Best cheap internet providers
*5G Home Internet: 5G Home plan at $35/mo. or 5G Home Plus plan at $45/mo. when combined with postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. Auto Pay & paper-free billing req’d. Availability varies. Subject to credit approval. Price guarantee: 2 yrs for 5G Home, 3 yrs for 5G Home Plus, for new Verizon Home Internet (“VHI”) households who have not subscribed to a VHI service within the last 90 days. Applies only to the then-current base monthly rate exclusive of any other setup and additional equipment charges, discounts or promotions, plan perk and any other third-party services. As of 10/03/24.
What are the cheapest internet plans?
First, determine what speed you need. The cheapest internet plans generally have lower speeds, so if you work from home or have many internet users in your household, you’ll need a plan that can support this. Consider taking our speed quiz to determine the minimum speed you need. A good baseline is the Federal Communication Commission’s 100/20 Mbps speed standard. You should avoid internet slower than this if you have more than one person using your connection at a time.
We’ve compiled a list of cheap and affordable internet options from our list of best internet providers and others below. Most internet providers will have plans much more expensive than $50/mo., but this starting plan could be a great option if you’re looking for cheap internet — just keep in mind you may be sacrificing speed in some cases.
With half of U.S. households paying between $60 and $90 per month, these providers offer some great low-price options.
To give you an idea of what you’ll be paying, we sorted the plans by total estimated cost, which is the starting monthly price plus equipment costs. We also included a column for speed value, which is how much you’re paying for your speed (cost/Mbps). The cheap Wi-Fi rates listed are introductory prices for new customers and are likely to increase after the introductory period. Additionally, all plans and pricing will not be available in all areas.
Compare internet prices across U.S. cities.
Cheapest Wi-Fi plans: under $50/mo.
| Provider | Monthly price* | Download speeds | Monthly equipment fee* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mediacom | $24.99 | 100 Mbps | $10.00 |
| WOW! | $30.00 | 300 Mbps | Included |
| Optimum | $40.00** | 300 Mbps | $13.50 |
| Xfinity | $25.00 | 200 Mbps | $14.00 |
| Verizon Fios | $34.99† | 300 Mbps | No extra charge |
| Spectrum | $50.00*** | 500 Mbps | Depends on plan |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | $35.00†† | 85 Mbps | No extra charge |
| Frontier | $29.99 | 200 Mbps | No extra charge |
| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | $40.00 | Up to 245 Mbps | No extra charge |
| Kinetic by Windstream | $24.99 | 100 Mbps | $9.99 |
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. **Optimum pricing requires autopay, paperless billing and an unlimited mobile plan. ***Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2024 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.
†Verizon mobile plan, Auto Pay & paper-free billing required. Add’l. cost without mobile plan. Subj. to credit approval & may require a deposit. Fios avail. in select areas. Wired speeds advertised. Wireless speeds may vary due to device limits, multiple users, network & other factors. See Verizon.com/yourspeed for more info. © 2024 Verizon. ††5G Home plan at $35/mo. when combined with postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. Auto Pay & paper-free billing req’d. Availability varies. Price guarantee: 2 yrs for 5G Home, 3 yrs for 5G Home Plus, for new Verizon Home Internet (“VHI”) households who have not subscribed to a VHI service within the last 90 days. Applies only to the then-current base monthly rate exclusive of any other setup and additional equipment charges, discounts or promotions, plan perk and any other third-party services. Prices start at $60/mo. without mobile contract or Auto Pay. Other terms may apply. Wired speeds advertised. Wireless speeds may vary due to device limited, multiple users, networks & other factors. See Verizon.com/yourspeed for more info. As of 10/03/24.
There are certainly other cheap Wi-Fi services in addition to the ones we’ve listed, such as those from regional providers like Breezeline, Astound and Sparklight. These providers and many other regional internet service providers also offer broadband service starting under $50/mo. but didn’t make our list above because of their limited availability across the U.S.
How we analyzed the best cheap internet plans
We evaluate broadband providers in four categories: affordability, performance, value and customer satisfaction. Each category contains multiple sub-factors, all of which are weighted differently to impact the provider’s overall score.
