Last reviewed September 2026
DSL Internet Providers & Plans
Compare DSL internet providers, plans and prices, plus how DSL works and who it's best for.
- Typical speeds
- 10 – 140 Mbps
- Upload speeds
- 1 – 20 Mbps
- Starting price
- $40–$55/mo
- Availability
- Rural & suburban
Quick answer
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) internet runs over existing copper telephone lines. It's affordable and widely available in rural and suburban areas, but speeds are modest — typically 10–140 Mbps — and depend on how far your home is from the provider's equipment.
How does DSL internet work?
Copper phone lines
DSL uses high frequencies on your telephone line — voice and data share the wire.
Distance matters
The farther you are from the provider's hub, the slower your speeds.
DSL modem
A modem converts the signal into Wi-Fi for your home devices.
Best DSL internet providers
5 providers offering DSL internet, rated on speed, value, reliability and service.
| Provider | Type | Starting price* | Max speed | Contract | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 AT&T | Fiber, 5G Home, DSL | $55/mo | 5 Gbps | No annual contract | 4.6 | View plans |
 EarthLink | Fiber, 5G Home, Fixed Wireless, Satellite, DSL | $50/mo | 5 Gbps | 12-month price lock on most plans | 4.3 | View plans |
 Kinetic | Fiber, DSL | $40/mo | 8 Gbps | No annual contract | 4.1 | View plans |
 Brightspeed | Fiber, DSL | $49/mo | 2 Gbps | No annual contract | 4.0 | View plans |
 Frontier | Fiber, DSL | $45/mo | 7 Gbps | No annual contract | 4.4 | View plans |
AT&T
Fiber · 5G Home · DSL
From
$55/mo
Up to
5 Gbps
Rating
4.6 / 5
EarthLink
Fiber · 5G Home · Fixed Wireless · Satellite · DSL
From
$50/mo
Up to
5 Gbps
Rating
4.3 / 5
Kinetic
Fiber · DSL
From
$40/mo
Up to
8 Gbps
Rating
4.1 / 5
Brightspeed
Fiber · DSL
From
$49/mo
Up to
2 Gbps
Rating
4.0 / 5
Frontier
Fiber · DSL
From
$45/mo
Up to
7 Gbps
Rating
4.4 / 5
*Prices and speeds shown are representative starting rates reviewed in September 2026. Offers often require autopay and paperless billing, exclude taxes and fees, and vary by address. Always confirm current pricing and availability with the provider before ordering.
Is DSL internet worth it?
DSL pros
- Available where cable and fiber aren't
- Dedicated line not shared with neighbors
- Typically affordable with no contract
DSL cons
- Much slower than cable, fiber and 5G
- Speeds drop with distance from the hub
- Many providers are phasing DSL out in favor of fiber
Who should choose DSL?
Light users
Browsing, email and HD streaming on one or two devices.
Rural homes
A wired option where cable doesn't reach.
Budget shoppers
Basic connectivity at a low monthly cost.
Our verdict
DSL works for basic needs, but check for fiber, 5G home or fixed wireless first — many DSL areas are being upgraded to much faster service.
DSL Internet FAQs
DSL is fine for light use like browsing and HD streaming, but it struggles with multiple users, 4K streaming and large uploads.
Other internet types
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