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The cheapest cable internet is Xfinity at $19.99/mo.; the cheapest fiber internet is Frontier at $29.99/mo.
Cheap internet service providers offer speeds from 100 to 500 Mbps at $50/mo. or less.
It’s easier to get cheap internet as a new customer rather than an existing one, so switching providers might be necessary to secure the best prices.
Seniors and low-income households can qualify for free or cheap internet starting at $14.95/mo. from providers like Spectrum, AT&T, Assurance Wireless and more.
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Cheap internet service isn’t just about picking the least expensive option — it’s also about value. Fortunately, many cheap internet providers offer budget-friendly plans with fast speeds and reliable connections. Discover the best cheap internet plans from Xfinity, Verizon Fios, Spectrum and more.
* 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. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.
Not all low-cost internet plans are created equal. Use the following guide for finding “cheap internet near me” to uncover hidden fees without wading through fine print.
Promotional rates: Cheap Wi-Fi plans typically have a price increase after 12 or 24 months.
Autopay/paperless billing: Autopay and paperless billing are often required to qualify for discounted rates.
Availability: The options for cheap home internet plans depend on your location.
Equipment fees: Watch for modem or router fees that increase your monthly rate. Buy your own equipment to avoid monthly leasing fees. (A $100 gateway pays for itself in about seven months compared to a $15/mo. rental fee.)
Services: Watch for free add-ons, such as security software, that incurs charges after the trial ends.
Review your bill: Regularly review your statement and note when your promotions expire to avoid unexpected charges.
Speed: Download up to 150 Mbps, upload up to 35 Mbps.
Connection type: Cable
Data cap: 1.2 TB.
Install and activation fee: Free self-installation.
Equipment fee: Gateway $15/mo. or provide your own.
Contracts and ETF: None.
The Xfinity Connect plan is great way to save money on internet if you service for 12 months or less. This cheap Wi-Fi plan is one of the cheapest options when considering cost per Mbps. However, after the promotional period, the price more than triples.
WOW! Internet 300 – Cheapest cost over length of contract
Speed: Download up to 300 Mbps; upload up to 20 Mbps.
Connection type: Cable.
Data cap: Unlimited.
Install and activation fee: $10 activation with self-installation; $99 for professional installation.
Equipment fee: $0
Contracts and ETF: None.
WOW! has one of the cheapest no-contract internet plans, starting at $25/mo., modem included. This 300 Mbps plan has a $10/mo. price increase in year two.
Mediacom Internet 250 – Best for light internet use
Speed: Download up to 250 Mbps; upload up to 20 Mbps
Connection type: Cable.
Data cap: 400 GB; $10 for each additional 50 GB of data.
Install and activation fee: $75 install; $20 activation.
Equipment fee: Modem $14/mo. or provide your own; free router.
Contracts and ETF: None.
This cheap home internet plan from Mediacom has a data cap, making it best for light internet use, as additional charges apply if you exceed the data cap. The standard rate after 12 months is $49.99 plus the $14/mo. equipment fee.
Speed: Download up to 200 Mbps; upload up to 200 Mbps.
Connection type: Fiber.
Data cap: Unlimited.
Install and activation fee: $0.
Equipment fee: $0.
Contracts and ETF: 12-month contract; $100 pro-rated ETF.
Frontier Fiber, available in 17 states, offers good internet speeds with prices about 20% lower than other internet companies. With a starting rate of $29.99/mo., Frontier stays affordable long-term. However, this plan has a 12-month contract and early termination fee if you cancel service early.
Kinetic by Windstream up to 100 Mbps – Best rural internet
Speed: Download up to 100 Mbps; upload up to 20 Mbps.
Connection type: DSL.
Data cap: Unlimited.
Install and activation fee: $60 activation may apply.
Equipment fee: $0 for 12 months, then $10.99/mo. or provide your own compatible gateway.
Contracts and ETF: None.
Kinetic by Windstream is $39.99/mo. for the first 12 months, then $54.99/mo. Windstream is often available in rural areas, and its unlimited plan is cheaper compared to satellite internet, a common alternative in these regions.
Speed: Download up to 300 Mbps; upload up to 300 Mbps
Connection type: Fiber.
Data cap: Unlimited.
Install and activation fee: $99 professional installation.
Equipment fee: $0.
Contracts and ETF: None.
Verizon Fios has the longest price guarantee and rarely raises its rates. Fiber services like Verizon Fios can handle any internet activity and numerous devices. Bundle your service with Verizon Wireless to save an additional $15/mo. on internet.
Speed: Download up to 500 Mbps; upload up to 21 Mbps.
Connection type: Cable.
Data cap: Unlimited.
Install and activation fee: Free self-installation.
Equipment fee: $10/mo. for a Wi-Fi router or provide your own.
Contracts and ETF: None.
Spectrum 500 Mbps internet, available in 41 states, is great for streaming, gaming, web browsing and more on up to 15 devices simultaneously. Starting at $50/mo., this Spectrum plan has a $10/mo. router fee and a $30 price increase after the first year.
