If you demand the fastest internet provider, Gigabyte internet is where you want to go. And the only way to achieve this lightning-fast speed is through fiber-optic internet. Better yet, with AT&T Fiber internet, you can find a perfect blend of affordability and second-to-none speed.
Below, you’ll find our AT&T Fiber review. If you are already considering any of the AT&T internet plans this household name has to offer, we’re going to help you narrow your choices. And, if you’re deciding between AT&T internet and another top internet provider, this review just might seal the deal for the former.
What is AT&T Fiber?
AT&T Fiber is AT&T’s branch of internet service devoted to providing fiber-optic products. Today, AT&T’s fiber offering ranges in speeds from 300 Mbps to 5 Gbps.
AT&T Fiber started in Austin in 2013 under the Gigapower brand. During this time, you could purchase a U-verse TV package with 300 Mbps. It was the fastest internet available in Texas.
Being pioneers in the field, the first release of fiber internet was pretty expensive. These days, fiber internet is much more reasonable (due in large part to larger networks and easier fiber internet installation). Pricing for AT&T plans begins at $55 per month, much cheaper than most comparable providers.
Who is AT&T Fiber internet best for?
Despite AT&T growing at a rapid rate, the company limits its fiber offering to major population centers. The cost means AT&T Fiber is best for everyone. However, it isn’t available for people outside of most major cities.
AT&T Fiber is superb for those on the hunt for the fastest internet provider. Those who download large files, play online multiplayer games, work from home, and have large families with many devices can benefit from the incredible speeds.
AT&T also has strong reliability, which is the major reason it maintains positive customer reviews. Even if you live outside of the fiber zone, other AT&T internet plans and pricing are pretty reasonable and well worth the investment.
AT&T Fiber review - plans and prices
AT&T’s fiber internet offering starts at 300 Mbps and ends at 5 Gbps (read our explanation of Mbps and Gbps here). If you’ve asked yourself “do I need faster internet?” And the answer was a resounding “yes,” then comparing fiber plans is a great starting point.
Let’s look specifically at all the AT&T Fiber internet offers (because there are multiple) and the cost of each. We’ll also provide you a guide on how to determine which plan is right for you.
Internet 300 - AT&T’s introductory fiber plan
- Cost: $55 per month (including $5 off for automatic, paperless billing)
- Download speed: 300 Mbps
- Devices: Up to 10
- Uses: Streaming 4k UHD videos, online gaming, and downloading big files
You might know fiber as “only gigabit” internet. This makes sense, as it’s why many people pursue it. However, fiber ranges anywhere from 300 Mbps to 100 Gbps. For most people, 300 Mbps is more than enough.
Those running at this high speed can stream from multiple sources in the house, play high-demand online games, conduct Zoom video calls, and still have room to download a big file.
Internet 500 - AT&T Fiber’s next level up
- Cost: $65 per month
- Download speed: 500 Mbps
- Devices: Up to 11
- Uses: Streaming multiple UHD videos, multiple online gaming sessions, and downloading large files fast.
At 500 Mbps, you can handle 10 people streaming 4k video and still play a few online games. Those who want this level of speed like their files done fast. Regardless of your task and needs, this tends to be a very reliable internet speed for working from home as well.
Internet 1000 - Gigabit internet
- Cost: $80 per month
- Download speed: 1 Gbps
- Devices: 12+
- Uses: Large families with multiple online gamers, those who host large meetings, and extensive smart home setups.
At 1000 Mbps, you can host multiple gaming sessions and maintain high-quality videos for multiple meeting participants. At this speed, you can do downloads in seconds, with only large games taking just a few minutes.
If you have large families, you might find incredible use out of gig internet. If you don’t want to lose your speed (regardless of who else is using it), this speed can be great for your needs.
Internet 2000 - Two gigs of internet
- Cost: $110 per month
- Download speed: 2 Gbps
- Devices: 12+
- Uses: Online gaming server hosts, intensive remote work needs, and great for streaming content to an audience
For most needs, two gigs of internet is pretty excessive. If you host a gaming server or have data-intensive work-from-home duties, having this speed could be great. But it’s best to do an internet speed test and make sure you’ll use everything you’re paying for at this level.
This AT&T Fiber plan is for people who simply need the internet. If you are an influencer or a streamer that works with high-quality video content, two gigs of internet likely isn’t excessive at all. It’s also useful if you run many data-intensive small business activities out of your home.
Internet 5000 - The fastest internet for private use
- Cost: $180 per month
- Download speed: 5 Gbps
- Devices: 12+
- Uses: Large server hosting, unlimited 4k streaming to an outside audience, and downloading incredibly large files yesterday.
At 5000 Mbps, you get into speeds that even most businesses do not reach. Large-scale server hosting isn’t out of the question under this speed - nor is efficient crypto mining. Download speeds will be incomprehensibly fast, getting incredibly large software on your computer within seconds.
Most people can’t justify this level of internet speed. However, those that have the budget can leverage this internet for pretty much anything they want.
Where is AT&T Fiber available?
AT&T Fiber is available in 21 states - which means you can probably find AT&T service near you.
Here’s a complete list of those states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Tennessee
- Wisconsin
- New Mexico
Most of AT&T Fiber’s zones are in the southeastern United States. Much of the northeastern, northwestern, and midwest regions are untouched.
If you are a small business, AT&T Business Fiber is in over 40 states. Much like the standard fiber offering, those states are usually limited to major cities within those states. (i.e., Denver, Colorado, etc.)
