Best Internet Providers in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for 2024
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Cedar Rapids, IA
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 take great pride in offering accurate and trustworthy data that serves as the foundation for our ISP recommendations. This data is gathered from millions of users worldwide who opt to conduct a Speedtest, ensuring that our insights into ISP performance are not only reliable but also up-to-date. This positions us to provide a transparent, impartial view on ISP performance.
To accurately measure an ISP's performance, three key metrics are essential: download speed, upload speed, and latency. Download speed is vital for activities like streaming and downloading, as it dictates the speed at which data reaches your device. Upload speed is crucial for uploading content and online interactions, measuring how quickly data travels from your device to the internet. Lastly, latency, or ping, plays a critical role in online gaming and video conferencing, affecting how responsive your connection feels. Armed with a comprehensive grasp of an ISP's performance through these metrics, you're well-equipped to choose an ISP that aligns with your specific internet needs.
The type of ISP technology significantly influences your online experience. Fiber optics, for example, usually provides the fastest internet speeds, ideal for activities requiring high bandwidth. Cable internet, which is more widely available, tends to offer decent download speeds, though upload speeds may be slower in comparison. DSL offers moderate speeds that can efficiently handle basic browsing and streaming tasks. Satellite internet, often the only option in remote areas, is characterized by higher latency and slower speeds.
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 Cedar Rapids, IA
Based on our proprietary real-world Speedtest data, 'Xtream Powered by Mediacom' stands out with the fastest recorded median download speed of 280.26 Mbps in Cedar Rapids. This remarkable speed highlights their superior capability to deliver fast internet service to the residents of the city.
Regarding the maximum advertised download speeds, two ISPs, 'ImOn' and 'Xtream Powered by Mediacom', offer impressive speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps. Notably, 'ImOn' enriches its offerings with fiber connectivity, promising potentially higher speeds and more reliable service. However, consumers should note the potential discrepancy between these advertised speeds and the actual speeds they might experience.
A good rule of thumb is that download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps are considered fast enough for nearly any online activity, including streaming 4K HD videos, downloading large files, or gaming on multiple devices. The usage and the number of devices connected play a significant role in determining the required speed, making it crucial for households to consider their specific needs when choosing an internet service provider.
Cedar Rapids 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
- Altoona
- Ames
- Ankeny
- Bettendorf
- Burlington
- Cedar Falls
- Cedar Rapids
- Clinton
- Clive
- Coralville
- Council Bluffs
- Davenport
- Des Moines
- Dubuque
- Fairfield
- Fort Dodge
- Grimes
- Iowa City
- Johnston
- Marion
- Marshalltown
- Mason City
- Mount Pleasant
- Muscatine
- Newton
- North Liberty
- Ottumwa
- Pella
- Saylorville
- Sioux City
- Urbandale
- Waterloo
- Waukee
- West Des Moines
Home Internet in Cedar Rapids
In Cedar Rapids, a diverse range of internet services is available to residents, from DSL, fixed wireless, and cable to cutting-edge fiber and satellite options. Such variety ensures that consumers have access to technology that fits their specific online habits and needs.
Looking across the city, 'Starlink', 'Viasat Internet' and 'HughesNet' stand out with a remarkable 100% coverage, offering satellite internet to every home. 'Xtream Powered by Mediacom' also impresses with its 97.19% coverage, predominantly providing cable internet. When evaluating providers, residents should consider coverage, available technology, and how the services align with their internet usage.
It's crucial to remember that the advertised maximum speeds might not always mirror real-world experiences due to various factors such as network congestion and distance from service hubs. Hence, while maximum speeds offer a benchmark, they should not be the sole criterion for choosing an ISP.
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.