Spectrum also offers a $25/mo. plan for qualifying households and a $30/mo. plan for 100 Mbps.
Speed: Download up to 100 Mbps; upload up to 5 Mbps.
Connection type: Cable.
Data cap: 1.25 TB.
Install and activation fee: Free self-installation.
Equipment fee: $0.
Contracts and ETF: None.
While this Cox plan is one of the slower internet plans on our list, 100 Mbps is still a decent speed for most online activities. Cox plans have a generous data cap, and you can upgrade to unlimited data for an extra $10/mo. if needed.
According to a Consumer Reports 2022 analysis of over 18,000 bills, about half paid $60–$90/mo. for internet service. The cheap home internet plans listed here range from $50–$70 and include speeds up to 1 GB.
*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. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.
♱Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. See offer details. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2025. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.
Cheapest fiber plans
You can get high-speed internet service for a low price with cheap fiber internet.
Provider
Starting price/mo.
Standard price/mo.
Speed (up to)
Equipment fees
Frontier Fiber 200
$29.99
$54.99
200 Mbps
None
Kinetic by Windstream
$39.99
$54.99
100 Mbps
$10.99/mo.
Verizon Fios 300
$49.99
$59.99
300 Mbps
None
AT&T Fiber 300♱
$55
$55
300 Mbps
None
Disclaimer
*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. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.
♱Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. See offer details. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.
How we reviewed cheap internet providers
To find the best cheap internet plans, we first analyzed data to determine an average monthly internet cost of $40–$80. Based on that, we defined “cheap internet” plans as $50/mo. or less. Although a few of the highlighted fiber, cable and 5G internet plans are regional providers, all the cheap ISPs have at least a million customers to ensure a greater likelihood of availability in your area.
How to choose the best cheap Wi-Fi
Select the best cheap internet service near you by first determining the features you need.
Cost/fees: A plan with a higher monthly cost may be cheaper when compared to home Wi-Fi with additional fees.
Speed: Cheap Wi-Fi plans may sacrifice speed for the lower price, so be realistic about your speed requirements.
Devices: Homes with more devices need faster internet speeds to avoid unreliable Wi-Fi.
Technology: Activities like remote work or gaming benefit from a fiber or cable internet connection, while fixed wireless or satellite internet don’t offer the same level of reliability.
Availability: Cheap high-speed internet ultimately depends on which providers are available near you.
Other ways to save money on internet plans
Self-installation:Set up your internet yourself to avoid a costly professional installation fee.
Equipment: Opt to pick up the equipment locally if your ISP charges for shipping.
Switch: If your ISP won’t budge on costs, it might be time to switch providers. Many ISPs offer the best internet deals to new customers — some will even pay your ETF from another provider.
Free and cheap internet for seniors and low-income households
Households that qualify for programs like Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program(SNAP) are eligible for reduced-price or free internet.
Cheap internet for seniors
Seniors with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or those in households that qualify for public assistance programs, are eligible for reduced-price internet through participating ISPs (e.g., AT&T, Spectrum, T-Mobile, Cox, Xfinity, Mediacom, Optimum and more).
Seniors can also search for low-cost internet and computers through EveryoneOn.
Lifeline, a government program providing discounts on home phone and broadband access, is available for seniors. Eligibility depends on income, participation in other assistance programs and more.
Cheap internet for low-income households
While the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal program offering cheap and free Wi-Fi plans, no longer accepts new applications, low-income households can still qualify for cheap internet through the same programs available to seniors.
Lifeline, EveryoneOn and Human-I-T provide low-cost internet and affordable internet-accessible devices.
If you don’t qualify for low-income internet discounts, remember that free Wi-Fi hotspots are available at many public places, including libraries, travel hubs, coffee shops and more.
Final thoughts on cheap internet
Cheap internet plans are widely available, but fees for installation, equipment, etc. can vary among providers. If you are searching for internet under $60/mo., there is typically at least one option in your area, and if you meet the requirements for low-income or senior status, you could qualify for cheaper internet long-term.
Cheap internet FAQs
Who offers the cheapest internet plan?
Xfinity offers the cheapest internet plan for $9.95/mo. in select areas for qualifying households. The first plan for the general public has a starting price range of $19.99 to $35/mo. depending on your address.
Do any providers offer free internet services?
Free Wi-Fi hotspots are available in many public locations throughout most cities, including libraries, restaurants and more. Providers like AT&T, Cox and Mediacom offer reduced-price internet for qualifying households, ranging from $5 to $19.99/mo.
Cable is typically the most affordable internet option. Due to its widespread network and competition with higher-quality fiber connections, cable providers often offer plans starting at $10 to $40 per month.
Why do internet providers increase prices every year?
Internet prices increase year over year due to factors like inflation, market conditions and network upgrades or expansions. Additionally, internet providers’ profit goals play a significant role in driving steady price increases.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
Lisa Iscrupe is a senior writer helping readers understand the complexities of broadband, internet and other home services, including energy and renewable products. Her work appears on SaveOnEnergy.com and CNET.com, with national sources such as CNN, The Daily MBA and The Media Bulletin referencing her articles.
Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.
