Cheap internet service providers

What are the best cheap internet providers?

David Anders Last updated: April 21, 2021

Cable providers such as Cox, Mediacom and Xfinity typically offer the cheapest internet plans, but fiber optic providers including AT&T, Frontier and Verizon are also great choices for low-cost, high-speed plans. These providers, as well as many others, offer broadband internet plans starting at less than $50/mo.

When shopping for affordable internet service, our top picks for cheap internet providers below is a good place to start. Also look to our list of cheap internet plans further down the page, which features more providers and estimated “all-in” costs of their lowest-priced plans. Availability for each provider varies by location, so not all providers listed are available in all areas.

The 8 best cheap internet providers of 2021

• Xfinity – Up to 100 Mbps for $29.99/mo.*
• Cox – Up to 25 Mbps for $29.99/mo.*
• AT&T – Up to 300 Mbps for $35.00/mo.*
• Verizon Fios – Up to 200 Mbps for $39.99/mo.*
• Optimum – Up to 300 Mbps for $35.00/mo.*
• CenturyLink – Up to 100 Mbps for $49.00/mo.*
• Frontier – Up to 50 Mbps for $37.99/mo.*
• Spectrum – Up to 200 Mbps for $49.99/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. As of 04/18/21.

Shop cheap internet plans near you

You’ll find some cheapest internet providers and plans in your area below. For more accurate results, click the Location button below to shop cheap internet plans for your address.

Location:

COVID Practices

Unlimited data allowance

AT&T consumer home internet or Fixed Wireless Internet customers can use unlimited internet data through September 30, 2020.

Installation practices

Self-installation is the default installation option when available for customers.

Temporary speed upgrade

Get a temporary speed upgrade to 50 Mbps when you order Cox 10 & 30 Mbps internet plans. Offers valid through June 30, 2020.

Installation practices

Self-installation encouraged. Select your desired installation date, and a Cox representative will call to confirm or reschedule your appointment.

N/A

Installation practices

Safety-first Installation: A Frontier technician will perform your installation with appropriate safety protocols including wearing protective equipment and maintaining social distancing. In taking these precautions, it’s recommended that Frontier customers wear a face mask or face covering for the safety of technicians.

New TV plan

Introducing a new “Local 50” video plan to support contactless installation.

Installation practices

Contactless installation: Mediacom will send an installation kit and a technician to set up a single high-speed data connection, phone, or one local TV channel plan with the help of someone in your home.

N/A

Installation practices

Self-installation is encouraged. For professional installation, contact-free delivery is available for work done outside of the home. For customers moving more than 7 days from the date the order is placed, professional installation is available.

N/A

Installation practices

Free Contactless Delivery: An Xfinity technician will drop-off your equipment with installation instructions, then perform any outside work. Get your installation fees back in a customer credit for a no-charge installation.

Save on fast speed

Order a 200 Mbps internet plan for the same price of a 100 Mbps plan

Installation practices

Self-installation encouraged for qualified orders. For professional installation, select your desired date and it will be held for future installation on a priority basis.

Compare cheap plans from top providers

We’ve compiled a list of inexpensive internet plans 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. Taxes and government fees are not included, however, 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.

*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 04/18/21.

There are certainly cheap internet services in addition to the ones we’ve listed, such as those from regional providers like Atlantic Broadband, RCN 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. 

Expert tip: Paying a little more could be worth the speed increase

If you’re like the 54% of our surveyed visitors who said they valued 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 100 starts at $35/mo., but for $10/mo. more, AT&T Internet 300 delivers up to three times the speed.

Our picks for the best cheap internet providers

Jump to section:

• Xfinity – Cheapest broadband plan
• Cox – Low-cost installation
• AT&T – Cheap fiber optic connection
• Verizon Fios – No-contract affordable fiber plans
• Optimum – Low pricing for high speeds
• CenturyLink – Price for Life guarantee
• Frontier – Best for no hidden fees
• Spectrum – Low equipment costs

The providers featured below either have exceptionally-low priced 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 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.

