights the significant availability of high-speed internet across Pittsburgh for residents prioritizing connectivity.
The average starting price for all providers in Pittsburgh is $68.74, a number that is pricier than many other metropolitan areas. With individual plans that range significantly from as low as $30 to as high as $299.95, there are options that fit most budgets and needs. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, XFINITY offers the lowest-cost starting plan at $30, though its plans can increase rapidly in price as they move up toward the ISPs maximum advertised download speed. It’s important to note that the advertised maximum speeds may not always reflect the real-world speeds users experience and prices may vary widely from company to company, making it crucial for consumers to carefully consider their options.
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.