What is the best internet provider in Minnesota?
Quantum Fiber is Minnesota’s best internet service provider overall. The largest fiber internet provider in the state stands out for its fast, symmetrical speeds, competitive pricing and favorable service terms such as unlimited data and free equipment rental.
However, Quantum Fiber isn’t the fastest or cheapest ISP in Minnesota. US Internet has the fastest multigigabit speeds in Minnesota, offering up to 10,000 megabits per second (10 gigabits per second). Frontier Fiber and Midco tie for second, offering up to 5Gbps.
Xfinity has the cheapest internet plan in Minnesota, starting at $20 monthly for download speeds up to 150Mbps. Mediacom, Metronet and Midco are decent choices for cheap internet in Minnesota, as all have starting prices under $40 per month for max speeds of 100Mbps or higher.
Best internet in Minnesota
Minnesota internet providers compared
| Provider | Internet technology | Monthly price range | Speed range | Monthly equipment costs | Data cap | Contract | CNET review score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arvig | Fiber | $80-$200 | 100-940Mbps | $8-$15 (optional) | None | 1 year for free installation | N/A |
| CenturyLink Read full review |
DSL | $50 | 20-100Mbps | $15 (optional) | None | None | 6.7 |
| Frontier Read full review |
DSL, fiber | $50-$155 | Varies DSL, 500-5,000Mbps fiber | None | None | None | 6.3 |
| Hughesnet Read full review |
Satellite | $50-$80 | 50-100Mbps | $15 monthly or $300 purchase fee | Varies, 100-200GB | 2 years | 5.7 |
| Kinetic | DSL | $40 | 15-100Mbps DSL | $10 (optional) | None | None | 6.7 |
| Mediacom Read full review |
Cable | $35-$70 | 100-1,000Mbps | $14 | 350-3,000GB | None | 6.4 |
| Metronet Read full review |
Fiber | $30-$100 | 100-2,000Mbps | None | None | None | 6.9 |
| Midco | Cable, fiber | $23-$249 | 250-5,000Mbps | $11 (optional) | None | None | N/A |
| Quantum Fiber | Fiber | $50-$75 | 500-940Mbps | None | None | None | 6.7 |
| Spectrum Read full review |
Cable | $30-$40 | 300-1,000Mbps | Free modem, router rental $5 (optional) | None | None | 7.2 |
| Starlink Read full review |
Low orbit satellite | $90-$120 | 20-220Mbps | $599 purchase fee | None | None | N/A |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review |
Fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($40 with eligible mobile plans) | 72-245Mbps | None | None | None | 7.4 |
| US Internet | Fiber | $65-$195 | 500-10,000Mbps | None | None | None | N/A |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review |
Fixed wireless | $60-$80 ($35-$45 for eligible Verizon Wireless customers) | 50-1,000Mbps | None | None | None | 7.2 |
| Viasat Read full review |
Satellite | $70-$300 | 12-100Mbps | $13 monthly or $299 upfront | Varies, 40-300GB | 2 years | 6.1 |
| Xfinity Read full review |
Cable | $20-$120 | 150-2,000Mbps | $15 (optional) | 1.25TB or unlimited | None required | 7 |
Show more (11 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Other internet options in Minnesota
- Arvig: Also known as Tekstar, Arvig has one of Minnesota’s largest fiber coverage areas. While the availability is impressive, speeds are average, and pricing is higher than average for a fiber, or even cable, internet provider.
- CenturyLink: The other half of Lumen Technologies internet services, CenturyLink, is a DSL-based service offering speeds ranging from 20 to 100Mbps or slightly higher. It’s not as bad as a rural internet service, but I’d recommend a cable or fiber service, if available, over CenturyLink.
- Frontier: With both DSL and fiber-optic internet services in Minnesota, your experience will come down to the connection type at your address. Frontier Fiber is great, but you’ll want to pass on the DSL service if possible.
- Kinetic: Windstream’s Kinetic internet uses fiber or DSL networks, but it’s just DSL in Minnesota, according to the FCC. Like CenturyLink, Kinetic’s DSL service isn’t bad, but it doesn’t compare to the speed and value of cable or fiber internet.
- Mediacom: Serviceability is all over the place and includes parts of the Twin Cities and Duluth. But if you can get Mediacom in your area, it’s worth considering for the low pricing. Just be mindful of the data cap, which can be as low as 300GB per month with the cheapest plan.
- Metronet: There’s a lot to like about Metronet, from the 100% fiber connection to the variety of speed tiers and the simple service terms. Look for this provider if you’re immediately to the west of Minneapolis or south of the Twin Cities, including the Rochester area.
- Midco: Midcontinent Communications offers cable and fiber internet in Minnesota. Plans and pricing are the same up to 1Gbps, but the fiber service will come with faster upload speeds and the additional plan options of 2Gbps and 5Gbps.
- Verizon 5G Home Internet: Verizon doesn’t have the same home internet coverage as T-Mobile — service in Minnesota is largely limited to Minneapolis and St. Paul — but it does have a faster speed potential. The provider’s Home plan offers speeds ranging from 50 to 300Mbps starting at $60 a month, while Home Plus runs $80 monthly for a speed range of 85 to 1,000Mbps. Qualifying Verizon mobile customers can get an additional discount on home internet service.
- Satellite internet: Fixed wireless internet and efforts to narrow the digital divide have lessened the need for satellite internet in rural areas, but there are still places where it’s the only option. Check out Hughesnet and Viasat, or see if Starlink is available in your area.
