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 11/07/24.
What are the cheapest internet plans?
The cheapest internet plans will have lower 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.
We’ve compiled a list of cheap and affordable internet options from our list of best internet providers and others below. With half of U.S. households paying between $60 and $90 per month, these providers offer some great low-price options.
Most internet providers will have plans that are 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 that you may be sacrificing speed in some cases.
We sorted the plans by total estimated cost (starting monthly price plus equipment costs) and speed value (cost/Mbps). Keep in mind that prices may increase after promotional periods end, and 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 | $19.99 | 250 Mbps | $14.00 |
| WOW! | $30.00 | 300 Mbps | Included |
| Optimum | $40.00** | 300 Mbps | $13.50 |
| Xfinity | $19.99 | 150 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 11/07/24.
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 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. Around 300 to 500 Mbps plans can keep a moderately sized household of internet users smoothly accessing the internet, but you may need more depending on the number of devices you have and the types of internet activities you’re doing.
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.
Allconnect Rating
3.64 / 5
Xfinity – Best cheap plans overall
Xfinity is one of the largest cable providers in the country, offering plans in the Northeast, Central, South and West regions of the U.S. across parts of 40 states. Xfinity’s cheapest plans are around $25.00/mo. for 150 Mbps, depending on your Xfinity service region. Xfinity may include your equipment in the first few years of service, but watch out for the $15/mo. equipment fee after that period ends, and price increases after 12 to 24 months.
Xfinity Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
3.82 / 5
Spectrum – Low equipment costs
Spectrum is a cable internet provider that includes Wi-Fi equipment with its 1,000 Mbps plan and charges $10/mo. for a router with its 500 Mbps plan. Xfinity, for comparison, charges $15/mo. Spectrum also offers bundle savings if you pair an internet plan with another Spectrum service. Spectrum Internet® Premier is $50/mo. for 500 Mbps and Spectrum Internet® Gig is $70/mo. for 1,000 Mbps. Keep an eye out for price increases after 12 to 36 months.
Spectrum Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
4.19 / 5
Mediacom – Cheapest plan for 250 Mbps
Mediacom offers 250 Mbps for just $19.99/mo., one of the cheapest internet plans available. If you need more speed, Medicom’s faster plans are still affordable at $44.99 to $59.99/mo. for 500 to 1,000 Mbps. Some things to consider with Mediacom are data caps, equipment fees and price increases. If you’re a heavy data user, opt for its unlimited gig plan instead of the cheapest option, which has a 400 GB data cap.
Mediacom Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
4.15 / 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. On the downside, WOW has limited availability and slow upload speeds with its cable plans.
WideOpenWest (WOW) Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
4.20 / 5
Frontier – Cheapest fiber plans
Frontier has some of the cheapest fiber plans available. Its 200 Mbps is $29.99/mo. and its 500 Mbps plan is $44.99/mo. Frontier Fiber has no data caps or contracts, but there may be price increases after one year of service.
Frontier Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
4.04 / 5
Kinetic by Windstream – Runner-up cheapest fiber plans
Windstream’s fiber plans start at $24.99/mo. for 100 Mbps, but you can get a faster 300 or 1,000 Mbps plan for $34.99 to $59.99/mo., which offers more bang for your buck since you’re getting symmetrical fiber speeds. Watch out for additional equipment fees and price increases after a year or two.
Windstream Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
4.16 / 5
Optimum – Low first-year pricing for high speeds
Optimum’s cable and fiber plans both start at $40.00/mo. for 300 Mbps, which is great value for the speed, especially with Optimum Fiber. If you need more speed, Optimum’s cable plans reach 1,000 Mbps, and its fiber speeds reach 5,000 Mbps. Optimum’s plan prices will increase, so keep an eye out for more expensive prices after one or two years.
Optimum Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
4.60 / 5
Verizon Fios – Best for perks
Verizon Fios offers fiber plans from 300 to 2,000 Mbps starting at $34.99/mo. With a mobile plan, but the real value comes with the perks Verizon offers new customers. From free equipment, subscriptions, gift cards or tech, you could reap some great new customer benefits with Verizon.
Verizon Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
3.81 / 5
CenturyLink – No rate increases on most plans
CenturyLink has some of the most customer-friendly pricing in the business. The only charges you can expect to add 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.
CenturyLink Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
4.33 / 5
T-Mobile Customer Reviews:
Best cheap internet plans for working from home
Working from home could require an increase in your internet speed. You should consider the required speeds for uploading/downloading large files, video chatting and the number of people you have using your internet connection at once. 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. Fiber internet is the fastest and most reliable internet available and is well-suited for work-from-home activities.
Low-cost assistance programs for cheap internet
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
- WOW! – Internet for Education
- Spectrum – Spectrum Internet Assist
- Optimum – Advantage Internet
- Xfinity – Internet Essentials
- Verizon – Verizon Forward
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 300 | Up to 300 Mbps | $34.99/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 | Up to 300 Mbps | $35.00/mo. with mobile plan |
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 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/mo. 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.
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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 on the site since January 2020, as well as on Allconnect’s sister site MYMOVE.com…
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Edited by:
Anine SusEditor I
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