Best cheap internet service providers of 2023

The 5 best cheap internet providers of 2023

*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 03/08/23.

Cheap internet quick comparison

We’ve compiled a list of cheap internet options from our list of best internet providers and others below. To give you an idea of what you’ll actually be paying, we sorted the plans by total estimated cost, which is the starting monthly price plus equipment costs. We also included a column for speed value, which is how much you’re paying for your speed (cost/Mbps). Optimum and Verizon stand out as having the lowest speed value of the plans we’ve chosen. However, taxes and government fees are not included, as these can vary widely by location. 

The cheap internet rates listed 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.

Some of these cheap internet plans require autopay, paperless billing or subscriptions to mobile services, so check the fine print closely for the requirements on the low monthly price.

Cheap internet plans under $50/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. **Optimum pricing requires autopay, paperless billing and an unlimited mobile plan. As of 03/08/23.

There are certainly cheap internet 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.

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.

Learn more about our methodology

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Our picks for the best cheap internet providers

• Xfinity – Best availability
• Spectrum – Low equipment costs
• Mediacom – Cheapest internet plan
• WOW – Runner-up cheapest internet plan
• AT&T – Cheapest fiber plans
• Frontier – Free equipment
• Cox – Best for prepaid internet
• Optimum – Low first-year pricing for high speeds
• Verizon Fios – Best for bonuses
• CenturyLink – No rate increases on most plans
• T-Mobile – Simple pricing and no hidden fees

The providers featured below either have exceptionally cheap internet plans, special offers that increase the service’s value, or both. 

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 or inescapable equipment fees.

Keep in mind that all providers and plans listed below are not available in all areas.

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.

Best availability

Xfinity – Best availability

Why we recommend it: Xfinity is one of the largest providers in the country, offering plans in the Northeast, Central, South and West regions of the U.S. Its Connect More Internet plan is also one of the cheapest plans that come with broadband speeds — up to 200 Mbps starting at just $25/mo. While some providers may offer cheaper plans, we find that they do not come with the speeds or data allowance (1.2TB/mo.) that you get with Xfinity Connect Internet.

What else to consider with 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.

What to look out for: Though you have the option to use your own equipment, Xfinity’s equipment fee is marginally higher than most providers at $14/mo. or a potentially bill-doubling $25 for premium Wi-Fi service.

View more Xfinity internet plans

Low equipment costs

Spectrum – Low equipment costs

Why we recommend it: Spectrum has some of the lowest equipment fees of any provider. Your modem is included at no extra cost and router rental is only $5/mo. And if you choose Spectrum Internet Gig, your router is also included. You can bundle for additional savings or go with one of Spectrum’s internet-only options. Spectrum is available in 41 states.

Additional savings on Spectrum internet

• Contract buyout offer: Spectrum offers up to $500 to help you out of your contract with your current provider.
• 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. Spectrum is also a no-contract provider.

What to look out for: Spectrum’s contract buyout offer is a nice perk, but you have to sign up for a qualifying internet and TV bundle to get it. You can also expect your bill to go up by $25/mo. in year two.

View more Spectrum internet plans

Best overall cheap internet plans

Mediacom – Cheapest plan

Why we recommend it: Mediacom’s Access Internet 100 plan is one of the best values you’ll find anywhere, starting at just $19.99/mo. Even after the $10/mo. price increase in year two, it’s still one of the cheapest plans available. That said, it has a data cap of just 300GB, so heavy streamers or gamers may want to upgrade to a plan with more data. Mediacom offers service across 22 states, mainly in the Midwest.

What else to consider with Mediacom internet:

• Low data caps: Mediacom’s cheapest internet plan only comes with 300GB of data. The average monthly internet usage for a U.S. household is over 500GB in 2022, so if there will be multiple people connecting at once, you should probably upgrade to the Internet 300 plan, which gets you 1,500GB of data per month.
• Waived installation fees: Mediacom usually charges a $109.99 installation fee, but it’s waiving it right now for online orders. But you’ll still have to pay a $10 activation fee.
• Price increases in second year: The cheapest plan goes up by $10/mo. in year two, while every other plan increases by $30/mo.