For each sub-factor, we score all providers on a continuous scale of 1 to 5, relative to the industry as a whole. Because the average download speed in America is currently 180 Mbps, for example, we assigned all plans with download speeds between 100 and 299 Mbps a score between 3 and 4. Xfinity’s 200 Mbps plan received a 3.50 score for download speed, while Spectrum’s 400 Mbps plan got a 4.16.
We only considered standardized data points in our scoring system. More abstract data like consistency of service and brand reputation is still part of our analysis, but we opted to let our writers address them in the context of each review.
What to consider when purchasing cheap internet
Be wary of the fine print when buying a cheap Wi-Fi plan. These plans are often cheap upfront but have steep price hikes after one or two years and many fees. Other things to consider before picking a cheap internet plan:
- Equipment fees
- Installation fees
- Early termination fees
- Data overage fees
Considering all the potential added costs, it may be smart to check out cheap internet plans that have no price increases, like T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet or Verizon 5G Home Internet, which has price guarantees. These plans start at less than $50/mo. with select mobile lines and usually come with perks.
Lastly, consider value. While a certain plan may be cheap, are you getting your money’s worth? For example, fiber internet offers the most reliable internet connection available, so you’re getting more bang for your buck just by opting for a fiber-optic connection.
What’s the minimum internet speed I should consider?
The first step in picking the right residential internet plan for your household is determining how much speed you need. If you want the cheapest internet plan available, you may be sacrificing speed, but around 200 to 500 Mbps plans can keep a moderately sized household of internet users smoothly accessing the internet.
When you choose your speed, you’ll need to account for the number of connected devices you have and the types of internet activities you participate in daily. Heavy gamers or households with many devices accessing the internet at once need more internet speed than one person accessing the internet on one or two devices. Remember, smart devices like doorbells, appliances, cameras, etc., take a cut of that speed, too.
Expert tip: Paying a little more could be worth the speed increase
If you value speed as much or more than price, you may want to consider the second-cheapest plan available. Depending on the provider available in your area, paying $5 – $10/mo. more could seriously increase your speed.
For example, AT&T Internet 300 starts at $55/mo., but you can upgrade to the 500 Mbps plan for $10/mo. more.
Our picks for cheapest internet
How we picked the cheapest providers
The providers featured below either have exceptionally cheap internet plans, special offers that increase the service’s value or both.
The cheapest internet provider isn’t always the one with the lowest monthly price. We consider how much equipment fees will add to your bill and how much money you can save with price-lock policies and any bundling discounts.
For each provider, you’ll find their cheapest plan available, plus the next cheapest internet plan for those who may be looking for a little more speed. We’ve also highlighted special offers or savings for each provider, as well as some things to look out for, such as contract requirements. Many providers offer monthly deals on their service, like special perks if you buy a plan or discounted plans for a limited time.
Keep in mind that all providers and plans listed below are not available in all areas.
Xfinity – Best cheap plans overall
Why we recommend it: Xfinity is one of the largest providers in the country, offering plans in the Northeast, Central, South and West regions of the U.S. across parts of 40 states. Its Connect More internet plan is also one of the cheapest plans with broadband speeds — up to 200 Mbps starting at just $25/mo. Xfinity’s Connect internet plan pairs that higher speed with a generous data allowance of 1.2 TB/mo.
Featured cheap Xfinity plans
Xfinity has some of the cheapest plans with broadband speeds available.
Connect
Cheapest plan
Monthly price*
Download speed
Contract length
Connection type
Connect More
Next-cheapest plan
Monthly price*
Download speed
Contract length
Connection type
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of 12 mo. contract. 200 Mbps speed pricing for a limited time only. All other plans on 24 mos. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Last updated 10/03/24.
What else to consider with Xfinity internet:
- Use your own equipment to save money: Xfinity allows customers to use their own compatible equipment and save $15/mo. or more on fees.
- Free Xfinity Xumo Stream Box: If you’re a new customer, one Xumo Stream Box is included with your internet service. This device allows you to connect to live streaming and your favorite streaming apps in one place.
