Best INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS in India: Reviews & Ratings - MouthShut.com

Best Internet Service Providers in India

Reliable & Fast: The Best Internet Service Providers in India Today

India's broadband market is buzzing with energy and competition, featuring a mix of well-established giants and fresh, innovative players. Leading the charge on the front stands Jio Fiber, boasting a large subscriber base and offering high-speed fiber-to-the-home plans that attract both city dwellers and those in semi-urban areas. While another key contender in the same segment of service and price is Airtel Broadband, boasting its latest service, Airtel Xstream Fiber, offering speeds up to 40 Mbps with unlimited data at a price point of only ?499, both options provide reliable speeds and wide coverage, making them favorites for households in search of stable internet connections. Not far behind is Vi (formerly known as Vodafone Idea), which has strengthened its offerings, especially after merging with You Broadband, to deliver solid wireless broadband services.

Regional and niche providers are definitely not far behind either. One of the prominent names among the few is Excitel Broadband, which has established a strong presence by offering budget-friendly plans with impressive speeds, and with users responding positively, they are just a few short steps away from marching in the lanes of the giants like Jio and Airtel. Meanwhile, ACT Broadband has really won over customers in urban areas, especially with its fiber services and reliable quality. In certain metropolitan spots, GTPL Broadband and CherriNet are stepping up as local champions. Recognized for their competitive reliability and speed, they solidify their place among India’s leading ISPs.

Public sector providers such as BSNL Broadband and MTNL are essential and a decade-old, trustworthy name, especially in places where private options are scarce. BSNL operates nationwide with DSL and fiber technologies, while MTNL targets Mumbai and Delhi, offering fixed line, DSL, and FTTH services that come with bundled voice, video, and data packages. Their wide reach and government support are significant advantages to gain reliability, but the consistency of their service can sometimes fluctuate.

Another intriguing player in the market is Tikona, which operates in various cities and provides both wireless broadband and FTTH services. What sets it apart are its green initiatives and a strong emphasis on wireless connectivity, making it different from the traditional providers. While smaller companies like Hathway and Netplus are also present on a national scale, they don’t quite have the same visibility as the leading ten. However, they still manage to offer unique value in specific urban areas, making them worthy of acknowledgment.

As of the end of 2023, the statistics showcase Jio leading the broadband market with nearly 470 million subscribers, followed by Airtel with 265 million, Vi at 127 million, with BSNL and ACT closing at 25 million and 2.2 million, respectively. Within wired broadband, Jio is at 10 million, Airtel at 7.4 million, BSNL at 3.8 million, and ACT at 2.2 million, topping the charts. Wireless broadband emphasizes Jio (460 million), Airtel (257 million), and Vi (127 million, including You Broadband).

In a nutshell, Jio Fiber, Airtel Broadband/Airtel Xstream, Vi, Excitel, ACT, GTPL, CherriNet, BSNL, MTNL, and Tikona showcase a robust selection of internet service options in India, balancing quality, reach, and cost. No matter if you’re on fiber, DSL, or wireless, each provider has its own strengths in speed, coverage, and variety of plans. Your ideal ISP will really come down to your location, budget, and what you plan to do online. Now, if you’re a fiber-loving gamer or someone streaming from a rural area, the Indian internet service providers have it all for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the fastest internet in India?

In terms of broadband, Airtel generally leads in average download speeds, with an average of 44.1 Mbps. Jio comes in second with 33.8 Mbps. For peak download speeds, Airtel also excels, with users experiencing an average of 213.6 Mbps, while Jio users see 155.3 Mbps on average. Additionally, Airtel also has the fastest average upload speeds, at 33.3 Mbps, compared to Jio's 26.8 Mbps. However, when considering consistent quality, Jio takes the lead with 71.6%, followed by Airtel at 68.4%.

Who actually has the best internet?

While various factors like speed, reliability, and cost play a role, different providers offer different services. In India, Airtel and Jio are generally considered among the fastest and most reliable internet service providers

What is the 199 plan of Airtel fiber?

Airtel offers a Rs. 199 broadband plan, which is a standby plan with a 5-month duration. This plan provides unlimited data at 10 Mbps, free calling, and a free Wi-Fi router at a total cost of Rs. 1,674, plus a one-time installation charge of ?500.

Which is the best ISP for gaming in India?

For the best gaming experience in India, consider Excitel Broadband or ACT Fibernet due to their high speeds, low latency, and reliable fiber technology. While both offer strong options, Excitel is often recommended for its ultra-fast speeds and unlimited data, making it a popular choice for gamers.

Is BSNL good to use in 2025?

In 2025, BSNL is making a comeback with a focus on budget-friendly plans and strong rural coverage. While it may not offer the same high-speed data or network features as private operators like Jio or Airtel, BSNL is a viable option for those looking for affordability, especially in areas with limited coverage from other providers.

How to choose the best internet provider?

To choose the best internet provider, first, understand your needs and budget. Then, research local providers, compare plans, and read reviews to assess reliability and customer service. Then, finally, consider factors like speed, data caps, contract terms, and bundled services before making a decision.

Which company gives unlimited data?

Several companies offer unlimited data plans in India, including Fiber, Excitel, Jio, and Airtel Xstream, with their "truly unlimited" plans, while Vi provides unlimited 4G data. Some plans also include additional benefits like OTT subscriptions or weekend data rollover.

Is Tikona broadband good?

Tikona is decent for casual browsing and work-from-home setups, especially in areas where wired connections are limited.

Is fiber better than broadband?

Generally, fiber optic internet is better than broadband due to its faster speeds, lower latency, and greater reliability. Fiber uses light signals transmitted through glass fibers, offering higher bandwidth and less susceptibility to interference than traditional copper-based broadband connections.

What is a Tier 2 Internet service provider?

A Tier 2 Internet service provider (ISP) is a regional or national provider that relies on a combination of paid transit from Tier 1 ISPs and peering agreements with other Tier 2 ISPs to deliver internet traffic to end customers through Tier 3 ISPs. They act as intermediaries between Tier 1 providers and the end user, providing internet access to residential and commercial customers.