Apartment living has advantages because the staff takes care of maintenance and landscaping. Some rentals also cover water or electricity in the rent.

But internet service is not usually included. That allows you to pick a provider and plan that suits you.

When looking for internet for an apartment, remember that multi-unit buildings often have fewer options than single-family homes.

Network security is also important. Since neighbors are close, protecting your network is essential.

How should you start setting up the internet in an apartment? This guide covers key steps, including checking available providers, picking a plan, setting up equipment, and securing Wi-Fi.

Check Internet Options Before Moving In

Before moving in, ask the leasing office or landlord about available internet services. They might say Wi-Fi is included in the rent but don’t assume it is.

Most likely, they will claim that only one provider serves the building. Question that statement because your apartment may have more internet options than they admit.

Apartment owners often prefer a specific internet provider for convenience or to save money.

The Federal Communications Commission banned exclusive agreements between owners and ISPs in 2008.

Recently, the FCC introduced new rules to boost competition, making ISP exclusivity in apartments less common.

In February 2022, the FCC approved a rule that stops revenue sharing between owners and ISPs.

It also requires owners to disclose exclusive marketing deals to ensure tenants have more choices for internet services.

Limited Internet Provider Options for Your Apartment

Some ISPs may not offer service in your area; not all run lines to your building.

Owners cannot sign exclusive deals with ISPs or receive payments for promoting one provider.

However, they can still influence which providers install service lines in the building, meaning only one cable or fiber provider may be available.

You can choose only one internet type if your building has limited wiring. Ask your owner or leasing office before requesting a new line from another provider.

Installing new fiber or cable lines may involve drilling or mounting boxes on the building’s exterior, which your lease might not allow.

Additionally, most apartments prohibit satellite dishes, so satellite internet is usually not an option.

Cable, Fiber, Fixed Wireless, and 5G Work Well in Apartments

Cable internet is a great option for apartments. The FCC states that it covers over 97% of urban areas.

Most apartment buildings already have the setup for internet and TV from major cable providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, or Mediacom.

Some regional cable companies may also offer services.

Cable internet usually provides high download speeds, reaching up to a gig or more, at competitive prices.

Checking other options before choosing cable helps find a better deal, especially for a low-cost plan after the Affordable Connectivity Program ended.

Fiber internet provides higher and more consistent speeds, with much faster uploads. The cost per Mbps is usually lower than cable when compared.

With nearly 50% coverage in cities, fiber-optic service from AT&T, CenturyLink, Frontier, and Verizon ranks second-best apartment internet choice.

When fiber isn’t available in an apartment but exists in the area, asking the landlord or leasing office about installation increases the chances of getting it.

Faster speeds and better value make fiber worth the effort.

Cable and fiber aren’t the only options. Fixed wireless internet from providers like Google Fiber and Starry Internet requires a receiver on the roof to distribute internet throughout the building.

Only apartments already equipped for it can access fixed wireless service.

5G home internet from providers like T-Mobile or Verizon might be an option in your area.

It does not need unique installation or equipment mounting. You likely will not require approval from the building owner before signing up.

The downside of 5G home internet is that speeds depend on location. T-Mobile’s top speeds can vary between 72 and 245Mbps, lower than cable, fiber, or fixed wireless.

No contracts exist, so you can try it without much risk to check the speeds.

Top Internet Options for Apartments

Choosing the Right Internet Plan for an Apartment

How fast should your internet be? That depends on a few things, like the number of people in the apartment, the number of devices connected, and how you use the internet.

If you live alone in a one-bedroom apartment, 100Mbps should be enough for streaming, gaming, and remote work.

For example, Netflix advises 25Mbps for 4K streaming, while the FCC recommends 4Mbps for online multiplayer games.

A 100Mbps plan may be unnecessary when 4K streaming works with 25Mbps and online gaming needs 4Mbps.

Wi-Fi reduces speed, and multiple devices like phones, computers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles can slow it down further.

Peak hours cause congestion, especially with cable internet, which is common in apartments where many share the same provider.

Even if your plan advertises 100Mbps, the actual speed on a device can be much lower.

For bigger apartments, families, or shared connections, a faster plan between 200-500Mbps may work better.

Some providers offer gigabit speeds, which may be more than needed and too expensive for an apartment.

Statista reports the average one-bedroom apartment is under 800 square feet.

A speed of 100-500Mbps should be enough for the limited number of users and devices in such a space.

A gigabit plan will provide extra speed if you need uninterrupted streaming, gaming, or remote work and can afford it.

Installing Internet Equipment in Your Apartment

A standard Wi-Fi router can cover around 1,200 square feet, similar to a large three-bedroom apartment.

To get the best signal and speed, keep the router in the center of the apartment. 

Place it on a raised surface and away from barriers like walls or a TV.

Also, keep it away from cordless phones, microwaves, or other electronics that send out radio signals, as they may weaken the connection.

If some areas in your apartment have weak signals or slow speeds, consider adding a Wi-Fi extender or upgrading your router.

Many internet providers let you use your router, which can help reduce monthly fees.

Some providers, like AT&T, Frontier, and Spectrum, offer Wi-Fi equipment at no extra cost.

Spectrum provides a free modem, but renting a router costs $7. If your provider’s router works well, you don’t need to buy a new one.

Keeping Your Apartment Internet Safe

Living in an apartment means having neighbors on all sides. A strong Wi-Fi signal can go through walls and reach nearby units.

Always protect your connection with a password to prevent others from using your internet.

Check your network regularly to see connected devices. Many routers and internet providers offer apps to view devices and adjust settings.

Some apps also notify you when a new device connects.

If you notice anything unusual, change your Wi-Fi password and reset your router.

You must log in again on all your devices, but it will remove unwanted users from your network.

Creating a guest Wi-Fi network helps keep your primary network secure. It also allows visitors to connect without accessing your primary connection.

Most ISPs or routers have apps to set up a guest network. Make sure it has a different name and password from your primary Wi-Fi.