Top prepaid internet providers 2025

Updated 2:10 pm ET Mar 13

Editorial note: This post may contain links to internet offers and services from which Allconnect receives a commission. Broadband partners and the associated compensation do not influence our editorial decisions. Read more about our advertising policy.

Best plan variety
AT&T Internet
Plans starting at
$55
/mo*for 12 mos.
Call to learn more
Call to learn more:
855-417-1609
Speeds up to
5000 Mbps
Connection type
fiber
Contract length
None
AT&T Internet
Plans starting at
$55
/mo*for 12 mos.
Speeds up to
5000 Mbps
Connection type
fiber
Contract length
None
AT&T Internet
Plans starting at
$55
/mo*for 12 mos.
Speeds up to
5000 Mbps
Connection type
fiber
Contract length
None
Call to learn more
Call to learn more:
855-417-1609
*Price after $10/mo discount (starts within 2 bills) w/ paperless billing & Autopay if enrolled w a debut card or bank account. Discount reduced to $5/mo if enrolled w/ credit card. Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies
Call to learn more
Call to learn more:
855-417-1609
Cheapest prepaid plan
Xfinity Internet
Plans starting at
$19
99/mofor 12 mos.
Call to learn more
Call to learn more:
855-203-1336
Speeds up to
2000 Mbps
Connection type
cable
Contract length
None
Xfinity Internet
Plans starting at
$19
99/mofor 12 mos.
Speeds up to
2000 Mbps
Connection type
cable
Contract length
None
Xfinity Internet
Plans starting at
$19
99/mofor 12 mos.
Speeds up to
2000 Mbps
Connection type
cable
Contract length
None
Call to learn more
Call to learn more:
855-203-1336
Call to learn more
Call to learn more:
855-203-1336
Best price guarantee
Cox Internet
Plans starting at
$50
/mofor 12 mos.
Call to learn more
Call to learn more:
855-417-1928
Speeds up to
2000 Mbps
Connection type
fiber
Contract length
None
Cox Internet
Plans starting at
$50
/mofor 12 mos.
Speeds up to
2000 Mbps
Connection type
fiber
Contract length
None
Cox Internet
Plans starting at
$50
/mofor 12 mos.
Speeds up to
2000 Mbps
Connection type
fiber
Contract length
None
Call to learn more
Call to learn more:
855-417-1928
Call to learn more
Call to learn more:
855-417-1928

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.

Prepaid internet is month-to-month internet service that is paid for in advance. Prepaid internet benefits students, seniors and anyone who values flexibility in their internet plans. Discover the best pay-as-you-go internet plans and reviews.

Best prepaid home internet providers

AT&T Prepaid: Best plan variety
Cox StraightUp Internet: Best price guarantee
Shentel Prepaid Internet: Best for light internet use
Straight Talk Home Internet: Best unlimited plan
Xfinity Prepaid NOW Internet: Cheapest prepaid plan

Compare top prepaid internet plans

These cable providers and 5G home internet plans all offer prepaid service (also called pay as you go internet).

Provider	Cost per month*	Speeds up to	Data limit
Check plans with AT&TCheck Availability	$25–$90	140 Mbps	15–100 GB	Check plans with AT&TCheck Availability
Check plans with CoxCheck Availability	$50	100 Mbps	1.25 TB	Check plans with CoxCheck Availability
Call to order: (877) 701-6907	$45	25 Mbps	1 TB	Call to order: (877) 701-6907
Call to order: (877) 701-6907	$45	200 Mbps	Unlimited	Call to order: (877) 701-6907
Check plans with XfinityCheck Availability	$15–$45	50 Mbps	Unlimited	Check plans with XfinityCheck Availability

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.}}

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.

Prepaid internet provider reviews

AT&T Prepaid – Best plan variety

AT&T Prepaid internet: Choose from four data-only plan options, or add mobile hotspot data to your AT&T prepaid phone plan.
Best deal: $25/mo. for 20 GB (must prepay 12 months at $300).
Other plans: $35/mo. for 15 GB; $55/mo. for 50 GB; $90/mo. for 100 GB.
Speed & technology: 5G internet speeds from 40–140 Mbps, based on your location.

Read the full AT&T review.

Cox StraightUp Internet – Best price guarantee

Price: $50/mo. for three years as long as you pay your bill each month.
Equipment: Cox prepaid internet plans include equipment, self-install and local Wi-Fi hotspot access at no extra cost.
Data cap: 1.25 TB
Speed & technology: Cable internet speeds up to 100 Mbps.

Read the full Cox review.

Shentel Prepaid Internet – Best for light internet use

Price: $45/mo. for 30 days of service.
Speed & technology: Up to 25 Mbps; cable internet connection.
Equipment: All equipment included.
Availability: Primarily in Virginia; some coverage in West Virginia, Maryland and Kentucky.

Straight Talk Home Internet – Best unlimited plan

Price: $45/mo.
Speed & technology: 20–200 Mbps; uses Verizon 5G and LTE cellular network.
Data: Offers unlimited prepaid internet for home.
Equipment: One-time $99.99 router fee.

Xfinity Prepaid Internet / NOW Internet – Cheapest prepaid plan

Price: $15 for 7-day access; $30 for 30 days with up to 100 Mbps; $45 for 30 days with up to 200 Mbps. Activation fee may apply.
Speed & technology: 20–200 Mbps; cable internet.
Equipment: Gateway (modem and router combo) included.
Boost Mobile Prepaid Internet: Boost Mobile customers are eligible for Xfinity Prepaid Internet up to 20 Mbps for $40/mo.

Read the full Xfinity review.

How to find the right prepaid internet plan

Find the best internet providers with prepaid internet service in your area.

Speed: Consider a good internet speed for your online activities: at least 25 Mbps for browsing or emailing; 100 Mbps or more for streaming, gaming, or remote work on multiple Wi-Fi devices.
Availability: Not all pay-as-you-go internet services will be available near you, but AT&T Prepaid and Xfinity Prepaid have the largest coverage areas offering prepaid Wi-Fi for home.
Budget: Even cheap internet may have startup costs like activation or equipment fees.
Installation: Most prepaid internet is self-installed, so be prepared to set up your internet yourself.

Who should purchase prepaid internet?

Prepaid internet is a good option if:

You need high-speed internet on a budget.
You don’t require unlimited data.
You are fine with slower speeds/limited bandwidth.
You want to pause and restart service frequently.
You want to avoid a credit check.

Prepaid internet FAQs

Does prepaid internet require a contract?

No, prepaid home internet does not have a contract. You can pay for your internet month-by-month for as long as you want, skip months or end your service at any time without penalty or an ETF.

Do I need to use my own equipment with prepaid internet services?

No. Most prepaid internet services will provide compatible equipment when you pay for your first month of service.

How do you qualify for prepaid internet?

You do not need to qualify for prepaid internet because no credit check is required to get service. Contact the prepaid ISP near you and pay for your first month to begin services.

What prepaid internet is the best?

The best prepaid internet provider for you depends on your budget, location and speed requirements. AT&T offers the most variety of plan options, Straight Talk has unlimited data and Xfinity is the best option for short-term internet needs. Enter your address to find out which providers are available in your area.

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 IscrupeAllconnect.com

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 WhatleyAllconnect.com

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.

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