Best cheap internet providers of 2024
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Most available offer
Prices from
$49.99
per month
Speeds up to
1,000
Mbps
for 12 mos with Auto Pay.
Good value
Prices from
$29.99
per month
Speeds up to
5,000
Mbps
Cheapest internet plan
Prices from
$19.99
per month
Speeds up to
2,000
Mbps
Why trust our broadband experts
Allconnect’s team of broadband experts regularly reviews the top internet service providers in the U.S., scrutinizing each company under a rigorous scoring system to help our readers make informed internet purchases. We keep our data points accurate and up to date based on thorough research and partnership communications. Our content is not directed by partners. Visit our full methodology page and advertising disclosure to learn more.
Cheap internet service isn’t just about picking the least expensive option — you also want the best value for your money. By carefully weighing your options, you can find an affordable internet plan that fits your home needs. Fortunately, many providers, such as Xfinity, Verizon Fios and Spectrum, offer budget-friendly plans with fast speeds and reliable connections.
The bottom line is that high-speed internet doesn’t have to be costly. Choosing an economical internet service provider can keep your utility expenses low while still offering a top-notch home Wi-Fi connection for all your daily online tasks. Find out more about the best cheap internet providers and plans on this page.
What is the best cheap internet plan?
- Xfinity Performance Starter: Cheapest promotional pricing
- WOW! Internet 300: Cheapest second-year price increase
- Mediacom Internet 250: Cheapest plan for light internet use
- Frontier Fiber 200: Good value fiber internet
- Kinetic by Windstream up to 200 Mbps: Best cheap internet with rural availability
- Verizon Fios 300 Mbps: Best price guarantee
- Spectrum Internet: Most available offer
- Cox Internet Go Fast: Cheap whole-home Wi-Fi
Not all low-cost internet plans are created equal — knowing details like data limits, Wi-Fi speed and bandwidth is essential. Our guide to cheap internet service providers is the quickest and easiest way to learn about additional costs or hidden fees without wading through pages of fine print. Our experts analyzed each plan’s details and compiled them in one place, so you can compare the true value of cheap internet plans. Read on to find affordable internet options near you and discover other ways to save money on internet.
Who is the best cheap internet provider?
Our top pick for cheap home internet is Verizon Fios, offering 300 Mbps for $49.99/mo. What sets it apart is its two-year price guarantee, ensuring long-term affordability without the hassle of negotiating prices or switching providers. Plus, while this provider has an installation fee, its unlimited data plans have no contracts or equipment fees, making it a great value for the long haul.
Another reason we selected Verizon is that its fiber service is ideal for any online activity, from social media updates to sending large files. While plans from other cheap internet service providers might cost a bit less, they can’t match the fast, symmetrical upload and download speeds of a fiber internet connection.
Finally, availability plays a key role in our decision. Although Frontier also offers a budget-friendly fiber plan, its fiber network reaches fewer than half as many households as Verizon Fios.
There are a few other factors to consider when opting for cheaper internet plans:
- Internet service providers (ISPs) often offer cheap Wi-Fi plans at promotional rates that may increase after three, six, 12 or 24 months.
- Internet plans might also require autopay and paperless billing to qualify for the discounted rate.
- The availability of cheap home internet plans depends on your location. Some areas offer multiple options, while others may have only one.
- Cheap plans often include modem or router fees that increase your monthly rate. However, opting to provide your own equipment can save you money in the long run. For example, with a rental fee of $15/mo., investing in a good router or gateway for around $100 will allow you to break even in about seven months and start saving by avoiding those rental fees.
Compare the cheapest internet plans
The following table lists the cheapest internet plans from least to most expensive. Except for Verizon and Cox, all providers offer starting rates that last for 12 months.
| Provider | Starting price* | Standard price* | Speed (up to) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9.95/mo. | $65/mo. | 50 Mbps | |
 | $25/mo. | $35/mo. | 300 Mbps | Call to order: (877) 701-6907 |
 | $19.99/mo. | $49.99/mo. | 250 Mbps | Call to order: (877) 701-6907 |
| $29.99/mo. | $39.99/mo. | 200 Mbps | |
 | $40/mo. | $50/mo. | 200 Mbps | Call to order: (877) 701-6907 |
 | $49.99/mo. | $59.99/mo. | 300 Mbps | Call to order: (844) 898-7484 |
| $49.99/mo. | $74.99/mo. | 300 Mbps | |
 | $50/mo. | $50/mo. | 100 Mbps |
Cheap internet plans reviewed
Here, we’ve broken down the cheapest internet service plans by speed, additional charges for equipment, activation or installation and early termination fees (ETFs), as well as our take on the pros and cons of each plan.
Xfinity Performance Starter – Cheapest promotional pricing
The Xfinity Connect More plan offers excellent value if you only need internet service for 12 months or less. This plan is one of the cheapest options when considering cost per Mbps. However, after the promotional period, the price more than triples. Therefore, this plan is ideal if you’re in a short-term rental or plan to move within a year. Xfinity plans vary by region, so this plan may not be available everywhere. Check your address on this page for specific availability.
- Speed: Download up to 50 Mbps; upload up to 10 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.
Read the full Xfinity review.
WOW! Internet 300 – Cheapest cost over length of contract
WOW! has one of the cheapest no-contract internet plans, starting at just $25/mo. for 300 Mbps. Another benefit is that the price doesn’t significantly increase in the second year. After the 12-month promotional period, the rate rises to the standard rate, which is currently $35/mo. The monthly price also includes a Wi-Fi modem, saving you money compared to providers that charge extra for equipment.
- 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.
Read the full WOW! review.
Mediacom Internet 250 – Cheapest plan for light internet use
This plan from Mediacom only increases $5 a month after the 12-month promotional price. However, there are some restrictions to this cheap internet service, including a data cap and additional fees. Because of the limitations of this plan, it is best for medium to light internet use with one to two devices. Heavy streaming or gaming could put you at risk of incurring additional charges if you exceed the data cap.
- 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: $109.99 install; $10 activation.
- Equipment fee: Modem $14/mo. or provide your own; free router.
- Contracts and ETF: None.
Read the full Mediacom review.
Frontier Fiber 200 – Good value fiber internet
Frontier Fiber, available in 17 states, offers prices about 20% lower than other internet companies, making it an excellent choice for those seeking great value in terms of speed versus cost. With a post-promotional rate of $39.99/mo., it remains affordable, so you won’t exceed your budget once the introductory price ends. Plus, fiber internet is known for its fast and consistent speeds to enhance your online experience. However, this plan is the only one on our list that includes a contract and early termination 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.
Read the full Frontier review.
Kinetic by Windstream up to 200 Mbps – Best cheap internet with rural availability
Kinetic by Windstream offers a great deal at $40/mo. for the first 12 months, increasing to $50 in month 13. Windstream is widely available in rural areas and provides an excellent unlimited plan that is much cheaper in terms of monthly price and installation costs compared to satellite internet, a common alternative in these regions.
If you’re in a Windstream region, check if the available service is fiber or DSL. While both connections start at the same price, DSL has slower upload speeds compared to fiber.
- Speed: Download up to 200 Mbps; upload up to 20 Mbps.
- Connection type: DSL.
- Data cap: Unlimited.
- Install and activation fee: $60 activation fee.
- Equipment fee: $0 for 12 months, then $10.99/mo. or provide your own compatible gateway.
- Contracts and ETF: None.
Read the full Windstream review.
Verizon Fios 300 Mbps – Best price guarantee
Verizon Fios offers some of the longest price guarantees of any internet provider, with guarantees that increase in coordination with speed packages. For instance, the 300 Mbps plan comes with a two-year price guarantee, while plans with speeds of 1 GB and above carry a four-year locked-in rate.
Verizon also rarely raises its rates, even outside of promotional offers. Fiber services like Verizon Fios can handle any internet activity and 20 or more connected devices. For a super-connected wireless home, this is a good plan to have. You can also bundle your Verizon Fios internet with Verizon Wireless to save an additional $20/mo. on internet.
- 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.
Read the full Verizon Fios review.
Spectrum InternetⓇ – Most available offer
Spectrum 100 Mbps internet is available in 41 states and nearly 30% of the country. This speed is great for streaming, gaming, web browsing and more on around 10–15 devices simultaneously. Spectrum plans offer a free modem, but the wireless router costs $5/mo. One drawback to this plan is its $25/mo. price increase after the first year.
- Speed: Download up to 100 Mbps; upload up to 10 Mbps.
- Connection type: Cable.
- Data cap: Unlimited.
- Install and activation fee: Free self-installation.
- Equipment fee: $5/mo. for a Wi-Fi router or provide your own.
- Contracts and ETF: None.
Read the full Spectrum review.
Cox Internet Go Fast – Cheap whole-home Wi-Fi
For the price, Cox is one of the slower internet plans on our list. Still, 100 Mbps is a fairly good speed and should be able to handle any online activity. Households doing several high-speed activities at once could experience some lag if connecting too many devices. Cox plans technically have a data cap, but most homes are unlikely to go over, and you can upgrade to unlimited data for an extra $10/mo. if needed.
- 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.
Read the full Cox review.
Compare the next cheapest internet plans
The following cable, fiber and 5G internet deals have starting prices that are a little higher than the cheapest internet plans but are still considered affordable. According to a Consumer Reports 2022 analysis of over 18,000 bills, about half paid between $60 to $90 monthly for internet service. The plans listed here range between $55 and $70 per month.
Cheap home internet plans with AT&T, Verizon Fios and Cox don’t go up in price, making these plans a better option if you want to avoid price increases. Overall, it’s usually worth it to choose a slightly more expensive plan to get better service and better value for your money in the long run.
| Provider | Starting price* | Standard price* | Speed (up to) | Equipment fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber | $55/mo. | $55/mo. | 300 Mbps | None |
| T-Mobile 5G | $60/mo. | $60/mo. | 245 Mbps | None |
| Verizon 5G Home | $60/mo. | $60/mo. | 300 Mbps | None |
| Google Fiber | $70/mo. | $70/mo. | 1 GB | None |
| Verizon Fios 500 Mbps | $69.99/mo. | $69.99/mo. | 500 Mbps | None |
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. 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.
How we reviewed cheap internet providers
To find the best cheap internet plans, we first had to determine the typical monthly internet plan cost in the U.S. According to a 2022 Consumer Reports study, the median internet price was $74.99/mo., with more than half of the over 18,000 households paying between $60–$90/mo.
Based on that data, we classified cheap internet service as any plan that started out below $40/mo. and included additional cheap options for plans under $60/mo. We then compared the lowest starting rates among the primary fiber, cable and 5G internet providers. Although some of the highlighted plans are from regional service providers, all the cheap internet service providers mentioned have a large regional presence with at least a million customers to ensure that the cheap internet plans have a greater likelihood of availability in your area.
How to choose the best cheap Wi-Fi
While the fastest high-speed internet may not be the cheapest, you can find a plan that balances a reasonable price with a good internet speed to suit your needs. Start by identifying your must-have features: Are you working from home and require unlimited data? Is the lowest price for functional wireless internet your priority? Do you need speeds of 1 GB or more?
Here are some factors to consider when selecting the best cheap internet service near you:
- Monthly cost and fees: A plan with a slightly higher monthly cost may be cheaper overall when compared to one with additional fees. The table on this page shows prices broken down by cost per Mbps to help you figure out the true value.
- Speed and number of devices: To get cheap Wi-Fi plans, you may need to sacrifice some speed, but be realistic about your household’s speed requirements. If multiple people will be streaming and gaming simultaneously, a cheap plan that can’t support your needs could cause long-term issues like slow internet or unreliable Wi-Fi.
- Connection type: When it comes to a dependable connection for activities like working from home, gaming or using a VPN, investing in a higher-quality option such as fiber or cable internet may be worth the extra cost. While fixed wireless, DSL and satellite can handle basic activities like web browsing and light streaming, they may not offer the same level of reliability.
- Optimize your devices: Make the most of your cheap internet plan by managing your home Wi-Fi network with your ISP’s app. Prioritize essential devices like work or school laptops and set time-of-use limits on other gadgets, such as kids’ cell phones.
- Availability: Cheap high-speed internet depends on which providers are available near you. Enter your address to find out what cheap plans you can get at your home.
Other ways to save money on internet plans
Here are a few other tips and tricks for reducing the cost of your internet service:
- Install the modem and router yourself. Self-installation can eliminate a costly professional installation fee. Setting up your internet is typically pretty straightforward, so you don’t need to be overly tech-savvy.
- Pick up the equipment locally. If the ISP mails the modem to your home, find out if they charge for shipping. You may be able to pick up equipment from a retail location and avoid the shipping costs.
- Purchase your own equipment. Providers like Windstream and Mediacom allow you to select your router and modem to avoid the monthly equipment rental charge. Other providers, such as CenturyLink, offer the option to purchase their equipment upfront, which can save you money over the long run. For example, CenturyLink’s monthly modem rental is $15, but by paying a one-time equipment cost of $129, you will break even in less than nine months.
- Bundle your services. Customers can often bundle TV and internet, or internet and wireless services, together for additional savings. For example, you can bundle T-Mobile phone and internet for $20/mo. savings.
- Switch internet providers. If you’ve spoken to your ISP about reducing your costs and they won’t budge, it might be time to switch providers. Many ISPs will offer their best internet deals to new customers, and some will even pay your ETF to get out of a contract with another provider.
Free and cheap internet for seniors, students and low-income households
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program that offered cheap and free Wi-Fi plans for qualifying seniors, students or low-income households over the past few years. The affordable internet program is no longer accepting new applications and is on indefinite pause unless Congress approves additional funding. See our other recommendations for senior internet options.
Several of the best internet providers still offer reduced-price or free internet for individuals and households that qualify for programs like Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutritional Access Program (SNAP) or the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
You can also qualify for low-income internet assistance through EveryoneOn, a nationwide nonprofit organization helping to close the digital divide. Enter your ZIP code at EveryoneOn to find affordable internet offers, device discounts and free digital literacy training programs near you. If you don’t qualify for low-income internet discounts with your local internet provider or EveryoneOn, remember that free Wi-Fi is available at many retail stores and restaurants.
Final thoughts on cheap internet
Cheap internet plans are available across the country, but cost differences with installation, equipment and other fees can vary among providers. However, if you are searching for internet for less than $60/mo., there is typically at least one option in your area. Providing your equipment and installing it yourself can save you additional costs. Remember, if you meet the requirements for low-income, senior or student 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.
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.
What’s the average price of internet per month?
The average cost of internet varies by location but generally ranges from $40 to $80 per month. Multi-gig speeds or certain types of internet connections tend to be more expensive.
What is the cheapest internet connection?
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.
Can I pay month by month for internet service?
Most internet providers today offer contract-free plans, allowing you to pay monthly and cancel anytime without a penalty. However, if you’re specifically looking for prepaid internet plans, they’re less common but are available from providers like T-Mobile and Cox.
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.
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