- Lower pricing with term agreement: While not required on all Xfinity plans, signing a one- or two-year term agreement will often get new customers the lowest internet price.
What to look out for: Though you have the option to use your own equipment, Xfinity’s equipment fee is marginally higher than most providers at $15/mo. or a potentially bill-doubling $25 for premium Wi-Fi service. Your internet price may also increase after 12 – 24 months, depending on the length of your promo period.
Xfinity Customer Reviews:
Spectrum – Low equipment costs
Why we recommend it: Spectrum has some of the lowest equipment fees of any provider. Your modem is included at no extra cost and router rental is free for 1,000 Mbps and $10 for 500 Mbps. And if you choose Spectrum Internet® Gig, your router is also included. You can bundle for additional savings or go with one of Spectrum’s internet-only options. Spectrum is available in 41 states.
Featured cheap Spectrum plans
Spectrum’s equipment and installation fees are among the lowest of any provider.
Spectrum Internet® Premier
Cheapest plan
Monthly price*
Download speed
Contract length
Connection type
Spectrum Internet® Gig
Next-cheapest plan
Monthly price*
Download speed
Contract length
Connection type
*Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2024 Charter Communications, all rights reserved. As of 10/03/24.
Additional savings on Spectrum internet
- Contract buyout offer: Spectrum offers up to $500 to help you out of your contract with your current provider.
- No contracts, no data caps: You won’t have to deal with unexpected fees for going over a data cap or an early termination fee for changing your service. Spectrum is also a no-contract provider.
What to look out for: Spectrum’s contract buyout offer is a nice perk, but you have to sign up for a qualifying internet and TV bundle to get it. You can also expect your bill to go up by $25/mo. in year two.
Spectrum Customer Reviews:
Mediacom – Cheapest plan for 100 Mbps
Why we recommend it: Mediacom’s Access Internet 100 plan is one of the best values you’ll find anywhere for speeds up to 100 Mbps, starting at just $24.99/mo. Even after the $10/mo. price increase in year two, it is still one of the cheapest plans available. It has a data cap of just 300 GB, so heavy streamers or gamers may want to upgrade to a plan with more data. Mediacom offers service across 22 states, mainly in the Midwest.
Featured cheap Mediacom plans
Mediacom has the cheapest plans overall, but you’ll have to deal with data caps.
Access Internet 100
Cheapest plan
Monthly price*
Download speed
Contract length
Connection type
Internet 300
Higher data cap
Monthly price*
Download speed
Contract length
Connection type
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 10/03/24.
What else to consider with Mediacom internet:
- Low data caps: Mediacom’s cheapest internet plan only comes with 300 GB of data. The average monthly internet usage for a U.S. household is over 500 GB in 2023, so if there will be multiple people connecting at once, you should probably upgrade to the Internet 300 plan, which gets you 1,500 GB of data per month.
- Waived installation fees: Mediacom usually charges a $109.99 installation fee, but it’s waiving it right now for online orders. But you’ll still have to pay a $10 activation fee.
- Price increases in second year: The cheapest plan goes up by $10/mo. in year two, while every other plan increases by $30/mo.
What to look out for: Mediacom charges $13/mo. for equipment rental. That’s about the middle of the pack, but you can also buy your own Mediacom-compatible modem to save money in the long run. You can also expect Mediacom’s prices to increase after a year.
Mediacom Customer Reviews:
WOW! – Best valued plans
Why we recommend it: WOW! offers great value with its internet plans, both cable and fiber. Its cheapest cable plan is $30.00/mo. for 300 Mbps, a much cheaper price than many of its competitors for the same speed tier. WOW! also offers fiber internet, which inherently has great value due to the quality of the internet connection. WOW! internet has no data caps or contracts and even includes equipment with its plans. WOW! has limited availability, providing service to nine states in the Midwest and South.
Featured cheap WOW! plans
WOW! has affordable cable and fiber internet plans.
Internet 300
Basic option
Monthly price*
Download speed
Contract length
Connection type
Internet 600
Mid-tier option
Monthly price*
Download speed
Contract length
Connection type
*Price per month with AutoPay. Taxes extra. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 10/03/24.