Internet breakdown by city in Minnesota
It’s hard to cover the broadband options of an entire state and give individual cities the attention they deserve. That’s why we also compile lists of the best internet providers in cities across the US, including those in Minnesota. We tackle details such as internet connection types, max speeds and cheapest providers. Check back later if you don’t find the location you’re looking for below. We’re working to add more cities every week.
Cheap internet options in Minnesota
The cost of internet in Minnesota will depend on the available ISPs in your area and the plan you choose, but most providers have a starting price of $50 a month or less. Keep in mind that equipment fees and data caps can add to your monthly bill.
What’s the cheapest internet plan in Minnesota?
| Plan | Starting price | Max download speed | Monthly equipment fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity Connect Read full review |
$20 | 150Mbps | $15 (optional) |
| Midco Fiber 250 | $23 | 250Mbps | $11 (optional) |
| Metronet Read full review |
$30 | 100Mbps | None ($12 monthly tech service fee) |
| Mediacom Prime Internet Read full review |
$35 | 100Mbps | $14 modem rental |
| Kinetic Internet | $40 | 15-100Mbps | $10 (optional) |
| Frontier Fiber 500 Read full review |
$50 (with autopay) | 500Mbps | None |
| Quantum Fiber 500 | $50 | 500Mbps | None |
| Spectrum Internet Read full review |
$50 | 300Mbps | Free modem, $5 router rental (optional) |
| CenturyLink | $50 | 100Mbps | $15 (optional) |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review |
$60 ($35 with eligible mobile plans) | 300Mbps | None |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review |
$60 ($40 with eligible mobile plans) | 245Mbps | None |
Show more (6 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find internet deals and promotions in Minnesota
Minnesota’s best internet deals and top promotions depend on what discounts are available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Minnesota internet providers, such as Xfinity, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, however, including Quantum Fiber, Spectrum and Midco, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
How fast is Minnesota broadband?
Minnesota is slightly lower than average compared to other US states regarding median download speeds, according to recent Ookla speed test data. Average speeds in the third quarter of 2023 were around 165Mbps, ranking 39th among all states and Washington, DC, and falling well below the national average of 216Mbps.
Fastest internet plans in Minnesota
| Plan | Starting price | Max download speed | Max upload speed | Data cap | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Internet 10 Gig | $195 | 10,000Mbps | 10,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| Frontier Fiber 5000 Read full review |
$155 | 5,000Mbps | 5,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| Midco Fiber 5 Gig | $249 | 5,000Mbps | 5,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| Xfinity Gigabit x2 Read full review |
$120 | 2,000Mbps | 50Mbps | 1.25TB or unlimited | Cable |
| Mediacom 1 Gig Read full review |
$55-$70 | 1,000Mbps | 50Mbps | 3TB | Cable |
| Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review |
$90 | 1,000Mbps | 35Mbps | None | Cable |
| Quantum Fiber 940Mbps | $75 | 940Mbps | 880Mbps | None | Fiber |
| Arvig 1Gbps | $200 | 940Mbps | 880Mbps | None | Fiber |
| Verizon 5G Home Plus Internet Read full review |
$80 ($45 with qualifying Verizon 5G mobile plans) | 1,000Mbps | 75Mbps | None | Fixed wireless |
Show more (4 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines, and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
- 0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics: browsing the internet, sending and receiving email and streaming low-quality video.
- 5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
- 40 to 100Mbps should give one person sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
- 100 to 500Mbps allows one to two people to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming.
- 500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more people to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Minnesota
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
It doesn’t end there; we go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
- Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
- Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
- Are customers happy with their service?
While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
What’s the final word on internet providers in Minnesota?
Minnesota is home to many internet service providers. The speeds you can get and what you can expect to pay each month will depend on the internet providers in your area.
If Quantum Fiber is available in your area, the low, stable pricing and simple service terms make it a top choice for home internet. Other fiber internet providers — including Frontier Fiber, US Internet, Midco and Metronet — are decent options for many of the same reasons. However, their coverage in Minnesota isn’t as good as Quantum Fiber.
Cable internet — from Mediacom, Spectrum, Xfinity or others — is also worth considering. Spectrum is ideal for its straightforward pricing, and Xfinity has the cheapest starting price of any major ISP in Minnesota at $20 a month for speeds up to 150Mbps.
In areas where cable or fiber service is unavailable, the best options may be fixed wireless internet from T-Mobile Home Internet or DSL service from CenturyLink or Kinetic. For everywhere else, there’s always satellite internet.
Internet providers in Minnesota FAQs
What is the best internet service provider in Minnesota?
Quantum Fiber is Minnesota’s best internet service provider because of its large fiber-optic coverage, competitive pricing and customer-friendly service terms that include free equipment rental and unlimited data.
Is fiber internet available in Minnesota?
Yes. Just over two thirds of Minnesota households are eligible for fiber internet, according to the most recent FCC data. Quantum Fiber is the largest fiber ISP in the state, but Arvig, Frontier, Metronet, Midco and US Internet, among others, contribute to fiber internet availability in Minnesota.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Minnesota?
Xfinity has the lowest starting price of any major ISP in Minnesota at $20 monthly for download speeds up to 150Mbps. Customers will likely be required to sign a one-year term agreement to get the lowest pricing, and the rate may rise significantly (by $30 or more) after the first year.
Which internet provider in Minnesota offers the fastest plan?
Local fiber provider US Internet offers the fastest speed tier of any major ISP in the state, up to 10,000Mbps, starting at $195 monthly. Service is limited to select areas in Minneapolis.
