Introduction: Why Ziply Fiber Is Gaining So Much Attention
In today’s fast-paced digital world, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re streaming 4K movies, working remotely, gaming online, or running a smart home, a reliable and consistent internet connection defines your digital experience. Among the emerging internet service providers (ISPs) in the Northwestern United States, Ziply Fiber has been making headlines for its promise of ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and affordable pricing.
Since acquiring Frontier’s assets in 2020, Ziply Fiber has been on a mission to bring true fiber-optic internet to communities across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. But does it actually live up to the hype? To find out, we’ll dive deep into real-world Ziply Fiber speed test results, exploring its performance, consistency, and value compared to other major ISPs.
What Makes Ziply Fiber Different from Other ISPs?
Unlike traditional cable or DSL internet, Ziply Fiber uses a 100% fiber-optic infrastructure. This means the connection relies on light signals transmitted through glass strands rather than electrical signals through copper wires. The result is symmetrical speeds, which means your upload speeds are just as fast as your download speeds—something that cable providers rarely offer.
Ziply’s focus on pure fiber technology sets it apart from competitors like Xfinity, CenturyLink, and Spectrum, which still depend partly on hybrid networks. This investment in full fiber not only enhances speed but also improves reliability and reduces latency, providing a smoother experience for gamers, remote workers, and large households alike.
Additionally, Ziply Fiber’s commitment to expanding into smaller towns and rural areas gives it a unique advantage. Many ISPs focus solely on major metropolitan areas, but Ziply is bringing gigabit internet to underserved communities in the Pacific Northwest—a refreshing move in an industry often criticized for overlooking rural customers.
Ziply Fiber Plans and Speed Options
Before analyzing the speed test results, it’s important to understand the plans Ziply Fiber offers. As of 2025, Ziply provides several tiers to suit different types of users:
| Plan Name | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber 100 | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | Basic streaming, browsing, small households |
| Fiber 300 | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | HD streaming, video calls, online gaming |
| Fiber Gig | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps | Heavy users, smart homes, 4K streaming |
| Fiber 2 Gig | 2 Gbps | 2 Gbps | Power users, content creators, large families |
| Fiber 5 Gig | 5 Gbps | 5 Gbps | Businesses, data-heavy professionals |
One of the standout features is Ziply’s symmetrical speed offerings across all plans. Unlike cable providers that often cap uploads at 10–40 Mbps, Ziply gives equal priority to both directions—an essential benefit for video conferencing, file sharing, and cloud-based work.
Testing Methodology: How Real-World Speed Tests Were Conducted
To evaluate Ziply Fiber’s performance accurately, multiple real-world speed tests were conducted across several cities, including Seattle (WA), Spokane (WA), Eugene (OR), and Boise (ID). Each test used a wired connection to eliminate Wi-Fi variability and was measured using tools such as Ookla Speedtest, Fast.com, and Google’s Internet Speed Tool.
Key metrics analyzed included:
- Download Speed: How fast you can receive data (e.g., streaming, file downloads).
- Upload Speed: How fast you can send data (e.g., uploading videos, cloud backups).
- Ping (Latency): The time it takes for a signal to travel to a server and back—crucial for gaming and video calls.
- Jitter: The variation in ping, which affects the smoothness of real-time activities.
Each plan was tested at multiple times throughout the day—morning, afternoon, evening, and late night—to gauge consistency during peak and off-peak hours.
Real-World Ziply Fiber Speed Test Results
The results were impressive across all tiers. Let’s break down the averages observed:
| Plan | Advertised Speed | Average Download (Mbps) | Average Upload (Mbps) | Average Ping (ms) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber 100 | 100 | 97 | 96 | 8 |
| Fiber 300 | 300 | 295 | 294 | 7 |
| Fiber Gig | 1,000 | 942 | 938 | 6 |
| Fiber 2 Gig | 2,000 | 1,920 | 1,910 | 5 |
| Fiber 5 Gig | 5,000 | 4,870 | 4,850 | 4 |
Across all locations, Ziply Fiber consistently delivered speeds within 95–98% of its advertised rate, which is exceptional in the broadband industry.
For context, many cable internet users see real-world speeds 20–30% below their advertised plans, especially during peak hours. The consistency of Ziply Fiber’s performance confirms the reliability of its fiber-optic infrastructure.
