Last Updated on – Apr 11, 2024 @ 10:15 am
Quick Take
What’s the best internet service provider in the Philippines?
Admittedly, this is a tricky question since the performance of internet service providers ultimately depends on your area. That said, PLDT is the overall winner when it comes to coverage, variety of plans, and speed in numerous locations. However, there are downsides to PLDT such as poor customer support, as well as frequent internet connection issues.
Before deciding on an internet provider, it is always best to ask peers that live in the same area as you for recommendations.
We’ve partnered up with The Savvy Expat to create a video format for this extensive guide. Don’t have the time to read? Check out the video version below!
In today’s hyper-connected world, one of the biggest annoyances you can have is a crappy internet connection.
Imagine doing a Skype meeting with potential clients when all of a sudden you’re staring at a “Connection Lost” pop-up. Yikes.
So much for landing that deal.
The Internet has made its way so deep into our lives that it’s practically a necessity. From doing cashless payments to researching online for your next business idea, a reliable and speedy internet connection is essential.
Ookla, the company behind the popular internet speed testing service Speedtest, shows that our average fixed broadband and mobile speeds as of February 2024 sit at 93.90 Mbps and 29.65 Mbps respectively.
While recent speed averages show significant improvements, checking the global averages shows that our average fixed broadband speed is already higher than the global median of 92.26 Mbps (Feb 2024).
Contents
Why Internet in the Philippines is slow & expensive
Our country is made up of 7,100 islands, which makes construction of fixed networks harder to accomplish.
This slow development in the addition of new ICT infrastructures (cell towers, fiber optic cables, etc) is what is believed to be the main reason for the poor internet connection.
It should be noted as well that governments from other countries actively invest in the construction of these much-needed infrastructures, while here in our country the task rests mainly on the shoulders of the private sector.
Even neighboring countries like Vietnam receive crucial ICT investments from their government that’s why they enjoy better internet speeds.
We can only cross our fingers for now that this new major telco player brings us the much needed boost and improvement so that everyone can enjoy affordable, fast and reliable internet services.
Top Internet Service Providers in the Philippines
Let’s take a closer look at the current popular players and their service offerings.
1. PLDT Home
The telco giant has been around for decades.
From dial-up connections to DSL, they are pioneers when it comes to providing internet services in the Philippines.
Best Internet Broadband & Fiber Plans from PLDT:
| Plan | Speed | Download Limit | Price |
| PLDT Fibr Unli All Plan 1399 | 50 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 1,399 |
| PLDT Fibr Unli All Plan 1799 | 200 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 1,799 |
| PLDT Fibr Unli Plan 1699 | 200 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 1,699 |
| PLDT Fibr Unli Plan 2099 | 400 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 2,099 |
| PLDT Fibr Unli Plan 2699 | 600 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 2,699 |
| PLDT Fibr Unli Plan 9499 | 1000 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 9,499 |
| PLDT Fibr Plus Plan 2399 | 400Mbps | Unlimited | Php 2,399 |
| PLDT Fibr Plus Plan 2999 | 600Mbps | Unlimited | Php 2,999 |
Requirements:
- 1 valid government-issued ID
- Complete and submit the application form on their website
Fees and Charges:
- Free installation and activation for Plan 2099 and up.
Pros:
- Wide coverage areas nationwide
- Speedtest Awards winner for fixed network speed in the Philippines
- Unli Fibr plans bundled with free landline, with unlimited mobile calls to Smart & TNT subscribers.
- Fiber Plus comes with 3 WiFi 5 mesh units.
- No monthly data cap for all plans
Cons:
- Most expensive rates for plans with speeds of 50Mbps and 200Mbps
- Slow technical service—takes around one week to fix connectivity issues
2. Globe Fiber
The Ayala-owned communications company is Smart’s (under PLDT) long-time rival and the competition continues in the land of broadband internet.
