Cheap internet service providers
- Xfinity – Up to 25 Mbps for $25.00/mo.*
- Cox – Up to 10 Mbps for $29.99/mo.*
- Frontier – Up to 6 Mbps for $27.99/mo.*
- Verizon Fios – Up to 200 Mbps for $39.99/mo.*
- Optimum – Up to 300 Mbps for $45.00/mo.*
- CenturyLink – Up to 100 Mbps for $49.00/mo.*
- AT&T – Up to 940 Mbps for $49.99/mo.*
- Spectrum – Up to 200 Mbps for $49.99/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. As of 08/11/20.
Cheap internet is available from a variety of providers, but the plans and pricing you can get depends on where you live. Government assistance and provider plans for low-income households are also options for cheap internet in your area. Be aware of equipment fees, data caps, price hikes and other costs that can raise the cost of even the most inexpensive internet plans.
Searching for deals in your area
At Allconnect, we work to present quality information with editorial integrity. While this page may contain offers from our partners, our opinions are our own. Here’s how we make money.
How to get cheap internet service near you
There’s more to finding a cheap internet plan than searching for the lowest price. While the sticker price is certainly important, you’ll want to take into account any added costs and every opportunity to boost your savings.
A note from our internet experts
If your perfect plan is the cheapest available, you’re in the right place. Keep in mind, however, that the cheapest plan may not offer the speeds you need.
Like a cheap cable TV package that doesn’t have your favorite channels, cheap internet service may not give you the best experience and end up being more a waste of money than a saver. We’re here to help you find the right internet plan, cheapest or otherwise.
12 of the cheapest internet plans ranked by price
For the absolute cheapest internet plans, look to DSL providers such as Frontier and Windstream. Cable providers such as Cox, Mediacom and Xfinity also offer cheap internet plans in select areas.
We’ve listed inexpensive internet plans from our list of best internet providers and others to bring you a comprehensive list of cheap internet plans that may be available in your area.
Cheap internet plans from broadband providers
| Provider | Cheapest plan | Starting price | Max download speeds | Data cap | Equipment fee |
Mediacom | Access Internet 60 | $19.99/mo.* | 60 Mbps | 60 GB/mo. | $11.50/mo.* |
Xfinity | Performance Starter | $20.00/mo.* | 25 Mbps | 1 TB/mo. | $14.00/mo.* |
RCN | 10 Mbps Internet | $24.99/mo.* | 10 Mbps | None | $11.00/mo.* |
Windstream | Kinectic Internet 15 | $25.00/mo.* | 15 Mbps | None | $9.99/mo.* |
Frontier | High Speed Internet | $27.99/mo.* | 6 Mbps | None | $10.00/mo.* |
Cox | Internet Starter 10 | $29.99/mo.* | 10 Mbps | 1 TB/mo. | $10.99/mo.* |
Verizon | 200 Mbps | $39.99/mo.* | 200 Mbps | None | $15.00/mo.* |
Optimum | Internet 300 | $45.00/mo.* | 300 Mbps | None | $10.00/mo.* |
CenturyLink | Price for Life 100 Mbps | $49.00/mo.* | 100 Mbps | 1 TB/mo. | $15.00/mo.* |
AT&T | Fiber 1000 | $49.99/mo.* | 940 Mbps | None | $10.00/mo.* |
Spectrum | Spectrum Internet | $49.99/mo.* | 200 Mbps | None | $5.00/mo.* |
HughesNet | Gen5 10 GB | $49.99/mo.* | 25 Mbps | 10 GB/mo. | $14.99/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. As of 09/09/20.
The cheap internet rates above are introductory prices for new customers, and are likely to increase after the introductory period is over. Additionally, all plans and pricing will not be available in all areas.
There are cheap internet services in addition to the ones we’ve listed, such as dial-up service from providers like NetZero, available in select areas. While inexpensive , we find that these plans are often not practical for today’s internet demands, which is why they are not part of our list. If you’re interested in free or discounted internet service, however, you can learn more about the providers and plans offered in our discounted internet section further down the page.
Our top picks for cheap internet providers
When putting together our recommendations for cheap internet providers, we considered those available to 5% or more of U.S. households that were capable of delivering broadband speeds. From there, we dug into the details of each, identifying those that offered plans starting under $50/mo. and came with other cost-effective incentives, such as low equipment fees and unlimited data.
Xfinity – Cheapest broadband plan
Why we recommend it: Xfinity’s Performance Starter is one of the lowest-priced internet plans that come with broadband speeds, up to 25 Mbps starting at just $25.00/mo. Xfinity’s equipment fee is marginally higher than most providers at $14/mo. ($25 for premium Wi-Fi service), but you can get cheaper Wi-Fi service by using your own equipment.