What else to consider with WOW! internet:
- Price lock: For an extra $5/mo., you can have your WOW! internet price guaranteed.
- Wi-Fi extenders available: For an extra $9.99/mo., you can add WOW!’s Whole-Home WiFi system to your plan. This helps spread your internet connection to every corner of your house.
What to look out for: Watch out for slow upload speeds and added whole-home Wi-Fi fees.
WideOpenWest (WOW) Customer Reviews:
Frontier – Cheapest fiber plans
Why we recommend it: Frontier offers some of the best value fiber plans available with its 200 Mbps plan priced at just $29.99/mo. and 1 gig under $65/mo. Equipment fees and unlimited data are also included with Frontier’s pricing. Some Frontier plans require a one-year contract, meaning you’ll have to pay early termination fees if you want to cancel service. Most plans increase after the first year and three years.
Featured Frontier plans starting at $29.99
Frontier pricing and speeds will vary by the connection type available in your area.
Frontier Fiber 200
Cheapest fiber plan
Monthly price*
Download speed
Contract length
Connection type
Frontier Fiber 1 Gig
Cheapest fiber 1 Gig plan
Monthly price*
Download speed
Contract length
Connection type
*w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Bill per month. Max speeds are wired. Wi-Fi, actual & average speeds vary. One-time charge on disconnect applies. Last updated 10/03/24.
What else to consider with Frontier internet:
- No data caps: Browse, stream and game without having to monitor your data usage.
- No contracts: Frontier does not require a contract, so you don’t have to worry about early termination fees should you move or need to change your plan.
What to look out for: Frontier includes the equipment rental cost in the plan price, which means there’s no option to save by using your own equipment. Be sure to also watch out for price increases after your first year of service.
Frontier Customer Reviews:
Kinetic by Windstream – Runner-up cheapest fiber plans
Why we recommend it: Windstream’s 500 Mbps fiber plan is $39.99/mo., less than Frontier’s 500 Mbps plan. Its 1 Gig fiber plan is also competitively priced at $59.99/mo., which is why it’s our runner-up for cheapest fiber plans. Frontier still has the cheapest fiber plans overall, but Windstream’s first two plans align with the most affordable fiber pricing out there, and they also offer speeds up to 8,000 Mbps in certain areas. Windstream is available across parts of 18 states with coverage in Georgia, Texas and Kentucky.
Featured cheap Windstream plans
Kinetic by Windstream has one of the cheapest fiber plans, no data caps and low equipment fees.
Kinetic Fiber 500
Cheapest fiber plan
Monthly price*
Download speed
Contract length
Connection type
Kinetic Fiber 1 Gig
Second-cheapest fiber plan
Monthly price*
Download speed
Contract length
Connection type
Call us today:
(844) 451-2720
*Kinetic by Windstream: Limited-time, non-transferable offer for residential customers, cannot be combined with other offers. Credit restrictions may apply. Subject to availability and Windstream Terms & Conditions (windstream.com/terms). Updated 10/03/24.
What else to consider with Windstream internet:
- No data caps: Windstream’s plans have no data caps, so you don’t need to worry about extra fees.
- Low equipment price: Windstream’s equipment rental is only $9.99/mo., lower than many other providers.
What to look out for: Windstream may increase your prices after two years of service.
Windstream Customer Reviews:
Optimum – Low first-year pricing for high speeds
Why we recommend it: If you’re looking for a low-cost internet plan but don’t want to sacrifice speed, consider Optimum. Their lowest-priced plan offers up to 300 Mbps starting at $40.00/mo. with autopay and paperless billing. Optimum’s availability footprint currently provides service to 21 states and has been expanding to the Northeast and South.
Featured cheap Optimum plans
Prices include autopay, paperless billing and mobile plan discount of $10 off your monthly bill.
Optimum 300
Cheapest option
Monthly price*
Download speed
Contract length
Connection type
Optimum 500
Good for families
Monthly price*
Download speed
Contract length
Connection type
*Available with autopay and paperless billing. Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 10/03/24.
