In today’s digital age, access to reliable and affordable internet is not just a luxury but a necessity. Selecting the right internet service provider (ISP) profoundly impacts your daily online activities and work efficiency. But finding the cheapest internet plan that meets your needs and budget can be daunting with the many options available.
We’ve meticulously curated a list of the best cheap internet plans, considering costs, speed, reliability and availability. Our recommendations cater to various budgets and usage requirements, ensuring that you find the most suitable option for your needs.
Our picks
Mediacom: Best for affordability
Comcast Xfinity: Best for cable internet
Verizon Fios: Best for fiber internet
Ziply Fiber: Best for lightning-fast internet
WideOpenWest: Best for internet-only plans
Why we picked Mediacom
Mediacom provides one of the most affordable high-speed internet plans in the United States, starting at $19.99 for 100 Mbps. These plans are ideal for small households with one or two internet users and a few devices, as this speed offers sufficient performance for budget-friendly internet access.
Who should use Mediacom
If you live alone or with one other person and don’t require high internet speeds for online gaming or sharing large files, Mediacom’s cheapest plan will be enough to browse the internet, stream videos, participate in virtual meetings and work or learn remotely. If you have a family of four, you might need to upgrade to 200 Mbps, which costs $39.99 a month. However, if you have six college roommates who are all streaming and gaming simultaneously, you may want a 500 Mbps plan instead.
Pros
- Budget-friendly prices
- 1 Gig internet available to over 97% of customers
- Autopay and paperless discounts
Cons
- Tight data caps
- Prices increase after a year
- Below-average customer satisfaction ratings
Xfinity: Best for cable internet
Star rating: 4.7 out of 5
Prices: $20 – $299
Speeds: 75 Mbps – 10,000 Mbps
Availability: 35 states and Washington, D.C.
Why we picked Xfinity
Comcast’s Xfinity is the country’s largest cable internet service provider. Xfinity primarily utilizes hybrid fiber-coaxial cable connections — more widely available than pure fiber internet connections — to subscribers’ homes, resulting in much faster speeds than DSL, satellite and fixed wireless networks.
Who should use Xfinity
Xfinity is the best choice if you prioritize faster internet speeds and prefer cable internet. In rural areas, cable internet is the most reliable option, and Xfinity has the widest cable coverage nationwide.
Pros
- Above-average scores in customer satisfaction metrics
- Wide plan selection
- Lower intro offers compared to other ISPs
Cons
- Data caps for some plans
- Contracts may be required
- Prices vary by region and increase after promotions
Verizon Fios: Best for fiber internet
Star rating: 4.4 out of 5
Prices: $24.99 – $84.99
Speeds: 300 Mbps – 2,000 Mbps
Availability: 7 states (Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia) and Washington, D.C.
Why we picked Verizon Fios
Verizon Fios delivers 100% fiber-optic service, provides high-speed internet, earns top customer satisfaction ratings and comes without contracts or data caps. All necessary equipment is included in the monthly price, eliminating extra rental fees. However, its availability is limited to the Northeast states.
Who should use Verizon Fios
If you live in one of the seven Northeastern states where Fios is available, this ISP offers unbeatable value with its fast internet speeds and competitive pricing. Fiber optic technology provides the fastest internet connection, making Fios ideal for individuals who require seamless streaming of 4K videos, downloading large files, engaging in high-quality video conference calls or online gaming.
Pros
- Price-lock guarantee
- No data caps or contracts
- High customer satisfaction ratings
Cons
- Limited Availability
- $99 installation fee (waived if you order online)
- 2 Gig plan limited to New York City
Ziply Fiber: Best for lightning-fast internet
Star rating: 4.4 out of 5
Prices: $20 – $900
Speeds: 100 Mbps – 50,000 Mbps
Availability: 4 states (Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington)
Why we picked Ziply Fiber
Ziply Fiber recently became the fastest ISP in the country, offering a lightning speed of 50 gigabits across its four-state network in the Pacific Northwest. Of course, 50-gigabit speed is excessive for an average household. Ziply Fiber’s standout option for most consumers is its one-gigabit plan, priced at $60 per month ($80 after 12 months). This rate is lower than that of most fiber or cable providers for similar speeds and offers greater value than Ziply’s 100/100 or 300/300 plans.
Who should use Ziply Fiber
If you live in Idaho, Montana, Oregon or Washington, Ziply’s Fiber Gig plan is hard to beat for the buck. It would be more than enough for a family of up to 12 people, where everyone simultaneously streams 4k content to each device. If you need lightning-fast speeds, you can’t go wrong with Ziply’s multi-gig plans for regional businesses.
