Best cheap internet service providers

What are the best cheap internet providers?

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

When shopping for cheap Wi-Fi, 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 5 best cheapest internet providers of 2021

In addition to these five cheapest options, we’ve also included affordable plans from five other nationwide providers. You can learn more about them in the section below.

*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 07/15/21.

Cheap internet provider 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. 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.

Cheapest internet plans from top providers

*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 07/15/21.

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. 

How we found the cheapest 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
• Cox – Best for prepaid internet
• Mediacom – Cheapest internet plan
• WOW – Runner-up cheapest
• AT&T – Cheapest fiber plans
• Optimum – Low first-year pricing for high speeds
• Verizon Fios – Best for bonuses
• CenturyLink – No rate increases on most plans
• Frontier – Free equipment
• Spectrum – Low equipment costs

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’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.

Best availability

Xfinity – Best availability

Why we recommend it: Xfinity is one of the largest providers in the country, and its Performance Internet plan is also one of the cheapest plans that comes 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.

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

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, Cox Starter 25. A relatively low equipment fee of around $12/mo. will add to your monthly bill, but you can avoid this fee by using your own equipment. 

Cox also offers a prepaid internet option for $50/mo. and speeds up to 50 Mbps. With this plan, you won’t have to worry about credit checks, contracts or deposits, and the equipment cost is included.

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 are likely to see steep price increases after the first year of service — as much as $36/mo. depending on the plan.

View more Cox internet plans

Best overall cheap internet plans

Mediacom – Cheapest starting internet plan

Why we recommend it: Mediacom’s Access Internet 60 plan is one of the best values you’ll find anywhere, with speeds up to 60 Mbps 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 200GB, so heavy streamers or gamers may want to upgrade to a plan with more data.

What else to consider with Mediacom internet:

• Low data caps: Mediacom’s cheapest internet plan only comes with 200GB of data. The average monthly internet usage for a U.S. household was over 400GB in 2020, so if there will be multiple people connecting at once, you should probably upgrade to the Internet 100 plan, which gets you 1,000GB 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 $12/mo. for equipment rental. That’s about 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 100 plan costs just $29.99/mo., and you’ll get 100 Mbps speeds — plenty for most households. And unlike Mediacom, you won’t have to worry about data caps on any WOW! plans.

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 do 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 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 $45/mo. for speeds up to 100 Mbps.

What else to consider with 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 internet rates starting at $60/mo., there’s no way to escape the $10/mo. equipment rental fee.

View more AT&T internet plans

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 $45/mo. This is one of the lowest cost-per-Mbps plans on the market from any major cheap internet provider. That said, the price increases to $109.99/mo. in year two.

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.

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

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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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.

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

Frontier – Free equipment

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 by $10/mo. after one year of service.

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

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.

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

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

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 rates 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 plans 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 plans 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-only service also comes with Wi-Fi, making it a cheap Wi-Fi option for students.

Cheap internet plans 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 May 2021, the FCC launched 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 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

Senior Writer, Broadband Content

Joe oversees all things broadband for Allconnect. His work has been referenced by Yahoo!, Lifehacker and more. He has utilized thousands of data points to build a library of metrics to help users navigate these … Read more

Edited by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband Content

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