What else to consider with Optimum internet:
- Low equipment fees, option to use your own: Optimum’s gateway device will add an extra $10/mo. to your bill, or you can use your own equipment and save on the monthly costs.
- No data caps: Surprise overage fees won’t pop up on your monthly bill.
What to look out for: Optimum internet plans come with a steep price increase after one year of service. Expect to pay $75 to $95 more each month in the second year.
Optimum Customer Reviews:
Verizon Fios – Best for bonuses
Why we recommend it: Verizon’s low-cost fiber internet service is an excellent value with speeds up to 300 Mbps starting at just $34.99/mo. with AutoPay and a Verizon Mobile line. New customers can also capitalize on promotional perks like gift cards, free tech or subscriptions. Verizon Fios internet plans come with a one-, two- or three-year price guarantee depending on the plan you choose. After the introductory period, standard rates apply. Price increases vary by plan. Verizon has availability spanning areas in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the country.
Featured cheap Verizon Fios plans
Verizon Fios offers reliable speeds on a 100% fiber-optic network.
300 Mbps
Cheapest plan
Monthly price*
Download speed
Contract length
Connection type
500 Mbps
Mid-tier plan
Monthly price*
Download speed
Contract length
Connection type
**Fios: Taxes & terms may apply. Verizon mobile plan, Auto Pay & paper-free billing required. Add’l. cost without mobile plan. Subj. to credit approval & may require a deposit. Fios avail. in select areas. Wired speeds advertised. Wireless speeds may vary due to device limits, multiple users, network & other factors. See Verizon.com/yourspeed for more info. Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 10/03/24.
What else to consider with Verizon Fios internet:
- Equipment included with gigabit connection: Like AT&T, Verizon includes your equipment rental at no extra cost when you choose their gigabit plan.
- Bonus offers: New customers are often rewarded with more than affordable internet, with promotional offers including free streaming service subscriptions, gift cards and more running frequently.
What to look out for: With no contracts and no hidden fees, there isn’t much you have to worry about with Verizon Fios, though some may find their $15 equipment rental fee a touch on the high side.
Verizon Customer Reviews:
CenturyLink – No rate increases on most plans
Why we recommend it: CenturyLink has some of the most customer-friendly pricing in the business. The only charges you can expect to add on to the sticker price are for modem rentals ($15/mo.) and installation ($99 one-time fee, free self-install may be available). CenturyLink provides service in 16 states.
Featured cheap CenturyLink plans
CenturyLink DSL service comes with the fastest speeds available at your address.
100 Mbps
Cheapest plan
Monthly price*
Download speed
Contract length
Connection type
Fiber Gigabit
Best speed for the price
Monthly price*
Download speed
Contract length
Connection type
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 10/03/24.
What else to consider with CenturyLink internet:
- No data overage fees: There are no added fees for going over your monthly data allowance of 1 TB.
- Use your own equipment option: Consider purchasing your own CenturyLink-compatible modem to save on monthly equipment rental costs.
What to look out for: CenturyLink is somewhat limited when it comes to plan options, with usually only one or two available depending on where you live. If you have access to CenturyLink’s fiber plans, the speeds you get are the best available. But there is no option to downgrade to a lower speed for a cheaper price.
CenturyLink Customer Reviews:
T-Mobile – Simplistic pricing and no hidden fees
Why we recommend it: T-Mobile is one of the most widely available 5G providers with coverage across parts of the entire country. T-Mobile currently serves 98% of the U.S. Prices start at $40/mo. if you bundle with a mobile phone plan. T-Mobile often has perks for new customers, like prepaid cards.
What else to consider with T-Mobile internet:
- No contracts: You can cancel anytime.
- No data caps: You won’t have to worry about getting charged for going over your data limit.
What to look out for: With T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet service, your connection will largely depend on your proximity to a T-Mobile tower, and its speeds can be more inconsistent than fiber or cable internet.
T-Mobile Customer Reviews:
Best cheap internet plans for working from home
Working from home can require a bump in your internet speed plan. You should consider the required speeds for uploading large files — some cheaper plans have very low upload speeds. Fiber is your best bet if you upload large files or videos frequently because it offers symmetrical download and upload speeds. AT&T and Verizon have fiber plans starting at around $50/mo. for up to 300 Mbps.
Zoom and other work-from-home platforms require little speed on their own, with Zoom requiring at least 2 Mbps and most email programs needing 1 Mbps.
Always think about the number of people you have using your internet connection when determining the speed you need. If you have multiple people working from home, along with using other devices aside from work, you need a faster plan that can support these activities. Even if the plan costs a bit more, the speed will be worth it if that’s what your household requires.
Low-cost assistance programs for cheap internet
Cox and Mediacom: Cox and Mediacom both offer the Connect2Compete program, which is an affordable internet service for low-income households with students. Starting at $9.95/mo. for speeds up to 25 Mbps, this cheap internet-only service also comes with Wi-Fi, making it a cheap Wi-Fi option for students.
CenturyLink and Xfinity: CenturyLink’s Internet Basics and Xfinity’s Internet Essentials are excellent inexpensive internet options for seniors or anyone eligible for public assistance programs. Both plans start at just $9.95/mo. and provide a basic connection ideal for checking email and browsing the web.
AT&T: AT&T offers the Access program, and if you qualify for it, AT&T Access provides free installation, in-home Wi-Fi, no annual contract and no deposit. The service would cost $30/mo. or less based on the maximum speed available, up to 100 Mbps.
WOW!: WOW! offers Internet for Education on their Internet Select 50 plan. Qualifying households can receive 30 Mbps of download capability, modem and self-installation kit at $9.95/mo.
Spectrum: Spectrum offers eligible applicants the Spectrum Internet Assist program with speeds up to 50 Mbps and no data caps for $25.00/mo. To qualify, a member of your household must be a recipient of either the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Optimum: Optimum offers the Altice Advantage program, which provides qualifying families up to 50 Mbps for $14.99/mo. To be eligible, a household must include a K-12 or college student who needs access to the internet, someone receiving SSI or veterans receiving public assistance.
Federal programs can provide affordable internet
Lifeline is a government program that grants qualifying applicants $9.25/mo. to go toward their internet or phone bill. Unfortunately, it won’t get you free internet, but it can make internet service more affordable.
View our low-income internet guide for more information. Some organizations, providers and nonprofits also provide free internet options worth checking out.
Tips for saving on internet
Regardless of your internet plan, there are ways to save money over a year. If you have a data cap, regulate your usage to ensure you don’t get hit with overage charges. You may be able to downgrade your speed if you have more than you need. There are often equipment rental fees for modems or routers, so if you purchase your own, it could pay for itself after a year or two. You can also make sure you understand your provider’s policies when it comes to price increases so you can avoid surprises on your monthly bill.
There are several ways to save money annually on internet
If you combined all of these options, you could potentially save up to $2,000 a year depending on plan.
Switch providers
Other cheap internet service providers in your area may have more affordable rates or better offers. Ensure you aren’t contracted with your current provider to avoid early termination fees.
Potential savings: $200 – $800/yr.
Watch your data usage
Providers with data caps typically charge a fee for going over. Avoid the overage fee by monitoring your data usage.
Potential savings: $120 – $600/mo.
Downgrade your plan
You’ll probably have to sacrifice some of your speed, but downgrading your plan can lower your monthly rate.
Potential savings: $120 – $360/mo.
Use your own equipment
Not all providers permit using your own compatible equipment, but those who do may waive the rental fee.
Potential savings: $60 – $180/mo.
Negotiate with your provider
Sometimes negotiating with your internet provider could get you a more affordable price, or prevent a price increase. While this doesn’t always work, it’s worth a try if you don’t want to switch to a cheaper provider.
Potential savings: Varies
Use our Savings Calculator to get an idea of the yearly savings you could get by switching providers. If you’re interested in downgrading your plan to a lower speed, refer to our Speed Recommendation Tool to see if a lower speed will still accommodate your needs.
Learn more about internet deals and special offers
Find cheap internet deals
Some internet service providers offer sign-up deals for new customers. These perks can include free access to streaming services, discounted starting prices or gift cards.
If you’re thinking about switching to a new provider, ask about deals or promotions for new customers.
Cheap internet for seniors
There are no formal discounted offers from ISPs for senior citizens. However, several discounted plans are available if income levels are met. AT&T’s Access is one. Check out Allconnect’s military discount guide for other cheap Wi-Fi options.
Cheap internet for students
Some schools and libraries provide free internet access for students and T-Mobile offers free internet for students with its Project 10Million program.
Cheap internet for military veterans and active duty
Some ISPs, including AT&T, Verizon and Spectrum offer discounted internet service to military members and veterans. Check out Allconnect’s military discount guide for other cheap Wi-Fi options.
Other value internet options
Take some time to look at all the plans your chosen ISP offers. Sometimes, the cheapest plan with the lowest speeds isn’t the best value. Providers like AT&T offer much faster speeds for about $20 more a month, which has more value than a much slower plan. The difference in speed from 100 to 300 Mbps can allow you to run smart home apps and have multiple users online gaming and streaming. Explore plans below the average internet price below.
| Provider | Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kinetic by Windstream | Kinetic Fiber 500 | Up to 500 Mbps | $39.99/mo |
| AT&T | AT&T 300 | Up to 300 Mbps | $55.00/mo. |
| Optimum | Optimum 500 | Up to 500 Mbps | $60.00/mo. |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | Verizon 5G Home Plus | Up to 1,000 Mbps | $45.00/mo. |
A note from our experts on cheap internet
If your perfect plan is the cheapest available, you’re in the right place. However, the cheapest plan may not offer the speeds you need.
Like a cheap cable TV package that doesn’t have your favorite channels, cheap Wi-Fi may not give you the best experience and may leave you unsatisfied. We’re here to help you find the right internet plan, cheapest or otherwise.
Cheap internet FAQs
Why does my internet bill go up every year?
Most introductory rates expire after a year, maybe two, which can result in immediate hikes of $10 – $40 or more. As for incremental yearly increases aside from a promotional rate ending, it’s common for providers to implement price hikes to keep up with operating costs or expand their networks into new markets. Such price hikes can happen any time, not just after a completed year of service.
Is it cheaper to get month-to-month service or sign a contract?
For the most part, you won’t be given an option of month-to-month or contract service. Most internet providers either require contracts or they have a no contract option. For those that offer contract options with select plans, such as Cox or Xfinity, it is almost always cheaper to opt for the contract. Month-to-month service may end up being cheaper if you need to cancel service because you won’t be hit with early termination fees.
How can I get a cheaper internet price without downgrading my plan?
If your provider allows for using your own equipment, you could save on equipment fees, which typically range from $10 – $15/mo. Otherwise, you can always try calling your provider to negotiate a lower price. Those who have had service for multiple years and have maintained a good standing on their account are likely to have the most success when attempting to negotiate a lower price.
What is the best cheapest monthly internet plan?
With more availability than some cable internet providers, AT&T provides the cheapest fiber plans at $55/mo. and cable ISPs WOW! and Mediacom offer the cheapest plans overall with up to 100 Mbps for $19.99/mo., if you are in a serviceable area for them.
What type of internet connection is the cheapest?
DSL is usually the cheapest internet connection, but it is also the slowest. 5G home internet, especially with discounts for being a mobile customer, is cheaper than cable. Satellite is expensive and slower than other connection types. Fiber is the fastest available and its pricing is about the same as a cable hookup.
How can I get a discount through the FCC’s Lifeline Program?
If you meet the federal income guidelines, you can follow our step-by-step instructions to apply for the FCC’s Lifeline Program and get up to $9.25/mo. off your internet bill.
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Written by:
Robin LaytonEditor, Broadband Content
Robin Layton is an editor for the broadband marketplace Allconnect. She built her internet industry expertise writing and editing for four years on the site, as well as on Allconnect’s sister site MYMOVE.com. …
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Edited by:
Anine SusEditor I
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