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Allconnect’s team of broadband experts regularly reviews the top internet service providers in the U.S., scrutinizing each company under a rigorous scoring system to help our readers make informed internet purchases. We keep our data points accurate and up to date based on thorough research and partnership communications. Our content is not directed by partners. Visit our full methodology page and advertising disclosure to learn more.
DSL stands for digital subscriber line, which is a dedicated connection that uses copper lines, or phone lines, to transmit the internet. DSL internet provides high-speed internet and home Wi-Fi up to 100 Mbps. Find DSL internet providers near you when you enter your address on this page.
Best DSL internet providers
The following DSL providers have the largest coverage area across the nation. Other DSL providers include Brightspeed, Frontier and Kinetic by Windstream.
- CenturyLink DSL: Affordable DSL
- Verizon DSL: Unlimited DSL
Compare DSL internet
| Provider | Starting price* | Speeds range | National availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T DSL | $55/mo. | 10–100 Mbps | 23% |
| CenturyLink DSL | $50/mo. | 20–100 Mbps | 9% |
| Verizon DSL | $49.99/mo. | 0.5–15 Mbps | 7% |
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.
DSL internet provider breakdowns
Discover the pros and cons of CenturyLink and Verizon DSL. Then, enter your address on this page to find DSL internet near you.
CenturyLink DSL – Affordable DSL
Overall score: 3.5 out of 5.
Read the full CenturyLink review.
CenturyLink DSL offers no-contract plans with unlimited data. Like other DSL services, speeds vary depending on your location. Fees include $15/mo. for equipment rental and either $15 for self-installation or up to $149 for professional installation.
Pros
Offers reasonable pricing at $50/mo
Cons
Monthly cost is $50/mo., regardless of the DSL speed available at your home
Verizon DSL – Unlimited DSL
Overall score: 4 out of 5.
Read the full Verizon review.
Verizon DSL isn’t widely available since the company mainly focuses on maintaining and expanding its fiber-optic network, Verizon Fios. However, Verizon still offers DSL in some areas under the name Verizon High Speed Internet. Speeds are available up to 15 Mbps and the service has unlimited data. Installation is free in most instances, but if a technician needs to come to your home, the installation will cost about $99. Verizon provides a gateway (modem and router combination) for free.
Pros
Provides unlimited data on all DSL plans
Cons
Fastest DSL speed available is up to 15 Mbps
What is DSL internet?
DSL internet uses copper phone lines, but it is not the same as dial-up internet. Dial-up internet is very slow, less than 1 Mbps, whereas DSL can reach speeds up to 100 Mbps. You do not need home phone service to get DSL internet, and DSL also doesn’t tie up the phone line if you have a home phone.
Who should purchase DSL internet?
DSL internet can be a good solution for you if:
- You live in a rural area.
- You are a light internet user.
- You don’t need superfast speeds.
- You connect less than five devices at once to Wi-Fi.
- You already have phone lines connected to your home.
- You don’t have a cable or fiber internet connection available at your home.
Advantages of DSL
Consider the pros and cons of DSL service when shopping for internet near you.
Fast speeds up to 100 Mbps
Available in rural and suburban areas
Affordable pricing
Dedicated connection that doesn’t slow down with network congestion
Cons
Upload speeds are slower than download
Requires copper phone lines to your home
Installation and equipment may cost extra
Older infrastructure is not always well-maintained
Other providers
In addition to CenturyLink and Verizon, other popular providers like and Frontier offer similar service through copper phone lines. Pricing is more difficult to pinpoint than their fiber offerings but generally run between $55 and $65/mo.
DSL routers and modems
DSL equipment is similar to cable and fiber, except for the connection source. A DSL modem will plug into a phone jack to connect to the internet. A cable modem uses a coaxial connection, and a fiber-optic internet modem connects to an ONT box in your home. A DSL router connects to the modem via an ethernet cable, the same as other types of internet connections.
DSL internet availability
Over 80% of households have access to DSL. Since DSL is a technology that uses copper phone lines, it is available in most areas with this type of connection. However, many new homes are no longer built with copper phone lines since more people solely rely on cell phones. In response, telecommunication companies are transitioning to VoIP and mobile services and decreasing their upkeep of traditional copper lines that may be decades old.
The bottom line is that several internet connection types now exist that offer faster speeds for a similar or cheaper price. Cable internet has slightly more availability than DSL, and technologies like fiber and 5G are rapidly expanding.
DSL vs. other tech types
When you compare DSL to other connection types, the cost is in a similar range, but download speeds are slower than most other types of internet. Here are other similarities and differences between each technology type.
- Cable vs. DSL: Cable offers speeds up to 10 times as fast as DSL. The average price for cable internet is similar to DSL.
- Fiber vs. DSL: Fiber can provide speeds up to 80 times faster than DSL. However, fiber availability is limited in many rural areas where DSL provides service.
- Fixed wireless vs. DSL: Fixed wireless and 5G internet have comparable monthly costs to DSL but offer a broader range of speeds. Fixed wireless is a type of internet often found in the same coverage areas as DSL. Fixed wireless speeds can fluctuate based on network congestion, which is not an issue with DSL.
- Satellite vs. DSL: Satellite internet is available anywhere because it does not require any wired infrastructure like DSL. However, satellite internet has a limited data allowance, and prices can be over twice as much as DSL.
| Connection type | General starting price range* | Download speed range | Upload speed range |
|---|---|---|---|
| DSL | $39.99–$64.99/mo. | 0.5–115 Mbps | 0.3–35 Mbps |
| Cable | $9.95–$94.99/mo. | 50–1,000 Mbps | 10–50 Mbps |
| Fiber | $30–$299.95/mo. | 100–8,000 Mbps | 100–8,000 Mbps |
| Fixed wireless/5G | $30–$70/mo. | up to 1,000 Mbps | 2–200 Mbps |
| Satellite | $49.99–$199.99/mo. | 12–200 Mbps | 3–25 Mbps |
DSL internet FAQs
Which DSL providers are available near me?
DSL providers near you could include AT&T, CenturyLink, Frontier, Kinetic by Windstream and Verizon. Enter your address on this page to find DSL providers in your area.
Is DSL internet better than satellite internet?
It depends. DSL typically has a larger data allowance or unlimited internet, while most satellite internet providers will throttle your speed after you exceed a certain data amount. Both DSL and satellite speeds can vary depending on your location.
Is DSL internet better than cable internet?
No. Cable offers faster speeds and unlimited data (in most cases). Plus, cable is more widely available.
How do I install DSL internet?
To set up your internet and install DSL, you’ll need to plug the modem into a phone jack and an electrical outlet. Then, either connect your computer directly to the modem with an ethernet cable or connect a router to the modem to provide Wi-Fi service in your home.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
Lisa IscrupeAllconnect.com
Lisa Iscrupe is a senior writer helping readers understand the complexities of broadband, internet and other home services, including energy and renewable products. Her work appears on SaveOnEnergy.com and CNET.com, with national sources such as CNN, The Daily MBA and The Media Bulletin referencing her articles.
Hannah WhatleyAllconnect.com
Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.
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