Best Fiber Internet Plans from Globe:
| Plan | Speed | Features | Price |
| GFiber Unli Plan 1299 | 50 Mbps | Unlimited GB | Php 1,299 |
| GFiber Unli Plan 1699 | 200 Mbps | Unlimited GB | Php 1,699 |
| GFiber Unli Plan 1799 | 200 Mbps | Unlimited GB, WiFi 6 Modem | Php 1,799 |
| GFiber Unli Plan 2199 | 400 Mbps | Unlimited GB, WiFi 6 Modem | Php 2,199 |
| GFiber Unli Plan 2699 | 600 Mbps | Unlimited GB, WiFi 6 Modem | Php 2,699 |
| GFiber Unli Plan 5999 | 1 Gbps | Unlimited GB, WiFi 6 Modem | Php 5,999 |
| GFiber Unli Plan 7499 | 1.5 Gbps | Unlimited GB, WiFi 6 Modem | Php 7,499 |
Requirements:
- Complete and submit the application form on their website
Fees and Charges:
- Installation fee for GFiber Unli Plans is P100 (charged to bill for 24 months)
Pros:
- Wide fiber availability nationwide
- All GFiber Unli plans, except for Plan 1699 and 1799, come with freebies:
- 12-month free access to Disney+
- P1,000 worth Razer Gold Gaming Credits
- 12-month free access to KonsultaMD worth P1,500
- Offers a plan with the fastest speed of up to 1.5 Gbps for Php 7,499
- Cheapest and bang-for-the-buck deals for plans with a speed of 50 Mbps and up
- VIP hotline for premium plans (2699, 5999, and 7499)
- Promptly action to restore internet connection
Cons:
- 24-month lock-in period for most plans
- Requires proof of income for Unli Plans2499 and above
3. Converge ICT Solutions
One of the fastest-growing ISPs, Converge has established itself as an excellent option when it comes to high-speed internet.
They offer a wide selection of plans that start at only Php1,500 monthly for speeds of up to 200 Mbps.
Best Fiber Internet Broadband Plans from Converge:
| Plan | Speed | Download Limit | Price |
| FiberX 1500 | 200 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 1,500 |
| FiberX 2000 | 400 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 2,000 |
| FiberX 2500 | 600 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 2,500 |
| FiberX 3500 | 800 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 3,500 |
| FiberX 7499 | 1 Gbps | Unlimited | Php 7,499 |
| HomeBase 1899 | 300 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 1,899 |
| HomeBase 1500 | 200 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 1,500 |
| Game Changer Pro Entry | 400 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 2,500 |
| Game Changer Pro Mid | 600 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 3,000 |
| Game Changer Pro High | 800 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 3,500 |
| Game Changer Elite | 800 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 5,000 |
| FiberX Time of Day 1699 | 200 Mbps / 400 Mbps (boostable speeds for day or night) | Unlimited | Php 1,699 |
| FiberX Time of Day 3000 | 800 Mbps / 600 Mbps (boostable speeds for day or night) | Unlimited | Php 3,000 |
Requirements:
- 1 Valid ID: (Any Government-issued ID or Company ID)
- Proof of Residency/Proof of Billing
- Proof of income (most recent ITR, COE, Credit Card Statement, or Bank Statement)
Fees and Charges:
- Installation Fee of PHP 2,500 (or PHP 3,000 for installment payments).
Pros:
- Pure end-to-end fiber-optic connectivity for the price of a postpaid DSL connection
- Highest ranking among ISPs in the Philippines in terms of Netflix performance
- Provides the best value for money with the Fiber X 1500 plan (100Mbps for Php 1,500 monthly)
- No monthly data cap for all plans
- Fully online application process through the Converge Self-Serve Portal
- Game Changer plans come with free ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX 6000 router.
Cons:
- Limited coverage areas—mostly available only in Metro Manila and nearby provinces (Cavite, Pampanga, Rizal, etc.)
- Difficulty of reaching a customer service representative through the Converge hotline
- 24-month lock-in period
- No landline, device, cable service, or any freebie bundled with the internet plan
4. SKY Fiber
Being the country’s top and longest operating cable TV provider allowed the company to expand its reach to internet services.
