Best Internet Providers in Des Moines, Iowa for 2024
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Des Moines, IA
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Des Moines, Iowa, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Des Moines, Iowa, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | 70.60 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 21.52 | Mbps |
| Latency | 34 | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Des Moines, Iowa, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | 204.78 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 37.43 | Mbps |
| Latency | 45 | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Des Moines, Iowa, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Des Moines, Iowa, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Des Moines, Iowa, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Des Moines, Iowa, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Des Moines, Iowa, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Des Moines, Iowa, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Des Moines, Iowa, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
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 pride ourselves on delivering accurate and current data that forms the foundation of our ISP guidance. Our insights are drawn from the real-world experiences of millions globally participating in Speedtests. This wealth of data ensures our analysis of ISP performance is reliable, up to date, and unbiased, providing you a clear understanding to make an informed ISP selection.
Key metrics for gauging an ISP's service include download speed, upload speed, and latency. Download speed is crucial for streaming media and downloading files, indicating how quickly data reaches your device. Upload speed is vital for sending files and engaging in online conversations, showing how fast data moves from your device to the web. Latency, or ping, important in online gaming and video calls, affects your connection's responsiveness. Armed with this detailed overview of an ISP’s performance, you can decide with confidence, tailored to your internet usage needs.
ISP technology significantly impacts your internet experience. Fiber optics, for example, often provide the quickest speeds, perfect for demanding online activities. Cable internet, more commonly available, typically offers solid download speeds, though its upload capabilities might not match. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), is adequate for basic web browsing and streaming with moderate speeds, whereas Satellite internet, sometimes the sole option in remote areas, has slower speeds and higher latency.
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 Des Moines, IA
Based on our proprietary real-world Speedtest data, MetroNet boasts the fastest recorded median download speeds for Des Moines, Iowa, at an impressive 353.43 Mbps. This exceptional performance highlights MetroNet as a leading provider in the city, particularly for users with high bandwidth needs.
Xtream Powered by Mediacom offers the fastest advertised maximum download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps, although actual experiences may vary. Quantum Fiber impresses with its offer for fiber internet, suggesting speeds up to 940 Mbps for downloads and a significant 8,000 Mbps for uploads, demonstrating the premium performance fiber optic technology can achieve.
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 HD games on multiple laptops or smartphones in the same home. Considering your network's use and the number of people using it is key to choosing the right speed. For modest browsing, speeds don't need to be extensive, but for work from home scenarios or multiple users, higher speeds become crucial. Remember, the number of connected devices can be the most significant factor in determining your household's required speed level as internet usage is accumulative and devices continuously joining networks consume bandwidth.
Des Moines 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
- Altoona
- Ames
- Ankeny
- Bettendorf
- Burlington
- Cedar Falls
- Cedar Rapids
- Clinton
- Clive
- Coralville
- Council Bluffs
- Davenport
- Des Moines
- Dubuque
- Fairfield
- Fort Dodge
- Grimes
- Iowa City
- Johnston
- Marion
- Marshalltown
- Mason City
- Mount Pleasant
- Muscatine
- Newton
- North Liberty
- Ottumwa
- Pella
- Saylorville
- Sioux City
- Urbandale
- Waterloo
- Waukee
- West Des Moines
Home Internet in Des Moines
Des Moines, a vibrant city in Iowa, is served by a variety of internet service providers (ISPs) flaunting a range of internet types including DSL, Fiber, Cable, 5G Internet, and Satellite. This diversity ensures that residents have ample choices to match their specific connectivity needs.
Among the offerings, Xtream Powered by Mediacom stands out with a remarkable 99.01% coverage across the city, providing Cable internet. Additionally, Viasat Internet and HughesNet, both offering Satellite internet, ensure complete coverage, making internet access ubiquitous in Des Moines. When evaluating providers, residents should consider coverage, internet type, and the balance between advertised maximum speeds and what speeds they realistically need for their daily online activities.
It's worth noting that the maximum advertised speeds by ISPs might not always reflect the actual speeds users experience. This discrepancy occurs due to various factors including network congestion, the user’s equipment, and the specific tasks being performed online. Hence, while evaluating ISPs, it’s prudent to consider both advertised and real-world performance data.
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.