Cheap internet service providers

The best cheap internet service providers

Cheap internet service providers have low-priced plans, but the best ones will also include equipment, price guarantees and other savings incentives. When compiling our list of the best cheap internet service providers, we considered starting price and all the other factors that make up what you really pay for internet each month. 

When shopping for the best cheap internet provider, you’ll also want to consider equipment fees, contract requirements, installation costs and data limits. We’ve done the work to determine some of the best cheap internet providers and included related info on added costs to help you choose the right provider and plan for your home.

The 8 best cheap internet service providers for 2020

As ranked by Reviews.com as of 04/28/20. Reviews.com is owned and operated by an affiliate of Allconnect, Inc. However, Allconnect, Inc. is not involved in or responsible for the production of Reviews.com content, including the rankings cited on this page.

These internet providers offer value in a variety of ways including cheap home internet plan options, affordable cost per Mbps and contract incentives.

Shop cheap internet service providers in your area and find the plan that best meets your needs and your budget. Call to speak with our internet experts about low-cost internet plans available at your address.

Take advantage of special internet savings

Along with choosing the cheapest internet plan, there are a few ways you can save on monthly internet costs. Internet deals and special offers can save you money upfront and in the long run. Some ways to get internet deals include:

• Bundle services – Combining internet and TV services can get you lower internet pricing, or qualify you for extra incentives such as free equipment or unlimited data.
• Shop promotions – Check for limited-time offers such as special pricing, speed upgrades and contract buyout offers.
• Consider more than price – Equipment rentals, data caps and added fees can add to the monthly cost. Look for plans and providers that have low equipment costs and high data allowances.

Know how much internet you need

Finding an internet deal is great, but if it locks you into a plan that comes with more speed than you need, you still may end up paying more than you have to for internet.

Consider buying gas for your car, or shopping for TV service. You wouldn’t pay extra for premium gas if your car doesn’t need it, and you wouldn’t buy an expensive TV package stacked with channels you’ll never watch. The same logic applies to shopping for cheap internet.

Knowing what speeds you need is essential to finding the cheapest internet plan for your home.  

What’s a good internet speed for the price?

Speeds of 100 to 200 Mbps are ideal for many households as they will support streaming, gaming, doing homework and working from home on multiple devices at once. Luckily, many providers including AT&T, Cox, Spectrum and Verizon offer cheap plans with these speeds or higher starting at less than $50/mo.

Internet provider equipment fees and contracts info

It’s no secret that the advertised monthly price for services like internet isn’t always what you can expect to pay. Hidden fees for equipment, installation and more can raise your monthly costs. Data caps can also contribute to your monthly bill if you go over. Plus, an internet provider may require you to sign a service agreement and charge early termination fees or raise the price on you while you’re still under contract.

Here’s a look at what you can expect from some of the leading cheap internet providers in terms of added costs and contract requirements.

AT&T – Fast, affordable DSL

• Equipment: Rent AT&T’s Wi-Fi Gateway router for $10/mo.*
• Installation: Standard installation can add a $99 fee to your initial cost. However, you can divide the cost over your first three payments if you choose. For self-installation, a $35 activation fee may apply.
• Contract: A one-year service agreement is required. Early termination will result in a prorated fee.
• Price increase: Standard rates apply after the one-year introductory rate expires. Price increases vary by plan.

CenturyLink – Price for Life guarantee

• Equipment: CenturyLink gives you the option to lease, purchase or use your own compatible modem. Fees for leasing a modem start at $10/mo.* or you can purchase a modem for a one-time fee starting at $100. CenturyLink may include a modem at no extra cost with high-tiered plans such as the CenturyLink 1 Gig plan.
• Installation: There is a one-time $99 charge for standard installation, but self-install options may be available free of charge.
• Contract: None. CenturyLink does not require a contract.
• Price increase: None. CenturyLink offers a “price for life guarantee,” meaning customers can enjoy the same monthly price for as long as they keep their plan.

Cox – Low-cost installation

• Equipment: Cox lets you use your own compatible modem for no additional cost, or rent their Panoramic Wi-Fi modem starting at $10.99/mo.* Cox may waive the modem rental fee on higher-tiered plans.
• Installation: Self-installation is required for new Cox services and can add a one-time cost of up to $20 for shipping.
• Contract: Most Cox plans include a one-year service agreement with the exception of the Cox Gigablast plan, which does not require a service agreement. If you don’t want a contract, Cox offers a month-to-month option for an added fee starting at $10/mo.*
• Price increase: Introductory pricing for Cox internet plans expire after one, two or three years, depending on the plan. After the introductory pricing period, standard rates apply. Price increases vary by plan, but are among some of the highest for internet providers with select plans increasing more than $30/mo.*

Frontier – Two-year price guarantee

• Equipment: Frontier requires a Wi-Fi router lease starting at $10/mo. Additionally, an Internet Infrastructure Fee of $3.99/mo. may apply.*
• Installation: Frontier waives the installation fee of $75 for customers who sign a two-year contract. If you choose a no-contract plan option, installation fees apply.
• Contract: Contract options vary by plan, including no-contract options. Opting out of a service agreement may result in higher monthly pricing and fees.
• Price increase: Frontier offers a two-year price guarantee, even if you don’t sign a contract. After the introductory period, internet plan pricing raises to the regular plan price. Price increases vary by plan.

Spectrum – No contracts

• Equipment: Spectrum includes a modem with their plans and offers a Wi-Fi router lease starting at $5/mo.* Spectrum also gives you the option of using your own router at no extra cost.
• Installation: Self-installation is free. If you prefer professional installation, one-time installation fees start at $49.99.
• Contract: None. Spectrum internet does not require a contract. Additionally, Spectrum features a contract buyout offer with up to a $500 value.
• Price increase: Standard rates apply after the one-year introductory rate expires. Price increases vary by plan.

Verizon Fios – Contract buyout offer

• Equipment: Verizon lets you choose to rent equipment starting at $12/mo.*, buy equipment for a one-time cost starting at $199.99, or use your own equipment at no additional cost.
• Installation: A one-time standard installation fee of $99 may apply.
• Contract: None. Verizon Fios does not require a contract. Additionally, Verizon features a contract buyout offer with up to a $500 value.
• Price increase: 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.

Windstream – Unlimited data

• Equipment: Standard modem rental is required with Windstream plans and starts at $9.99/mo.*
• Installation: The professional installation includes a one-time fee of up to $35. Depending on the plan you choose, Windstream may waive the installation fee. Self-installation may also be available. A $50 Internet Activation Fee may apply to professional and self-installation.
• Contract: None. Windstream internet does not require a contract.
• Price increase: Standard rates apply after the one-year introductory rate expires. Price increases vary by plan.

Xfinity – Numerous plan options

• Equipment: Rental fees for the xFi Gateway router start at $13/mo.* You have the option of using your own router at no additional cost, but doing so means missing out on the xFi features such as xFi app compatibility and 24/7 tech support.
• Installation: Professional installation comes with a one-time fee starting at $70. Self-installation may be available for a one-time shipping fee of $15.
• Contract: Xfinity requires a one- or two-year service agreement. Early termination will result in a prorated fee.
• Price increase: Introductory rates expire after one year on most Xfinity internet plans. Price increases vary by plan and location but may add $30 or more to your monthly bill.

*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 04/28/20.