Pros
- Fastest internet speeds
- Affordable prices
- No data caps or contracts
Cons
- Limited Availability
- Only one DSL plan
- Limited support for your own equipment
WideOpenWest: Best for internet-only plans
Star rating: 4.1 out of 5
Prices: $19.99 – $94.99
Speeds: 100 Mbps – 1,200 Mbps
Availability: 6 states (Alabama, Florida, Michigan, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia)
Why we picked WideOpenWest
WOW is a cable and fiber-optic internet provider serving six midwestern and southern states. It stands out for offering one of the lowest monthly internet prices in the country, starting at just $19.99 per month for speeds of up to 100 Mbps. What sets WOW apart is its capability to provide higher upload speeds compared to most cable internet providers.
For example, its Internet 500 plan delivers upload speeds of up to 50 Mbps, far surpassing competitors like Xfinity, which offers upload speeds of only 10 to 15 Mbps for similar plans. While other ISPs have cheaper bundling deals for internet and TV services, WOW is an excellent option for those seeking internet-only plans.
Who should use WideOpenWest
If you live in Florida, Michigan, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia or Alabama, WOW internet may be the optimal choice for your address, as it provides affordable high-speed plans. While WOW is expanding its fiber network, we suggest comparing those plans if your location already has a fiber connection. Unlike other ISPs, WOW maintains a standard rate that doesn’t significantly increase after the introductory period, remaining at just $39.99 monthly for the cheapest plan.
Pros
- No contracts
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Higher upload speeds than most providers
Cons
- Limited availability
- Data caps
- Poor customer satisfaction ratings
|
Price |
|
|---|---|
| Mediacom | $19.99 – $59.99 |
| WideOpenWest | $19.99 – $94.99 |
| Xfinity | $20 – $299 |
| Ziply Fiber | $20 – $900 |
| Verizon Fios | $24.99 – $84.99 |
|
Speed (in Mbps) |
|
|---|---|
| Mediacom | 100 – 1,000 |
| WideOpenWest | 100 – 1,200 |
| Xfinity | 75 – 10,000 |
| Ziply Fiber | 100 – 50,000 |
| Verizon Fios | 300 – 2,000 |
|
Internet type |
|
|---|---|
| Mediacom | Cable, fiber, coaxial cable |
| WideOpenWest | Cable, fiber, DSL |
| Xfinity | Cable, fiber, 5G |
| Ziply Fiber | Fiber, DSL |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber |
Here are some reputable providers that didn’t make this list.
- Spectrum, a broadband connectivity company and cable provider, offers internet services across 41 states with three straightforward plans. The company provides free self-installation, bundling options and no data caps or contracts, making setup hassle-free. However, with a starting price of $49.99 per month for speeds up to 300 Mbps, Spectrum’s rates are slightly higher than some other providers.
- Frontier Communications provides internet, phone and TV services across 25 states. Frontier offers the Fiber 500 plan at a competitive price of $44.99 a month, making it a solid choice if fiber optic service is available in your area. However, there’s a notable difference between Frontier’s fiber and DSL internet services. DSL speeds are slow and its service can be spotty. If you’re limited to DSL, consider alternatives like 5G home internet.
Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a cheap internet plan.
Many internet connection types exist in urban areas, including fiber, cable, DSL, wireless or satellite options. Prices typically range from $50 to $100 monthly after promotional periods. Fiber offers high value and speed, often connecting entire neighborhoods at once. However, satellite or 4G/5G options are slower and may be the only choice in rural areas with limited infrastructure.
The cheapest internet plans typically offer slower speeds, reaching up to 100 Mbps in most cases or up to 300 Mbps with slightly higher-priced plans. More expensive options often include unlimited data caps and 1 Gbps or higher speeds. Satellite and cellular plans are better suited for rural areas, with satellite speeds spanning from 25 to 250 Mbps. Cellular home internet speeds vary depending on the plan and cell service quality, with 5G speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps and 4G LTE speeds from 5 Mbps to 50 Mbps.
When selecting an internet plan, prioritize options without annual contracts or data caps to avoid early termination fees or coverage charges. Providers like Ziply Fiber and Verizon Fios offer plans without contracts or data caps, ensuring flexibility.
To avoid extra fees hidden in some internet plans, carefully read the terms and conditions before signing up. For instance, Verizon Fios includes all equipment costs in the monthly price, so you won’t have to pay extra for renting equipment. Also, if you order your plan online, Verizon will waive the $99 fee for installation, saving you money.
