Why: Xfinity stands as one of the nation's largest providers, serving customers across 40 states in the Northeast, Central, South, and West regions. The Connect More Internet plan, starting at just $25 per month, offers broadband speeds of up to 200 Mbps, a fantastic bargain. While other providers may advertise lower prices, they often come with slower speeds and less generous data allowances, unlike Xfinity Connect Internet.
Additional considerations: Xfinity allows customers to use their compatible equipment, potentially saving $14 per month or more on fees. Every Xfinity internet plan includes a free Flex streaming device. Signing a one or two-year year agreement can unlock the lowest internet prices, though the contract commitment is not mandatory. Keep in mind that Xfinity's equipment fee is slightly higher than that of most providers, at $14 per month or $25 for premium Wi-Fi service. You may want to BYO if you plan to stay with them long-term so that eventually the equipment pays for itself.
Why: Spectrum offers some of the lowest equipment fees in the industry. Modem costs are included in the package, and router rental adds just $5 per month. Opting for Spectrum Internet Gig even includes the router. Spectrum's services are available in 41 states. The cheapest plan offers download speeds of up to 300 Mbps, priced at $49.99 per month, and does not require a contract.
Additional considerations: Spectrum's contract buyout offer is appealing, providing up to $500 to help transition from your current provider, but it's only available when you bundle internet and TV. Be aware that the bill will increase by $25 per month in the second year.
Why: Mediacom's Access Internet 100 plan is an exceptional value, starting at just $19.99 per month. Even with a $10 monthly price increase in the second year, it remains one of the most affordable plans. However, note that it comes with a data cap of 300GB, which may not be sufficient for heavy streaming or gaming. Mediacom serves 22 states, primarily in the Midwest.
Additional considerations: The low data cap might require an upgrade to the Internet 300 plan, offering 1,500GB of data per month. Installation fees are waived for online orders, but an activation fee of $10 still applies. Be prepared for price increases, with the cheapest plan going up by $10 per month in year two.
Why: Following Mediacom, WOW! offers some of the cheapest internet plans among nationwide providers. The Internet 200 plan, priced at just $29.99 per month, provides up to 200 Mbps speeds, sufficient for most households. WOW! doesn't impose data caps on any of its plans. The 50 Mbps WOW! plan is an option for basic connectivity at $9.99 per month. WOW! is available in nine states in the Midwest and South.
Additional considerations: WOW! raises prices by $10 to $15 per month after 12 months, which is better than most providers. They offer Wi-Fi extenders for $9.99 per month, helping extend your internet connection throughout your home. Equipment rental, at $14 per month, is relatively expensive, but you can buy your modem and router for long-term savings.
Why: AT&T Internet 300 offers competitive pricing for fiber service plans. For areas without AT&T Fiber, AT&T Internet provides a good value, starting at $55 per month for speeds up to 100 Mbps. AT&T's coverage extends to parts of the Mid-Atlantic area, South, and Midwest. All AT&T Fiber plans come with unlimited data. The Internet 300 plan, priced at $55 per month, offers fiber internet with no contract.
Additional considerations: AT&T Fiber includes unlimited data and includes equipment rental. They currently waive the $99 professional installation fee. AT&T's pricing is straightforward, with no hidden fees except for taxes.
Why: Frontier's plans clearly state their pricing up front. Plans come with unlimited data. Some Frontier plans require a one-year contract, which may result in early termination fees. Plans increase in price after the first and third years. Frontier serves the Midwestern, Southern, and Western regions of the country. DSL plans start at $49.99 with no contract, while fiber plans are available from $49.99 in select areas. It’s refreshing to see the plan price and what it includes in a transparent manner.
Additional considerations: Frontier includes equipment rental costs in the plan price, which limits your ability to save by using your own equipment.
Why: Cox offers free self-installation on many plans, including the Internet Essential 100 plan. They also provide a prepaid internet option for $50 per month with speeds up to 100 Mbps, no credit checks, contracts, or deposits, and inclusive equipment costs. It’s an ideal solution if you’re comfortable with the speed reduction, which should still be ok except for 4K streaming and multiplayer online gaming or uploading massive media files to a server. In such cases you likely need a plan with more horsepower. Cox offers service in parts of 19 states and provides up to five speed tiers. The cheapest cable plan, offering up to 100 Mbps, is priced at $49.99 per month and may require a one-year contract.
Additional considerations: Cox also offers fiber in some areas. Also, some plans have serious price hikes after the first year, up to $37 per month, depending on the plan.
