The best prepaid internet providers of 2022

Our picks for the best prepaid internet providers of 2022

• Verizon Fios – Best overall
• Xfinity Prepaid Internet – Cheapest prepaid internet service
• Cox StraightUp Internet – Another cheap option
• AT&T Prepaid – Best availability

Prepaid internet can be a great option for those seeking flexibility in their internet plans. Prepaid internet requires no commitments, so you can count on no contracts, credit checks, hidden fees or deposits. You can learn more about each of these prepaid internet service providers in the sections below.

How we found the best prepaid internet plans

To find the best prepaid internet plans, we evaluated every broadband provider that offers prepaid internet 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.

To find the best prepaid internet plans, we evaluated every broadband provider that offers prepaid internet 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

Show summary Hide summary

*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. Last updated 09/27/22.
**Based on average AT&T 5G speed scores from OpenSignal July 2021 report

Allconnect Rating

4.07 / 5

Verizon Fios – Best prepaid internet service overall

Why we recommend it: Verizon Fios is one of the best internet providers in the country, so it makes sense that it would have the best prepaid home internet, too. It’s not quite as good of a deal as regular Verizon Fios service, but it’s still the best in the business. Plus, if you purchase your router from Verizon, they’ll pay for your first month of service.

What else to consider with Verizon prepaid internet:

• Expensive equipment: You’ll have to purchase your own router with Verizon prepaid internet, and it’s on the pricey side. That said, Verizon will pay for your first month of internet when you buy your router through them. You also have the option of using your own Verizon-compatible router. 
• Symmetrical speeds: With Verizon Fios, you’ll get the same download and upload speeds. That means your connection will be able to handle activities like online gaming and uploading photos without a problem.

View more Verizon Fios internet plans

Allconnect Rating

3.33 / 5

Xfinity – Cheapest prepaid internet service

Why we recommend it: Xfinity has one of the cheapest prepaid internet plans you’ll find anywhere. Like other providers, you won’t have to worry about a credit check or deposit, but Xfinity also cuts out hidden fees. Xfinity is also the only prepaid provider that allows you to pay for less than a month.

What else to consider with Xfinity Prepaid Internet:

• Cheap equipment: Xfinity’s modem is an affordable purchase compared to Verizon. This is a one-time purchase that you can’t avoid. Xfinity doesn’t allow you to use a modem you already have with its prepaid plans. 
• Decent speeds: Xfinity Prepaid Internet download speeds max out at 50 Mbps, which should be plenty for most households. That said, if you have more than a couple people using the internet in your house, or do a lot of gaming or remote working and learning, you may want to look for a faster plan elsewhere.  
• Weekly plan available: If you don’t want to pay for a full 30 days at a time, Xfinity is the only provider that offers one-week cycles. You’ll pay a little more for this flexibility, but it’s a nice option for anyone looking to try out Xfinity.

View more Xfinity internet plans

Allconnect Rating

3.04 / 5

Cox – Another cheap prepaid option

Why we recommend it: If Xfinity isn’t available in your area but you still want the cheapest plan, Cox prepaid internet is another solid option. Its StraightUp Internet plan costs $50/mo., but unlike the other providers we’ve listed, equipment, taxes and fees are included. That means you know exactly what you’ll be paying each month.

What else to consider with Cox StraightUp Internet:

• Price guarantee: As long as you pay your bill each month, Cox guarantees that it won’t raise your price for three full years. 
• Equipment is included: Cox’s Wi-Fi modem is yours to keep — even if you cancel your service after one month.

View more Cox internet plans

Allconnect Rating

3.10 / 5

AT&T – Best availability

Why we recommend it: AT&T’s prepaid internet option is a little different than the other providers on this list. Instead of a traditional home internet connection with a router and modem, AT&T’s prepaid plans utilize its 5G wireless network. You pay for different amounts of data each month, from 15GB to 100GB, and you’ll need to purchase a mobile hotspot from AT&T separately.

What else to consider with AT&T internet:

• Wide availability: While you have to be in the service areas of broadband internet providers, AT&T Prepaid is available virtually anywhere.
• Save by paying for a year upfront: If you’re happy with your AT&T Prepaid service and want to save some money, you can save $10/mo. and get 5GB of extra data each month by paying for a full year in advance. 
• Expensive equipment: Hotspot devices from AT&T can cost as much as $180, although you may be able to find better deals by visiting an AT&T store in-person.

View more AT&T internet plans

We value your feedback

Was this page helpful?

Yes No

We value your feedback

We’re glad! Tell us what helped most on this page.

Type your response here

Submit

We value your feedback

Was this page helpful?

The page didn’t have what I was looking for.

This page is incorrect or outdated.

This page didn’t help me choose a product or service.

Other (please specify):

Type your response here

Submit

Thanks for your feedback!

Your insight helps, and we’ll do our best to improve your experience.

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

Read bio