Best Internet Providers in Omaha, Nebraska for 2024
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Omaha, NE
Not all plans are available in all areas. Provider plan, availability, and speed tier data provided by BroadbandNow.com. Speedtest real-world data is only present where sample size has reached significance within a region. Additionally, averages may include aggregated tests across multiple Internet Types (Fiber, DSL, Cable, etc.).
At Speedtest, we take pride in offering accurate and trustworthy data that underpins our ISP recommendations. This data is gleaned from millions of individuals globally who opt for a Speedtest, confirming that our perspectives on ISP performance are both reliable and timely. We are able to give a transparent, impartial look at ISP capabilities.
Evaluating an ISP's performance can be achieved with three main metrics: download speed, upload speed, and latency. Download speed is vital for activities such as streaming and downloading content, determining how swiftly data is transferred to your device. Upload speed plays a crucial role in uploading content and engaging in online interactions, showcasing how quickly data is sent from your device to the internet. Latency, or ping, impacts online gaming and video conferencing, affecting the responsiveness of your connection. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of what an ISP offers, you're better equipped to make an informed decision based on your specific internet needs.
The technology employed by your Internet Service Provider significantly influences your internet experience quality. Advanced technologies like fiber optics usually deliver the highest speeds, catering excellently to high-demand online activities. Cable internet, widely accessible, offers good download speeds but may lack in upload speeds. DSL (digital subscriber line) provides moderate speeds suitable for basic browsing and streaming. Conversely, satellite internet, predominant in remote areas, tends to exhibit higher latency and slower speeds.
How Much Speed Do I Need?
Download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 10 Mbps are widely considered fast enough to handle nearly any online activity. A quick guide to what speeds you need for different online activities is below, and you can read our full guide to internet speeds and performance for more information. Keep in mind that the numbers below are the bare minimum for one device at a time. If you’re trying to use multiple devices on a network at the same time, you’ll want higher speeds.
0–5 Mbps (Slow)
- Stream SD video
- Connect on Slack
- Use Microsoft Teams
- Write and read email
- Scroll social media
- General web browsing
5–20 Mbps (Better)
- Stream HD video at 1080p
20–40 Mbps (Solid)
- Stream 4K video
- Play games online
40–100 Mbps (Good)
- Stream HD games
100+ Mbps (Fast)
- Engage in multi-player gaming
- Download huge files
1+ Gbps (Very fast)
- Do anything you want on multiple devices
ISP Speeds in Omaha, NE
Based on our proprietary real-world Speedtest data, Cox emerges as the leading internet service provider in Omaha with the fastest recorded median download speed of 252.85 Mbps. This impressive speed suggests Cox is highly capable of providing robust internet services for streaming, gaming, and other high-bandwidth activities across the city. Additionally, CenturyLink offers speeds up to 940 Mbps with its fiber service, ensuring Omahans have speedy options available.
When evaluating the fastest ISPs based on providers’ advertised maximum download speeds, both Cox and Verizon stand out, with each offering maximum speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps. However, it's crucial for consumers to be aware that there might be a discrepancy between these advertised speeds and the actual speeds that users experience, due to a variety of network and environmental factors.
A good rule of thumb is that download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps are widely considered fast enough to handle nearly any online activity. At 100 Mbps, you can stream 4K high-definition (HD) videos on several devices, download large files for work, or play online games on multiple laptops or smartphones in the same home. It’s key to consider how your network will be used and by how many people, as the number of devices connected might be the most important factor in determining the level of speed your household requires.
Omaha Fixed Speeds
Download Mbps
Median download speed
Upload Mbps
Median upload speed
Latency ms
Median latency
To be added to this list for mobile or fixed broadband, 75% of a city's monthly unique user totals over a 13-month period must have a minimum of 200 monthly unique user results. To be updated for mobile or fixed broadband, 75% of a city's monthly unique user totals over a 13-month period must have a minimum of 100 monthly unique user results.
An operator or ISP must account for 3% or more of total test samples in the market to be on this list. We display data if at least two operators or ISPs meet this threshold in a designated region or city.
Internet Providers in Nearby Cities
Home Internet in Omaha
Omaha residents have access to a diverse range of internet types including DSL, Fiber, Cable, 5G Internet, Satellite, and Fixed Wireless, thanks to the variety of offerings from local internet service providers. This variety ensures that, regardless of one's specific needs or location within the city, there's likely an internet service that fits.
Among the notable providers, Cox boasts the highest coverage across Omaha with its Cable internet service, reaching 97.87% of residential units. Viasat Internet and HughesNet, both providing Satellite internet, offer theoretical universal coverage, ensuring that every resident has access to internet services. When evaluating ISPs, residents should consider these coverage levels in conjunction with the types of internet service offered to find a match that best aligns with their internet usage needs.
It's important to note that providers’ advertised maximum speeds may not always mirror the speeds users experience in real-world conditions. Factors such as network congestion, hardware capabilities, and individual household internet usage can all impact the actual speeds achieved, making it essential for consumers to manage expectations and consider multiple providers to find the best fit for their specific needs.
How we test the speed of ISPs
Speedtest is the definitive way to test the performance and quality of an internet connection. Millions of users like you use Speedtest.net and our Android and iOS apps every day to test internet performance (including bandwidth, latency, coverage, video metrics, and more) in real world situations. We then use rigorous scientific approaches to aggregate and anonymize those results to empower people like you with content like this so you can understand and optimize your internet experience.
The data found within has not been subjected to the rigorous Speedtest marketing claims and data methodology, and therefore cannot be used in commercial applications. Additionally, promised speeds and plans offered are always subject to change.
How to test your internet speed
Speedtest can help you test the speed and overall performance of your internet for free from any device. Click here to open a new page and take a Speedtest. You can then compare your results with what you’ve learned about internet performance near you. If you aren’t getting the results you expect, you can either use this guide to use your Speedtest results to talk to your internet provider or you can shop for a new provider.