Best ISP in Israel for 2026

Top ISPs in Israel at a glance

ISP breakdown

1. Bezeq

Bezeq is Israel's national incumbent telecom and the largest fixed broadband provider by subscriber count. Its network historically ran on VDSL2 over copper, delivering up to 100–200 Mbps in practice depending on line length. Bezeq has been rolling out FTTH (fiber to the home) aggressively since 2021, and a growing portion of its subscriber base is now on fiber connections. Bezeq's broadband is sold both directly and through subsidiary brands. The Bezeq International arm handles premium and business internet, while the core Bezeq brand focuses on residential service. Network stability and customer service have improved notably in recent years.

2. HOT

HOT is Israel's primary cable internet provider, operating an HFC (hybrid fiber-coaxial) network that covers most of the major cities and many suburban areas. HOT's cable network is capable of delivering strong download speeds — up to 1 Gbps on its top plans — though upload is limited compared to fiber. HOT also offers a TV service (HOT TV) which makes it a popular choice for households wanting bundled broadband and pay TV. HOT has been upgrading its network to support higher speeds and lower latency in preparation for competitive pressure from full fiber deployments.

3. Partner Communications

Partner Communications (formerly Orange Israel) is one of Israel's three major mobile operators and a growing force in fixed fiber broadband. Partner has deployed its own FTTH network in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and other major cities, competing directly with Bezeq and HOT. Its fiber plans are priced competitively and bundle well with Partner's mobile plans. Partner also offers 5G fixed wireless home internet. The company has positioned itself as a tech-forward ISP, with a modern app-based account management experience.

4. Cellcom

Cellcom is Israel's third major mobile operator and has entered the fixed fiber market with its own FTTH rollout. Cellcom's fiber network is concentrated in urban areas and is still expanding. Like Partner, Cellcom offers 5G FWA home internet as a complement to its fiber service. Cellcom broadband plans are competitive on price and bundle attractively with its mobile offerings. Customer service quality has been a differentiator as Cellcom targets users frustrated with the incumbents.

5. 012 Smile

012 Smile (also known as 012 Mobile) is a smaller ISP that resells Bezeq's fiber and VDSL infrastructure at competitive pricing. It targets price-sensitive residential customers and offers straightforward plans without complex contracts. Coverage mirrors Bezeq's network footprint, so availability is broad. For users who want Bezeq's underlying network quality at lower monthly rates, 012 Smile is worth considering, though it offers fewer premium features than the full Bezeq service.

How to choose the best ISP in Israel

1. Check whether fiber or cable reaches your building — in cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, multiple ISPs have deployed fiber directly. In suburban and smaller cities, you may be choosing between Bezeq VDSL and HOT cable.
2. Bundle mobile for better pricing — Partner and Cellcom both offer significant discounts for customers who combine fiber broadband with a mobile plan from the same operator.
3. HOT for TV bundle — if you want pay TV alongside broadband, HOT's combined cable TV and internet package is the most seamless option in Israel.
4. Ask specifically about FTTH vs. VDSL at your address — Bezeq markets both fiber and copper-based broadband under similar branding. Always confirm that FTTH (fiber) rather than VDSL is what's being offered at your specific address before signing up.

Internet speeds in Israel

Israel's median fixed broadband download speed in early 2026 is approximately 120–150 Mbps according to Ookla Speedtest data, reflecting a market in transition from VDSL and cable to FTTH. Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem — the three largest cities — record the highest median speeds as fiber rollout progresses most quickly in dense urban environments. HOT's cable network has historically delivered strong download speeds in the cities it covers. Israel's mobile speeds are also competitive, with 5G coverage expanding from the major cities outward. The Ministry of Communications has set targets for national gigabit fiber coverage as part of its national broadband plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Bezeq direct and resellers like 012 Smile?

Bezeq owns and operates Israel's national copper and growing fiber infrastructure. Bezeq sells broadband directly to consumers under its own brand, but is also regulated to allow independent ISPs (called ISP resellers or "communication service providers" in Israeli regulation) to use its infrastructure. 012 Smile is one of these resellers — it buys wholesale capacity from Bezeq and sells it to end users, typically at lower prices. The physical connection, line speeds, and reliability are the same as Bezeq direct, since the same infrastructure is used. The difference is in pricing, customer service, and the account management experience.

Is HOT or Bezeq better for internet in Tel Aviv?

In Tel Aviv, both HOT and Bezeq (and increasingly Partner fiber) offer competitive broadband. HOT's cable network is well-established in Tel Aviv and delivers strong download speeds. Bezeq's FTTH rollout in Tel Aviv has been accelerating and offers better upload symmetry on fiber plans. For most households, the practical difference on equivalent plan tiers is minimal. HOT has an edge if you want bundled pay TV. Bezeq fiber has an edge for upload speed and long-term network stability. Check which providers offer fiber specifically at your building address, as Tel Aviv is still partly on VDSL in some older neighborhoods.