Additional savings
- Use your own equipment: Xfinity allows customers to use their own compatible equipment and save $14/mo. or more on fees.
- Free Xfinity Flex device: All Xfinity internet plans come with a free Flex streaming device.
- 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.
Frontier – Low-cost DSL
Why we recommend it: Frontier checks just about every box a cheap internet shopper could want with their $27.99/mo. High Speed Internet plan. Their equipment rental fee is also relatively low, starting at just $10/mo. and installation is included at no extra cost with most plans.
Additional savings
- No data cap: 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.
Cox – Low-cost installation
Why we recommend it: Cox offers free self-installation on many plans, including their cheapest plan, Cox Internet Starter 10. A relatively low equipment fee of around $11/mo. will add to your monthly bill, but you can avoid this fee by using your own equipment. Watch for price increases after the first year of service as they can be particularly high — as much as $30/mo. in some cases.
Additional savings
- Lower pricing with contract: Cox doesn’t require a contract on all plans, but if you opt for a contract (typically for one year of service), you’re more likely to get the lowest introductory pricing.
- Bundle savings: If you’re interested in pairing TV or home phone with your internet service, Cox offers some of the deepest discounts for bundling services.
Verizon Fios – No-contract affordable fiber plans
Why we recommend it: Verizon’s low-cost fiber internet service is an excellent value with speeds up to 200 Mbps starting at just $39.99/mo. There are no contracts and no hidden fees with Verizon Fios, though some may find their $15 equipment rental fee a touch on the high side.
Additional savings
- Contract buyout: Verizon offers up to $500 in bill credit to help buy you out of your contract with another provider.
- Bonus offers: New customers are often rewarded with more than inexpensive internet, with promotional offers including free streaming service subscriptions, gift cards and more running frequently.
Optimum – Best for advanced WiAffordable pricing for high speeds
Why we recommend it: If you’re looking for a low-cost internet plan but don’t want to sacrifice on speed, consider Optimum. Their lowest-priced plan comes with up to 300 Mbps starting at $45/mo. This is one of the lowest cost-per-Mbps plans on the market from any major provider.
Additional savings
- Low equipment fees: The Altice Gateway device will add $10/mo. to your bill, or you can use your own equipment and save on the monthly costs.
- Unlimited data: Surprise overage fees won’t pop up on your monthly bill.
- Autopay & paperless bill discount: Enrolling in autopay and paperless billing will get you a $5 discount off your bill.
CenturyLink – Price for Life guarantee on cheapest plans
Why we recommend it: With their Price for Life guarantee on DSL plans up to 100 Mbps, 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 (around $15/mo.) and installation ($99 one-time fee, free self-install may be available).
Additional savings
- No data overage fees: There are no added fees for going over your monthly data allowance of 1 TB.
- Use your own equipment: Consider purchasing your own CenturyLink-compatible modem to save on monthly equipment rental costs.
AT&T – Cheapest gigabit internet service
Why we recommend it: AT&T Fiber is now offering their fastest speeds, up to 940 Mbps, starting at $49.99/mo.* This is the lowest starting price we’ve seen for gigabit service from any major provider. It also comes with unlimited data, adding more value to an already highly cost-effective plan.
Additional savings
- Low equipment rental fee: For a $10/mo. equipment fee, AT&T’s Wi-Fi Gateway router comes with whole-home connectivity and remote configuration and monitoring on your phone.
- Bundle savings: Adding AT&T services such as DIRECTV or AT&T TV to your internet plan will get you $10/mo. per service for a total savings of up to $240 the first year.
Spectrum – Contract buyouts
Why we recommend it: If you’re unhappy with your current internet service and looking to switch, start your search with Spectrum. It is one of the only residential internet providers that will actually buy out the remainder of your existing contract — all the way up to $500.
Additional savings
- Free modem, cheap router rental: Spectrum includes a modem at no extra cost with all plans and the rental fee for a router is only $5/mo.
- 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.
*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 09/09/20.
Ways to get cheaper internet
Regardless of your internet provider, there are often ways to get a lower price. Ways to get low-priced internet service include:
- Use your own equipment – Not all providers permit using your own compatible equipment, but those who do may waive the rental fee.
Potential savings: $5-$15/mo.
- 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: $10-$50/mo.
- Downgrade your plan – You’ll probably have to sacrifice some of your speed, but downgrading your plan can cut your monthly rate.
