Best no-contract internet service providers

Top 5 no-contract internet providers

All available no-contract internet providers

Service term agreements are common when signing up for home services such as internet and TV, but you don’t always have to commit to one.

Depending on the available internet providers in your area, you could have internet options from providers that allow you to pay as you go instead of signing a long-term contract. Opting for an internet provider that doesn’t require a contract could make it easier to cancel or transfer service to a new address without being hit with early termination fees.

*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. **wireless speeds may vary. Last updated 03/01/23.

You might not get the cheapest price without a contract

Most of the internet providers listed above are truly contract-free. Some, however, may require a contract when bundling services or to qualify for the cheapest internet pricing. 

AT&T, for example, does not require a contract for internet service, but if you bundle with AT&T TV or DIRECTV, you’ll have a two-year term agreement for the TV service.

Xfinity is another provider that may or may not require a contract. In some regions, mostly in the West and Northeast, Xfinity requires a one-year service agreement to get the lowest price on their cheapest plan, but not for other plans (other than Gigabit Pro). Xfinity service areas in the Central and South regions require a one- or two-year service agreement with all plans in order to get the lowest introductory rate.

Can I prepay for internet service?

Cox, Verizon Fios and Xfinity offer prepaid internet service that allows you to pay for internet service only when you need it. If you only need Wi-Fi access sporadically, are planning to move soon or don’t want to have to provide a credit check or deposit, a prepaid internet service may be the best option for you. 

Cox StraightUp Internet – A month-to-month Cox internet service requiring no contract 

• Pros: No equipment or installation fees 
• Cons: Expensive considering you only get 100 Mbps for $50/mo. 

Verizon Fios Prepaid – Nearly identical to Verizon’s standard fiber internet service

• Pros: Great speed plans (100, 300, 1,000 Mbps); pay month-to-month with no contract
• Cons: Credit check or deposit required; must purchase a Verizon router for $199.99 or use your own 

Xfinity Prepaid Internet – Pay week-to-week or month-to-month for 20 Mbps 

• Pros: Option to “refill” your Xfinity Prepaid Internet service in seven-day increments for $15 or 30-day increments for $45; no contract, credit check or deposit 
• Cons: $80 equipment fee, limited speeds

Top 5 providers that offer pay as you go internet

Our recommendations for contract-free internet service include a mix of prepaid services and traditional internet services that simply require no contract. Keep in mind that not all providers or their contract-free plans will 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. **Wireless speeds may vary. Last updated 02/22/23.

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No-contract internet provider FAQs

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