Why: Optimum offers a low-cost internet plan without compromising on speed. Their lowest-priced plan starts at $30 per month, providing up to 300 Mbps speeds. These prices are available with autopay, paperless billing, and participation in one of Optimum's unlimited mobile plans. Optimum's service covers 21 states, primarily in the Northeast and South.
Additional considerations: Optimum plans include the Altice Gateway device for an additional $10 per month, but you have the option to use your own equipment and reduce monthly costs. No data caps are applied, but be prepared for a significant price increase in the second year, ranging from $75 to $95 per monthly billing cycle.
Why:Verizon offers low-cost fiber internet service, starting at just $39.99 per month with speeds up to 200 Mbps. Verizon Fios internet plans include a one-, two-, or three-year price guarantee depending on your chosen plan. After the introductory period, standard rates apply, with varying price increases by plan. Verizon serves the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Why: CenturyLink offers customer-friendly pricing, with minimal additional charges. Modem rentals cost $15 per month, and installation fees are $99 as a one-time charge (free self-installation may be available). Only the Fiber Gigabit plan increases in price, from $65 per month to $85 per month in year two. CenturyLink provides service in 16 states and offers both DSL and fiber services.
Why:T-Mobile's 5G Home Internet boasts transparent pricing, with a flat $50 monthly fee that includes all taxes and fees, eliminating any surprises. T-Mobile offers extensive 5G coverage across the nation, serving 98% of the U.S. T-Mobile does not require contracts and guarantees price stability beyond the first year. However, the quality of your connection depends on your proximity to a T-Mobile tower and may be less consistent compared to fiber or cable internet.
Change providers: Consider exploring other affordable internet service providers in your area, as they may offer more budget-friendly rates or better promotions. Ensure you are not under contract with your current provider to avoid early termination fees.
Monitor your data usage: Providers with data caps often charge fees for exceeding your data limit. Keep an eye on your data usage to avoid overage charges.
Step Down to a Lower Plan: If you can give up some of your speed, downgrading can help you save. This might work best if the kids are going off to college or you’re no longer working from home.
Use your own equipment: Some providers permit the use of your compatible equipment, potentially saving you $5 to $15 per month.
Low-Cost Assistance Programs for Affordable Wi-Fi From ISPs: Cox and Mediacom offer the Connect2Compete as an affordable plan starting at $9.95 per month for low-income households with students. CenturyLink's Internet Basics and Xfinity's Internet Essentials offer inexpensive internet options for seniors or those eligible for public assistance programs, starting at just $9.95 per month. AT&T's Access program, in partnership with the federal government's Affordable Connectivity Program, provides free installation, in-home Wi-Fi, no annual contract, and no deposit, with costs as low as $30 per month based on maximum speed. WOW! offers Internet For Education on its Internet Select 50 plan, offering 30 Mbps download capability, modem, and self-installation kit for $9.95 per month to qualifying households. Spectrum's Internet Assist program offers speeds of up to 30 Mbps with no data caps for $14.99 per month to eligible applicants.
Federal Programs for Affordable Internet: The Affordable Connectivity Program, replacing the Emergency Broadband Bill, provides a monthly benefit of $30 plus a one-time discount of up to $100 for the purchase of a laptop, desktop, or tablet. Eligibility is determined by an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Lifeline, a government program, grants qualifying applicants $9.25 per month toward their internet or phone bill. Some organizations, providers, and nonprofits offer free internet options that may be worth exploring.
Why does my internet bill increase annually? Most introductory rates expire after a year or two, resulting in immediate price hikes. Providers may also raise prices periodically to cover operating costs or expand their networks.
Is month-to-month service cheaper than signing a contract? Typically, providers offer either contracts or no-contract options. Opting for a contract often provides lower rates, but month-to-month service may be more cost-effective if you anticipate canceling service.
How can I reduce my internet bill without downgrading my plan? Some providers allow you to use your compatible equipment, potentially saving on equipment fees. Negotiating with your provider for a lower price, especially if you have a good account standing, is also an option.
Are there providers offering free internet plans? While many providers offer affordable plans, some, like Buckeye Broadband, offer completely free but limited internet service.
Which is the best monthly internet plan? AT&T offers the cheapest fiber plans at $55 per month, while WOW! provides the cheapest plan overall, with 50 Mbps for $9.99 per month in eligible areas.
How can I get cheap cable and internet? You can save on cable and internet by bundling services. Explore TV and internet bundle options for potential savings.
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