Top prepaid internet providers
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.
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.
Compare prepaid internet services
Prepaid internet can be a great option for those seeking flexibility in their internet plans. Prepaid internet allows you to pay for your service in advance, so you can pay for the amount of data you plan on using. Prepaid internet can be very useful for those who travel a lot, or even students who may not want to lock into an internet contract since there are no commitments. You can learn more about each of these prepaid internet service providers in the sections below.
We’ve listed four top ISPs offering prepaid internet services, ranking them as the best overall prepaid provider, cheapest prepaid service and best for prepaid availability. Each provider offers affordable options, so if you’re looking for cheap internet, prepaid internet could be a great option for you.
| Provider | Best for | Price* | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Fios | Best overall | $39.99-79.99/mo. | 100-940 Mbps |
| Xfinity Prepaid Internet | Cheapest prepaid internet | $15.00 – $45.00/mo. | 50 Mbps |
| Cox StraightUp Internet | Another cheap option | $50.00/mo. | 100 Mbps |
| AT&T Prepaid | Best availability | $25.00-$90.00/mo. | Varies |
*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 06/24/24.
Allconnect Rating
3.33 / 5
Xfinity NOW – Best prepaid internet service
Why we recommend it: Xfinity NOW internet is one of the best prepaid internet services. Xfinity NOW prepaid internet has no hidden fees, and you won’t have to worry about a credit check or deposit. Xfinity’s prepaid service also sets itself apart with decent speeds up to 200 Mbps.
Featured Xfinity Prepaid Internet plans
Xfinity has two prepaid internet plans, one with speeds up to 100 Mbps and one with speeds up to 200 Mbps.
100 Mbps
Short-term internet
Price*
Download speed
Service period
Connection type
200 Mbps
Cheapest in the long run
Price*
Download speed
Service period
Connection type
*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 06/24/24..
What else to consider with Xfinity Prepaid Internet:
- Cheap equipment: Xfinity’s modem is an affordable purchase compared to Verizon.
- Decent speeds: Xfinity Prepaid Internet download speeds max out at 200 Mbps, which should be plenty for most households.
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. With Cox, you’ll know exactly what you’ll be paying each month. Its StraightUp Internet plan costs $50/mo., but unlike the other providers we’ve listed, equipment, taxes and fees are included.
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.
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.
Featured AT&T Prepaid plans
AT&T has several prepaid internet plans, but the speed is the same on all of them. Instead, you pay for how much data you need.
15GB
Cheapest plan
Monthly price*
Monthly data
Average speed**
Connection type
100GB
Most data
Monthly price*
Monthly data
Average speed**
Connection type
*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 06/24/24.
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.
What are the benefits of prepaid internet plans?
Prepaid internet isn’t for everyone, but if you are looking for flexibility, no credit checks or long-term commitments, prepaid is a great option. There are also no hidden fees, data overage costs or other unknown fees.
With a regular home internet service, you’ll likely have equipment fees and be subject to one or two-year contracts that may cost you if you opt out early. With prepaid internet, you can avoid the usual fees with regular internet service.
But, keep in mind that you don’t have as many prepaid internet options as you do with normal broadband service – prepaid has lower speed ranges and less ISPs offer it.
How to choose the best prepaid home internet plan
When choosing a prepaid home internet plan, there are several factors to consider such as coverage, cost and speeds. First, you need to check what providers are actually available to you. Internet providers have different service areas, so check your address to find out what’s available where you live.
It’s also important to consider price and speed. The speed you need largely depends on the number of devices you have connected to your home network and the types of internet activities you participate in. Keep in mind that you may have more speed limitations with prepaid plans than with regular postpaid internet service, so if you need a lot of speed, you may want to consider other options.
Prepaid internet FAQs
No, not every ISP offers prepaid internet service. The ISPs we’ve discussed above are a few of the most popular providers offering prepaid internet.
Prepaid internet does not require any credit checks or long-term commitments, so as long as you’re within the availability footprint of that ISP you should be able to sign up for prepaid internet service.
Prepaid internet is often cheaper than regular internet, but it has lower speed ranges and fewer options than other internet plans. If you’re willing to sacrifice speed for flexibility, then prepaid can be a great option for you.
Unlike other types of internet service, prepaid internet has no contract requirements or credit checks. Just check your address to find out which providers are available to you before you sign up.
Most prepaid internet services do no require credit checks. You pay upfront for your service so you won’t have any surprises on your internet bill.
We value your feedback
Was this page helpful?
We value your feedback
We’re glad! Tell us what helped most on this page.
We value your feedback
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your insight helps, and we’ll do our best to improve your experience.
Written by:
Joe SupanPrincipal Writer, Broadband Content
Joe is a senior writer for CNET covering home technology and broadband. Prior to joining CNET, Joe led MYMOVE’s moving coverage and reported on broadband policy, the digital divide, and privacy issues for the br…
Read more
Edited by:
Robin LaytonEditor, Broadband Content
Related pages
-
Featured
![Guide to low-income internet options and affordable internet plans]()
Guide to low-income internet options and affordable internet plans Robin Layton — 4 min read -
Featured
![How to get internet & Wi-Fi without cable or a phone line]()
How to get internet & Wi-Fi without cable or a phone line Lisa Iscrupe — 5 min read -
Featured
![What would it take to become your own internet provider… and would it be cheaper?]()
What would it take to become your own internet provider… and would it be cheaper? Lisa Iscrupe — 4 min read
Latest
-
Thursday, July 25, 2024
Worried about losing your signal? This is how to keep your satellite dish cleanDavid Anders — 6 min read
-
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
The best free TV and movie streaming services 2024Camryn Smith — 5 min read
-
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Everything you need to know about internet speedsRobin Layton — 8 min read
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for internet news and promos
By subscribing, you agree to receive Allconnect newsletter and promotional emails. Your privacy is important to us.