Seattle is a tech hub with strong internet options: cable, expanding fiber, and competitive 5G home. Most residents have at least one fast choice, though availability varies between the city and surrounding suburbs.
What the Public Data Says
City-level speeds vary by provider and technology more than by any single average. For how Seattle compares nationally, the Ookla Speedtest Global Index and BroadbandNow publish metro-level availability and speed data, and the FCC's Measuring Broadband America program tracks real-world US broadband performance. These are more reliable than any single test for comparing neighborhoods.
Major Internet Providers in Seattle
Major providers include Xfinity (cable), CenturyLink/Quantum (fiber/DSL), Ziply Fiber (fiber), and Astound (Wave), plus T-Mobile/Verizon 5G home.
| Connection Type | Typical Download Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber | 300 Mbps – 1 Gbps+ | Ziply, Quantum, Astound in wired areas |
| Cable | 100 Mbps – 1.2 Gbps | Xfinity — the dominant cable option |
| 5G home | 50 – 300 Mbps | T-Mobile, Verizon |
Fiber Is Expanding Fast
Ziply and Quantum have been wiring Seattle with fiber, giving real competition to Xfinity cable. If fiber is available at your address, it's usually the best value. Test wired to confirm your speed and compare with your plan.
How to Test Your Speed in Seattle
The number that matters is your own connection, at your address. Run a speed test on a wired Ethernet connection, with other devices paused, at a couple of different times of day. Then compare your result with your plan's advertised speed. If it's consistently well below, read why your speed is lower than your plan and work through our slow internet guide before you call your provider.
See how other cities compare in our city internet speed index, or compare countries in the global index.