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Tucson has more than just breathtaking desert beauty to offer. As Arizona’s second-largest city, the Old Pueblo is home to more than 550,000 people, along with the state’s flagship university and a fast-growing tech jobs market. It also features a wide selection of internet providers and plans to fit the needs of its growing population.
Whether you need to get a fast fiber connection or find a reliable option for your home in Tucson, you have a range of options to choose from. Read on to explore the top Tucson internet providers and find the best one near you.
Best internet providers in Tucson
- Quantum Fiber: Best fiber internet
- Cox: Best for cable TV bundling
- Hughesnet: Best satellite internet
- EarthLink: Best multi-connection provider
- T-Mobile: Best 5G home internet
Tucson internet comparison
In a city of Tucson’s size, there are plenty of choices for residential internet plans. Internet service providers in Tucscon like Quantum Fiber, Cox and T-Mobile offer a range of different options to sustain everything from basic emailing and browsing to high-speed gaming.
The following table provides an overview of our top five internet providers in Tucson.
| Provider | Starting price range* | Download speed range | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantum Fiber | $50–$75/mo. | 500–940 Mbps | Fiber |
| Cox | $50–$150/mo. | 100–2,000 Mbps | Hybrid |
| Hughesnet | $49.99–$79.99/mo. | 50–100 Mbps | Satellite |
| EarthLink | $59.95–$189.96/mo. | 100–5,000 Mbps | Fiber, fixed wireless, satellite |
| T-Mobile | $60/mo. | 72–245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
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.
How to choose a provider in Tucson
When comparing Tucson internet providers, consider the following questions to help you find a plan that fits your internet needs without stretching your budget:
- What do you do online? Your need for speed will vary considerably depending on how you use the internet. Basic web browsing requires very little bandwidth, while 4K streaming or gaming on multiple devices may require speeds of 300 Mbps or more.
- How many devices are typically connected? The more devices you have connected to the internet, the more bandwidth you need to deliver a fast, reliable connection to each one. Once you connect more than 20 devices, you probably need at least a gigabit connection.
- How much internet can you afford? When comparing plan prices, be sure to consider the whole picture in relation to your budget. Add on any taxes, equipment fees and installation charges. Likewise, be sure to factor in any savings you can get by bundling with other services.
Tucson internet provider reviews
Each internet service provider in Tucson offers distinct services and perks, as well as some downsides. Here’s a closer look at the best options in the Old Pueblo.
Quantum Fiber – Best fiber internet
Quantum Fiber is an offshoot of CenturyLink providing fiber internet in the Tucson area. Although it hasn’t yet brought its top speeds of 8 GB to the Old Pueblo, it still offers gigabit internet in many parts of the city. Its Price for Life guarantee secures your monthly cost for as long as you keep your plan.
Pros
Price for Life guarantee.
No lag between upload and download times.
No contracts or data caps.
Cons
Limited availability.
Fastest plans not available in Tucson.
Cox – Best for cable TV bundling
Cox is a popular choice for cable internet in many parts of Arizona. Its fiber-coaxial infrastructure combines cable and fiber lines to deliver faster download speeds, though its upload speeds still can’t match a pure fiber service. With high-speed plans, low starting prices and bunding options with cable TV, Cox is a great choice for many Tucson residents.
Pros
Affordable starting price and bundling options.
No contracts or early termination fees.
30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons
Data caps.
Monthly equipment fees.
Below-average customer satisfaction score.
Overall score: 3.6 out of 5.
Read our full Cox review.
Hughesnet – Best satellite internet
Satellite providers can’t match the speed of other internet types, but they can reach many areas still untouched by fiber or cable connections. Hughesnet is available in most parts of the country and offers download speeds of up to 100 Mbps in Tucson. Its Fusion plans (not available everywhere) combine with fixed wireless to offer lower latency for a smoother internet experience.
Pros
Available almost anywhere.
Lower prices than some other satellite options.
Fusion plans offer lower latency.
Cons
Requires a satellite dish on your property.
Data caps.
Two-year contract required.
Overall score: 2.4 out of 5.
Read our full Hughesnet review.