They bundled up their cable offerings with broadband services and came up with packages that provide plenty of value to their subscribers.
SKY Fiber Unli Broadband Plans:
| Plan | Speed | Download Limit | Price |
| SKY Fiber Unli Broadband999 | 50 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 999 |
| SKY Fiber Unli Broadband 1299 | 75 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 1,299 |
| SKY Fiber Unli Broadband 1399 | 100 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 1,399 |
| SKY Fiber Unli Broadband 1699 | 200 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 1,699 |
| SKY Fiber Unli Broadband + HD Cable TV 1699 | 100 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 1,699 |
| SKY Fiber Unli Broadband + HD Cable TV 2499 | 200 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 2,499 |
| SKY Fiber Unli Broadband + HD Cable TV 2999 | 400 Mbps | Unlimited | Php 2,999 |
Requirements:
- Complete and submit the application form on their website
- 1 valid ID
Fees and Charges:
- Free installation (no initial cashout needed)
Pros:
- Cheapest unlimited fiber plan at Php 999/month for 50 Mbps
- Plans bundled with cable TV comes with 2 free WiFi mesh
- SKY Fiber Unli Broadband Plans bundled with HD TV service also have free access to local TV channels, iWant streaming, as well as add-on plans for VivaMax, Viu, and HBO GO.
- No monthly data cap for all fiber plans
- Very active customer support (via Twitter @SkyServes)
Cons:
- Uses a combination of fiber optics and coaxial cable to provide fiber-powered internet (instead of pure fiber optics)
- Limited coverage areas—mostly available only in Metro Manila, some parts of Luzon (Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, etc.), and a few provinces in the south (Cebu, Davao, etc.)
5. Starlink
Unlike other internet providers in the country which work through optical fibers or cables, Starlink is a satellite internet service provider which sends data through radio signals sent through space.
Because there’s no need to install wires, Starlink can bring high-speed internet even to poorly connected areas.
It is made possible by the network of satellites launched by SpaceX which experience a high latency. This refers to the time it takes to send data from one point to another.
Starlink satellites are launched 60 times closer to Earth, which makes way for a high-speed and low-latency internet experience.
Currently, there are 1,200 satellites in operation which contribute to creating a network of high-speed internet. In the coming years, Starlink is expected to increase this number to 40,000.
Connection speed
Starlink can provide download speeds of up to 200Mbps in the Philippines.
As the number of satellites increases, the connection speed is also expected to improve.
It is important to note that Elon Musk of SpaceX mentioned that cellular will always have an advantage in highly-populated urban areas. Satellites are best used for low to medium population density areas.
Price
Starlink’s monthly rate is P2,700, without a contract. The hardware fee is P28,000 (standard actuated).
Pros
- Can provide internet to “unreachable” areas
- Easy to install
- Stable internet even after disasters
- Reliable internet speed
Cons
- Expensive starting kit and monthly rate
- Not as portable as cellular internet
- Slow internet in high-density cities
- Service disruption may happen during rains or storms
How to apply:
Visit the Starlink Map portal, input your address, and place your order.
6. Smart Bro Home Wifi
Smart Communications, Inc., the leader and pioneer of 5G in the Philippines, is set on bringing wireless fiber-like speeds to the homes of Filipinos.
This is made possible through the Smart Bro Home WiFi 5G.
This service is awesome for families and households that use multiple gadgets simultaneously. It is also easy to plug and use, and there’s no need to wait for installation because you can set it up yourself.
It is worth noting that Smart nabbed the first place in the fastest mobile and fixed broadband internet speed test conducted by Speedtest Intelligence.
Best SMART Bro Home WiFi (Prepaid) Plans:
| Plan | Data allocation | Price | Duration |
| GIGAPOWER 449 | 84 GB (2GB per day) | P449 | 30 days |
| GIGAPOWER 899 | 132 GB (2GB per day) | P899 | 30 days |
| Magic Data 399 | 24 GB shareable data for all sites | P399 | No Expiry |
| Magic Data 499 | 36 GB shareable data for all sites | P449 | No Expiry |
| Magic Data 599 | 48 GB shareable data for all sites | P599 | No Expiry |
| All Data 499 | 48 GB shareable data for all sites | P499 | 30 days |
Your account can be managed real-time on the GigaLife app. Famload Video, Famload Video Plus, GIGAPOWER, and Magic Data promos are available here.
