Best Internet Providers in Fairfax, VA
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Top 8 Internet Service Providers in Fairfax, VA
1. AT&T
25.4% Available
2. EarthLink
90.1% Available
3. Verizon
91% Available
4. Cox Cable
94.8% Available
5. Viasat
100% Available
6. HughesNet
100% Available
7. Starlink
100% Available
8. Always ON
54.9% Available
Best Internet Providers in Fairfax
When shopping for the best internet in Fairfax, VA, fiber internet is the top choice due to its high speeds and reliability. In Fairfax, residents can choose between EarthLink Fiber, which covers 90.1% of the area and offers speeds up to 940 Mbps starting at $54.95 per month, and Verizon Fios, which slightly edges out with 91% coverage and similar speeds at a starting price of $49.99 per month. Both providers deliver a robust network that's ideal for heavy internet usage.
Following fiber, cable internet is a solid option, particularly if fiber is unavailable in your area. Cox is a prominent cable provider in Fairfax, with extensive coverage of 94.8% and impressive speeds reaching up to 1 Gbps. Their plans are competitively priced starting at $50 per month, making Cox a practical choice for those who prioritize speed and reliability without opting for fiber.
For those leaning towards wireless options, Verizon 5G Home Internet offers an alternative with 9% coverage in the area. Although its availability is more limited, it provides a decent speed of 50 Mbps at a cost of $50 per month, which could be appealing for users in areas where 5G coverage is robust.
Lastly, while DSL is generally considered slower, Verizon High-Speed Internet does provide a DSL service with minimal coverage of 0.4% in Fairfax. It offers speeds of up to 10 Mbps starting at $40 monthly. This option might work for more budget-conscious users or those with limited choices due to location constraints.
In Fairfax, residents can select from a spectrum of internet options to match their specific needs and budget, with fiber and cable leading the pack for speed and efficiency.
Fairfax Internet Resources for Low-Income Families
Low-income families in Fairfax often find themselves without access to the computers and internet access necessary for work and school. This digital divide can leave economically struggling families unable to participate in opportunities and benefits exclusively available online. Our team put together the following lists of digital resources to help Fairfax families access the affordable devices, internet, and programs they need to achieve their academic and professional goals:
Discounted Distance Learning Devices in Fairfax
- Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS): Middle and high school students enrolled in FCPS can access learning devices through the school system’s FCPSOn program. Families who participate in this program need to pay a $50 technology fee annually. Students who receive free or reduced status in the school district can get this fee reduced to $25 or waived entirely.
- Fairfax County Public Libraries: In response to the Fairfax community’s need for digital learning devices, the Fairfax public library system offers free mobile laptop kits for checkout as part of its suite of technology offerings. Contact the library branch nearest you to learn more about borrowing a laptop through the library.
- PCs for People: PCs for People is a charitable organization making affordable computer systems available to low-income families for as little as $100 through the online store. To qualify for PCs for People technology, you must demonstrate enrollment in a government assistance program or show that you live under the 200 percent poverty level.
Fairfax families can also shop for a recycled computer at one of the following computer stores to get a works-like-new machine at a fraction of the cost of a new device:
Remote Learning Programs and Virtual Child Care Centers in Fairfax
- Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS): Does your child ever need help with his or her assignments after school hours? You can support your little learners by exploring the FCPS online collection of print and digital resources. These resources provide research, learning, and reading assistance to K-12 students enrolled in the public school system.
- Fairfax County Public Library: You probably expect the library to provide books, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg at the Fairfax County Public Library. Library cardholding Fairfax residents can also access a deep catalog of free research databases to supplement their school studies and explore new topics that interest them.
- GIVE Youth: If your elementary school student struggles with his or her school work, GIVE Youth may be the solution to your problems. GIVE Youth is a student-run organization offering free online tutoring to kindergarten through sixth-grade students in the Fairfax area. Parents can register for the program online.
- The Smithsonian Learning Lab: Are the young tinkerers and messy scientists in your home using your kitchen as their laboratories? If so, help them channel that innovative energy by participating in the online learning lab created by Washington D.C.’s famous Smithsonian Institute. Curious learners in Fairfax can check out the Smithsonian’s free online collections to discover millions of Smithsonian digital media files and follow along with engaging activity guides.
