Best Internet Providers in Columbus, Ohio for 2026
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Columbus, OH
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 Columbus, Ohio, 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 Columbus, Ohio, 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 | 367.15 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 315.57 | Mbps |
| Latency | 25 | 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 Columbus, Ohio, 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 | 361.69 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 22.54 | Mbps |
| Latency | 29 | 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 Columbus, Ohio, 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 | 254.95 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 39.19 | Mbps |
| Latency | 38 | 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 Columbus, Ohio, 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 Columbus, Ohio, 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 Columbus, Ohio, 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 Columbus, Ohio, 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 Columbus, Ohio, 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 Columbus, Ohio, 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 Columbus, Ohio, 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 rely on billions of real-world tests from everyday users to paint a clear, unbiased picture of internet performance in cities like Columbus. Our data reflects actual user experiences (not just advertised speeds) which makes our rankings and insights incredibly practical whether you’re choosing a new plan or just wondering how your current connection stacks up with the competition.
When evaluating internet performance, three numbers matter most: download speed, upload speed, and latency. Download speed affects how fast you can stream videos or browse websites. Upload speed impacts tasks like sending files or hopping on video calls. Latency indicates how quickly your device can communicate with a server, and this part is especially important for things like gaming, online meetings, or anything requiring real-time responsiveness.
One of the most crucial aspects of choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP) is knowing the differences between the options you have available. Fiber generally delivers the best speeds and consistency, making it great for remote work and high-usage households. Cable is more common and still solid for most users, and DSL and satellite tend to be slower, with higher latency that can affect overall quality. Choosing the right type and provider depends on your specific needs and where you live in Columbus.
How much speed do you need? If you’ve got at least 25 Mbps down and 10 Mbps up, you’re in good shape for just about anything online. Just remember that these metrics apply to one device at a time, so if you have a full house of people all online at once, you’ll want to bump those speeds up to keep things running smoothly. Thankfully, Columbus has plenty of great ISPs to assist users who need to upload large files for work, stream 4K movies, or support their family’s doomscrolling sessions on a dozen devices at once.
What’s Coming Down the Pipeline?
Columbus is on track for even better connectivity in the near future. Here’s what’s coming:
- More fiber: AT&T and other providers continue to expand fiber coverage into the suburbs and business parks.
- 5G growth: Mobile carriers are rolling out faster wireless home internet, especially in areas without traditional broadband infrastructure.
- Digital equity efforts: Local initiatives are working to expand access in underserved communities like Linden and the Hilltop.
How to Choose the Right Internet Plan in Columbus
Though the most obvious elements of a good internet plan are price and speed, you have to also look at getting the best value for your lifestyle overall. If you’re working from home, you’d want to look at plans with faster upload speeds and low latency so your video call connectivity is crystal clear. Gamers should look for providers with consistent performance and minimal lag. If you stream a lot, make sure your plan can handle 4K content without buffering.
Also, consider how many people or devices will be using your network. A couple living downtown won’t need the same bandwidth as a family of five in Upper Arlington. And, if you’re constantly uploading, livestreaming, or using cloud software, you’ll want something with strong symmetrical speeds, which typically means you’d go with fiber.
Ultimately, Columbus is in pretty good shape with reliable ISPs in the market, and with more upgrades on the horizon, Columbus is well on its way to becoming one of the most connected cities in the Midwest.
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 Columbus, OH
Lots of folks know Columbus to be Ohio’s capital, but what they may not know is that this diverse city has a lot to offer residents and visitors alike. Columbus is fueled by tech, higher education, and a fast-growing remote workforce. Between a massive student population at Ohio State, a growing e-sports scene, and businesses spread across the 315 Innovation District, people here need internet that doesn’t start glitching under pressure.
According to Speedtest Intelligence®, as of January 2026, the median fixed broadband download speed in Columbus is a strong 359.57 Mbps, with upload speeds around 32.94 Mbps and a latency of just 16 ms. That’s fast enough to cover all your typical online tasks — and then some. If you need even more speed, some providers are offering gigabit or multi-gigabit plans, giving high-demand users an enticing incentive to lock in with a specific company.
Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, here’s how the major providers compare:
- AT&T Fiber: The top-performing ISP in Columbus, clocking in at a median download speed of 367.15 Mbps and an even more impressive upload speed of 315.57 Mbps, with a responsive latency of 25 ms. Obviously, many of us are working from home nowadays and it takes a huge amount of bandwidth and data if you want a smooth performance that isn’t constantly dropping the calls or freezing. You may also be sending emails and media projects back and forth all day, and if you work seven days a week, you really can’t afford mediocre internet speed.
- Spectrum: Following close behind with a median download speed of 361.69 Mbps and upload speed of 22.54 Mbps, with latency at 29 ms. Spectrum’s wide reach — 95% coverage — means it’s a dependable option across most Columbus neighborhoods, even if upload performance trails a bit.
- Breezeline: Rounds out the top three for cable providers, delivering 254.95 Mbps down and 39.19 Mbps up, with latency at 38 ms. While it’s not the fastest in town, the more affordable price tiers may appeal to budget-conscious users.
As mentioned, the gaming community is alive and thriving in Columbus. Lounges like Game Arena and BELONG run on blazing-fast internet to keep matches fluid and lag-free. So whether you’ve entered a tournament or you’re just casually grinding with friends, these venues need top tier bandwidth to power all that online action under one roof. AT&T Fiber’s symmetrical speeds are very suitable for all of these use cases, especially in areas like Clintonville, Downtown, and near campus.
Columbus 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
Kansas
Michigan
North Dakota
South Dakota
Home Internet in Columbus
Columbus is full of heavy internet users from all kinds of different backgrounds, and that’s why providers offering low latency and high upload speeds make the most sense.
For example, AT&T Fiber’s fast uploads are ideal for:
- Students who stay buried in the library doing papers and media projects
- Remote workers, including business owners whose businesses are run exclusively online
- Social media influencers (namely YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram)
- Twitch streamers going live from their living rooms
- Developers testing cloud software from home
On the other hand, Spectrum’s wide availability means nearly all neighborhoods, from suburban Gahanna to urban German Village, have access to reliable high-speed cable, making it a solid all-purpose choice even for large households.
At the time of this writing, internet pricing in Columbus starts around $58.99 on average, but there’s a wide range depending on speed and provider. Breezeline offers the lowest starting prices at $19.99 (*this is a promotional rate that ends after 12-24 months), but the real-life speeds are lower than AT&T or Spectrum.
If you find that you fall into any of the categories we listed above, constantly active and needing your internet to be on its best behavior, it’s worth opting for something that delivers consistent speeds above 300 Mbps … even if it costs a little more.
What About Mobile and Satellite Options?
Columbus has decent mobile 5G coverage, though it’s still catching up to broadband in terms of consistency and latency. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, Verizon, and EarthLink all offer fixed wireless internet, but real-world speeds weren’t available from Speedtest yet, so it’s hard to say exactly how well they’re performing.
Satellite services like Starlink, HughesNet, and Viasat offer full coverage across Columbus, but they’re generally best reserved for rural or fringe areas. High latency and lower speeds make them a last resort for serious internet users in the city.
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.