Best DSL Internet Providers of 2024
DSL's declining availability and popularity make it a last resort for wired home internet, but these ISPs make the best of a less-than-desirable service.
Our Experts
DSL internet wouldn't be my first choice for home internet, or my second, or even third for that matter. As fiber internet availability grew, cable internet speeds increased and 5G home internet entered the market, DSL has lost much of its appeal as a highly available, low-cost broadband connection.
There are still many places, however, without access to fiber, cable or even a reliable fixed wireless connection. In such locations, typically rural areas where internet options are more limited, DSL internet may be the cheapest, most readily available and practical means of getting online.
Depending on the provider and speeds available in your area, DSL is often at the very least a step above satellite internet. Some providers are better than others when it comes to speeds, pricing and service terms. We've compiled a list of the best DSL providers to give you an idea of what to look for.
AT&T
Best DSL internet provider
Our take - Though it's true 100% DSL service is no longer offered to new customers, AT&T Internet, a "copper-based" service, is available to more people than any other DSL internet provider. AT&T Internet also has the best availability of broadband speeds -- now defined as speeds of 100Mbps down and 20Mbps up -- of any DSL provider.
CenturyLink
Best rural DSL internet provider
Our take - CenturyLink isn't available to quite as many people as AT&T, but it does have a broader coverage area. A larger coverage area but smaller customer base indicates that CenturyLink operates largely in locations with lower population densities, or rural areas.
Kinetic by Windstream
Best for cheap DSL internet
Our take - Kinetic by Windstream has the lowest starting price of any major DSL internet provider at $40 a month for download speeds ranging anywhere from 15 to 100Mbps or higher. Service comes with unlimited data and no contract requirements. Equipment isn't included, though, and the rental fee will add around $10 to your monthly bill.
Frontier Communications
Best for straightforward pricing
Our take - At $65 per month for the fastest speeds available, Frontier's DSL service is pricier than most, but it's also more transparent with its pricing than other internet providers, DSL or otherwise. Frontier includes equipment rental and unlimited data in the monthly cost -- perks that aren't both offered from other providers on this list.
Best DSL providers: Honorable mentions
These DSL providers all have sizable footprints throughout the US, but lack the speed, value or consistency of other providers to make our list of the best. They're still worth checking out if available in your area.
Brightspeed
A new DSL/fiber internet provider, Brightspeed recently acquired networks from Lumen Technologies (parent company of CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber) in many markets east of the Mississippi. Despite the new name, speeds, pricing and service terms appear to be relatively unchanged.
EarthLink
EarthLink established a fairly large DSL network by acquiring or using networks from other providers. DSL internet plans start at $45 per month for speeds around 25Mbps, but pricing and internet connection speeds can vary widely by location.
Ziply Fiber
Wave Capital recently acquired DSL and fiber-optic networks from Frontier Communications in the Pacific Northwest and transferred service to its new brand, Ziply Fiber. Though "fiber" is in the name, the provider still offers DSL service. Plans start at $40 per month, but the download speeds are "variable."
Best DSL providers recap
| DSL provider | Best for | Starting monthly price | Max download speeds | Equipment fee | Data cap | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
AT&T Read full review | Broadband availability | $55 | 100Mbps | $10 | 1.5TB | None |
|
CenturyLink Read full review | Rural areas | $50 | 140Mbps | $15 | 1TB | None |
|
Frontier Read full review | Straightforward pricing | $55 | Varies | None | None | None |
| Kinetic | Cheap DSL | $40 | 15-200Mbps | $10 | None | None |
DSL internet is a common internet option thanks to high availability in rural areas and low pricing, but the slow speeds will almost always fall well short of cable or fiber internet plans. That said, all of the DSL providers on our list offer speeds up to 100Mbps or higher in select areas, which is adequate for streaming in HD and gaming online. Most providers also come with favorable service terms, such as unlimited data or high data allowances, contract-free service and price guarantees.
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DSL internet FAQs
Is DSL better than cable internet?
In most locations, no. Cable typically offers faster speeds and lower cost per Mbps than DSL. Some high-speed DSL providers, such as Kinetic, can deliver speeds that rival low or midlevel speed tiers available from a fiber-optic or cable provider.
Why is DSL internet slow?
DSL speeds are like the noise level at a concert. The closer you are to the stage, the louder it will be. With DSL, providers often use fiber-optic or coax cables to run service to local service hubs and from there use a telephone line to carry service to your home. These service hubs are like the stage at a concert. The closer your address is to a provider's service hub, the faster your speeds are likely to be. This is why residents of more remote, rural areas are often stuck with the slowest DSL speeds.
Is DSL just fancy dial-up?
Though DSL also uses your phone line for service, DSL and dial-up are two completely different internet connections. DSL uses the phone line differently than dial-up or your home telephone service, enabling an "always on" connection and simultaneous use of your home phone for making calls.
For more information about DSL internet and how it compares to other internet types and providers, view our list of the best internet providers of 2024.
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