Best Internet Providers in Arlington, Virginia for 2026
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Arlington, VA
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 Arlington, Virginia, 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 Arlington, Virginia, 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 | 349.00 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 50.83 | Mbps |
| Latency | 22 | 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 Arlington, Virginia, 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 | 273.69 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 166.34 | Mbps |
| Latency | 10 | 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 Arlington, Virginia, 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 Arlington, Virginia, 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 Arlington, Virginia, 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 Arlington, Virginia, 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 Arlington, Virginia, 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 Arlington, Virginia, 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 Arlington, Virginia, 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.).
Arlington, Va., has a particular energy to it, as the county is part city, part suburb, and always in motion. Mornings may start with bike commuters weaving past joggers on the Custis Trail, afternoons fill with people working from coffee shops, and evenings spill out onto patios in Clarendon or along Columbia Pike. It’s a place where hybrid schedules, shared rowhouses, and densely packed apartment corridors mean everyone depends on staying connected, whether that’s catching a Metro train or keeping multiple devices humming at home.
Unlike many suburbs, Arlington residents actually have choices when it comes to home internet. Multiple wired providers cover most of the county, which means what you can get won’t hinge on a single company or connection type. Still, buildings vary widely in age and wiring, and real-world performance can shift from block to block. So who’s actually fastest? According to Speedtest results recorded between July and December 2025, Xfinity delivers the fastest median download speeds in Arlington at 349.00 Mbps, ahead of Verizon’s fiber-powered 273.69 Mbps median.
So how much speed do you actually need? For most households of three to four people watching a moderate amount of streaming video and performing simpler work-from-home tasks such as emailing, Slack, Zoom, etc., a 300 to 500 Mbps plan is more than enough. But for creators, tech professionals, or large households, gigabit speeds and strong upload performance make a noticeable difference.
How to Pick the Right Internet Provider in Arlington
Here are some practical tips:
Check Your Address
Many ISPs tout countywide coverage, but the reality is more complicated (like if your building isn’t wired for fiber). Use provider lookup tools or Speedtest’s zip code breakdowns to verify.
Consider More Than Speed
Reliability, customer support, and data caps matter just as much. Many fiber plans, for example, include unlimited data and no equipment rental fees. Watch out for plans that include data caps and extra charges.
Think About Uploads
If you send large files, stream on Twitch, or make frequent video calls, symmetrical upload/download speeds (only offered by fiber) are a game-changer.
Match a Plan to Your Needs
Don’t pay for 1 gigabit if you’re just browsing or streaming a few hours a night. On the flip side, don’t skimp if you’re running a business from home.
Read the Fine Print
Promo rates often expire after 12 months. Check for hidden fees, contracts, or equipment rentals that inflate the total cost.
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 Arlington, VA
According to Speedtest Intelligence®, as of January 2026, Arlington reports the following city-wide median speeds:
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Median download speed | 291.97 Mbps |
| Median upload speed | 118.37 Mbps |
| Median latency | 9 ms |
| Top-performing ISP | Xfinity (349.00 Mbps median download) |
| Most widely available ISP | Xfinity (100% availability) |
ISP Speeds in Arlington
Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, here’s how the major providers compare:
- Xfinity: Arlington’s most widely available provider with 100% coverage. Downloads of 349.00 Mbps, uploads of 50.83 Mbps, and latency around 22 ms. Upload speeds lag behind fiber providers, but for many households, Xfinity delivers reliable performance with straightforward plan options.
- Verizon: Covers much of Arlington with 80% geographic reach, especially high-density buildings and neighborhoods near transit corridors. Downloads of 273.69 Mbps, uploads of 166.34 Mbps, and latency around 10 ms. The strong upload performance makes Verizon Fios one of the county’s top choices for remote workers, creators, and anyone who uploads large files or joins frequent video calls.
- EarthLink Fiber: Offers 94% coverage across Arlington through partner fiber networks. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for EarthLink in this market, but where fiber is available, EarthLink offers high-speed, symmetrical plans that rival traditional Fios or other wired options.
Arlington 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
Virginia
District of Columbia
Maryland
Pennsylvania
Home Internet in Arlington
At the time of this writing, the average starting price among wired and 5G home internet providers in Arlington is approximately $46.19 per month. Entry-level options range from $30 starter plans to premium multi-gig fiber packages over $100, depending on the provider and your building’s wiring. As always, real-world speeds and final monthly costs vary by address, infrastructure, and the technology available in your unit.
