Internet in Richmond, VA
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Rural internet service
Prices from
$49.99
per month
Speeds up to
100
Mbps
Most accessible fiber internet
Prices from
$49.99
per month
Speeds up to
1,000
Mbps
Cheapest cable internet
Prices from
$25.00
per month
Speeds up to
2,000
Mbps
Why trust our broadband experts
Allconnect’s team of broadband experts regularly reviews the top internet service providers in the U.S., scrutinizing each company under a rigorous scoring system to help our readers make informed internet purchases. We keep our data points accurate and up to date based on thorough research and partnership communications. Our content is not directed by partners. Visit our full methodology page and advertising disclosure to learn more.
Richmond, VA, boasts a great deal of architecture and historical monuments from the past but also looks to the future with its thriving artistic community and diverse restaurant scene. Known as River City for its key spot along the James River, it’s an ideal destination for outdoor recreationists, foodies and art lovers alike.
Regardless of your favorite pastime in Richmond, having internet to communicate, work, shop or access entertainment is key. Read on to learn about the top five Richmond internet providers and the strengths and weaknesses of each option.
Best internet providers in Richmond, VA
- Xfinity: Cheapest cable internet
- Verizon Fios: Most accessible fiber internet
- T-Mobile 5G: Good no-contract plan
- Brightspeed: Competitively-priced fiber choice
- Hughesnet: Rural internet service
According to Speedtest.net, the median download in Richmond is 225.78 Mbps, and the median upload is 58.68 Mbps. The fastest provider is Verizon Fios, with a median speed of 228.35 Mbps. These speeds place Richmond in 86th place among the 100 most populated U.S. cities by fastest internet speeds.
Richmond, VA, internet provider comparison
In Richmond, VA, you will find all types of internet connections available. Cable internet is the most accessible, covering 98% of the city. Fiber internet is available to 69% and fixed wireless and 5G to 48%. Satellite internet is available in 100% of the greater Richmond area. Check out the following table for specific price and speed data from Richmond’s top internet service providers (ISPs).
| Provider | Starting price range* | Download speed range | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | $25–$95/mo. | 300–2,000 Mbps | Cable |
| Verizon Fios | $49.99–$89.99/mo. | 300–940 Mbps | Fiber |
| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | $60/mo. | 72–245 Mbps | 5G |
| Brightspeed | $49–$99/mo. | Up to 2 GB | Fiber, DSL |
| Hughesnet | $49.99–$94.99/mo. | 50–100 Mbps | Satellite |
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 Richmond, VA
- Research: While Richmond has internet speeds of up to 1 GB, there are not many options for multi-gig internet. Gauge the speed you need based on your internet habits and how many devices (laptops, gaming consoles, etc.) you connect at once.
- Read reviews: Online reviews, such as our in-depth provider reviews, along with recommendations from your friends or neighbors in the Richmond area, are great ways to vet a new home Wi-Fi provider.
- Shop: Whether switching providers or setting up new internet service, you can find internet deals in Richmond from providers like Xfinity, Verizon and others.
- Sign up: Explore internet plans by your ZIP code or specific address and sign up online within minutes.
Richmond, VA, internet provider reviews
The best internet providers in Richmond include Xfinity, Verizon Fios and T-Mobile, but those aren’t your only options. Internet from Hughesnet and Brightspeed covers outlying and rural areas of the city. Keep reading more about pricing, fees and Richmond internet reviews.
Xfinity – Cheapest cable internet
Overall score: 3.9 out of 5.
Best Xfinity plans in Richmond, VA:
- $25/mo. for 300 Mbps
- $50/mo. for 1,000 Mbps
- $90/mo. for 2,000 Mbps (2 GB)
Xfinity has four internet plans in Richmond, VA, along with options for bundling internet and TV. All internet plans are available with or without a contract. Consider how long you need the internet service when choosing an internet package.
- With a contract, the monthly price is guaranteed to stay the same for two to three years, but you’ll pay $5 more per month, and you could have an early termination fee.
- Without a contract, you get the cheapest monthly price, but the price change in month 13 can be steep, up to a $55/mo. increase.
Other fees include an optional $15/mo. to lease a modem and router, and $100 for professional installation. Luckily, self-installation is still free.
Read our full Xfinity review.