- Fairfax County Office for Children: The cost of child care is one of the most difficult challenges low-income families in Fairfax face as they balance their own employment with placing their children in a safe place to spend the day. Fortunately, the Fairfax County Office for Children runs programs that can help income-eligible families receive child care assistance. The Child Care Assistance program helps financially qualified parents pay for child care from birth to age 12.
Free Wireless Internet Access in Fairfax
- FCPS Community Internet Access Map
- WiFiMap.io Map of Free Wi-Fi Hotspots in Fairfax
- Map of Fairfax County Public Libraries Branch Locations
We also researched some specific locations to make your search for free internet a little easier. You can access free Wi-Fi at the following locations in the Fairfax area:
- NoVA Alexandria Campus — 3001 North Beauregard St.
- NoVA Annandale Campus — 8333 Little River Turnpike
- James Lee Community Center — 2855 Annandale Rd.
- Fairfax City Regional — 10360 North Street
- Thomas Jefferson Library — 7415 Arlington Blvd.
Thanks to the Fairfax community’s efforts to promote digital equity, families who cannot afford home internet service can still stay connected. Use our Wi-Fi coverage map to learn more about the various locations offering publicly accessible, free Wi-Fi in Fairfax:
Free Wireless Internet Access in Fairfax, VA
Internet Services in Fairfax, Virginia
If you’re one of the slightly over 166,310 people who calls Fairfax, Virginia home you’ll be happy to know that there are a total of 15 servicing the area. The area is home to George Mason University, which is the largest university in the state of Virginia. It’s also home to Exon Mobile, FICO, and a variety of hotels and other small businesses. With everything that’s going on in the area, there’s a lot of competition for fast, affordable internet services. This is why our experts have put together all the information you need to know about these services right here, all in one place, for you.
An Overview of Internet Providers in Fairfax By Connection
Provider
Connection
Download speeds up to
Availability
Cox Cable
Cable
2 Gbps
95%
Verizon
Fiber
2.3 Gbps
91%
HughesNet
Satellite
100 Mbps
100%
Viasat
Satellite
150 Mbps
100%
AT&T
5G Internet
225 Mbps
25%
EarthLink
Fiber
5 Gbps
90%
Starlink
Satellite
220 Mbps
100%
Verizon
5G Internet
300 Mbps
9%
Always ON
Fixed Wireless
25 Mbps
55%
Fastest Internet Services in Fairfax
When you’re looking for internet services you want to find the fastest provider so that you’re not sitting around waiting for a website to load. Here in Fairfax you can choose from DSL, fiber, cable and satellite internet connections. To find the fastest, most reliable internet provider in Fairfax, check out the information our experts have gathered together for you.
Fastest Fairfax Internet Providers
Connection Type |
Internet Providers |
Download Speeds Up To |
Upload Speeds Up To |
Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fiber |
Verizon Fios |
940 Mbps |
880 Mbps |
91% |
Cox |
940 Mbps |
940 Mbps |
0.3% |
|
|
Cable |
Cox |
1 Gbps |
35 Mbps |
94.8% |
Mediacom |
1 Gbps |
50 Mbps |
0.1% |
|
|
DSL |
Verizon High Speed Internet |
10 Mbps |
1 Mbps |
0.4% |
|
Fixed Wireless |
AT&T Internet Air |
225 Mbps |
30 Mbps |
25.4% |
Verizon 5G Home Internet |
50 Mbps |
4 Mbps |
9.0% |
|
|
Satellite |
Starlink |
220 Mbps |
25 Mbps |
100% |
Hughesnet |
100 Mbps |
3 Mbps |
100% |
Compare Internet Providers in Nearby Cities:
Annandale, Burke, Chantilly, Clifton, Dunn Loring, Fairfax Station, Falls Church, Oakton, Reston, Vienna
Average download speed in Fairfax:
261 Mbps
Based on 132,794 speed tests
Cheapest Internet Plans in Fairfax
While you want a fast internet connection, you also don’t want to pay a whole lot for it. With our internet value calculation you can see the speeds and prices all neatly arranged in a way that you can easily understand and find the best way to save money. Make sure you check it out to find the best deal.