Top Internet Providers in Arlington
Xfinity
- Type: Cable
- Max speeds: Up to 2,000 Mbps download / 200 Mbps upload
- Best for: Households wanting consistent cable performance
- Availability: 100%
- Price range: $40–$70/month
Xfinity is Arlington’s most widely available provider. Median downloads reach 349.00 Mbps, the fastest among providers in the county, according to Speedtest user data. Upload speeds of 50.83 Mbps lag behind fiber providers, but for many households, Xfinity delivers reliable performance with straightforward plan options.
Verizon
- Type: Fiber, 5G Internet
- Max speeds: Up to 2,000 Mbps download / 2,300 Mbps upload
- Best for: Households wanting fast fiber uploads and low latency
- Availability: 80%
- Price range: $35–$109.99/month
Verizon’s fiber network covers much of Arlington, especially high-density buildings and neighborhoods near transit corridors. With 273.69 Mbps median download speeds and exceptionally strong upload performance of 166.34 Mbps, Verizon Fios is one of the county’s top choices for remote workers, creators, and anyone who uploads large files or joins frequent video calls. Verizon’s 5G Home Internet fills coverage gaps where fiber isn’t available.
EarthLink Fiber
- Type: Fiber
- Max speeds: Up to 940 Mbps / 5000 Mbps
- Best for: Fiber customers wanting alternative pricing or plan structures
- Availability: 94%
- Price range: $54.95–$189.95/month
EarthLink operates on partner fiber networks and offers significant coverage across Arlington. Real-world performance depends on the underlying provider in your building, but where fiber is available, EarthLink offers high-speed, symmetrical plans that rival traditional Fios or other wired options.
AT&T Internet Air
- Type: 5G Internet
- Max speeds: Up to 300 Mbps / 30 Mbps
- Best for: Smaller households that want a simple, contract-free option
- Availability: 82%
- Price range: From $65/month
AT&T Internet Air offers broad 5G coverage across Arlington and is best suited for users who don’t need fiber-level speeds. It’s a good fit for smaller households, light streamers, and apartment residents who want to avoid installation appointments or wired infrastructure limitations.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- Type: 5G Internet
- Max speeds: Up to 415 Mbps / 56 Mbps
- Best for: Renters or anyone wanting a flexible setup without installation
- Availability: 70%
- Price range: $50–$70/month
T-Mobile’s fixed wireless service covers most of Arlington’s residential areas and is especially popular among renters and townhome residents who prefer an easy, plug-and-play setup. Performance varies by building construction and signal strength, but for light-to-moderate streaming, browsing, and work-from-home tasks, it’s a competitive alternative to wired plans.
Satellite Internet Options in Arlington
Most Arlington households won’t need satellite internet due to strong wired and 5G coverage. But for residents in buildings with restrictive wiring, those hard to serve with existing infrastructure, or anyone who needs a nontraditional backup connection, satellite may fill the gap.
- Starlink: Max speeds up to 350 Mbps / 35 Mbps; $80–$165/month
- Viasat: Max speeds up to 150 Mbps / 3 Mbps; $69.99–$119.99/month
- Hughesnet: Max speeds up to 100 Mbps / 5 Mbps; $39.99–$119.99/month
FAQs
Who provides the fastest internet in Arlington?
Xfinity leads based on real-world Speedtest results, with 349.00 Mbps median download speeds, followed by Verizon’s download speeds of 273.69 Mbps.
What are the fiber options in Arlington?
Verizon Fios and EarthLink Fiber cover large portions of the county, with symmetrical speeds and high upload performance.
What’s the cheapest internet option in Arlington?
At the time of this writing, Xfinity’s entry-level cable tier starts around $40 per month, though prices vary by address and promo.
Where can I connect to free public Wi-Fi in Arlington?
Arlington County hosts free Wi-Fi at libraries, community centers, parks, and several government buildings. See the list here.
Speedtest TL;DR
Arlington is unusually well-connected for a dense urban county: multiple wired providers, extensive fiber coverage, and broad 5G home internet availability all give residents real choice. Xfinity posts the fastest median speeds, Verizon brings strong fiber performance, EarthLink expands fiber access, and wireless providers add flexibility for renters and smaller households. As always, check your exact address, as availability can shift even between units in the same building.
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.