staff review

We're committed to rigorous research, first-hand experience, and transparency in our rating methodology. We don't accept sponsored placements or allow partner compensation to impact our ratings. Learn more about how we rate providers.

Researched by

Kathryn CasnaSenior Staff Writer

Reviewed by

Bri FieldAssigning Editor

Updated 6/18/24

We’re committed to transparency. We may earn money when you follow our recommendations, but compensation doesn’t affect our ratings. Learn more.

Astound Broadband offers very inexpensive internet at fast speeds

Top-notch customer service and shockingly low intro pricing make switching to one of Astound’s brands (Wave, RCN, Grande, or enTouch) an easy choice. Astound Broadband offers internet speeds varying from 300 Mbps to 1,500 Mbps. You can lock in a very low introductory rate for one to three years, starting at around $20 a month! Astound Broadband often offers extra perks when you sign up, like an Amazon gift card, a month of free service, and 50% off installation.

What we like

Award-winning service and speed
Low introductory prices
No contract required

What we dislike

Price increase after intro period

Astound Broadband internet review video thumbnail — Our expert review of Astound Broadband internet service.

Before digging too deep...

Make sure Astound Broadband is available in your area.

Savings tip: Astound Broadband often has sign-up promotions for first-time customers. Call 1-844-443-5172 to ask a rep about current deals and discounts.

Check deals

Our expert assessment

Value

4.5

Lock-in a low price for 1–3 years

Astound Broadband offers very inexpensive DSL, cable, and fiber internet plans with at least three plan options and no data caps in most areas. Nearly all plans are priced under $50 for the first year.

For many Astound Broadband internet plans, you can get speeds up to 300 Mbps for as low as $20 a month with a three-year price lock. For speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, you may be eligible to get a deal for $20 a month for six months, and then $55 a month with a three-year price lock. Even after price increases, that's a deal. National benchmarks for similar plans are in the $130 range, so you’ll be getting a great deal. (1)

You can make the most of Astound Broadband's internet offers in a few ways. One, sign up for Astound internet online. Astound Broadband offers some deals exclusively online. Two, sign up for autopay and e-billing with Astound. When you use an automatic bank account, you'll save the most. You'll save a little less when you use an automated credit or debit card. Three, look at current deals Astound is offering. You can often find offers that include an Amazon gift card, one month of free internet, or 50% off installation, depending on your eligibility.

Pricing details vary by location. Visit

Astound Broadband's website

or call 1-844-443-5172 to speak with a rep.

See pricing

Performance

4.5

Award-winning speed

Astound Broadband is very fast. That said, as with most ISPs, you may not experience the speeds advertised for your plan because speeds fluctuate based on numerous conditions.

With Astound, the speed on your plan is the “average” that customers see, so your speeds will vary depending on the gear you’re using, time of day, how many devices are using your Wi-Fi, and more. If you see persistent speed issues, Astound encourages you to call customer service to get help figuring out the issue.

Available speeds vary by location. Call 1-844-443-5172 to speak with a Astound Broadband rep or

go to its website.

Equipment and installation

3.5

DIY or professional installation

You can rent a modem and one of two Wi-Fi routers from Astound, bringing your total monthly equipment costs between $17 and $27. For most people, the Whole Home Wi-Fi router option will be the right choice. It includes an eero mesh router and an extender, and you can add more extenders to ensure coverage throughout your entire home. This is a reliable Wi-Fi router that supports fast internet speeds, up to 1,500 Mbps!

You can get fancier equipment yourself, if you are a power internet user. Gamers and other heavy streamers can consider the Nighthawk Pro gaming router to reduce lag spikes and achieve more consistent speeds. This router can support speeds up to 5,400 Mbps! That's way more than what the typical household needs, but it's an option for tech heads and gamers.

To save money on equipment fees, you can use own gear or use Astound’s free self-setup option, which is available in most areas. Using DIY install, you'll pay just $10 to activate your service. Astound Broadband even offers detailed online instructions and videos to make it easy to DIY install. If you do want professional help or your home isn’t already properly wired, professional installation starts around $80, which is about average.

As an Amazon Associate, Switchful.com may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Equipment and installation options can vary widely depending on

Astound Broadband plans

available in your area.

View plans

Customer experience

4.5

Award-winning customer service

Astound has (sorry in advance) astounding customer service. This company won fifth place in PCMag's Reader's Choice award in 2022 (2), and before it consolidated them under the Astound brand, Grande, Wave, RCN, and WOW! were all recognized in 2021 (3) and we can see why Astound is a fan favorite. You don't have to sign a contract if you don't want to, your plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and if your technician is late for your appointment, Astound will pay you $20 for the inconvenience. Put it all together, and you get a top-notch customer experience.

