Cheap internet service providers

How to get cheap internet service near you

David Anders Last updated: October 21, 2020

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.

We’ll help you find cheap internet providers, compare plans, understand the added costs and find additional ways to save on internet. Our top picks for cheap internet providers below is a good place to start – click Show summary to view our featured providers.

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. 

Provider	Plan name	Starting price	Max download speeds	Data cap	Equipment fee
Mediacom	Access Internet 60	$19.99/mo.*	60 Mbps	60 GB/mo.	$11.50/mo.*
RCN	10 Mbps Internet	$24.99/mo.*	10 Mbps	None	$11.00/mo.*
Xfinity	Performance Starter	$25.00/mo.*	25 Mbps	1 TB/mo.	$14.00/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.*
AT&T	Fiber 100	$35.00/mo.*	100 Mbps	None	$10.00/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.*
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.*

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*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 10/20/20.

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.

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/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. Introductory rates expire after one year on most Xfinity internet plans which could add $30 or more to your monthly bill.

Additional savings on Xfinity internet

• 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. Frontier offers Price for Life on select plans, but pricing for most plans will increase to the standard price after one year of service.

Additional savings on Frontier internet

• 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.

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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 on Cox internet

• 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.

AT&T – Low-cost fiber optic internet

Why we recommend it: AT&T Fiber is now offering their fastest speeds, up to 940 Mbps, starting at $60/mo.* This is the one of the lowest starting prices 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 on AT&T internet

• 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. off your bill for the first year, a total savings of up to $120.

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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. 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.

Additional savings on Verizon internet

• 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 – Affordable 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. While Optimum offers a “price for life” guarantee on select plans, most come with a price increase after one year of service.

Additional savings on Optimum internet

• 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.

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). CenturyLink’s fiber plan is not included with the Price for Life guarantee, so customers may see a price increase after the first year of service.

Additional savings on CenturyLink internet

• 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.

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. Standard rates apply after the one-year introductory rate expires. Price increases vary by plan.

Additional savings on Spectrum internet

• 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.

Ways to get cheaper internet

Regardless of your internet provider, there are often ways to get a lower price.

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 for 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.

Internet assistance in response to COVID-19

Nearly all internet providers have pledged to waive late fees and overages fees for all all customers and open their public Wi-Fi hotspots to anyone needing a connection, even if they aren’t a customers, 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.

Cheap internet FAQs

Written by:

David Anders

Senior Writer, Broadband Content

David joined the Allconnect team in 2017, specializing in broadband and TV content. As a Senior Writer, David is passionate about making sure our broadband content provides vital information to consumers and hel… Read more

Edited by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband & Wireless Content

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