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Locals in Boise, Idaho, have a wide range of choices for home internet. Whether you want high-speed fiber, rural satellite or a basic cable connection, you can find a set that fits your browsing and streaming needs in the “City of Trees.” Starting prices range from $25/mo. to around $249.99/mo, depending on which provider and plan type you choose.
Enter your address on this page to browse the options in your area, or continue reading to compare the best internet service providers in Boise.
Best internet providers in Boise, ID
- Quantum Fiber: Best regional provider
- Sparklight: Best cable internet
- Viasat: Best satellite internet
- EarthLink: Fastest internet option
- T-Mobile Home Internet: Best fixed wireless internet
Boise internet comparison
Boise is home to several top regional and national internet providers. For top internet speeds, you can choose from Quantum Fiber, EarthLink and Sparklight’s fiber or cable plans. Viasat and T-Mobile also offer service that reaches where fiber and cable can’t, with satellite and fixed wireless options.
The following table provides a quick overview of our top Boise internet providers:
| Provider | Starting price range* | Download speed range | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantum Fiber | $50–$75/mo. | 500–940 Mbps | Fiber |
| Sparklight | $25–$80/mo. | 100–940 Mbps | Cable |
| Viasat | $49.99–$249.99/mo. | 25–150 Mbps | Satellite |
| EarthLink | $59.95–$189.95/mo. | 100–5,000 Mbps | Fiber, satellite, cable |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | $60–$80/mo. | 72–245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.
How to choose a provider in Boise, ID
With such a broad selection of prices and service types, how do you choose the best internet provider in Boise for you? We recommend considering a few key components of any plan before you sign up:
- What’s your top speed? You may not realize how much speed you really need until you consider your household’s internet habits. If you mostly use the internet for light work tasks and occasional streaming on a couple of devices, you probably don’t need more than 500 Mbps. For online gaming and 4K streaming on numerous devices, however, you may want to upgrade to a gigabit internet plan.
- What fits in your budget? There’s more to your monthly cost than the advertised price of your internet plan. Pay attention to equipment and installation fees, taxes and any short-term promotional pricing that may end soon after you start service — be sure you can afford the total package.
- What else does the plan offer? Some Boise internet providers offer perks or bundling deals that add value to their basic internet plans. Be sure to review all your options for saving on home tech services so you can compare them equally.
Our takes on Boise internet provider
Quantum Fiber –Best regional provider
Quantum Fiber is the new incarnation of CenturyLink Fiber. Available in much of the western United States, Quantum Fiber offers gigabit connection speeds for a reasonable price of only $75/mo. There are no data caps and no contracts, and you can keep your price for as long as you keep your plan.
Sparklight –Best cable internet
Sparklight, formerly Cable One, offers cable internet, TV and phone plans in 19 states, including Idaho. With a wide range of download and upload speeds and prices, Sparklight offers plans to suit nearly every type of internet user. The company even offers prepaid plans starting at $35/mo. There are no contracts or data caps.
Viasat –Best satellite internet
Viasat’s satellite internet is widely available throughout the U.S. As long as you install a satellite dish on your property, you should be able to connect to Viasat and get internet at up to 150 Mbps. Keep in mind that starting prices are only good for three months before they increase.
Overall score: 2.1 out of 5.
Read our full Viasat review.
EarthLink –Fastest internet option
EarthLink is one of the few nationwide providers to offer a variety of internet options. Depending on where you live in Boise, you may have access to cable, satellite or fiber plans of up to 5 GB from EarthLink. There are no data caps, so you can browse as much as you want. Plus, plan prices stay the same after 12 months.
Overall score: 3.75 out of 5.
Read our full EarthLink review.
T-Mobile Home Internet– Best fixed wireless provider
T-Mobile is aggressively expanding its 5G network in the U.S., and its home internet plans offer an attractive option for Boise customers. Fixed wireless can reach some areas that cable and fiber can’t, and cellular customers can get steep discounts on home internet. You’ll pay a one-time device setup fee of $35.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read our full T-Mobile review.
Cheap internet providers in Boise, ID
Internet service providers in Boise offer several affordable Wi-Fi options to match your budget. Sparklight’s cable plans start at $25/mo. for the first 12 months, while Quantum Fiber offers a “price for life” starting at $50 for 500 Mbps connection speeds. T-Mobile cellular customers can tap into the provider’s home internet plans at a steep discount, too.
| Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sparklight | $25/mo. | 100 Mbps | Cable |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | $40/mo.** | 72–245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
| Quantum Fiber | $50/mo. | 500 Mbps | Fiber |
Fastest internet in Boise, ID
If you care more about getting top speeds for streaming and gaming, internet providers in Boise have you covered. Quantum Fiber and Sparklight both offer 1 GB plans in Boise, and EarthLink even offers 5 GB fiber service in some parts of the city. Pricing varies considerably for Boise’s fastest internet plans.
| Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EarthLink | $189.95/mo. | Up to 5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Quantum Fiber | $75/mo. | Up to 940 Mbps | Fiber |
| Sparklight | $69.95–$80/mo. | Up to 940 Mbps | Cable |
Boise internet technology
Each type of internet technology has its pros and cons, and you can choose from any of the following in Boise:
- Fiber internet: Fiber-optic cables are much faster and more reliable than other connection types. With synchronous upload and download speeds, there’s no lag for demanding online activities like gaming or video meetings. However, fiber is still catching up to other types of internet in terms of availability.
- Cable: Cable is more widely available than fiber, and it still offers some impressive download speeds. Upload speeds are much slower, but that may not matter for regular browsing or even streaming. If you do a lot of online gaming or connect numerous devices, however, cable may lag.
- Fixed wireless: Fixed wireless internet is no longer just for cell phones. 5G technology offers a fast, relatively stable connection for home internet, and providers like Verizon and T-Mobile are rapidly expanding access. Service reliability and connection speeds can vary considerably, however.
- Satellite: Satellite is much slower than other internet types, but it’s also much more accessible from anywhere. Even remote, rural customers can tap into satellite connections for internet browsing and basic streaming.
- DSL: This phone-line-based technology is slowly phasing out, but it’s still available in some parts of Boise. Like satellite, its connection speeds top out around 100 Mbps, but it’s the best option in some rural areas.
Boise internet FAQs
What is the best internet in Boise?
Choosing the best internet service provider in Boise comes down to your budget and preferences. For maximum speed, providers like EarthLink and Quantum Fiber are your best bets. If you’d rather bundle TV and internet, check out Sparklight.
How much is internet per month in Boise, Idaho?
Internet pricing in Boise varies by plan type and provider. You can get home internet for anywhere from $25–$249.99/mo., with connection speeds ranging from 25–5,000 Mbps.
Does Boise have fiber-optic internet?
Yes, Boise has a growing fiber network. Quantum Fiber and EarthLink currently offer fiber-optic internet in some parts of the city.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
Luke DaughertyAllconnect.com
Luke Daugherty is a freelance writer, editor, and former operations manager. His work covers a wide range of topics, including streaming and internet tech, green energy, and personal finance. His work, bylined and ghostwritten, has appeared in The Balance, CNET, CIO Magazine, Entrepreneur, and more.
Hannah WhatleyAllconnect.com
Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.
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