The Best DSL Internet Service Providers of 2024

Your Guide to DSL Internet

DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, internet service is a technology that uses the telephone network to transmit digital data, far more quickly than the original dial-up connections. There are a large number of DSL providers across the United States, including most telephone companies. Enter your ZIP code into Wirefly's comparison tool to compare DSL providers and plans and find the best DSL provider for your needs.

VDSL and ADSL: Major types of DSL internet

There are two major types of DSL internet service available: ADSL, or Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line, the original DSL high-speed technology, and VDSL, or Very High Bitrate Digital Subscriber Line, a newer and more advanced DSL connection that allows for internet connection speeds that rival those of cable internet providers.

Some of the major considerations in selecting a type of DSL service include:

• Speed and price needs - Every user may have a different value calculation regarding the value of internet speeds. VDSL internet download speeds can exceed 50 Mbps (megabits per second), while ADSL speeds are closer to 10 Mbps in most areas. VDSL service is significantly and notably faster; at the same time, it tends to be a more expensive service as well.
• Service availability - While VDSL is far faster, it also is available in more limited areas than ADSL service. It is most frequently available in cities, highly populous suburbs and other locations close to telephone exchanges. ADSL coverage, on the other hand, is available widely in communities of all sizes throughout the United States. If VDSL is available in your area, however, you could see a much-improved internet connection in terms of speed and bandwidth.
• Comparisons with dial-up - If you've been relying on a dial-up internet connection, the comparison between ADSL and VDSL may seem much less significant. Either type of connection will show a massive increase in performance, speed and bandwidth over a dial-up internet service provider. In addition, DSL of all types is a highly reliable technology with an always-on internet connection.

DSL Close to You

Throughout the United States, DSL internet is widely available in most areas and communities. Because it makes use of the existing telephone network, customers who cannot access cable internet in their areas can often get a strong high-speed connection through a DSL internet provider. Simply enter your ZIP code into the Wirefly comparison tool to find DSL near you.

There are several major factors to consider when choosing a DSL internet service provider or selecting the plan or package that works for you. These factors include:

• Speed - DSL internet speeds range from three Mbps to 50 Mbps in areas throughout the United States; the average DSL speed is 100 times the speed of a dial-up internet connection. Providers may offer several speed options and you can choose a package that works for you and your internet usage. DSL service is an excellent choice for streaming or downloading media like music, videos and movies, online gaming, file uploads and cloud file transfer services. Higher speeds will almost always provide you with a better internet experience when using all types of online services.
• Availability - Even in towns and areas where you cannot find cable or fiber internet access, DSL is often available as it makes use of the existing, widespread telephone network across the United States. This means that in most areas where you can receive dial-up service, you could receive DSL instead with vastly improved speeds and service levels.
• Pricing - DSL is often an affordable internet service choice, with many options available for $20 monthly or less, including high-speed VDSL options.
• Reliability - Because DSL makes use of the existing telephone wiring network, it is generally very secure and reliable and does not require any additional wiring or installation in your home.

You may also compare DSL internet with cable service, as they are the two biggest and most widely-used internet technologies in the United States. Cable can reach higher speeds than even the fastest DSL connection; however, in many areas, DSL internet service providers offer connections that are just as fast as cable at a lower price.