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The best rural internet providers typically offer DSL or satellite internet, since these areas may have fewer broadband options. However, satellite internet service can come with a steep price tag, especially through Starlink. Home internet can be expensive and with confusing service terms, it can be difficult to keep the costs down. However, DSL service could save you money on your internet bill if you can get past the slower and inconsistent speeds. Moreover, only 4% of the country has access to at least 100 megabits per second in download speeds. However, DSL is the cheapest and most readily available for those in rural areas.
A local provider and a phone line are all you need to get DSL internet, making the connection type a popular option in rural areas where cable and fiber lines don't reach. While availability is high, speeds and reliability are low compared to other connection types, something to keep in mind when shopping for DSL internet. Some providers are better than others when it comes to speeds, pricing and service terms. We've compiled a list of the best DSL providers to give you an idea of what to look for.
AT&T
Best DSL internet provider
Our take - Note: AT&T no longer offers its DSL service to new customers, but current customers may still be able to manage their accounts.
CenturyLink
Best rural DSL internet provider
Our take - CenturyLink's DSL service has a single price at a flat rate of $55 a month, but multiple speed options may be available. Opting for a lower internet connection speed, anything below the 80 and 100Mbps plans, could save you some money up front on installation costs, but other than that, there seems to be no reason to choose a slower plan when the monthly price is the same. Leasing equipment with CenturyLink will cost you an additional $17 a month or $200 up front.
Kinetic by Windstream
Best for cheap DSL internet
Our take - When it comes to offering the cheapest DSL internet service, Kinetic by Windstream has the lowest starting price of any major DSL internet provider at $45 a month ($60 after 12 months) for download speeds ranging anywhere from 15 to 115Mbps or higher. Service comes with unlimited data and no contract requirements. Equipment isn't included, though, and the rental fee will add around $11 to your monthly bill.
Frontier Communications
Best for straightforward pricing
Our take - Frontier's DSL service is pricier than most but this ISP is more transparent with its pricing than other providers. You can expect to pay $65 a month for the fastest speeds available. Frontier includes equipment rental and unlimited data in the monthly cost -- perks that aren't offered by other providers on this list.
Top DSL internet providers compared
Please note that the plans below show each provider's fastest available speed which may not be available in your area. Overall, the best selection for you -- and the most cost-effective plan -- might be a different tier or provider that provides a faster speed at a higher price but a better value. To more fully understand this value-based approach, check out CNET's guide to examining the cost per Mbps.
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Max download speed | Cost per Mbps | Equipment fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Internet Read full review | $60 | 100Mbps | 60 cents | None |
| CenturyLink Simply Unlimited Read full review | $55 | 100Mbps | 55 cents | $17 monthly (optional) or $200 one-time purchase |
| Frontier Internet Read full review | $65 | 115Mbps | 56 cents | None |
| Kinetic High Speed Internet | $45 | 100Mbps | 45 cents | $11 (optional) |
Best DSL providers: Honorable mentions
These DSL providers all have sizable footprints throughout the US, but lack the speed, value or consistency of other providers to make our list of the best. They're still worth checking out if available in your area.
Brightspeed
A new DSL/fiber internet provider, Brightspeed, recently acquired networks from Lumen Technologies (parent company of CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber) in many markets east of the Mississippi. Despite the new name, speeds, pricing and service terms appear to be relatively unchanged. Speeds will vary depending on what's available at your address; the same thing applies to your monthly rate. Depending on your address, your monthly rate can range from $50 to $65. In addition, certain markets may see an $18 monthly charge for leasing equipment.
EarthLink
EarthLink established a fairly large DSL customer base by acquiring or piggybacking off other providers' networks. DSL internet plans start at $45 a month for speeds around 25Mbps, but pricing and internet connection speeds can vary widely by location.
Ziply Fiber
Though "fiber" is in the name, Ziply Fiber also offers DSL service in parts of the Northwest formerly serviceable for Frontier. Plans start at $60 a month, but the download speeds are advertised as "variable."
Best DSL providers recap
DSL internet is a common internet option thanks to high availability in rural areas and low pricing, but the slow speeds will almost always fall well short of cable or fiber internet plans. That said, all of the DSL providers on our list offer speeds up to 100Mbps or higher in select areas, which is adequate for streaming in HD and gaming online. Most providers also come with favorable service terms, such as unlimited data or high data allowances, contract-free service and price guarantees.
Locating local internet providers
Best DSL internet FAQs
Is DSL better than cable internet?
In most locations, no. Cable typically offers faster speeds and lower cost per Mbps than DSL. Some high-speed DSL providers, such as Kinetic, can deliver speeds that rival low or midlevel speed tiers available from a fiber-optic or cable provider.
Why is DSL internet slow?
DSL speeds are like the noise level at a concert. The closer you are to the stage, the louder it will be. With DSL, providers often use fiber-optic or coax cables to run service to local hubs and from there use a telephone line to carry service to your home. These service hubs are like the stage at a concert. The closer your address is to a provider's service hub, the faster your speeds are likely to be. This is why residents of more remote, rural areas are often stuck with the slowest DSL speeds.
Is DSL just fancy dial-up?
Though DSL also uses your phone line for service, DSL and dial-up are two completely separate internet connections. DSL uses the phone line differently than dial-up or your home telephone service, enabling an "always on" connection and simultaneous use of your home phone for making calls.
For more information about DSL internet and how it compares to other internet types and providers, view our list of the best internet providers of 2025.