Visit Astound Broadband's website

or call 1-844-443-5172 for more information on contracts and money-back guarantees.

Go to provider

Ready for the next step?

See if Astound Broadband services your area.

We stand by the validity of our reviews and are committed to transparency: Our team uses consumer sentiment software to source customer reviews, which are entirely unique to this website. Reviewers attest to being current customers of the providers they review and are not incentivized to speak positively or negatively about their experience. We do not alter the reviews in any way. Learn more about how we source reviews.

Astound Broadband customer ratings overview

Astound Broadband

4.0

(13)

5 Star

23%

4 Star

54%

3 Star

23%

2 Star

1 Star

Our reviews come from real customers who weren't incentivized to leave a review. The rating distribution typically shows a range of experiences and opinions that helps you get a sense for the average customer experience, not just extremes.

Frequently asked questions about Astound Broadband

Top reviews from Astound Broadband customers

Deborahfrom Hyannis, MA

Astound Broadband Customer for 1+ years

Reviewed on: 5-8-2023

I like Astound very much and would recommend it

Junnefrom Chicago, IL

Astound Broadband Customer for 4+ years

Reviewed on: 4-28-2023

Astound has a great price but not a lot of stations for TV

Baxter from Odessa, TX

Astound Broadband Customer for 1+ years

Reviewed on: 3-24-2023

Astound's service is quite unreliable and the price is too high. When it is working it is good though.

Juliettefrom Somerville, MA

Astound Broadband Customer for 1+ years

Reviewed on: 3-20-2023

Generally, Astound is pretty good. It's usually reliable, and the speed is right for what I need. I don't often have to wait for things to buffer and downloads/uploads take a reasonable amount of time. But sometimes the internet cuts out and there is little explanation, it seems to happen randomly (not when there is a storm or obvious problem). It doesn't happen frequently though so I like Astound overall.

Aspen from Arlington, WA

Astound Broadband Customer for 1+ years

Reviewed on: 3-8-2023

The internet service from Astound is absolutely awesome, however it's way too expensive and the rates keep going up. I would switch if my apartment complex would allow a less expensive company.

Leroyfrom Chicago, IL

Astound Broadband Customer for 1+ years

Reviewed on: 8-29-2022

they are reliable. good customer service. far too expensive . hate that they raise prices too often.

Sandrafrom Chicago, IL

Astound Broadband Customer for 4+ years

Reviewed on: 8-29-2022

It has been variable. For the first years as RCN, it was great. As the prices went up, the quality went down, with frequent short outages and occasional longer ones lasting several hours. At this point, it seems to be recovering reasonably.

Jamedfrom Bastrop, LA

Astound Broadband Customer for 8+ years

Reviewed on: 8-29-2022

I'm very happy with Astound. I have used them for a long time and haven't had too many issues. When there are issues they seem to get fixed fast

Graziafrom Astoria, NY

Astound Broadband Customer for Less than a year

Reviewed on: 8-29-2022

I had no issues so far, the service is reliable and at a good price

Paulfrom Catasauqua, PA

Astound Broadband Customer for 4+ years

Reviewed on: 6-24-2022

I think they charge much too much for their dservice. Lower prices

Juliefrom Passaic, NJ

Astound Broadband Customer for 8+ years

Reviewed on: 6-24-2022

I hope the Internet speed is faster and the price is lower

Margaretfrom New York, NY

Astound Broadband Customer for 1+ years

Reviewed on: 6-17-2022

Astound 5G wifi have increased the speed from my previous internet. I was very happy with the promotion price at $39.99 but when my contract expired my payments doubled. With the spottiness and occasional dropped connections each month, I don't see the value I am paying for.

Lynfrom Somerville, MA

Astound Broadband Customer for 1+ years

Reviewed on: 6-17-2022

I am satisfied with my Astound (formally RCN) service. The signal is consistent. I have no suggestions for improvement.

Providers near you

Check out all your options!

Endnotes and sources

“2022 Urban Rate Survey – Fixed Broadband Service,” FCC. Accessed 9 December 2022.
“Readers’ Choice 2022: Your Favorite ISPs for Any Type of Broadband,” PCMag. Accessed 9 December 2022.
“Readers’ Choice 2021: Internet Service Providers,” PCMag. Accessed 9 December 2022.