Our approach: We determine the best internet providers for you

When narrowing down our list of the top internet providers, we sought to highlight providers that are available to many people in different areas. Using the most recent FCC data, we identified the top

When narrowing down our list of the top internet providers, we sought to highlight providers that are available to many people in different areas. Using the most recent FCC data, we identified the top internet providers available to at least 5% of U.S. residents.

From there, we leveraged our own in-house technology to further accumulate availability, speed and pricing details and for each provider. Specific plan, pricing and service details were sourced directly from the providers, both via our professional relationships with them and their official websites.

We also sought inspiration from Reviews.com, who 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 rankings cited on this page.

Equipped with an accurate, up-to-date portfolio of each provider, we then carefully examined each provider’s attributes to identify a provider’s exclusive advantage over the rest. The result is our list of the best internet providers of 2020.

Learn more about our research

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Xfinity – Cheapest broadband plan

Why we recommend it: Xfinity’s Performance Internet is one of the lowest-priced internet plans that come with broadband speeds, up to 100 Mbps starting at just $30/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 Performance Starter.

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.

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.

Learn more about Xfinity internet

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. 

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.

What to look out for: Cox customers are likely to see steep price increases after the first year of service — as much as $30/mo. depending on the plan.

Learn more about Cox internet

Looking for expert tips on shopping for cheap internet?

Jump to section:

Special internet savings

AT&T – Low-cost fiber optic internet

Why we recommend it: AT&T Internet 100 is one of the best-priced fiber service plans available. 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 just $40/mo. for speeds up to 75 Mbps.

Additional savings on AT&T internet

• No data caps: All AT&T Fiber plans come with unlimited data.
• Equipment rental included: Choose the AT&T Fiber 1000 plan and get your AT&T gateway router rental included at no additional cost.
• 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.

What to look out for: Using your own equipment is not an option with AT&T, so unless you choose the AT&T Fiber 1000 plan starting at $60/mo., there’s no way to escape the $10/mo. equipment rental fee.

Learn more about AT&T internet

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. 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

• 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.

Learn more about Verizon internet

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.

Get started

Optimum – Low 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 cheap internet provider.

Additional savings on 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 price increase after one year of service.

Learn more about Optimum internet

CenturyLink – Price for Life guarantee

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 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.

Learn more about CenturyLink internet

Frontier – Best for no hidden fees

Why we recommend it: Frontier’s starting price may seem a bit higher than other providers, but the listed price is a good indication of what you can actually expect to pay. Equipment fees and unlimited data are included with the price, so you don’t have to worry about hidden fees inflating your bill. 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.

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.

Learn more about Frontier internet

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.

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.

Learn more about Spectrum 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

There are a few programs available to ensure quality internet is accessible to all, including students, seniors and those who live in low-income households. Additionally, discounted internet or special offers such as unlimited data or speed boosts may also be available from select providers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 customers and open their public Wi-Fi hotspots to anyone needing a connection, even if they aren’t a customer, 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 into the new year. Cox, for example, recently announced they will waive late fees for their Connect2Compete customers through June 30, 2021. Other providers, including AT&T and Xfinity, have also extended their COVID-19 relief initiatives.

FCC broadband subsidy for low-income households

In addition to the waived fees from providers in response to COVID-19, the pandemic has also spurred plenty of government spending on broadband. In March 2021, the FCC announced a new subsidy for low-income households. Anyone who’s eligible will get a $50/mo. credit on their internet bill, plus a $100 discount on a computer or tablet.

A note from our internet experts

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 internet service 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:

David Anders

Senior Writer, Broadband Content

David joined the Allconnect team in 2017, specializing in broadband and TV content. His work has been referenced by a variety of sources, including ArcGIS, DIRECTV and more. As a Senior Writer, David is motivate… Read more

Edited by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband & Wireless Content

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