Best Internet Value of Fairfax Providers
| Providers | Connection Type | Plan Price | Download Speeds Up To | Internet Value | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EarthLink Fiber | Fiber | $189.95 per month | 5 Gbps | $0.04 per Mbps | 866-671-3918 |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | $109.99 per month | 2.3 Gbps | $0.05 per Mbps | 866-498-5878 |
| Mediacom | Cable | $59.99 per month | 1 Gbps | $0.06 per Mbps | 855-958-4458 |
| Cox | Cable | $150 per month | 2 Gbps | $0.08 per Mbps | 855-956-4467 |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | Fixed | $70 per month | 300 Mbps | $0.23 per Mbps | 866-498-5878 |
| AT&T Internet Air | Fixed | $60 per month | 225 Mbps | $0.27 per Mbps | 855-957-4313 |
| Hughesnet | Satellite | $64.99 per month | 100 Mbps | $0.65 per Mbps | 855-958-4319 |
| Viasat Internet | Satellite | $99.99 per month | 150 Mbps | $0.67 per Mbps | 844-983-3105 |
| Verizon High Speed Internet | DSL | $40 per month | 15 Mbps | $2.67 per Mbps | 866-498-5878 |
Avoiding Hidden Fees in Fairfax
It’s also important to watch out for things like hidden fees. These costs can be anything that’s hidden in the fine print like fees for late payments and unreturned equipment. You can avoid paying these additional fees by checking out this table that our experts have put together for you.
Internet Fees in Fairfax
| Common Providers | Early Termination Fees | Setup and Installation Fees | Late Payment Fees | Equipment Replacement Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EarthLink Fiber | N/A | $79.95 | 14 Days Then Deactivation | $6.95 per month |
| Verizon Fios | N/A | $99 | $9 | $15 per month |
Frequently Asked Questions About Internet Services in Fairfax
What provider offers the fastest internet in Fairfax?
The area’s fastest internet provider is EarthLink Fiber with download speeds up to 5000 Mbps.
What provider offers the cheapest internet in Fairfax?
The most affordable internet provider in the area is Verizon Fios. They have prices starting at $49.99 per month for download speed up to 300 Mbps.
What type of wired internet is most common in Fairfax?
The most common type of wired connection in the Fairfax area is Cable by Cox. They offer download speeds up to 1 Gbps and cover 94.8 percent of Fairfax.
How many internet providers serve the Fairfax area?
Fairfax has a total of 15 covering the area. This includes a total of 5 residential, 10 business, and mobile providers.
Internet Provider Store Locations in Fairfax
Best Internet Provider in Fairfax
- AT&T - 5g internet up to 225 Mbps
- EarthLink - Most Fiber availability
- Verizon - Fiber up to 940 Mbps
- Cox Cable - Fast download speeds in Fairfax and most Cable availability
- Viasat - Most internet coverage in Fairfax
- HughesNet - Another great satellite internet alternative for those who can't get Cable, Fiber, or DSL
- Starlink - Widely available
- Always ON - Fixed wireless up to 150 Mbps
How Much Speed Do I Need?
25+ Mbps
- Web Surfing & Email
- HD Streaming
- Supports 1-2 Devices
- Ideal for 1-2 people
100+ Mbps
- Ultra HD (4K) Streaming
- Low Lag Online Gaming
- Supports 3-5 Devices
- Ideal for 2-6 people
1 Gig
- Multi 4K HD Streaming
- No Lag Online Gaming
- Supports more than 5 Devices
- Ideal for 6+ people
Internet Availability by Connection Type in Fairfax
Internet service providers in Fairfax use different methods for connecting their customers to the web. Connection types matter, so choose wisely. Fiber is generally the fastest and most reliable option, followed by cable, DSL and 5G home internet.
Fiber - 100%
Cable - 1%
DSL - 1%
What is Mbps?
Mbps is the abbreviation for megabits per second, and it also appears written as Mbits/sec. Internet providers use megabits per second to measure speeds. Broadband speeds are 25 Mbps or faster. Learn more about Mbps.
Who is InMyArea.com?
InMyArea.com is a 5 star rated internet service provider comparison and home services website. Read more about InMyArea.com.
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