EarthLink – Best multi-connection provider
If you’re unsure about internet options in your area, EarthLink is a good place to start. With fixed wireless, satellite and fiber options in the Tucson area, there’s a good chance EarthLink offers service near you. Most plans have no data caps and no price increases after 12 months.
Pros
Available almost anywhere.
Discounts for bundling with TV in some areas.
No data caps on most plans.
Cons
Fiber plans are among the most expensive available.
Satellite and fixed wireless plans top out at much lower speeds.
No cable plans in Tucson.
Overall score: 3.75 out of 5.
Read our full EarthLink review.
T-Mobile Home Internet – Best 5G home internet
Different than other internet providers with complicated plan options and pricing structures, T-Mobile stands out for its simplicity. With one plan that offers speeds of up to 245 Mbps, you don’t have to debate which option to choose. Plus, customers can take $20 off their monthly price when bundling with a mobile plan.
Pros
$20 monthly discount for bundling phone and internet.
Straightforward pricing.
Available in more areas than other 5G providers.
Cons
Slower than some fixed wireless internet competitors.
No options for higher speeds.
$35 activation fee.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read our full T-Mobile review.
Cheap internet in Tucson
With increasingly fast internet has come bigger bills. If you’d rather keep your internet costs down and don’t need gigabit internet speeds, you’ve still got options. Tucson internet providers like Verizon and T-Mobile offer reliable 5G connections for as low as $35/mo. with a cellular plan. Quantum Fiber’s 500 Mbps plan starts at $50/mo.
| Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon 5G Home | $35/mo.** | 300 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | $40/mo.** | 72–245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
| Quantum Fiber | $50/mo. | 500 Mbps | Fiber |
Fastest internet in Tucson
According to data from Ookla, Tucson ranks 76th among U.S. cities with a median download speed of 208.38 Mbps. Nonetheless, internet service providers in Tucson offer much faster plans in some areas. Depending on where you live, you may have access to any of the following high-speed internet plans in the Tucson area.
| Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantum Fiber | $75/mo. | 940 Mbps | Fiber |
| Cox | $150/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | Cable |
| EarthLink | $189.95/mo | 5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Tucson internet technology
Tucson internet providers offer a variety of internet connection types. Depending on your address, you can one or more of the following options near you:
- Fiber internet: If you need lightning-fast speed and zero lag between upload and download times, fiber is your best option by far. Quantum offers plans of up to 940 GB, which is sufficient for most gaming and streaming, as long as you don’t have dozens of connected devices.
- Cable: Cable internet is usually more widely available than fiber, though it’s an older technology that doesn’t offer quite the same zero-lag speeds. Xfinity and Cox both offer cable internet in the Tucson area, but Cox is more widely available.
- Satellite: Hughesnet, Viasat and Starlink all offer satellite service in Tucson, and satellite providers can cover rural areas well beyond the reach of cable and fiber. If you can’t find another Tucson internet provider in your area, check out your satellite options.
- 5G: Satellite isn’t the only non-wired option for residential internet. Fixed wireless providers like Verizon and T-Mobile use cell towers to transmit the same 5G signal that powers your phones right into your home. In some areas, 5G speed rivals cable, though connections can be spottier.
Tucson internet FAQs
What is the best internet provider in Arizona?
Choosing the best internet provider in Arizona comes down to factors like bandwidth, service reliability and customer service. Provider selection varies considerably throughout the Grand Canyon State, and companies like Cox, Quantum Fiber and T-Mobile top our list as some of the best options.
How much is internet per month in Tucson?
Tucson internet plans range from $35/mo. to $189.95/mo. The difference between cheap internet plans and more expensive ones largely depends on the technology type and bandwidth.
Does Tucson have fiber-optic internet?
Yes, Tucson has fiber internet. Quantum Fiber is our top pick for offering the most service in the area. EarthLink offers faster fiber service in some areas, but its fiber network is more limited. Cox also relies on a hybrid network of fiber and coaxial cable connections, though this type isn’t as fast or reliable as full fiber.
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.
Luke DaughertyAllconnect.com
Luke Daugherty is a freelance writer, editor, and former operations manager. His work covers a wide range of topics, including streaming and internet tech, green energy, and personal finance. His work, bylined and ghostwritten, has appeared in The Balance, CNET, CIO Magazine, Entrepreneur, and more.
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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