Comparing AT&T Fiber to other internet service providers
AT&T Fiber is one of the best internet providers you can buy. However, AT&T might not be the best when it comes to your individual needs and priorities.
Below, we will go through a list of comparable internet providers. By the end, you’ll have a good idea of where AT&T’s strengths and weaknesses lay.
AT&T Fiber vs Xfinity
Much like AT&T, Xfinity focuses on major population centers. However, the company has a greater spread than AT&T Fiber, being made available in a higher number of states. Thankfully, most of this spread is fiber-focused.
Xfinity has lower customer service scores than AT&T. Much of this comes from their stronger self-service options, being made available through the Xfinity app. AT&T also has higher reliability, contributing to this unbeatable customer service score.
Xfinity starts at a cheaper price than AT&T, with its lowest plan at $29.99. This plan requires you to commit to a two-year contract under 50 Mbps, which isn’t ideal for those who want speed. Its high-speed plans (starting at 400 Mbps) are more expensive.
To save money and match AT&T’s pricing, you must commit to long-term contracts. Alternatively, you can leverage Xfinity’s strong bundling packages. Xfinity pricing and plans have a bit more variety.
Compare Xfinity internet plans in my area.
AT&T Fiber vs Google Fiber
Google Fiber is an interesting alternative, as it’s quickly becoming one of the biggest names in fiber. Google arguably is the largest company in fiber competition. However, its growth rate doesn’t seem to follow through, as it is only available in 20 cities.
Within those cities, Google Fiber offers a unique alternative to traditional means. Its prices are also pretty competitive with AT&T Fiber, sticking at about $10 less. However, AT&T is faster than Google, offering speeds (five gigs) beyond what Google provides.
One way AT&T trounces Google is through bundling opportunities. With TV, home phone, and internet packages combined, you can get overall cheaper services than what Google provides. Among internet provider services that aren’t internet, Google doesn’t compete.
Compare AT&T Fiber internet plans in my area.
AT&T Fiber vs EarthLink
Much like AT&T, EarthLink is deceptively fast. Despite EarthLink’s advertising focusing on service, they offer speeds in some locations up to 5 Gbps. This upper-tier speed puts them on par with AT&T.
However, EarthLink averages much slower speeds than AT&T fiber. This is mainly because the company limited its higher speeds to a handful of cities. Most of what it offers is between 1 Gbps and DSL internet.
EarthLink has a much stronger presence than AT&T, being across all 50 states in some capacity. You’ll even find fiber in some smaller towns, as it is more widespread in the midwest.
EarthLink’s only weakness comes from its forced reliance on professional installation. The company does not include the equipment rental fees in the monthly plans. Its professional installation fees are fairly reasonable, but still a bit of a bummer if you want to go the self-install route. It is more expensive than most plans. However, it justifies this higher expense with a hands-on customer service approach.
Compare EarthLink internet plans in my area.
AT&T Fiber vs Spectrum
Spectrum internet is an interesting alternative to AT&T Fiber. They offer incredibly comparable speeds and pricing. You also get no data caps across both AT&T and Spectrum, making either a low-risk choice for hidden fees.
Spectrum’s weakness comes through when you look at its pricing model. Spectrum heavily relies on an introductory pricing model. So, after your first 12 months of service, you will see an increase of nearly $25 per month. AT&T follows a similar system with select promotions, but not to the degree that Spectrum does.
Where Spectrum shines is through its incredibly competitive cable plans. Spectrum’s cable pricing offers deep discounts that erode some of that $25 increase. You also don't have to marry yourself to a long-term contract through Spectrum.
Spectrum’s second advantage comes from its greater spread, being available in 41 states. In those states, you can benefit from a robust public WiFi network. As an internet service provider, Spectrum does well.
Compare Spectrum internet plans in my area.
How do you find out if AT&T Fiber is available in your area?
To save some time on your internet search, you can use InternetAdvisor’s “Find a Provider” tool. By entering your zip code, you can quickly find the most popular internet service providers in your area.
After clicking the red “search” button in the upper-right corner, you’ll go to your regional page. This page contains all the internet providers in your area, including whether AT&T Fiber is available.
Otherwise, you can use the tool to find some of the best and fastest internet providers available. Even if AT&T Fiber isn’t in your area, you’ll find an alternative option quickly.
AT&T Fiber FAQs
What is the difference between AT&T internet and fiber?
AT&T internet doesn’t exceed 100 Mbps, while fiber goes from 300 Mbps to 5 Gbps. There is a significant speed difference between AT&T’s fiber and regular internet.
Can you use your own router with AT&T fiber?
Yes, you can bring your own router with AT&T fiber. However, AT&T requires that you use their gateway, a device rolled into the monthly cost of your internet. So you do not need to use your router.
Is AT&T Fiber wireless?
No. AT&T fiber requires cables for connection and doesn’t rely on wireless. Your gateway can function as a wireless connector for other wireless-enabled devices, however.
Is fiber-optic better than cable?
The average cable internet speeds won’t exceed 250 Mbps. Fiber, by comparison, can reach speeds up to 100 Gbps. So regarding speed, fiber-optic is better than cable.
Is AT&T Fiber good for gaming?
When looking for the best internet for gamers, AT&T Fiber meets and exceeds gaming needs. The upload speeds from these plans are more than enough for robust back-and-forth communication.