Fees:
- P995 for Smart Bro Home WiFi Prepaid device (can connect up to 5 devices, with free unli WiFi valid for 7 days)
- P1,995 for Prepaid Home WiFi Advanced (up to 10 devices, with free 10 GB data for 7 days, and 2x faster LTE than other SMART Bro Home WiFi devices)
- P15,995 for Home WiFi 5G (WiFi 6 technology, up to 10 devices, and with free 20 GB data for 7 days)
Pros:
- Great for videos
- Fast download speed
- No installation is needed.
- No monthly charge (pay as you load)
Cons:
- Dependent on smart signal
- Will get deactivated after 180 days of zero promo subscription or load
7. DITO Telecommunity
The Philippines now has a third major telco player. DITO Telecommunity has been launched in several areas in the country, receiving rave reviews for its internet speed and reliability.
Best Internet Plans From Dito
| Plan | Speed | Monthly Price |
| DITO UNLI 5G | up to 500Mbps | Php 745 (for first 6 months – standard rate is at P1,490) |
| DITO Data Capped | up to 500Mbps | Php 990 |
Requirements:
- Accomplished application form
- Valid ID
- Proof of billing
Pros:
- No maximum limit for number of devices that can be connected
- Minimum download speed of 10Mbps at 80% reliability
Cons:
- Available only in key areas in the country (NCR, Laguna, Pampanga, Cavite, Cebu, Bacolod, and Davao)
- Has a data cap
8. Red Fiber
Powered by MERALCO’s Radius Telecoms in partnership with Cignal TV, Red Fiber offers tons of versatile plans for consumers that range from 200 Mbps to 600 Mbps.
Although it faces high-speed internet giants in the Philippines, Red Fiber remains hopeful that it can serve a huge chunk of Filipino households.
Currently, it is only available in Metro Manila and its nearby provinces (Laguna, Cavite, Tagaytay, Bulacan, and Rizal), as well as Cebu. It is expanding to Iloilo and Bacolod soon.
The lock-in period for Broadband and TV plans is 24 months. Meanwhile, the upgrades/add-ons only have a minimum lock-in of 1 month.
Internet Plans from Red Fiber
| Plan | Speed | Price | Freebies |
| Dual Play 1699/month | 200 Mbps | P1,699 | Free HBO Go Premium Access & free access to all Cignal Channels (3 months) |
| Dual Play 2399/month | 400 Mbps | P2,399 | Free HBO Go Premium Access (12 months) & free access to all Cignal Channels (3 months) |
| Dual Play 2999/month | 600 Mbps | P2,999 | Free HBO Go Premium Access (12 months) & free access to all Cignal Channels (3 months) |
| Internet Only 1549/month | 200 Mbps | P1,549 | Free HBO Go Premium Access (3 months) |
| Internet Only 2249/month | 400 Mbps | P2,249 | Free HBO Go Premium Access (12 months) |
| Internet Only 2849/month | 600 Mbps | P2,849 | Free HBO Go Premium Access (12 months) |
Requirements
- Accomplished RED Fiber Subscriber Application Form (SAF)
- At least 1 valid government-issued ID
- At least 1 valid proof of billing
Fees:
- P3,000 installation fee
- ₱999 if you want to avail a TP-Link IP Camera (which is complimentary with select premium plans).
Pros
- Consistent speed
- 24/7 customer support
- Complete entertainment package
Cons
- Only available in limited areas
Types of Broadband Plans in the Philippines
Knowing how much data you will likely consume every month will help you decide which type of package to choose.
Capped Data Allowance
The data allotment of this type of internet plan is limited. However, this plan is usually cheaper compared to those with unlimited data and often comes with a wireless connection.