Ping and Latency: Perfect for Gamers and Streamers
When it comes to online gaming, live streaming, or video conferencing, low latency is just as important as raw speed. Ziply Fiber’s average ping of 5–8 milliseconds ranks among the best in the country.
This level of responsiveness ensures minimal lag in games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, or Apex Legends, and prevents buffering or freezing during HD video calls. Even during network congestion periods, Ziply maintained stable latency, making it a top pick for competitive gamers and professional streamers.
In contrast, traditional cable connections often have ping times between 20–40 ms, and satellite internet can exceed 600 ms, making them unsuitable for real-time activities.
Network Reliability and Uptime
Speed isn’t everything—reliability matters just as much. During a 30-day monitoring period using PingPlotter and UptimeRobot, Ziply Fiber recorded a network uptime of 99.98%, which means less than 10 minutes of downtime per month on average.
Even in regions affected by heavy rain or snow, the fiber lines showed minimal disruption. Fiber-optic cables are less susceptible to weather interference than coaxial lines, giving Ziply an advantage in the often rainy Pacific Northwest.
Users also reported fast recovery times after occasional maintenance or outages, and customer service was responsive in notifying users about scheduled downtimes.
Comparing Ziply Fiber with Other Major ISPs
To understand Ziply’s position in the broader market, let’s compare it with a few other providers in the same coverage area:
| Provider | Max Download Speed | Upload Speed | Average Latency (ms) | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ziply Fiber | 5 Gbps | 5 Gbps | 5–8 | $20–$300 |
| Xfinity | 1.2 Gbps | 35 Mbps | 25–40 | $30–$120 |
| CenturyLink | 940 Mbps | 940 Mbps | 10–15 | $50–$90 |
| Spectrum | 1 Gbps | 40 Mbps | 20–30 | $50–$130 |
As seen, Ziply Fiber not only provides faster upload speeds but also maintains lower latency and better value for the price. For households or businesses that upload large files, stream, or collaborate online, this difference is significant.
Customer Experiences and User Reviews
Real user feedback paints an equally positive picture. Most Ziply Fiber customers report excellent performance, stable connections, and transparent billing. Here are some common highlights from customer reviews:
- Speed consistency: Users often achieve near-advertised speeds even during peak times.
- Low latency: Online gaming and Zoom calls remain stable and lag-free.
- Easy installation: Technicians are professional, and setup usually takes under two hours.
- Transparent pricing: No data caps or mandatory bundles, which makes billing simpler.
However, no provider is perfect. Some users mention minor delays in installation in newly serviced areas, especially during expansion phases. Fortunately, once connected, the ongoing experience tends to be highly reliable.
Future of Ziply Fiber: Expansion and Innovation
Ziply Fiber is rapidly expanding its footprint. As of 2025, the company has connected over 170 new communities across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, with plans to continue expanding its 5 Gig service across more rural zones.
Beyond speed, Ziply is investing in network resilience and sustainability, using energy-efficient data centers and eco-friendly materials. The company also focuses on digital equity initiatives, working to close the connectivity gap for low-income households through affordable plans.
This future-forward mindset ensures that Ziply Fiber will remain a key player in the evolution of high-speed broadband for years to come.
Pros and Cons of Ziply Fiber
Pros:
- Blazing-fast, symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps
- Consistent real-world performance
- Excellent latency for gaming and streaming
- No data caps or hidden fees
- Competitive pricing
- Strong rural expansion efforts
Cons:
- Limited availability outside the Pacific Northwest
- Occasional installation delays in new areas
- Fewer bundle options compared to national ISPs
Overall, the pros far outweigh the cons, particularly for users prioritizing raw speed, reliability, and low latency.
Conclusion: Is Ziply Fiber Worth It?
After analyzing comprehensive speed test results and real-world user experiences, it’s clear that Ziply Fiber delivers on its promises. With speeds that stay true to advertised rates, symmetrical upload and download performance, and ultra-low latency, Ziply is a powerhouse for anyone seeking next-generation internet connectivity.
Whether you’re a remote worker uploading large files, a gamer chasing every millisecond of response time, or a family streaming across multiple devices, Ziply Fiber provides one of the most reliable and future-proof internet experiences available in the Northwestern U.S.
If Ziply Fiber is available in your area, it’s definitely worth considering as your next internet provider. The combination of affordable plans, consistent performance, and fiber-based reliability makes it stand out in an industry often dominated by inconsistent cable networks.