What to look out for: Mediacom charges $10/mo. for equipment rental. That’s about the middle of the pack, but you can also buy your own Mediacom-compatible modem to save money in the long run.

View more Mediacom internet plans

Runner-up cheapest

WOW! – Runner-up cheapest

Why we recommend it: After Mediacom, WOW! has the cheapest internet plans of any nationwide provider, and you arguably get more bang for your buck. Its Internet 200 plan costs just $29.99/mo., and you’ll get up to 200 Mbps speeds — plenty for most households. And unlike Mediacom, you won’t have to worry about data caps on any WOW! plans. If 200 Mbps at $29.99/mo. just doesn’t fit your budget and you need a basic connection for checking your emails, consider the 50 Mbps WOW! plan for just $9.99/mo. WOW! Has limited availability, providing service to nine states in the Midwest and South 

What else to consider with WOW! internet:

• Small price increases: WOW! raises prices by $10 to $15/mo. after 12 months, which is actually much better than most providers.
• Wi-Fi extenders available: For an extra $9.99/mo., you can add WOW!’s Whole-Home WiFi system to your plan. This helps spread your internet connection to every corner of your house.

What to look out for: WOW!’s equipment rental is on the expensive side at $14/mo., but you have the option of purchasing your own modem and router.

View more WOW! internet plans

Looking for expert tips on shopping for cheap internet?

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Special internet savings

Cheapest fiber plans

AT&T – Best value fiber plans

Why we recommend it: AT&T Internet 300 is among the best-priced fiber service plans. If AT&T Fiber is not available in your area, consider their DSL service, AT&T Internet, which can also be a good value starting at $55/mo. for speeds up to 100 Mbps. AT&T is mainly available in parts of the Mid-Atlantic area, South and Midwest. 

What else to consider with AT&T internet:

• No data caps: All AT&T Fiber plans come with unlimited data.
• Equipment rental included: Choose an AT&T Fiber plan and get your AT&T gateway router rental included at no additional cost.
• Installation fee waived: AT&T is currently waiving its $99 professional installation fee.

What to look out for: There’s not much you have to be on your toes about with AT&T Fiber. Its pricing is refreshingly straightforward. Aside from taxes, what you see is what you’ll pay every month.

View more AT&T internet plans

Transparent pricing

Frontier – Transparent pricing

Why we recommend it: Equipment fees and unlimited data are included with Frontier’s pricing, so you don’t have to worry about hidden fees inflating your bill. Some Frontier plans require a one-year contract, meaning you’ll have to pay early termination fees if you want to cancel service. Most plans increase after the first year and three years. Frontier’s service footprint spans across the Midwestern, Southern and Western regions of the country. 

Featured Frontier plans starting at $49.99

Frontier pricing and speeds will vary by the connection type available in your area.

Frontier® Internet

Cheapest DSL plan

Monthly price*

$49.99

Download speed

DSL speeds vary

Contract length

None

Connection type

DSL

Frontier Fiber 500/500

Cheapest fiber plan

Monthly price*

$49.99

Download speed

Up to 500 Mbps

Contract length

None

Connection type

Fiber

Call us today: (844) 451-2720

Call us today: (844) 451-2720

*w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Bill per month. Max speeds are wired. Wi-Fi, actual & average speeds vary. One-time charge on disconnect applies. Last updated 03/08/23.

What else to consider with Frontier internet:

• No data caps: 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.

What to look out for: Frontier includes the equipment rental cost in the plan price, which means there’s no option to save by using your own equipment.

View more Frontier internet plans

Best for prepaid internet

Cox – Best for prepaid internet

Why we recommend it: Cox offers free self-installation on many plans, including their cheapest Wi-Fi plan, Internet Essential 100.  

Cox also offers a prepaid internet option for $50/mo. and speeds up to 100 Mbps. With this plan, you won’t have to worry about credit checks, contracts or deposits, and the equipment cost is included. Cox provides service to parts of 19 states spanning different regions of the country. 

What else to consider with 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 best discounts on cheap cable and internet bundles.

What to look out for: Cox customers will likely see steep price increases after the first year of service — as much as $36/mo. depending on the plan.

