Best Internet Providers in Knoxville, Tennessee for 2024
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Knoxville, TN
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're dedicated to gathering precise and reliable data, forming the foundation for our internet service provider (ISP) recommendations. Our insights are derived from real-world data contributed by millions globally who engage with a Speedtest. This allows us to present an accurate, unbiased view of ISP performance that's both relevant and current.
Three key metrics that will help you gauge the performance of an ISP are download speed, upload speed, and latency. Download speed is crucial for activities like streaming and downloading, indicating how quickly data reaches your device. Upload speed is important for activities such as uploading content and online interactions, showing the speed at which data travels from your device to the internet. Latency, or ping, affects online gaming and video calls, impacting the responsiveness of your connection. A comprehensive understanding of these metrics equips you with the knowledge to choose an ISP that best fits your specific internet needs.
The technology behind an ISP is also crucial for internet quality. Fiber optics, for instance, generally offers the fastest speeds and is ideal for high-demand activities. Cable internet, more commonly available, provides decent download speeds though upload speeds may not be as fast. DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is sufficient for basic browsing and streaming, whereas satellite internet, often the sole option in remote areas, usually features 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 Knoxville, TN
Leveraging exclusive Speedtest data, AT&T Internet is Knoxville's fastest internet service provider, boasting a median download speed of 299.68 Mbps. This leading speed is unparalleled among local ISPs, guaranteeing a strong and dependable connection for bandwidth-intensive tasks.
With the highest advertised download speeds on the market, reaching up to 5,000 Mbps, AT&T Internet's superiority is largely due to its Fiber service. This service is noted for its unparalleled speed and reliability when compared to other internet connection technologies. Xfinity competes with its Cable service offering speeds up to 2,000 Mbps, positioning it as a strong high speed contender in the market.
As a general guideline, download speeds over 100 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 10 Mbps are considered more than adequate for most online activities, from streaming 4K HD content across multiple devices to downloading large files and enjoying lag-free online gaming. It's vital to evaluate your internet use and the number of devices used concurrently to choose the appropriate speed. Furthermore, with the advent of smart homes and the increasing number of devices connecting to the internet, understanding the total bandwidth demand on your home network is crucial in selecting the most suitable internet speed.
Knoxville 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
- Alcoa
- Arlington
- Athens
- Atoka
- Bartlett
- Brentwood
- Bristol
- Chattanooga
- Clarksville
- Cleveland
- Collegedale
- Collierville
- Columbia
- Cookeville
- Corryton
- Crossville
- Dickson
- Dyersburg
- East Brainerd
- East Ridge
- Farragut
- Franklin
- Gallatin
- Gatlinburg
- Germantown
- Goodlettsville
- Hendersonville
- Jackson
- Johnson City
- Jonesborough
- Karns
- Kingsport
- Knoxville
- La Vergne
- Lakeland
- Lebanon
- Maryville
- Memphis
- Middle Valley
- Millington
- Morristown
- Mount Juliet
- Murfreesboro
- Nashville
- Oak Hill
- Oak Ridge
- Oakland
- Ooltewah
- Pigeon Forge
- Piney Flats
- Portland
- Powell
- Red Bank
- Sevierville
- Shelbyville
- Smyrna
- Soddy-Daisy
- Spring Hill
- Springfield
- Thompson's Station
- Tullahoma
- White House
Home Internet in Knoxville
Knoxville, situated in the scenic foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, greets visitors with southern charm, a lively cultural scene, and stunning natural landscapes. Knoxville residents have access to an array of high-speed internet options, reflecting the area's growing connectivity demands. Major ISPs provide an assortment of services that span fiber optics, DSL, cable, and satellite connections.
Xfinity offers extensive coverage to 86% of Knoxville, delivering speeds that meet the needs of most residents. Meanwhile, those in outlying areas can turn to satellite internet options from providers like SpaceX Starlink, Viasat Internet, and Hughesnet, which provide 100% coverage, though at reduced speeds. In selecting an internet service provider, residents should carefully consider the type of service, the breadth of coverage, and the spectrum of maximum advertised speeds available.
It's also important for consumers to recognize that the maximum advertised speeds by ISPs may not always align with the speeds experienced in real-life usage. Factors such as network congestion, the quality of in-home connections, and the distance from the provider's facilities can influence the actual speeds. Hence, while these advertised speeds provide a baseline for comparison, they should not be the sole criterion for selecting an internet service provider.
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.