Denver, Colorado, offers a competitive internet service market with several providers vying to deliver fast, reliable, and affordable connectivity to residents. According to CNET’s broadband experts, Quantum Fiber emerges as the top internet service provider (ISP) in Denver, striking the best balance between speed, coverage, and price. With its impressive range of plans and robust network performance, Quantum Fiber is particularly recommended for large households or users who prioritize fast internet speeds. Its standout 8 Gig plan places it ahead of the competition for those seeking ultra-high-speed connections.
### Quantum Fiber: The Best Overall Provider in Denver
Quantum Fiber stands out in Denver for several reasons. It offers fast internet speeds coupled with solid coverage across the city, making it a reliable choice for most residents. The provider’s 8 Gig plan is notable for delivering multi-gigabit speeds, which can be particularly advantageous for large families, tech enthusiasts, or anyone who uses bandwidth-intensive applications like 4K streaming, online gaming, or large file transfers regularly. While this plan is available only in select areas within Denver, its presence underscores the provider’s commitment to cutting-edge internet solutions.
For users who want a dependable fiber connection with good value, Quantum Fiber’s gigabit plan, priced at around $75 per month, represents excellent affordability. When you break down the cost per megabit per second, it comes out to just seven cents, making it one of the best value offerings available in the Denver metro area. This combination of speed, reliability, and price is why CNET rates Quantum Fiber as the best ISP in the city.
### Other Strong Contenders: Xfinity, Verizon, and Ting
While Quantum Fiber is the top choice overall, several other providers offer competitive options that are worth considering depending on your needs and location. Xfinity, Verizon, and Ting Internet provide strong internet speeds and competitive pricing, making them solid alternatives for Denver residents.
Xfinity, in particular, is a major player with extensive coverage and a variety of plans. Its entry-level plan, the Connect plan, offers 300Mbps download speeds for just $40 per month during the promotional period. Although this price doubles to $80 after the initial term, it remains an affordable option for many users seeking decent speeds without a hefty price tag. Xfinity's cable internet service is the most widely available in Denver and comes with six different plan options, catering to diverse user needs.
Verizon offers 5G Home Internet in the area, providing another high-speed internet option that leverages wireless technology. Ting Internet is another fiber internet provider, although its fiber services are only available outside the city limits in nearby Centennial. Despite its limited availability, Ting is recognized for reliable gigabit service where offered.
### Pricing and Promotions in Denver
Internet pricing in Denver varies, with an average starting price around $42 per month. For those looking to save money, Live Wire Networks offers the cheapest plan in the city at 50Mbps for $25 monthly, though this speed might be insufficient for heavy usage or multiple users. Xfinity’s entry-level Connect plan is another affordable choice, especially for budget-conscious consumers who want speeds fast enough for most everyday activities.
When it comes to promotions and deals, Denver’s internet providers often run short-term discounts or introductory pricing offers. Providers like Xfinity and Rise Broadband frequently introduce promotional rates to attract new customers, while others such as CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber generally maintain consistent pricing year-round. Because promotions change frequently, consumers are encouraged to check regularly for the latest deals to secure the best possible rates.
### Internet Speeds and Performance in Denver
Despite being a sizable metropolitan area, Denver’s overall internet speeds lag behind many other U.S. cities. According to recent data from Ookla’s speed tests, Denver ranks 96th nationwide, with a median download speed of 126Mbps. This is relatively modest compared to leading cities with median speeds exceeding 200Mbps or more. The fastest provider in Denver, according to Ookla, is Xfinity, boasting a median download speed of approximately 239Mbps in the region.
For users requiring more speed, Quantum Fiber’s multi-gigabit plans are an excellent option but are only available in select parts of the city. Other providers like Ting Internet, Xfinity, and Verizon 5G Home Internet also offer gigabit plans, although availability varies by neighborhood.
### Understanding Your Internet Needs
For most basic tasks such as email, web browsing, and social media, standard internet plans with speeds