The right kind of internet for apartment living depends on the building’s location, infrastructure, and the tenant’s lifestyle. Using the building’s internet plan is certainly convenient, but rarely without downsides.
Some renters prefer a Wi-Fi-ready space, while others want a say in the type of connection and speeds they receive. The apartment Wi-Fi setup offered by your landlord could be a decent option, but what if you can easily get another that’s way better?
Then again, rejecting what’s available to get your own internet plan may not necessarily be in your best interests. Let’s figure out whether your apartment’s internet is for better or worse.
What Is a Preferred ISP in an Apartment Building?
Collaboration between apartment-building landlords and ISPs is essentially a quid pro quo. The ISP gets to secure every tenant in the building as a customer, while the landlord benefits by receiving a handsome discount or commission in exchange.
The ISP your landlord has an agreement with is the preferred ISP, as it earns them a financial advantage. If you choose the apartment's preferred ISP, you may enjoy perks like lower cost, free internet equipment, and bundled services (cable TV, home phone, etc.). However, the arrangement might also impose basic speeds and overall mediocre performance.
Pros and Cons of Using the Apartment’s Internet Service
👍 Pros:
- Quick and easy setup/plug-and-play
- Low monthly cost; sometimes included in rent
- No installation required
- Saves time and effort involved in signing up for a new service
👎 Cons:
- Shared bandwidth results in slow speeds during peak hours
- Service is non-transferable
- Limited options for personalization; you may not get the connection type or speeds of your choice
- Non-negotiable terms and pricing
Pros and Cons of Getting Your Own Internet
👍 Pros:
- Freedom to choose connection type and speeds
- Plenty of opportunities for customization
- No network sharing
👎 Cons:
- Relatively expensive; upfront charges for equipment and setup
- Additional expense if the cost of the preferred ISP is included in the rent
- Time-consuming process
Best Internet Plans for Apartments
| ISP | Connection Type | Internet Plan | Download Speed | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Fiber | Fios 300 Mbps | Up to 300 Mbps | $34.99/mo.1 | ORDER NOW |
 | Fiber | Fiber 500 | Up to 500 Mbps | $65/mo.2 | ORDER NOW |
 | Cable | 300 Mbps | Up to 300 Mbps | $55/mo.3 | ORDER NOW |
 | Cable | Spectrum Internet® Premier | Up to 500 Mbps | $50/mo.4 | ORDER NOW |
| Fixed Wireless | Verizon 5G Home Internet | Up to 300 Mbps5 | $35/mo.6 | ORDER NOW |
| Fixed Wireless | AT&T 5G Home Internet | 90 – 300 Mbps | $60/mo. (Plus taxes7) | ORDER NOW |
1. w/ Auto Pay & any Verizon mobile phone plan. See Details
2. Plus taxes. Eligible Autopay & Paperless Bill req’d.* See Details
See Broadband Facts: www.att.com/dapbbfacts
3. With Autopay and Paperless Discount For 60 month, no term contract. Taxes and equipment not included. Incl. up to $10/mo. auto-pay & paperless bill discount.
4. For one year
5. typical speeds of 85 to 250 Mbps
6. w/ Auto Pay & any Verizon mobile phone plan See Details
7. Price after $5/mo. AutoPay discount (w/in 2 bills). Paperless billing required. Monthly State Cost Recovery charge applies in OH, NV, TX.
When It’s Better to Get Your Own Internet Plan
Even though going with the apartment's preferred ISP might seem like the easier route, here’s when you should consider getting a personal connection:
- You’re a gamer – apartment internet relies on a shared network that is unlikely to deliver the speeds and latency required for a smooth gaming experience (particularly during rush hours).
- You’re a remote worker – working from home full-time requires a fast, secure, and reliable connection; Wi-Fi for apartments with basic speeds may cause interruptions and interference.
- You’re a streamer – as a professional streamer, you may require high upload and download speeds, which is why an independent fiber-powered connection is the best option.
- You’re a techie – a personal connection is recommended if you wish to personalize your home network, get a custom router, add top-notch security features, and optimize speeds.
- You want control – getting your own internet gives you privacy and freedom to customize your apartment Wi-Fi setup the way you want (no third-party intervention).
While you browse Wi-Fi options for apartments, don’t forget to compare installation protocols and costs. It’s best to opt for an internet connection you can set up by yourself, as it saves time and money.
Building’s ISP vs Getting Your Own: Which is Right for You?
| Criteria | Preferred ISP | Own Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Speed Flexibility | No | Yes |
| Low Cost | Yes (typically, but not necessarily) | No (setup + equipment charges apply) |
| Privacy | No | Yes |
| Control/Customization | No | Yes |
To conclude, getting your own internet connection clearly has more advantages. You can tailor your internet plan according to your needs and preferences. The benefit of choosing the existing apartment internet provider is usually limited to lower cost. You don’t have to pay upfront charges for installation (and sometimes equipment), which makes it ideal for users on a tight budget.
FAQs
Is the apartment internet good?
The internet offered in apartments can be suitable for tenants who want a Wi-Fi-ready space and basic speeds at an affordable price.
Can I get my own internet instead of using the apartment's internet?
You may have to get permission from your landlord if you wish to get your own internet rather than using the one provided by them. If the cost of the apartment Wi-Fi is included in the rent, you might have to pay for it in any case.
Which is the best Wi-Fi for apartments?
A fiber internet connection provides the best speeds through Ethernet and Wi-Fi in apartments.