Most prepaid Wi-Fi connections have capped data allowance, but there are also postpaid broadband plans that are capped. For example, you can choose a postpaid plan that will give you 150GB at 10Mbps per month.
Unlimited Data Allowance
Compared to broadband plans with capped data allowances, those that offer unlimited data often cost more. Unlimited plans can be wired or fiber connections, though mobile packages are wireless.
DSL vs. Fiber
One of the best developments we’ve been experiencing in recent years is the continuous spread and adaptation of Fiber internet connection.
And while it’s a given that it’s vastly superior over DSL, the main thing that hinders it from reaching more homes is—you guessed it—availability.
As mentioned earlier, the infrastructure needs to be laid down first so new connections can be made on a specific area.
That’s the reason why those sign-up pages on Telco sites always require you to enter your exact location first, they need to confirm if they already have existing fiber infrastructure near your place.
In terms of speed, DSL only reaches up to 15Mbps. Fiber, on the other hand, is 100x faster and speeds can go as fast as 500Mbps.
Mobile Data vs. Home Broadband
Home broadband is a type of internet connection that can be transmitted via fiber optics, wireless, cable, DSL, and satellite. Mobile data, on the other hand, uses your phone’s 3G, 4G, or 5G network to connect to the internet.
With home broadband, a modem or router provides broadband internet connection over the phone line, through a cable (DSL) or a fiber-optic cable. These days, internet service providers also offer LTE routers as an alternative.
You can have high-speed home internet through these LTE routers without having to use mobile data. Portable Wi-Fi routers that have an LTE connection are also used. They allow multiple devices to access the internet at the same time.
On the other hand, mobile data is the data allowance on your SIM card. This can be either prepaid or postpaid. A router is not needed because the SIM card allows your mobile phone or other internet-enabled devices, such as a tablet, to access the internet.
Your internet-enabled device can also be used as a hotspot, which is similar to a Wi-Fi router.
Also check out:
- 6 Best Pocket WiFi Devices in the Philippines
- Best Postpaid Phone Plans in the Philippines
How to Choose the Best Internet Service Provider (and Plan) in the Philippines
There are factors you need to consider when choosing an internet service provider. We have listed them down to help you decide.
1. What You Will Use The Internet Connection For
Do you need an internet connection for your job? Are you planning to do business online? Is it for your child’s online classes?
If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then you need a reliable internet connection. You will have to choose an internet service provider with a solid track record of reliable performance.
Choose the plan that will provide you a good balance of price and performance.
2. How Many Internet-Enabled Devices Will Connect To The Internet At The Same Time
Needless to say, the more devices that are used to access the internet, the more that your internet speed will decrease.
If you know how many users and devices will connect to the internet, then you will know how much data allowance you will need and what internet speed will likely give you a better internet experience.
3. Which Internet Plan Has The Best Value For Money
At the outset, you need to decide how much you are willing to spend on your internet connection. This will help narrow down your options.
Different internet service providers (ISP) in the Philippines have plenty of offerings but not all of these offers suit every budget.
Once you have identified your budget, take a look at what different ISPs offer at that price range. Some might have added benefits that others do not offer.
4. The Coverage
Unfortunately, there are still areas in the country that are out of reach of certain internet service providers (ISP).
Even though a particular ISP might have the best offering, if it is not available in your area, then you still cannot get their service.
5. The Internet Speed
Not all internet service providers (ISP) are the same. There are those that shine in specific areas.
However, speed is definitely one of the top things you need to consider when choosing an internet plan, especially if you do a lot of streaming and play online games. Higher speeds will cost you, though.
Related: Best VPNs in the Philippines
6. The Best Promos
You should keep your eyes peeled for promos. Every once in a while, different internet service providers (ISP) in the country announce special offers.
These offers can be your chance to try a different internet plan from your ISP or switch to another ISP altogether.
If you have more questions, feel free to comment below.
