Cheap internet service providers
Compare the cheapest internet services from the best internet providers
The 8 best cheap internet providers of 2019
- AT&T – Wi-Fi equipment included
- CenturyLink – DSL and fiber-optic Price For Life guarantee
- Cox – Low-cost cable modem installation
- Frontier – 2-year price guarantee
- Spectrum – Cable internet with no contracts
- Verizon Fios – Contract buyout offer for new fiber customers
- Windstream – Unlimited data
- XFINITY – Fastest advertised download speeds
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.
Cheap internet providers with plans under $50/mo.
| Provider | Starting price* | Speeds up to |
|---|---|---|
 AT&T DSL | $30/mo. | 5 Mbps |
AT&T Fiber | $40/mo. | 100 Mbps |
 CenturyLink | $45/mo. | 60 Mbps |
 Cox | $19.99/mo. | 10 Mbps |
 Frontier DSL | $20/mo. | 6 Mbps |
Frontier Fios | $29.99/mo. | 50 Mbps |
 Spectrum | $44.99/mo. | 200 Mbps |
 Verizon Fios | $39.99/mo. | 100 Mbps |
 Windstream | $19.99/mo. | 6 Mbps |
 XFINITY | $29.99/mo. | 15 Mbps |
*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 05/07/19.
For the absolute cheapest internet plans, look to DSL providers such as AT&T, Frontier and Windstream. Cox, a cable provider, also offers a cheap basic internet plan in select areas. Keep in mind that cheap internet prices are often introductory prices for new customers, and are likely to increase after the introductory period is over.
When shopping for cheap internet plans, it’s important to consider all internet providers in your area, from the large, national providers to the smaller, local ones. Compare the best internet deals available for your address by using our zip check tool.
Cheapest regional internet providers:
- Buckeye Broadband – Plans starting at $9.99/mo.*Main service areas: northern Ohio and southern Michigan
- MCTV – Plans starting at $29.99/mo.*Main service areas: central Ohio
- Mediacom – Plans starting at $46.95/mo.*Main service areas: Midwest, southern Georgia and Alabama
- Shentel – Plans starting at $19.99/mo.*Main service areas: central Virginia, West Virginia, western Maryland
- Optimum – Plans starting at $29.99/mo.*Main service areas: greater New York City area
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 05/07/19.
Available internet providers and your internet plan options, including pricing, will vary based on your address. Enter your zip code to find cheap internet providers and plans for your home. We’ll help you compare plans and pricing from available national and local providers.
Internet plans with cheap cost per Mbps
If you’re looking for high-speed internet for a reasonable price, many providers offer plans that will cost you less than $1 per Mbps. These won’t always be your cheapest internet plans, but they will be more cost-effective.
Cable and fiber internet plans are your best bet for higher speeds for the price. Here are a few plans sorted by estimated cost per Mbps that give you high speeds for a relatively low cost per Mbps.
| Provider plan | Starting price* | Speeds up to | Estimated cost per Mbps* |
|
Verizon Fios Gigabit
|
$79.99/mo. | 940 Mbps | $0.09 |
|
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$85/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | $0.09 |
|
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$90/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | $0.09 |
|
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$69.99/mo. | 400 Mbps | $0.18 |
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$39.99/mo. | 200 Mbps | $0.20 |
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$44.99/mo. | 200 Mbps | $0.22 |
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$69.99/mo. | 300 Mbps | $0.23 |
AT&T Fiber 1000
Cox Internet Ultimate*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 05/07/19.
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.
Our internet experts keep up with the best internet deals so you don’t have to. Call to hear about special internet pricing and limited time offers available in your area.
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 – Equipment included
- Equipment: AT&T includes a Wi-Fi Gateway router with all plans.
- Installation: Standard installation can add a $99 fee to your initial cost. However, you can divide the cost up over your first three payments if you choose. For self-installation, a $35 activation fee may apply.
- Contract: A 1-year service agreement is required. Early termination will result in a prorated fee.
- Price increase: Standard rates apply after the 1-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 1-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 1, 2 or 3 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 – 2-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 2-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 2-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 1-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 1, 2 or 3-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 1-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 1 or 2-year service agreement. Early termination will result in a prorated fee.
- Price increase: Introductory rates expire after 1 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 05/07/19.
Frequently asked questions about cheap internet
DSL and cable typically offer the cheapest internet connections. DSL providers such as AT&T and Frontier have cheap internet plans start at or below $30/mo. Cable providers Cox, Optimum and XFINITY also have basic internet plans starting at under $30/mo.*
Internet plans can range from $20 to well over $100 per month. To avoid overpaying for internet, consider what speeds you need, and try to get the cheapest plan that offers those speeds or higher. Depending on your location, you can likely find an internet plan with speeds to handle most online activity starting around $50/mo.
Most internet providers include Wi-Fi or offer Wi-Fi service for a low added monthly cost. You can also take advantage of free Wi-Fi in public places such as coffee shops or libraries. However, Wi-Fi is not like local TV broadcasts where you can pick up “free” signals over the air with the right equipment.
There are many ways to cut internet costs, such as:
- Switching internet providers
- Downgrading your plan
- Bundling multiple home services
Check out these other ways you can save on home services.
Providers including Cox, Spectrum, XFINITY and AT&T offer plan options for qualifying low-income households and students. Additionally, the lifeline program is a federal program that helps low-income families obtain internet and phone services at a discounted rate.
Last updated 05/08/19.