The 7 fastest ISPs for speedy, reliable internet in 2025
Although Starlink was not included in the most recent Ookla Speedtest Awards, we know that many consumers want to compare Starlink to their ISP. Ookla has speed test data available for Starlink, the satellite internet service powered by Elon Musk and SpaceX. While it’s far from the fastest ISP, it has long since caught up with broadband speeds, and it could be one of your only options in certain areas. Through the vast constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites operated by SpaceX, Starlink has provided people around the world with an entirely new way to connect to the Internet. The service has been a true game-changer for people in rural areas around the world and for travelers who often travel to remote areas.
If you’ve ever wished you never had to deal with a cable or internet company again, you can probably see the appeal of Starlink. Although the technology behind the service is complicated, it is actually very simple to set up. Customers must purchase a satellite dish like the $499 Starlink Mini and download the Starlink Android or iOS app to complete the setup. From there you can manage your internet service within the app. Starlink is more expensive than traditional ISPs, but the monthly cost is comparable to other high-speed Internet plans.
In contrast, Ookla speed tests show that Starlink offers a wide range of performance depending on your location. And even though performance is steadily increasing, Ookla reports that “[only] 17.4% of Starlink Speedtest U.S. users nationwide were able to get broadband speeds that met the FCC’s minimum broadband requirements, “primarily due to lagging download speeds.
As of Q1 2025, Starlink’s median download speeds have nearly doubled since 2023. Additionally, Starlink has much lower latency than other satellite internet companies (that’s a good thing), also according to Ookla.