We recommend thoroughly reviewing provider contracts to identify the cheapest internet plans that meet your needs. Look for hidden fees by carefully examining clauses related to additional charges, such as equipment rental fees or installation costs. If you’re eligible, save by bundling your internet with other services or applying for an affordable internet service program.
Unsurprisingly, the cheapest internet plans provide slower speeds, reaching up to 100 Mbps in most cases or up to 300 Mbps with slightly higher-priced plans. To find the fastest affordable connection, compare providers in your area, explore promotions, bundle deals and read independent reviews or customer feedback.
Bundling your internet service with TV/streaming or phone services can save you $10 to $20 monthly.
- Xfinity offers discounts for each added service, allowing savings on internet, TV and mobile plans. For instance, bundling Xfinity’s Connect Internet + Choice TV can save you $20 monthly.
- Frontier Internet subscribers can get $10 off a YouTube TV subscription for a year.
- Additionally, bundling internet with mobile services from providers like T-Mobile, Verizon and Cox can lead to significant discounts. For example, T-Mobile’s 5G home internet plan is $60 per month alone but can be as low as $40 per month with select mobile plans.
In 2016, the United Nations recognized internet access as a fundamental human right. Several options exist for affordable internet services, including the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), the Lifeline federal program and various discount and assistance programs.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris introduced the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This initiative offers eligible households a $30 monthly discount on internet bills and up to $100 towards purchasing a device. The administration has collaborated with 20 major ISPs to offer high-speed internet plans to ACP-eligible families. Unfortunately, starting Feb. 7, 2024, new enrollments in the ACP have been paused, pending further funding from Congress.
Lifeline is another government program that has been offered since 1985. It provides a discount of up to $9.25 per month for eligible low-income consumers for either phone or internet service, but not both. Available in every state, Lifeline is offered by ISPs such as Verizon, Frontier, AT&T and Comcast.
If you live on Tribal lands, you can receive a discount of up to $34.25 per month and a discount of up to $100 for first-time connection charges. To find a qualifying provider nearby, enter your ZIP code or city and state.
Discounts and assistance programs
Some ISPs may also offer affordable assistance programs to low-income households. Here are some of these plans.
- Optimum Advantage internet offers internet speeds of up to 50 Mbps starting at $14.99 monthly for eligible participants. Qualification criteria include participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), residency in New York City with a student attending a public school, eligibility for or receipt of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for individuals aged 65 or older and veterans receiving state or federal public assistance.
- Access from AT&T offers low-cost internet service at $30 per month, providing speeds of up to 100 Mbps for eligible households. Eligibility is determined by four programs: the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for California residents only, income criteria and participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
- Internet First program offers affordable internet access with speeds of up to 50 Mbps for $9.95 per month, aiming to support low-income families and students. Eligibility includes residing in a serviceable area, participating in public assistance programs and not subscribing to their services within the 60-day period before applying for the program. You can apply on their website.
- Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan provides up to 50 Mbps speeds for $9.95 per month to eligible customers. You may qualify if you participate in assistance programs, have not subscribed to Xfinity Internet within the last 90 days and have no outstanding debt on any Comcast account under one year old.
- Negotiate a better deal with your current ISP: Research competitor rates and talk to your neighbors about their pricing and internet speeds. If you find a cheaper plan elsewhere or your neighbor pays less than you, use it as leverage to negotiate a lower bill. Mentioning that you’re considering switching providers, especially if you’ve been a loyal customer or your contract is ending soon, may encourage your ISP to provide a better offer.
- Get an internet plan with no annual contract and no data caps: This way, you can avoid early termination fees or coverage fees, providing more flexibility and peace of mind.
- Search for internet deals: Many ISPs offer promotions, such as reward cards and waivers on extra fees. For instance, with Verizon Fios Gigabit Connection, you can receive up to a $200 Target gift card and router rental with Whole-Home Wi-Fi Plus when you sign up for a plan.
- Buy your own equipment: If you purchase your own modem and router, you can avoid paying rental fees to your provider. Just ensure that the equipment you buy is compatible with your provider’s network.
- Downgrade your plan to a slower internet speed: If you’re not fully utilizing the bandwidth, why pay for more than you need? You can use this Consumer Reports tool to calculate how much internet speed you actually need.
To determine the rankings for internet providers, the CNN Underscored Home editorial team analyzed 22 companies, with each company’s star rating determined by a variety of metrics and subcategories, including:
Tyler Fields is your internet guru, delving into the latest trends, developments, and issues shaping the online world. With a focus on internet culture, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, Tyler keeps readers informed about the dynamic landscape of the internet and its impact on our digital lives.
