We all hate when that circle appears in the center of our screens while we are streaming our favorite shows, don’t we?! That’s called a buffering icon, and it used to irritate me. Then I started looking for other connectivity options and switched to a fiber optic internet.
Now, it has been a while since I have seen that buffering icon. (Does it look the same?)
Honestly, having a fiber-powered WiFi is a big relief – because it is more reliable, offers higher and symmetrical internet speeds. I can stream my favorite movies, and shows in 4K without much trouble.
If you’d ask me what brand I have opted for the fiber internet, it’s Optimum Internet, and as you can see, I am pretty satisfied with it. Speaking of which, there are multiple fiber internet providers in the US. The number is huge, and not all of them are great. To save you from trouble of wasting your time, and money, I am listing two of the best fiber optic internet providers in the US, based on my experience.
If that sounds like something of interest to you, let us talk about that in detail.
What Should You Look for in an Internet Provider for Streaming?
Before we head directly into the providers, I think I should guide you on how you choose the internet provider wisely. So, here are the features that you should look into while choosing the internet provider:
- Enough download speeds (at least 300-500Mbps)
- Reasonable pricing per Mbps
- No data caps
And these are the features that are covered by the fiber internet. It is way better than cable, DSL, and satellite internet. However, fiber internet has a pretty limited availability across the US. If you can find it, go for it, and if you cannot find it in your area, the next best bet would be a cable internet with high download speeds up to 1Gbps.
Now let me walk you through the best fiber internet providers that you can find in the US.
Best Internet Providers in the US that Offer Fiber Internet
Google Fiber
Google Fiber is one of the best internet service providers in the US. In fact, the customer satisfaction reports clearly depict its popularity among users.
It offers everything you need on the internet for streaming. It offers speeds starting at up to 1 Gbps, and can reach up to massive 8 Gbps. The speeds are symmetrical as well, which means you get 1 Gbps of upload and download speed with the 1Gbps plan. This comes in super handy when you have to upload heavy files while working remotely.
As for the streaming, I haven’t tested it personally, but a friend has it, and he says that he has never had trouble streaming in 4K with Google Fiber.
Part of the reason is its network reliability: there are few outages, and even fewer speed losses. The price starts at $70 a month, and can go up to $150 a month with its 8 gigs plan.
The only problem with Google Fiber is that it has super-limited availability. It is available in 27 cities, mostly in the South. Please read that again. I didn’t say 27 states, I said 27 cities. You will be lucky if you have access to Google Fiber, and it is easily the most recommended fiber internet provider.
Optimum Internet
Optimum is another great choice for people looking for fiber-powered internet for streaming. Why have I included it as one of the best? Let me explain.
The first reason is that it doesn’t have any data caps with any of its internet plans. Which means you can binge-watch as much as you want without ever worrying about the overage fee. On top of that, it doesn’t come with any contract. So, you will be free to walk away if you deem Optimum Internet as not reliable, which you likely won’t.
Its plan pricing starts at less than 50 bucks, and can go up to $250 a month for their ultimate 8 gigs plan, which would be enough for a household with multiple power users in it.
The next reason that made me recommend Optimum Internet is its availability. Unlike Google Fiber, which is available only in 27 cities, Optimum Internet has wider coverage within 21 states currently.
Optimum isn’t limited to just the Internet, but it offers good ol’ cable TV along with the phone. You will get a phone line free for at least 12 months with its Gbps internet plan, which might be a lifesaver for the ones who choose that plan.
So, both of these internet providers are great when it comes to providing a great streaming experience. Choose whatever is available in your area, and you won’t have to look at the buffering icon again!
