TV and Internet Providers in Chicago, Illinois
TV and internet in Chicago, IL
Being the third-largest metropolis in the US, Chicago offers more choices in local TV and internet service than most other cities, from both big brands and smaller regional providers. Finding a good deal in the Windy City should be as easy as stumbling into a pro game (Chicago is a serious sports town).
What are the best TV providers in Chicago?
- DIRECTV—Genie DVR allows up to 450 hrs. of HD storage
- DISH—Powerful Hopper 3 DVR
- Xfinity—X1 receiver/DVR with built-in apps
- Astound—No-contract packages
- WOW!—Low-priced plans
What are the best internet providers in Chicago?
- AT&T Fiber—Fast fiber internet
- Xfinity—Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide
- Astound—Eero Plus Wi-Fi security
- WOW!—No data caps
Cable internet comes in as a close second to fiber, and Chicago has three providers that offer it: giant Xfinity (99% coverage) and smaller companies like Astound (22%) and WOW (16%). HughesNet and Viasat satellite internet are also available, but with all of the other internet choices in Chicago, we can’t recommend them. Satellite internet is slow, expensive, and best avoided if possible.
TV choices are even better in Chicago, with six providers that can hook you up: DIRECTV, DISH, Xfinity, Astound, and WOW. DIRECTV and DISH are satellite TV services; Xfinity, Astound, and WOW are cable.
All six of these companies feature similar packages loaded with popular channels across different pay tiers. DIRECTV has the edge in sports, while Astound and WOW have more limited availability in Chicago than the bigger TV players on the list.
Streaming Providers in Chicago, IL
| Streaming Type | Customer Rating (Out of 5) | Features | Prices | Area Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | Livestreaming + On demand | 4.21 | 100+ channels, Simultaneous streams: 1–3 | $82.99/mo. | 100% |
| Amazon Prime Video | Livestreaming + On demand | 3.5 | 18,000+ movies, Simultaneous streams: 1–3 | $8.99–$17.98/mo. | 100% |
| Hulu | Livestreaming + On demand | 3.95 | 95+ channels, Simultaneous streams: 1-2 | $9.99-$95.99/mo. | 100% |
| Sling TV | Livestreaming + On demand | 2.79 | 10–48+ channels, Simultaneous streams: 1–4 | $19.99–$60.99/mo. | 100% |
| HBO Max | On demand | 2.6 | Every HBO series on demand, Simultaneous streams: 1-3 | $10.99–$22.99/mo. | 100% |
| Disney+ | On demand | 2.8 | Up to 4k resolution, Simultaneous streams: 1–4 | $11.99–$18.99/mo. | 100% |
| Netflix | On demand | 2.7 | 4,500+ movies, Simultaneous streams: 1–4 | $7.99–$24.99/mo. | 100% |
* For the first 12 months with a 1-year agreement.
† For 12 months with a 2-Year Agreement + AutoPay & Paperless Billing.
‡ For the first 12 months.
§ For 12 mos. plus taxes and RSN fee.
for 24. months. New customers only. All offers require 2-year commitment with early termination fee and eAutopay. Price includes Hopper Duo for qualifying customers.
• For 12 mos. plus taxes.
¶ /mo. for 12 mos. plus taxes.
How much internet speed do you need in Chicago, IL?
Faster internet isn’t always better—it depends on how you use it and how much you’re paying for it.
High speeds are great for streaming, gaming, and households with lots of devices. But if you’re just browsing or checking email, you don’t need to overpay for an unnecessary plan. Plus, things like a poor Wi-Fi signal or old equipment can slow things down no matter how fast your plan is. It’s about getting the right speed for your needs, not just the biggest number.
What is Mbps?
Mbps stands for megabits per second, and it’s a unit used to measure internet speed or bandwidth—basically, how fast data moves from the internet to your device (or vice versa).
10—50 Mbps
Light use: Best for 1—2 users, basic browsing
50—100 Mbps
Moderate use: 3—5 users, streaming, Zoom
200—500+ Mbps
Heavy use: 5+ users, smart home, gaming
Speed Test
Download Speed
000 Mbps
Upload Speed
000 Mbps
Latency (ping)
00 ms
Jitter
00 ms
Internet Connection Types in Chicago, IL
Internet can be delivered to your home in more ways than ever now, and the key factor you need to worry about is finding a provider that offers maximum performance and value. Let’s break down the most common types of home internet service you’ll see in your area.
Fiber Internet
Fiber providers use high-speed fiber-optic cables to deliver the fastest download and upload speeds on the market. Fiber internet offers phenomenal performance and transfer speeds of up to 8,000 Mbps, but availability varies widely between cities and regions.
Cable Internet
Cable internet is delivered through coaxial cables run through telephone poles or the ground, providing a reliable internet connection and steady internet speeds. Popular providers include Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox. Cable internet has the biggest nationwide footprint and offers solid-enough performance for most households.
5G Internet
5G home internet is a new type of home internet service that uses 5G cell phone data towers to wirelessly connect your home to the internet. Availability varies by area, but with 5G, you’ll get cable internet-level speeds with flat-rate pricing that gets even cheaper when you bundle phone and internet service. Popular 5G home internet providers include T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T.
DSL Internet
DSL internet is delivered through a telephone line using Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology. While substantially slower than fiber or cable, DSL is available in areas where other high-speed options are limited.
Satellite Internet
Satellite internet uses a small dish installed at your home to deliver home internet service from satellites in space. However, it’s substantially slower and pricier than cable or fiber internet. This makes it best suited for rural subscribers who can’t get traditional internet services in their area.
Compare top TV and internet providers
Prices starting at
$35.00/mo.
Max download speeds up to*
498 Mbps
Service Type
5G Home
* $35.00/mo. with Autopay and a T-Mobile voice line. *5 year price guarantee. w/AutoPay. Guarantee exclusions like taxes and fees apply.
Prices starting at
$40.00/mo.
Max download speeds up to
2000 Mbps
Service Type
Cable
Pricing, speed and availability not guaranteed. Subject to change.