Potential savings: $10-$30/mo.
- Switch providers – Other cheap internet service providers in your area may have lower rates or better offers. Just make sure you aren’t under contract with your current provider to avoid early termination fees.
Potential savings: $200-$800/yr.
Use our Savings Calculator to get an idea of the yearly savings you could get by switching providers. And 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.
Can I get free internet or discounts on internet service?
NetZero is a popular choice for “free” internet, offering 10 cost-free hours of internet per month over a dial-up connection. You get what you pay for, however, as the speeds you get with dial-up aren’t good for much more than checking your email. You’ll also need a home phone line for service.
Cheap internet low-income households
Lifeline is a government program that grants qualifying applicants $9.25/mo. to go toward their internet or phone bill. It won’t get you free internet, unfortunately, but it can make internet more affordable. View our low-income internet guide for more information.
Cheap internet for students
Cox Connect2Compete 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 service also comes with Wi-Fi, making it a cheap Wi-Fi option for students.
Cheap internet for seniors
CenturyLink’s Internet Basics and Xfinity’s Internet Essentials are excellent inexpensive internet options for seniors. Both plans start at just $9.95/mo. and provide a basic connection ideal for checking email and browsing the web.
Qualifications for government-assisted internet service and discounted internet plans vary by provider, but most extend these offers to those who have already qualified for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income.
Internet assistance in response to Covid-19
Nearly all internet providers have pledged to waive late fees and overage fees for all customers and open their public Wi-Fi hotspots to anyone needing a connection, even if they aren’t a customer, under the Keep Americans Connected Pledge.
Though the pledge was originally intended to last only through June 30, 2020, most providers have extended their commitment or parts of it through the end of the year. Cox, for example, recently announced they’d waive late fees for their Connect2Compete customers through June 30, 2021. Other providers, including AT&T and Xfinity, have extended their Covid-19 relief initiatives through the end of the year.
Our final thoughts on cheap internet
There are numerous factors that play into the total cost of internet, but ultimately the cheapest internet you can get depends on where you live and which providers are available in your area. While there are government and provider-specific programs offering discounted internet service, many will not qualify. As such, it’s important to research not only cheap plans, but the added costs – equipment rentals, data caps, contracts, installation fees – that come with them, as well as potential ways to save on your monthly bill.
David joined the Allconnect team in 2017, specializing in broadband and TV providers. He is our transactional content lead and responsible for the most popular post in our Resource Center… Read more
We value your feedback
Was this page helpful?
We value your feedback
We’re glad! Tell us what helped most on this page.
We value your feedback
What was not helpful about this page?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your insight helps, and we’ll do our best to improve your experience.
Cheap internet FAQs
What’s the cheapest internet connection?
What’s the cheapest internet connection?
DSL and cable typically offer the cheapest internet connections. DSL providers such as Frontier and Windstream have inexpensive internet plans starting at or below $30/mo. Cable providers Cox, Mediacom and Xfinity also have basic internet plans starting at under $30/mo.*
Can I get affordable internet without a phone line?
Can I get affordable internet without a phone line?
Cable and fiber-optic internet are great options for cheap internet without a phone line. Depending on which providers are available in your area, cable internet could start as low as $19.99/mo. Many fiber-optic providers have plans starting around $40-$50/mo. DSL service, though requiring a phone line for service, also presents low-cost internet options in many areas.
Why is internet so expensive?
Why is internet so expensive?
Operating costs and the expenses that come with extending service networks are the main contributors to why internet providers charge the prices they do. As for why your bill may be higher than expected, you can attribute that to added fees. The FCC estimates that internet bills can be as much as 40% higher than what’s advertised to consumers due to taxes and added fees.
Why does my internet bill go up every year?
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?
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 don’t. 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 lower price without downgrading my plan?
How can I get a lower price without downgrading my plan?
If your provider allows for using your own equipment, that could save you 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.
Last updated 09/09/20.
What to read next
Featured articles Read more from the Resource Center
While broadband technology keeps improving, Americans still aren’t satisfied with the speeds they’re getting. Here’s how you can improve yours. Read more
Apr 2, 2020
Internet basics for seniors
Need to improve your computer skills? Check out our comprehensive guide for seniors. Read more
Jul 4, 2020
Confessions of a cord cutter: How you too can gain independence from cable
In honor of Fourth of July, hear firsthand from someone who has successfully gained her freedom from cable TV. Read more
Latest articles
Compare internet plans near you
Moving or looking for a new deal? Let Allconnect help you find the right internet plan for your needs. Call now to start comparing providers, prices and speeds in your local area.
