The Best Stores With Free Wi-Fi
More Than Just Starbucks
You are probably aware that Wi-Fi is available at many coffee shops such as Starbucks. But did you know that many other common restaurants and retail chains that provide their guests with complimentary internet access as well? Being aware of a few of these popular options can be a valuable thing to know in case you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to find a store that has free internet access, so you can confidently expect to find a spot within a block of your location in any urban area.
1. Dunkin’ Donuts
Dunkin’ Donuts is a hidden gem when it comes to coffee shops with free Wi-Fi. While popular coffee shops can become a bustling hub full of patrons Dunkin’ Donuts remains comparatively much more accessible to guests even offering great Wi-Fi that averages 24.2 Mbps! But depending on where you find yourself in the US, you may or may not see many of these locations around. Although there are over 9,000 locations across the US, they are currently only available in 45 states, with most locations being concentrated to the East Coast. However new locations are popping up all the time, especially like major metropolitan areas like the greater Los Angeles.
2. Target
The first retail location on this list; Target offers free Wi-Fi to their guests. Although speeds are on the lower end, averaging at 1.8Mbps, it can serve as a great location to get free Wi-Fi in a pinch with over 1,950 stores open across the US. Plus there are scattered benches around the store if you’re looking for a seat as well as the food court which is available at most locations.
3. Panera Bread
Although not nearly as prevalent as the previous spot, Panera Bread has been popping up in and around every large US city with over 2,000 locations open for business today. In 2004, they even became the largest free Wi-Fi provider in the US . Although things have changed quite a bit since then, Panera Bread continues to be a popular location that offers their guests free Wi-Fi. Although their Wi-Fi is stable and dependable, the speed can be a bit on the slower side at 1Mbps, especially during their busier hours. But if you’re looking for a place where you can sit down comfortably and take your time lazily browsing the internet, Panera Bread delivers.
4. McDonald’s
When it comes to the most prevalent fast-food chains around, McDonalds takes the cake errr- The BigMac. Not only are they widely available with over 13,000 locations in the US, they also provide their guests with free wifi. On top of being free**, it’s pretty fast too at 4.19Mbps.** So next time you need to access the internet from your smartphone or laptop, just look out for the golden arches and you’re sure to find it.
5. Best Buy
Another common retail location on this list, Best Buy also offers free complimentary Wi-Fi to guests. Pretty much every major city has a Best Buy with about 1,000 locations in operation today. And the Wi-Fi offered isn’t too bad either averaging at 4Mbps. The downside however, is the lack of any seating arrangements. So don’t expect to find a spot to sit and browse the internet for long periods of time. But it can come in handy in a pinch.
6. Lowe’s Home Improvement
A place that doesn’t cross most people’s minds when it comes to free Wi-Fi is Lowe’s Home Improvement. Although the speeds aren’t super fast, at only 1.5Mbps, and about 1,700 stores across the US. Lowe’s can be a great spot to access free Wi-Fi, especially if you have a location near you.
7. Subway
Subway is one of those restaurants that you might start craving from time to time because of their famous $5 Dollar Footlong marketing campaign. But you may actually be surprised to learn that Subway hasn’t offered the $5 Dollar Footlong since 2012. The good news however, is that they still offer free decent Wi-Fi to guests, averaging speeds of 4.78Mbps. Plus they are pretty common with over 37,000 locations across the US. But not only that, some of which are open 24-hours a day.
8. Barnes and Noble
Probably the most comfortable retail location on this list, Barnes & Noble offers its patrons with free Wi-Fi averaging speeds of about 3Mbps. Although there are only a few of these bookstores available with only about 580 locations across the US (most commonly found by large shopping malls) it is by far the most quiet and most comfortable place to get any work you need done on the internet. Plus, you can even browse some books if needed.
9. Arby’s
Going from one sandwich shop to another, Arby’s is definitely the more low-key options with around 3,400 locations currently open across the US. Despite there being fewer locations available, the Wi-Fi they offer is top-notch clocking in at over 14Mbps. I guess you can technically say that they are the industry leader when it comes to restaurants that serve a roast beef sandwich as well as HD streaming worthy Wi-Fi speeds
10. REI
Moving on to even more retail locations, REI tops this list for being our favorite, especially since they are an outdoors equipment retailer, and we love that kind of stuff over here at theurbanrover.com. Although they are relatively obscure to most people, with only 179 locations available today, what you may not know is that REI has started offering free Wi-Fi to their guests as well. Averaging 5Mbps, which is not lightning fast, but it definitely allows for some quick browsing of your social media feed if needed.
Final Thoughts
Free internet access is readily available, waiting to be discovered. It’s highly probable that the nearest free hotspot is just a few miles away from wherever you may find yourself.
Keep in mind, that when using free Wi-Fi in public areas, you should be careful and take the appropriate safety measures to keep yourself safe from cyber threats. Take the time to learn the most important safety tips by reading our write up here.