View more Cox internet plans

Allconnect: Let us compare providers for you

Why should you choose Allconnect? We’re the #1 broadband marketplace in the U.S, meaning you can trust us to search, compare and order internet and TV service for your home.

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Low first-year pricing

Optimum – Low first-year 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 $30.00/mo. Remember that these prices are only available from Optimum when you elect autopay and paperless billing, along with having one of the ISP’s unlimited mobile plans. Optimum currently provides service to 21 states and has been expanding Northeast and South. 

What else to consider with Optimum internet:

• Low equipment fees, option to use your own: The Altice Gateway device will add $10/mo. to your bill, or you can use your own equipment and save on the monthly costs.
• No data caps: Surprise overage fees won’t pop up on your monthly bill.

What to look out for: Optimum internet plans come with a steep price increase after one year of service. Expect to pay $75 to $95 more each month in the second year.

View more Optimum internet plans

Best for bonuses

Verizon Fios – Best for bonuses

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. 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. Verizon has availability spanning areas in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the country

What else to consider with Verizon Fios internet:

• Equipment included with Gigabit Connection: Like AT&T, Verizon includes your equipment rental at no extra cost when you choose their gigabit plan.
• 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.

What to look out for: With no contracts and no hidden fees, there isn’t much you have to worry about with Verizon Fios, though some may find their $15 equipment rental fee a touch on the high side.

View more Verizon Fios internet plans

No rate increases

CenturyLink – No rate increases on most plans

Why we recommend it: 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 ($15/mo.) and installation ($99 one-time fee, free self-install may be available). The only plan that increases in price is Fiber Gigabit, which goes from $65/mo. to $85/mo. in year two. CenturyLink is available in 16 states.

What else to consider with CenturyLink internet:

• No data overage fees: There are no added fees for going over your monthly data allowance of 1TB.
• Use your own equipment option: Consider purchasing your own CenturyLink-compatible modem to save on monthly equipment rental costs.

What to look out for: CenturyLink is somewhat limited when it comes to plan options, with usually only one or two available depending on where you live. If you have access to CenturyLink’s fiber plans, the speeds you get are the best available. But there is no option to downgrade to a lower speed for a cheaper price.

View more CenturyLink internet plans

Best for simple pricing

T-Mobile– Simplistic pricing and no hidden fees

Why we recommend it: T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet has simplistic pricing, so you don’t have to worry about hidden fees. The $50 price point includes all taxes and fees and it won’t ever increase.

T-Mobile is one of the most widely-available 5G providers with coverage across parts of the entire country. It currently serves 98% of the U.S.  

What else to consider with T-mobile internet:

• No contracts: You can cancel anytime and T-Mobile won’t raise prices after the first year.
• No data caps: You won’t have to worry about getting charged for going over your data limit.

What to look out for: With T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet service, your connection will largely depend on your proximity to a T-Mobile tower, and its speeds can be more inconsistent than cable or fiber internet.

Tips for saving on internet

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

Some ways to get internet deals include:

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.

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.

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.

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.

Learn more about internet deals and special offers

Low-cost internet assistance programs for cheap Wi-Fi

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: 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 in conjunction with the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program. If you qualify for that program, you can then apply for AT&T Access for 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 30 Mbps and no data caps for $14.99/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: Optimumoffers the Altice Advantage program which provides qualifying families up to 30 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

The pandemic magnified the need for better internet access for all when suddenly people were required to work and learn from home. The federal government implemented the Emergency Broadband Bill, which provided a monthly benefit to help make internet more affordable. 

The  Affordable Connectivity Program replaced the emergency broadband measure and is a monthly benefit of $30, plus a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop or tablet. Anyone with an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines is eligible. 

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 service more affordable. View our low-income internet guide for more information.

Some organizations, providers and nonprofits also provide free internet options that might be worth checking out.

A note from our internet experts on cheap internet

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 Wi-Fi 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.

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Written by:

Joe Supan

Principal Writer, Broadband Content

Joe Supan is a principal writer for Allconnect and CNET. He has helped build the proprietary metrics used on Allconnect’s review pages, utilizing thousands of data points to help readers navigate these complex… Read more

Edited by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband Content

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