Verizon Fios – Most accessible fiber internet
Overall score: 4 out of 5.
Best Verizon plans in Richmond, VA:
- $49.99/mo. for 300 Mbps
- $69.99/mo. for 500 Mbps
- $89.99/mo. for 1 GB
Verizon Fios is the main fiber internet provider in Richmond, VA. Fios’ symmetrical upload and download speeds make it the best ISP for gaming and uploading large files. Verizon Fios offers up to a $500 credit toward early termination fees if you are switching from another provider.
Other Fios benefits include no additional equipment fees and long-term price guarantees (two to four years, depending on the plan). Verizon Fios also has business internet available for small businesses.
Read our full Verizon Fios review.
T-Mobile 5G – Good no-contract plan
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Best T-Mobile plans in Richmond, VA:
- $60/mo. for up to 245 Mbps
- $40–$50/mo. for up to 245 Mbps with a qualifying mobile phone plan
T-Mobile mails a wireless gateway device to your home with free two-day shipping. Wireless service can be set up within 15 minutes to ensure you get online as fast as possible.
T-Mobile internet plans have no contracts and a Price Lock guarantee that states the company will pay for your final month of service if the rates ever increase. 5G internet with T-Mobile is unlimited, but the company has speed throttling policies that slow down speeds if you use over 1.2 TB of data.
Read our full T-Mobile review.
Brightspeed – Competitively-priced fiber choice
Overall score: 3.9 out of 5.
Best Brightspeed plans in Richmond, VA:
- $49/mo. for 200 Mbps
- $65/mo. for 500 Mbps
- $75/mo. for 1 GB
Brightspeed’s fiber and DSL internet has unlimited data and prices starting at $49/mo. Brightspeed has limited coverage in VA. However, it’s worth checking if it is available at your Richmond home since it offers competitive rates with fast internet speeds. Additional fees for Brightspeed include $15/mo. for a gateway and installation fees on some plans.
Read our full Brightspeed review.
Hughesnet – Satellite internet for rural areas
Overall score: 2.4 out of 5.
Best Hughesnet plans in Richmond, VA:
- $49.99/mo. for 50 Mbps
- $64.99/mo. for 100 Mbps
Satellite internet is often pricier than other types of internet connections because of high equipment and installation costs. Still, Hughesnet offers reasonable plans starting at $49.99, with 100 GB of priority data and up to 50 Mbps speeds. Satellite internet is best for browsing, online shopping and light streaming, but not bandwidth-intensive activities like competitive gaming. Other satellite providers available in Richmond include Starlink and Viasat.
Read our full Hughesnet review.
Cheap internet in Richmond, VA
You can find cheap internet in Richmond, VA, from top internet brands. Affordable plans start at $25/mo., nearly half the average cost of internet in the country. Low-income households may also qualify for free internet from various providers. Shop these cheap internet deals if you want to save money on internet.
| Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity 300 Mbps | $25/mo. | 300 Mbps | Cable |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | $40/mo.** | 72–245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
| Verizon Fios | $49.99/mo. | 300 Mbps | Fiber |
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
Fastest internet in Richmond, VA
Fiber and cable providers offer high-speed internet in Richmond, VA, up to 2 GB. High-speed internet is best for gaming and provides good speeds for streaming too.
| Plan | Price* | Download/upload speed | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity 2000 Mbps | $90–$95/mo. | 2 GB | Cable |
| Xfinity 1200 Mbps | $70–$75/mo. | 1.2 GB | Cable |
| Verizon Fios 1 Gig | $89.99/mo. | 940 Mbps | Fiber |
| Brightspeed | $99/mo. | 2 GB | Fiber |
Richmond, VA, internet FAQs
How much does internet cost in Richmond, VA?
The average starting price of internet in Richmond is $45 among cable, fiber and 5G providers. Faster speed fiber and cable services (500 Mbps and up) cost $65 and up.
Does Richmond have fiber optic internet?
Yes, fiber internet is available to nearly 70% of Richmond residents, according to the FCC. Verizon Fios and Brightspeed are the two fiber providers in Richmond and surrounding areas.
What cable services are available in Richmond, VA?
Xfinity is the main cable provider in Richmond. In Richmond, Xfinity internet costs between $25 and $95/mo. for speeds between 300 Mbps and 2 GB.
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.
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