Best Internet Providers in Des Moines, Iowa for 2025
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 | 94.91 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 73.19 | Mbps |
| Latency | 31 | 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 | 487.15 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 384.18 | Mbps |
| Latency | 22 | 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 | 349.68 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 313.85 | Mbps |
| Latency | 29 | 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 | 271.46 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 39.22 | Mbps |
| Latency | 39 | 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
Among the internet service providers (ISPs) operating in Des Moines, Iowa, Google Fiber leads the pack with the highest real-world median download speed, clocking in at 487 Mbps. This exceptional speed highlights Google Fiber's service capabilities and commitment to internet architecture, especially noting that this provider specializes in high-speed fiber internet.
For those seeking the fastest internet speeds based on advertised maximum download speeds, Google Fiber claims the highest capacity, promising speeds of up to 8 Gbps, followed by MetroNet with speeds of up to 5.12 Gbps. These figures, however, may not always align with the speeds users actually experience, underscoring the importance of considering real-world speed test data alongside advertised capabilities. When in doubt, check the data and then compare that to the actual experiences of your neighbors and community,
A good rule of thumb to bear in mind is that download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps are generally sufficient for most online activities, from streaming 4K high-definition videos to handling intensive work downloads and gaming across multiple devices. It's crucial for consumers to assess their internet usage needs and the number of people accessing the network to determine the necessary speed. Especially in households with multiple users or devices, a faster connection can significantly enhance the online experience. Evaluating both offered speeds and how these fit with personal or household usage patterns will guide users to the most suitable ISP.
Des Moines Fixed Speeds
Download Mbps
Median download speed
Upload Mbps
Median upload speed
Latency ms
Median latency
Historical performance (download)
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.
Expected Speed Range
Expected speed range (download)
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, Iowa, an urban oasis situated in Iowa's famed farmland that caters to both city living and suburban lifestyles, offers a diverse range of broadband internet options for its residents. The available internet types include DSL, fiber, cable, 5G internet, and satellite, catering to a broad spectrum of connectivity needs and preferences.
Residents have access to ISPs like CenturyLink, Google Fiber, and MetroNet, which emphasize fiber optic technology for the fastest and most reliable internet connections. Xtream Powered by Mediacom stands out for its extensive area coverage, a fact that ensures that nearly all residents should have access to high-speed broadband services without the limitations commonly associated with satellite and fixed wireless providers.
The average starting price for internet service in Des Moines is $61.36. Prices across providers range significantly, from well below the median price to upwards of $179.99. Those seeking affordability might lean towards Xtream Powered by Mediacom, the provider with the lowest starting price at $19.99, though prices scale up significantly in tandem with speeds up to their top offering of 1 Gbps. It's worth noting, however, that advertised maximum speeds and prices may vary from what customers actually experience. Checking with neighbors and friends about their real world experiences before choosing an ISP is highly recommended.
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.