Best Internet Providers in Albuquerque, New Mexico for 2026
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Albuquerque, NM
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 Albuquerque, New Mexico, 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 Albuquerque, New Mexico, 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 | 612.69 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 520.68 | Mbps |
| Latency | 20 | 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 Albuquerque, New Mexico, 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 | 337.32 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 40.55 | 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 Albuquerque, New Mexico, 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 | 41.70 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 8.81 | Mbps |
| Latency | 40 | 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 Albuquerque, New Mexico, 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 Albuquerque, New Mexico, 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 Albuquerque, New Mexico, 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 Albuquerque, New Mexico, 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 Albuquerque, New Mexico, 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 Albuquerque, New Mexico, 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 Albuquerque, New Mexico, 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 Albuquerque, New Mexico, 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 Albuquerque, New Mexico, 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.).
Albuquerque is a place where you come for the colorful sunsets and stay for the chile-smothered dishes–it’s also a city where fast, dependable internet is becoming more essential by the day. This lively city features South Valley residents staying locked in to their crime dramas, University of New Mexico students uploading class projects at the eleventh hour, and influencers streaming as they document their travels. Basically, internet usage here spans just about every lifestyle. One thing they all share is the desire to have a seamless and responsive internet experience, no matter what they do from day to day.
Instead of taking ISP marketing at face value, we dig into performance data from real people who are online in Albuquerque every day. Evaluating internet performance isn’t just about download speed, either, though that might be the first component that someone’s mind goes to. Uploads matter too, especially if you’re sending large files or using cloud-based platforms. Latency also plays a huge role, especially for gamers and anyone using video conferencing. In short, the best provider for you will be the one that can keep up with your routine, whether that’s low-key browsing or high-bandwidth multitasking.
Since your internet usage can be so different from the person next door, we wouldn’t say there’s one particular package that suits everyone. However, a good starting point for most households is 25 Mbps for downloads and 10 Mbps for uploads. That’s enough to scroll through social media, attend a Zoom meeting, and do some light streaming without pulling your hair out. But if you live with roommates, a big family, or just have a growing collection of smart gadgets, you’ll probably want a lot more.
Think of a home near Nob Hill where someone’s constantly uploading podcast episodes, another is in an online certification course, and someone else is deep into Twitch streams or online multiplayer. Throw in a couple of smart cameras and an Alexa speaker, and suddenly your bandwidth needs have multiplied. That’s why having higher download and upload speeds, and low latency (which affects responsiveness and lag based on how fast data travels back and forth between your device and the server) is ideal.
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 Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque holds its own when it comes to internet performance. According to Speedtest Intelligence®, the city reports a median fixed broadband download speed of 312.92 Mbps , upload speed of 40.74 Mbps , and latency averaging just 11 ms. That’s a solid showing, especially for households that have a lot going on all the time. The upload speed isn’t the fastest in the 505, but it’s not terribly slow either.
Xfinity is a major player in the city, delivering median download speeds of 324.35 Mbps , uploads of 35.00 Mbps , and latency around 34 ms. It’s a decent setup for binge-streamers, casual gamers, or anyone who mostly downloads. But if you’re someone who regularly uploads files, videos, and more, the upload speed might start to feel like a bottleneck. They do offer nearly full coverage (99%) for the city, though, so that’s a plus.
CenturyLink, which includes fiber in select areas, shows download speeds around 41.37 Mbps , uploads at 7.74 Mbps , and latency at 40 ms. Breaking those numbers down, keep in mind that if your internet usage is high, prepare for incredibly slow downloading, even by bare minimum standards for one device. The uploading is also low for both ISPs, and the latency is about even, so there’s not a huge difference there.
Fiber is especially useful for creatives, remote professionals, or anyone relying on cloud storage and large uploads, so this is where symmetrical speeds (similar download/upload) make all the difference, which neither of these companies offers. Xfinity at least offers elite downloading, which might give them the edge here.
