When looking for the right internet provider in Germany, you can quickly lose track of what’s going on. Firstly, you will find different bundle offers and internet tariffs with varying terms and conditions that are hard for the layman to evaluate. Secondly, many Internet providers in Germany are competing with each other for customers – from network operators to discount stores. In this situation finding the best internet connection is not that easy. So it is worth making a comparison. Note: Underneath the comparison, you will find many useful tips for ordering internet in Germany!
The best internet offers in Germany – only at insidegermany.co
Before you compare German internet providers, it is good to know that the internet offers presented on our website are usually cheaper than those you can find directly with the provider. This is due to the fact that there are no personal costs for the operator, as well as the bonuses that you will only receive if you conclude a contract online.
Furthermore, internet contracts in Germany can be terminated up to 14 days after the conclusion of the contract without giving any reason or incurring any financial consequences (according to German law: § 312 ff., 355 BGB). This law is designed to ensure that consumers are protected from untrustworthy companies and their risks are minimized.
Here’s how to fill out the form below and view offers from German internet providers!
In the form below you enter the area code (Vorwahl) of the town where you live (if you don’t know it, enter the postal code with “Vorwahl” in Google, e.g. “50667 Vorwahl”) and select the internet speed you are interested in (Geschwindigkeit). Furthermore, you can choose between a flat-rate package (unlimited) for landline telephone (Festnetz-Flatrate) and TV (Fernseh-Flatrate). Additionally, you can choose how long your contract will last (Vertragslaufzeit) and also indicate whether you still have a contract with another provider (Laufender Vertrag?) by indicating its duration (Restlaufzeit aktueller Vertrag). In this case, you will be shown the results of operators who offer, for example, free months. Then please enter your contact details and payment information. After sending off your application you will receive an e-mail confirmation from the selected provider with your access data.
How many MBit/s do you need?
If you just want to surf the web and write e-mails, a speed of 16,000 Kbit/s (16 Mbit/s) is sufficient. At the moment almost every Internet Service Provider in Germany offers this speed. If you often download large files and regularly use streaming channels such as Netflix or Youtube you should consider a faster connection speed of at least 25 Mbit/s. A slow permanent connection definitely limits the pleasure of using the Internet, that is why we advise you to choose a tariff with a fast Internet connection.
The available approximate speeds in our place of residence can be checked during the service ordering process. In the case of DSL access via telephone lines there are usually available speeds of 6 Mbit/s and 16 Mbit/s for receiving and 1 Mbit/s for sending data. In an increasing number of locations, a newer generation of connections is also available, the so-called VDSL, with upload speeds of up to 100 Mbit/s and receive speeds of 10 Mbit/s. More recently, connections with speeds of up to 1000 Mbit/s and 50 Mbit/s respectively have also been available in some districts of major cities.
VDSL connections tend to be more expensive than slower DSL counterparts, but more and more operators are offering 50 Mbit/s for the price of the previously standard 16 Mbit/s speed. Cable networks usually offer higher data reception limits (up to 1000 Mbit/s), however, data transmission is usually limited and is usually a maximum of 10 Mbit/s.
Please note the minimum contract duration for a fixed-line (DSL-Anschluss)
German internet tariffs usually have a minimum contract duration, which binds the customer to his internet service provider for 24 months. If you do not terminate the contract 3 months before the end of the contract, it will automatically be extended for another 12 months. Internet providers can plan better for the long term and reward users who opt for a connection with a longer minimum contract duration. Such users, for example, have a lower base fee to pay for a fixed-line. However, the 24-month contract has its drawbacks: firstly, it is not possible to react quickly to falling prices on the internet market, and secondly, it is not possible until the last month to change the connection to a high-speed technology such as VDSL (up to 50 Mbit/s). If you are looking for a longer-term internet connection you can use the service provider’s facilities for many months. However, you should keep to the notice period so that you can choose new offers in the month when your contract ends.
Internet in Germany – is it possible to connect without a landline?
If you don’t need a telephone connection, because for example you only use your cell phone, you can take this into account when comparing internet offers. Simply uncheck the box under “Telefonflatrate” (phone flat rate) and you will only get internet tariffs without a phone. This will prevent unnecessary costs and you will not have to pay money for months for something you do not really need.
Cable internet is an attractive alternative
If ISPs can’t provide broadband then there are still other options for you to access the internet anyway. One of them is cable internet, where you access the internet not through a DSL copper cable, but through a TV cable. Cable providers such as Unitymedia and Kabel Deutschland offer Internet access, TV and telephone connections in one go. Thanks to favourable prices and data transfer rates of 200 Mbit/s, the cable Internet tariff option is definitely more than just an alternative to a permanent connection. If you are interested in this method of Internet connection, you should compare the offers of cable providers below.
How much does the internet cost in Germany?
When ordering a landline internet connection in Germany you have to reckon with several expenses “for starters”. Most providers give you a free modem for the duration, but charge a shipping fee of around 10 euros for the equipment. If you do not have an existing telephone line in your home, you will have to pay a Deutsche Telekom technician to activate your line (Bereitstellungsentgelt) for 40 to 60 Euros if you decide to use (V)DSL. Similar activation fees are also charged by cable providers. However, some or all of these costs can be recouped through ongoing promotions (e.g. by discounting the fee during the first months of the contract).
Most providers offer two-year service contracts. Some of them allow you to order an Internet connection with an option of one month’s notice. In this case, you will have to pay a higher monthly fee or pay no discount at the beginning of the contract.
German fixed-line – order processing
After choosing the operator and the product and placing the order there is only one thing left for you – to be patient. It can take up to several weeks from the moment of ordering to the moment when you will be able to use your permanent connection. In the case of lines via telephone, your provider will contact Deutsche Telekom to request the activation of our line. Deutsche Telekom will then inform you of the timeframe within which a technician will perform this activation (usually between 14 and 21 days after placing the order). You will need to be home when the new line is activated and the technician may need to check your telephone socket. In case of problems with the deadline, you have to contact the chosen operator in order to arrange a new date. Theoretically, you can expect the fastest installation if you order your Internet connection directly from Deutsche Telekom.
DSL modem connection diagram
Below we present a diagram of the DSL modem connection in Germany:
