Cheap internet plans and providers 2025
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Last updated: April 21, 2025
If you’re looking for the cheapest internet provider, consider fees, price hikes and value. Our broadband experts can help you find the best cheap internet service for your needs.
View internet plans available near you
Low-cost internet key takeaways
- Low-cost cable plans usually do not exceed 250 Mbps
- Cheap fiber plans up to 100 Mbps start around $20.00/mo.
- Xfinity and Mediacom offer the cheapest internet plans, starting at $19.99/mo.
- Half of U.S. households pay an average of $92.22/mo. for internet
Best cheap internet providers
*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 ADVANTAGE: Offer based on eligibility requirements. Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2025 Charter Communications, all rights reserved. Updated as of 04/21/25.
**Price guarantee for 3-4 years, depending on internet plan, for new and existing myHome customers. 5G Home plan at $35/mo. or 5G Home Plus plan at $55/mo. when combined with postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. Auto Pay & paper-free billing req’d. Mobile + Home Discount: $15/mo savings on Verizon Home Internet plans when combined with any Verizon postpaid mobile phone plan (excludes business and data-only plans). Availability varies. Subject to credit approval. © 2025 Verizon.
What are the cheapest internet plans?
The cheapest internet plans will have slower speeds, so determine the speed you need before exploring cheap internet options to ensure you’re getting the right amount of internet speed for your devices and internet activities.
Cheapest Wi-Fi plans: under $50/mo.
| Provider | Starting price* | Download speed | Equipment fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mediacom | $19.99/mo. | 250 Mbps | $15.00/mo. |
| WOW! | $30.00/mo. | 300 Mbps | Included |
| Optimum | $40.00/mo.** | 300 Mbps | $13.50/mo. |
| Xfinity | $19.99/mo. | 150 Mbps | $14.00/mo. |
| Verizon Fios | $34.99/mo.† with mobile plan | 300 Mbps | No extra charge |
| Spectrum | $30.00/mo.*** | 100 Mbps | Depends on plan |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | $35.00/mo.†† with mobile plan | 85 Mbps | No extra charge |
| Frontier | $29.99/mo. | 200 Mbps | No extra charge |
| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | $35.00/mo. with mobile plan | 87 – 415 Mbps | No extra charge |
| Kinetic by Windstream | $24.99/mo. | 100 Mbps | $9.99/mo. |
*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. Updated as of 04/21/25.
**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 ADVANTAGE: Offer based on eligibility requirements. Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2025 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.
†Price guarantee for 3-5 years, depending on the internet plan, for new and existing myHome customers. Auto Pay & paper-free billing required. Mobile + Home Discount: $15/mo savings on Verizon Home Internet plans when combined with any Verizon postpaid mobile phone plan (excludes business and data-only plans). Enrollment req’d for Fios Home Internet plans. $99 setup and other terms apply. 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. © 2025 Verizon.
††Price guarantee for 3-4 years, depending on internet plan, for new and existing myHome customers. 5G Home plan at $35/mo. or 5G Home Plus plan at $55/mo. when combined with postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. Auto Pay & paper-free billing req’d. Mobile + Home Discount: $15/mo savings on Verizon Home Internet plans when combined with any Verizon postpaid mobile phone plan (excludes business and data-only plans). Availability varies. Subject to credit approval. © 2025 Verizon.
What to consider when purchasing low-cost internet
The monthly price may look incredible, but remember, extras and fees can add up. Picking the correct speed you need will keep you from overspending as well:
- Equipment fees can add up to $15/mo. or more to your internet bill
- Installation fees can be a hefty upfront charge of up to $200 or more
- Early termination fees can be a shock if you cancel your service without realizing your provider requires one
- Data overage fees can add up if you don’t have an unlimited data plan
- Considering all the potential added costs, it may be smart to check out cheap internet plans that have no price increases
- 100 Mbps is the lowest internet speed you should consider. The first step in picking the right residential internet plan for your household is determining how much speed you need. Remember, spending $5 to $10 more monthly can increase your speed by 100 Mbps or more
How we analyzed the best cheap internet plans
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. We also include our Allconnect rating for each provider, which is awarded based on 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. Keep in mind that all providers and plans listed below are not available in all areas.
Our picks for cheapest internet
Allconnect Rating
3.93 / 5
Xfinity – Best cheap plans overall
- Xfinity is one of the largest cable providers in the country, offering plans in the Northeast, Midwest, South and West regions of the U.S. across parts of 40 states including Maryland, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Texas and California
- It offers cable internet but also limited fiber on a hybrid fiber-coaxial cable network
- Xfinity’s cheapest plans are $19.99/mo. for 150 Mbps
- Xfinity may include your equipment in the first few years of service but charges a $15/mo. equipment fee after that period ends
- Plan prices increase after 12 to 24 months
Xfinity Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
3.75 / 5
Spectrum – Low equipment costs
- Spectrum is a cable internet provider in the Northeast, Midwest, South and West, in states such as North Carolina, New York, Wisconsin, Alabama and Kentucky
- Wi-Fi equipment is free with its 1,000 Mbps plan
- Spectrum Internet® Advantage is $30.00/mo. for 100 Mbps
- Price increases after 12 to 36 months
Spectrum Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
4.13 / 5
Mediacom – Cheapest plan for 250 Mbps
- Mediacom is a cable internet company with fiber-infused technology, available in 22 states mainly in the Midwest and South, including Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa
- Xtream powered by Mediacom offers one of the cheapest plans in the nation: $19.99/mo. for 250 Mbps
- Mediacom’s faster plans run $44.99 to $84.99/mo. for 500 to 2,000 Mbps
- Mediacom plans include data caps and equipment fees
Mediacom Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
3.80 / 5
WOW! – Best-valued plans
- WOW offers great value with its internet plans, both cable and fiber
- WOW’s cheapest fiber plans are $30.00/mo. for 100 Mbps and $50.00/mo. for 500 Mbps
- Limited availability in the South and Midwest, including Michigan, Alabama and Georgia
WideOpenWest (WOW) Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
3.86 / 5
Frontier – Cheapest fiber plans
- Frontier has some of the cheapest fiber plans available across the Midwest, Northeast, South and West, including California, West Virginia, Minnesota and Texas
- The 200 Mbps plan is $29.99/mo. and the 500 Mbps plan is $44.99/mo.
- Frontier Fiber has no data caps or contracts
- There are price increases after one year of service
Frontier Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
3.95 / 5
Kinetic by Windstream – Runner-up cheapest fiber plans
- A fiber provider, Windstream serves parts of 18 states including Georgia, Texas and Kentucky
- Windstream’s plans start at $24.99/mo. for 100 Mbps
- Faster plans run 300 or 1,000 Mbps for $34.99 to $59.99/mo.
- Symmetrical fiber speeds
- Equipment fees can increase your monthly bill
- Price increases can take effect after a year or two
Windstream Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
4.10 / 5
Optimum – Low first-year pricing for high speeds
- Optimum’s cable and fiber plans both start at $40.00/mo. for 300 Mbps
- Optimum is only available in some areas of states, including New York, West Virginia, Arizona, Texas and Arkansas
- Optimum’s cable plans reach 1,000 Mbps, and its fiber speeds reach 5,000 Mbps
- Plan prices will increase after one or two years
Optimum Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
4.54 / 5
Verizon Fios – Best for perks
- Verizon’s fiber and DSL service is available in the Northeast states, California and Washington
- Verizon Fios offers fiber plans from 300 to 2,300 Mbps starting at $34.99/mo. with a mobile plan
- Verizon offers perks to customers, including free equipment, gift cards and more
Verizon Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
3.72 / 5
CenturyLink – No rate increases on most plans
- CenturyLink provides fiber and DSL service in 16 states, including Florida, Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota and Oregon
- Fees include modem rentals ($15/mo.) and installation ($99 one-time fee, free self-install may be available)
- The cheapest CenturyLink plan is $55/mo. for up to 100 Mbps
CenturyLink Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
4.35 / 5
T-Mobile Customer Reviews:
Best cheap internet plans for working from home
Working from home could require an increase in your internet speed. If it’s available, fiber internet is the fastest, most reliable and best-suited for work-from-home activities.
Fiber is also the most reliable internet, with cable close behind.
Average speed needs for work-from-home tasks
- Multiple people on the Wi-Fi network – If you have a house of internet users while you are working from home, a plan at or over 400 Mbps is the best choice
- Large file transfers – Fiber’s symmetrical upload and download speeds of at least 200 Mbps are recommended
- Video conferencing – Video conferences like Zoom require a minimum of 10 to 20 Mbps download speed
Low-cost assistance programs for cheap internet
Most low-income internet plans are based on the household’s total income. Documentation about your income will be required, but some providers do not require a credit check or ask for your Social Security number. Most programs require a new customer to participate in one of these programs:
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Public Housing
- Head Start
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
Multiple internet providers offer low-cost programs to assist eligible customers with the cost of internet. Explore some of these programs below:
- Cox – Connect2Compete
- Mediacom – Xtream Connect
- AT&T – Access from AT&T
- Xfinity – Internet Essentials
- CenturyLink – Internet Basics
- WOW! – Internet for Education
- Spectrum – Internet Assist
- Optimum – Advantage Internet
- Verizon – Verizon Forward
Cox – Connect2Compete
- Connect2Compete is for low-income households with students
- Starting at $9.95/mo. for speeds up to 25 Mbps
- Includes Wi-Fi
- Cox is available in parts of states including California, Arizona, Idaho, Kansas, Oklahoma, Massachusetts, Louisiana and Florida
Mediacom – Xtream Connect
- If you have at least one child in grades K-12 living at home and at least one child receives free or reduced-price school lunches through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), you can apply for Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program
- You must not be a current Mediacom internet customer and not have an outstanding bill or unreturned equipment
- The program provides internet up to 25 Mbps for $9.95/mo. with no contracts, installation or equipment fees
- Mediacom provides a no-cost modem lease
- Mediacom services 22 states, many in the Midwest and South, including Wisconsin, Illinois and Florida
AT&T – Access from AT&T
- AT&T offers service in 21 states, with coverage in the Midwest, South and West, including California, Texas, Michigan, Alabama and North Carolina
- AT&T Access provides free installation, in-home Wi-Fi equipment, no annual contract and no deposit
- The service would cost $30/mo. or less based on the maximum speed available, up to 100 Mbps
- Households must receive benefits from one of the programs we listed above
Xfinity – Internet Essentials
- Xfinity is a hybrid fiber-coaxial cable network available in parts of 40 states
- Xfinity’s Internet Essentials provides up to 50 Mbps for $9.95/mo.
- The plan is for customers with an entire household income at or below twice the federal poverty level or participating in federal assistance programs such as Lifeline, SNAP/EBT, Medicaid or free and reduced-price school lunch
- The Internet Essentials program does not require a credit check, installation fees or contract
CenturyLink – Internet Basics
- CenturyLink DSL and fiber internet is available in 16 states
- CenturyLink’s Internet Basics is an inexpensive option 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
- Requirements include: Has not subscribed to CenturyLink Internet service within the last 90 days or is a current CenturyLink Internet customer; no overdue CenturyLink bill or unreturned equipment; meets guidelines for Lifeline/TAP phone service programs
WOW! – Internet for Education
- WOW is a cable and fiber provider located in the Midwest and South, including Michigan, Alabama and South Carolina
- WOW offers Internet for Education on their Internet Select 50 plan
- Qualifying households can receive 30 Mbps of download capability, a modem and self-installation kit at $9.95/mo.
Spectrum – Internet Assist
- Spectrum is available in parts of 41 states with cable and fiber services
- Spectrum offers eligible applicants the Spectrum Internet Assist program, which offers speeds up to 50 Mbps and no data caps for $25.00/mo.
- To qualify, a member of a household must receive either the NSLP, the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Optimum – Advantage Internet
- Optimum is a fiber and cable provider in parts of New York, West Virginia, Arizona, Texas and Arkansas
- Optimum offers the Advantage Internet 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
Verizon – Verizon Forward
- Verizon is a fiber internet provider serving nine states, including Maryland, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania
- Verizon Forward is a low-cost internet service that provides high-speed internet for an affordable price to eligible customers
- If you qualify, you can receive discounts on Verizon’s fiber, 5G Home Internet or LTE internet services
- Your Verizon internet service could start as low as $20.00/mo.
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
Before picking an internet provider and plan, consider how much fees will increase your monthly bill. You can save by using a provider with unlimited data and free equipment, along with other techniques:
If you combined all of these options, you could potentially save up to $2,000 a year depending on your 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 ISP: 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 affordable 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 | Download speed | Starting price* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kinetic by Windstream | Kinetic Fiber 300 | Up to 300 Mbps | $34.99/mo. |
| AT&T | AT&T Fiber 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 | 85 – 300 Mbps | $35.00/mo.*** with mobile plan |
*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. Updated as of 04/21/25.
**Plus taxes (w/ eligible Autopay & Paperless bill). Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.
***Price guarantee for 3-4 years, depending on internet plan, for new and existing myHome customers. 5G Home plan at $35/mo. or 5G Home Plus plan at $55/mo. when combined with postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. Auto Pay & paper-free billing req’d. Mobile + Home Discount: $15/mo savings on Verizon Home Internet plans when combined with any Verizon postpaid mobile phone plan (excludes business and data-only plans). Availability varies. Subject to credit approval. © 2025 Verizon.
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 to $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.
What is the best cheapest monthly internet plan?
With more availability than some cable internet providers, AT&T provides the cheapest fiber plans at $55.00/mo.,* plus taxes (w/ eligible Autopay & Paperless bill). Cable ISPs WOW and Mediacom offer the cheapest plans overall with up to 250 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.
*Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. Updated as of 04/21/25.
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Written by:
Robin LaytonSenior Editor, Broadband Content
Robin Layton is a Senior Editor for Allconnect, dedicated to helping consumers navigate the often-complex world of internet service providers. With 30 years of experience in journalism and marketing, Robin empow…
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Edited by:
Anine SusEditor I
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