Also see: Best Prepaid Phone Plans in the Philippines
Internet Plans in the Philippines FAQs
Still got questions about internet service providers in the Philippines? Keep on reading.
How can I measure the speed of my internet connection?
The fastest and easiest way you can do this is by running a test on https://www.speedtest.net/.
Can I get internet without a long-term contract in the Philippines?
Most internet providers in the Philippines have a 24-month lock-in commitment.
If you prefer no commitment for your internet, Globe has a no lock-up option for UNLI Plans 2499 and 3499. These plans have a three-month trial period. You also need to shell out P4,500 for the modem.
What should I look for when comparing internet plans?
Aside from price and features, you should also consider its reliability, customer service, and coverage in your location.
Are there any additional fees associated with internet plans?
Aside from monthly subscriptions, internet providers in the Philippines may charge an additional fee for the modem and installation.
Always make sure to ask your provider about this.
What’s the difference between broadband and fiber internet?
Normal broadband uses copper circuits. Fiber-based internet, on the other hand, has higher speeds and is capable of delivering more data. It uses fiber optic cables, which can transmit more data.
What is MBPS?
These days, there are many internet plans that are being offered, and it can be overwhelming having to choose one that best suits your needs.
However, knowing some internet connection basics will definitely help lessen the confusion. First, you need to understand how bandwidth is different from internet speed.
In the Philippines, most internet providers market their internet plans according to Mbps. Some people do not really understand what Mbps is, so they have false expectations when they subscribe to an internet plan.
Internet speed is how fast data can be uploaded or downloaded.
On the other hand, bandwidth is how much data can be uploaded or downloaded. 1 Megabit/s is equal to 0.125 Gigabytes per second. For example, if the internet speed is 10Mbps, a 1GB file can be downloaded in 13.3 minutes.
Basically, when internet providers advertise 10Mbps, they mean that the internet connection’s combined speed and bandwidth are 10Mbps or 10 megabits of data per second. Therefore, a high Mbps means more information can be transferred at a faster rate.
However, you might have seen the phrase “up to [X] Mbps” in the fine print of some internet provider’s ad. “Up to” refers to the internet connection’s maximum capacity in favorable conditions, so this is not a guarantee that you will have the same internet speed at all times.
To give you an idea of how much Mbps is needed for certain tasks, here is a table based on the [1]stats provided by Boingo, the internet provider of the LAX.
| Activities | Mbps Needed |
| Casual web surfing, checking email, streaming standard-definition videos | 2-4Mbps |
| Streaming high-definition videos at 720p, downloading some videos (might take roughly 20 minutes); good web surfing experience | 4-6Mbps |
| Streaming high-definition videos at 1080p, downloading some videos; excellent web surfing experience | 6-10Mbps |
| Reliable for streaming content and making fast downloads | 10-20Mbps |
| Running many applications at the same time (good for business reasons) | 20+Mbps |
How does data allocation work?
Everything done on the internet requires data. This means that if you get a 5GB data allocation or data allowance per month, you can upload or download 5 gigabytes of information in a month.
You can make a rough estimate of the data allowance you will likely need in a month by identifying the online activities that you do. Here are a few common [2]activities online and the estimated amount of data used in each activity:
| Online Activity | Data Consumption |
| Downloading a photo | 5MB |
| Streaming music (10 songs) | 80MB |
| Playing games online (1 hour) | 43MB |
| Streaming videos, like YouTube (1 hour) | 429MB |
| Streaming a TV service online, Netflix (1 hour) | 644MB |
| Streaming standard-definition movies (2 hours) | 1.9GB |
| Streaming high-definition movies (2 hours) | 4.2GB |
Disclaimer: Grit PH strives to post up-to-date information on all investment, banking, and other financial products we feature. However, information may change without notice. Therefore, we do not guarantee the accuracy of the information listed on the website, including those provided by third parties at any particular time.
It is best to review the updated terms and conditions of your chosen financial institution. Grit PH is not affiliated with the companies mentioned in the article. All testimonials and opinions are representative only of the writer’s experience, but the results will be unique to each individual.
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