Best Internet Providers in Des Moines, Iowa for 2026
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 | 540.07 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 451.00 | Mbps |
| Latency | 21 | 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 | 361.22 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 303.29 | Mbps |
| Latency | 30 | 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 | 326.18 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 48.91 | 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 | 142.80 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 104.90 | Mbps |
| Latency | 30 | 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 |
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.).
Des Moines, Iowa, is the beating heart of the Hawkeye State. From the East Village's trendy restaurants to the Iowa State Capitol's golden dome, this capital city has transformed into a hub for insurance, tech, and a growing food scene. When it's time to get online, Des Moines's internet options provide fast, reliable service for remote work, streaming, gaming, and everything in between.
So who delivers the fastest speeds in Des Moines? Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, GFiber leads the city with median downloads of 540.07 Mbps, followed by MetroNet at 361.22 Mbps. Across Des Moines overall, typical fixed connections average 361.71 Mbps down, enough for remote work, streaming, and everyday multitasking across multiple devices.
Choosing the right speed tier comes down to how your household uses the internet. Most families do well with 300 to 500 Mbps for simultaneous streaming, video calls, and browsing. Larger households or those with heavy upload needs—like creators or remote professionals—should consider gigabit fiber plans.
How to Pick the Right Internet Provider in Des Moines
Here are some practical tips:
Check Your Address
Many ISPs tout citywide coverage, but availability varies block by block. Use provider lookup tools or Speedtest's zip code breakdowns to verify what's actually available at your address.
Consider More Than Speed
Reliability, customer support, and data caps matter just as much as raw speed. Many fiber plans include unlimited data and no equipment rental fees, while some cable plans have data caps that could affect heavy users.
Think About Uploads
If you regularly send large files, stream on Twitch, or make frequent video calls, symmetrical upload/download speeds (typically only offered by fiber) can make a significant difference in your daily experience.
Match a Plan to Your Needs
Don't pay for gigabit if you're just browsing and streaming a few hours a night. On the flip side, don't go too cheap if you're running a business or have multiple heavy users at home.
Read the Fine Print
Promotional rates often expire after 12 months. Check for hidden fees, contracts, or equipment rentals that could inflate your total cost over time.
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
According to Speedtest Intelligence®, as of January 2026, Des Moines reports the following city-wide median speeds:
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Median download speed | 361.71 Mbps |
| Median upload speed | 202.14 Mbps |
| Median latency | 14 ms |
| Top-performing ISP | GFiber (540.07 Mbps median download) |
ISP Speeds in Des Moines, Iowa
Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, here's how the major providers compare:
- GFiber: Des Moines's fastest provider based on real-world performance. Downloads of 540.07 Mbps, uploads of 451 Mbps. Its fiber infrastructure delivers symmetrical speeds ideal for video calls, cloud backups, and content creation.
- MetroNet: A strong performer in the Des Moines market. Downloads of 361.22 Mbps, uploads of 303.29 Mbps.
- Xtream Powered by Mediacom: Available in parts of Des Moines. Downloads of 326.18 Mbps, uploads of 48.91 Mbps.
- ICS Advanced Technologies: Available in parts of Des Moines. Downloads of 255.63 Mbps, uploads of 241.82 Mbps.
- CenturyLink: Available in parts of Des Moines. Downloads of 142.8 Mbps, uploads of 104.9 Mbps. Its fiber infrastructure delivers symmetrical speeds ideal for video calls, cloud backups, and content creation.
- Quantum Fiber: Available in Des Moines. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Available in Des Moines. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market. It offers flexible, contract-free wireless service with quick setup.
- Starlink: Available in Des Moines. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market. It provides satellite coverage for areas where wired options may be limited.
- AT&T Internet Air: Available in Des Moines. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market. It offers flexible, contract-free wireless service with quick setup.
Des Moines 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
Iowa
Home Internet in Des Moines
At the time of this writing, the average starting price for internet in Des Moines is about $55 per month, based on entry-level plans from major providers in the area. Wireless providers typically offer plans around $50 to $70. Most households can expect to pay between $50 to $85 per month for reliable service.
Top Internet Providers in Des Moines, Iowa
GFiber
- Type: Fiber
- Max speeds: Up to 5000 Mbps download / 1000 Mbps upload
- Best for: Power users and multi-device households
- Price range: $60–$180/month
Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, GFiber delivers median download speeds of 540.07 Mbps and upload speeds of 451 Mbps in Des Moines. Its symmetrical speeds make it well-suited for video conferencing, cloud storage, and content creation.
MetroNet
- Type: Internet
- Max speeds: Up to 1000 Mbps download / 100 Mbps upload
- Best for: Multi-person households with varied needs
- Price range: $50–$100/month
Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, MetroNet delivers median download speeds of 361.22 Mbps and upload speeds of 303.29 Mbps in Des Moines.
Xtream Powered by Mediacom
- Type: Internet
- Max speeds: Up to 1000 Mbps download / 50 Mbps upload
- Best for: Families and heavy streamers
- Price range: $50–$80/month
Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, Xtream Powered by Mediacom delivers median download speeds of 326.18 Mbps and upload speeds of 48.91 Mbps in Des Moines.
ICS Advanced Technologies
- Type: Internet
- Max speeds: Up to 1000 Mbps download / 100 Mbps upload
- Best for: Families and heavy streamers
- Price range: $40–$100/month
Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, ICS Advanced Technologies delivers median download speeds of 255.63 Mbps and upload speeds of 241.82 Mbps in Des Moines.
CenturyLink
- Type: Fiber/DSL
- Max speeds: Up to 1000 Mbps download / 5000 Mbps upload
- Best for: Users seeking local provider options
- Price range: $55–$150/month
Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, CenturyLink delivers median download speeds of 142.8 Mbps and upload speeds of 104.9 Mbps in Des Moines. Its symmetrical speeds make it well-suited for video conferencing, cloud storage, and content creation.
Quantum Fiber
- Type: Internet
- Max speeds: Varies by plan
- Best for: General households with moderate to heavy usage
- Price range: $40–$100/month
Quantum Fiber is available in Des Moines. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market, but it offers a flexible option for households seeking alternatives to traditional wired service.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- Type: 5G Internet
- Max speeds: Up to 300 Mbps download / 50 Mbps upload
- Best for: Those seeking contract-free options
- Price range: $50–$60/month
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is available in Des Moines. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market, but it offers a flexible option for households seeking alternatives to traditional wired service.
FAQs
Who provides the fastest internet speeds in Des Moines?
GFiber leads with median download speeds of 540.07 Mbps, followed by MetroNet at 361.22 Mbps, based on Speedtest user data collected in the second half of 2025.
Is fiber internet available in Des Moines?
Yes. GFiber and CenturyLink offer fiber connections in Des Moines.
Who has the cheapest internet in Des Moines?
Entry-level plans in Des Moines typically start around $45 to $55 per month. Check provider websites for current promotional pricing.
Where can I find free Wi-Fi in Des Moines?
Free public Wi-Fi is available at Des Moines public libraries, many coffee shops, and select parks and community centers throughout the city.
Speedtest TL;DR
Des Moines offers solid internet options for most residents. GFiber tops the local speed charts, with MetroNet close behind. With city-wide median speeds of 361.71 Mbps down and 202.14 Mbps up, most Des Moines households have access to reliable connectivity for remote work, streaming, and everyday use.
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.