With a market share of 53 percent and more than 150 million users, iPhone is the most popular smartphone in the USA. But with users spending at least $800 for a new iPhone in 2025, they need to be confident they are getting the optimum performance from their new devices. While picking the right mobile data network is important when using your iPhone outside of the home, choosing the best home internet service provider is also a vitally important consideration as it directly influences performance and user experience.
Geographical considerations for ISPs in the US
There are dozens of choices when it comes to ISPs, but before you get into the finer details, it is worth narrowing down the search by using an online tool to check internet service providers by address. This will allow you to make an immediate shortlist and it will provide key information on vital metrics. These include typical upload and download speed, customer ratings, type of connection available, ie fiber or DSL, and, of course, the deals and packages that are available.
Using a tool like this means you can typically narrow down the choice from perhaps seven or eight ISPs to two or three at a single stroke. It is also worth noting that the tool referenced above allows you to search by exact address, not just by area or zip code, so you get a highly accurate and granular result.
It’s not all about the speed
When reviewing the shortlist, your eyes will naturally go to the upload and download speed. Those of us who have grown up in the burgeoning internet age remember the early days of painfully slow connections. However, the truth is that in 2025, most providers offer an upload speed of more than 10 Mbps and a download speed of 100 Mbps, which is sufficient for most domestic needs. Many offer speeds that are considerably better.
So by today’s standards, those numbers are not as critical as they were a decade ago. However, the factor that is most important for America’s 150 million iPhone users is consistency. To get the best performance from commonly used features such as iCloud or streaming apps, a stable connection is essential. Dips and lags can result in buffering and other performance issues. So look beyond the headline numbers and pay close attention to the customer reviews to get an accurate idea of genuine performance.
5G compatibility makes a world of difference
Many ISPs provide bundled services for home and cellular services. If you make heavy use of your iPhone when away from your home, look for a provider that has good 5G coverage. The next generation of mobile coverage is literally changing the world, allowing you to download high definition movies in a matter of seconds or communicate with almost zero time lag.
5G coverage is now available to more than 90 percent of US iPhone users, but only three networks have nationwide 5G coverage. As a result, actual 5G adoption currently stands at around 50 percent of the US population. So in other words, if you decide 5G is a dealbreaker for you, then it could narrow your choices further. Of course, this is only a consideration if you are contemplating a bundled service that encompasses mobile internet services in addition to your home internet.
Don’t underestimate your data needs
Some networks offer unlimited data, while others set monthly caps. The latter might seem like great deals from a cost perspective, but be careful. The average US household uses more than 640 GB of data every month. iPhone users with multiple devices and households with several users can easily exceed this by some margin. The penalties for doing so are likely to prove far more costly than opting for a slightly more expensive monthly plan that offers more data at the outset.
Also, keep in mind that our habits change over time as Apple offers new services and functionality via our iPhones. So data needs in future are almost certain to be higher than they are today. As a general rule, it makes sense to look for an ISP who offers unlimited monthly data, for complete peace of mind and ultimate flexibility.
Home WiFi is also an important part of the equation
Finally, keep in mind that your home WiFi set up will also have an impact on overall performance and user experience when using your iPhone at home. If this is not right, you will never get the best performance from any ISP network.
Don’t be tempted to hide the router out of site in a cupboard as this can drastically affect the signal. Also, check for “dead spots” around the house. These can easily be eliminated with signal boosters that only cost a few dollars but make a world of difference.
