If you’re being honest, shopping for home internet is about as fun as getting a root canal. You’ve got salespeople throwing around numbers that sound impressive, your neighbor swearing by their provider, while your other neighbor complains about the exact same company. It’s confusing, and frankly, you just want something that works when you need it to work.

The good news? Once you cut through the marketing noise, choosing internet service doesn’t have to be rocket science. You really just need to match what’s available in your area with how you actually use the internet.

Cable Internet: Your Safe Bet

Of the home internet options, cable internet is the Honda Civic of internet connections. It’s not the flashiest option, but it gets the job done day after day without drama. Most cable companies will give you download speeds anywhere from 100 Mbps up to gigabit territory, which honestly covers pretty much everything you’re doing online.

Here’s the thing though—cable’s upload speeds usually can’t keep up with the download speeds. So if you’re constantly video chatting for work or uploading tons of photos to the cloud, you might notice some lag there. But for most people’s day-to-day internet habits? Cable works just fine.

The reliability is solid too. You’re not dealing with weather disruptions or finicky equipment most of the time.

Fiber Optic: When You Want the Best

Now we’re talking about the sports car of internet connections. Fiber optic is fast—really fast—and the connection stays consistent whether you’re downloading or uploading. Gamers love it because there’s virtually no lag. Remote workers love it because video calls stay crystal clear even when everyone else in the house is streaming movies.

You’ll definitely pay more for fiber, but if internet speed and reliability are crucial to your daily life, it’s worth every penny. The frustrating part? You might not even have fiber available where you live. Coverage is still pretty spotty in many areas, especially outside major cities.

DSL: Don’t Write It Off Just Yet

Yeah, DSL sounds old-fashioned, but keep reading. If your budget is tight or you live somewhere with limited options, modern DSL can actually handle more than you’d expect. You can still stream your shows, scroll through social media, and handle basic work tasks without wanting to throw your computer out the window.

The speeds aren’t going to blow you away—think 25 to 100 Mbps—but they’re decent enough for everyday use. Plus, DSL piggybacks on existing phone lines, so it’s available in places where cable companies never bothered to run lines.

Satellite Internet: No Longer the Last Resort

Remember the old days when satellite internet meant waiting forever for pages to load? Those days are mostly behind us. Companies like Starlink have launched newer satellites that actually deliver respectable speeds, even to the middle of nowhere.

This is especially huge if you live somewhere rural where your only other option might be dial-up or nothing at all. The speeds can genuinely compete with cable in many cases.

Sure, you’ll pay more, and heavy storms might mess with your connection occasionally. But if traditional broadband isn’t available at your address, modern satellite internet is a legitimate solution rather than just something you settle for.

5G Home Internet: The Newcomer Worth Watching

5G home internet is basically like having really, really good cell phone service for your whole house. The setup is ridiculously easy—you literally just plug in a box and you’re online. No waiting around for technicians or drilling holes in your walls.

The speeds can be surprisingly good if you’re in the right area. We’re talking cable-internet-good in many cases. Plus, most providers don’t lock you into long contracts, which is refreshing if you’re tired of being stuck with mediocre service.

The catch is coverage. 5G signals are picky about distance and obstacles, so whether this works for you really depends on how close you are to a tower and what’s between you and that tower.

The most expensive plan isn’t automatically the best plan for you. It’s about finding what works reliably for your actual internet habits without making you cringe when the bill arrives.