For those living in neighborhoods like Taylor Ranch or Sandia Heights, where fiber coverage might be more limited, cable plans can still offer reliable service. But remember that not all providers perform the same across the board. Depending on your zip code, you might be better off with a different ISP altogether.
Albuquerque 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
New Mexico
Home Internet in Albuquerque
Life in Albuquerque is a mix of tradition and tech. There’s a growing community of remote workers, artists running digital shops, and freelancers operating from cozy cafes downtown. That means a dependable connection is critical for people to thrive in their craft.
In neighborhoods like North Valley and Uptown, fiber service from CenturyLink (82% coverage ) or AT&T Fiber (16% coverage ) has been expanding and offers symmetrical gigabit plans. These plans are great for home offices or anyone running a YouTube channel. Low latency also means fewer dropped calls and smoother livestreams.
For casual users or smaller households, Xfinity’s cable plans are widely available (99% coverage ) and provide a strong connection for everyday use like streaming, basic gaming, or surfing the web. It’s important to note, though, that upload speeds don’t match downloads on cable, which can affect real-time online tasks.
Internet pricing across the city starts at around $30/month for basic plans (Xfinity ), with fiber options from providers like AT&T ranging up to $194/month and CenturyLink up to $75/month. It always pays to check for any caveats in your contract because some promo pricing may jump after a year, and some plans come with equipment rental fees. Be sure to run your address through provider websites to confirm what’s actually available on your street.
What About Wireless and Satellite Options?
If you’re not a fan of installation appointments or just need a quick setup, 5G home internet could be the workaround you’re looking for. Providers like T-Mobile (50% coverage ) and Verizon (54% coverage ) now offer wireless home internet in Albuquerque, and you could see download speeds up to 415 Mbps from T-Mobile and up to 300 Mbps from Verizon, depending on your signal strength and network congestion.
These wireless options are ideal for renters, people in temporary housing, or anyone who wants to skip cable entirely. But because they rely on mobile signals, performance can be inconsistent. Even still, for most users who aren’t constantly uploading videos or gaming competitively, it’s a viable choice.
Satellite internet, from providers like Starlink (100% coverage ), Viasat (100% coverage ), and HughesNet, is also available citywide, but it's best suited for those in rural or hard-to-reach areas on the outskirts of the city. Latency is higher than with cable or fiber, so activities like online gaming or video conferencing may not feel as smooth. But for basic browsing and streaming, satellite can still keep you connected.
What’s on the Horizon for Albuquerque’s Internet?
There are several tech-forward projects underway that hint at a more connected future:
- Digital Inclusion for All: The city has launched a digital equity initiative to close the connectivity gap across underserved communities. This includes improving broadband access and providing digital skills training to residents.
- UNM STEM Programs: The University of New Mexico continues to expand its digital education efforts, with STEM initiatives that include cloud computing, digital design, and data science. These programs help prepare students for the broadband-powered careers of the future.
- Fiber Expansion Grants: Through the state’s broadband office, grant funding is being used to expand fiber infrastructure throughout Albuquerque and surrounding counties, improving access to gigabit internet in more neighborhoods. This is a continual effort from the press release dates back to 2024.
As you can see from all the efforts toward getting residents up to speed with better internet access and coverage, Albuquerque is in good hands with their digital movement.
How to Choose the Right Internet Plan in Albuquerque
When picking an internet plan in Albuquerque, start by asking how your household actually uses the internet. A single person streaming doing their thing with watching videos and checking emails won’t need the same speeds as a couple who both work from home, attend virtual meetings, and run smart tech in every room.
If you upload a lot, like vlogs, client presentations, or creative portfolios, fiber is your friend. Symmetrical speeds are a game-changer for reliability and productivity. If fiber isn’t available where you live, cable can still handle most tasks, just be aware that upload speeds may lag behind.
And always check for data caps, equipment fees, and contract terms. Promotional pricing is great, but make sure you know what happens after the first 12 months. Compare the fine print so you’re not hit with surprise fees or throttled speeds later.
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.