Connect Without Breaking the Bank
No one should be without high-speed internet, but it shouldn’t cost you half your paycheck. According to a December 2023 analysis from Consumer Report, most US households pay between $50 and $100 monthly for internet services.
Given these high figures, we’ve researched numerous internet plans—considering cost, network reliability, browsing speed, customer reviews and other factors to help you find the cheapest internet plan that meets your needs. So, let’s dive right into it!
5 of the Best Cheap Internet Plans
1. Verizon - Verizon 300/300 Plan
Verizon is one of the most well-known providers of FiOS internet and phone service in the US. FiOS (Fiber Optic Service) is a high-speed internet, ideal for anyone picky about browsing, streaming and download speed. With Verizon, you also get a ‘speed match’ feature, which ensures both the download and upload speeds are identical. This is perfect for gamers, streamers and anyone working from home.
Coming to the plan, Verizon offers a 300/300 plan, in which you get 300 Mbps at $49.99/month, and this price is guaranteed for two years. This is a fiber plan, so you’ll get lightning-fast internet speed. Aside from the cost, with Verizon, you won’t have to worry about data caps, low speed or signing contracts.
Besides FiOS, Verizon also has affordable DSL and 5G services (their 5G services start at just $35 per month). Check out more of their mobile internet packages here.
2. Optimum - Optimum 300
Optimum is another great internet provider. However, its lack of availability in many states makes it a miss for many users. But if you’re in one of the 21 states where it’s available, its Optimum 300 plan is one of the best and cheapest in the market.
At $29.99/month with paperless and autopay billing, it doesn’t get any more attractive. Like Verizon, you get unlimited data and don’t have to sign a contract. Unlike Verizon, the price is lower but so is the internet speed. However, if cost is a higher priority than internet speed, we’d recommend this plan over Verizon’s. In this plan, you get a download speed of up to 300 Mbps and an upload speed of up to 20 Mbps. Optimum also throws in three months of HBO Max in this plan.
Besides the home internet, you can include Optimum’s phone internet service in your plan with Optimum Complete and bundle mobile and internet to save on cost.
3. AT&T Internet - INTERNET 300
AT&T's internet service is available in 22 states and offers affordable high-speed internet—nothing short of what you would expect from fiber plans. Most of AT&T’s plans start from $55 per month, which might be steep, but given the glowing customer reviews, it is worth considering.
The plan we’re looking at is AT&T’s Internet 300. This plan offers 300 Mbps of upload and download speed, no annual contracts, an equipment fee inclusive, a price guarantee for 12 months and unlimited data. If you’re interested in adding TV to your internet plan, AT&T offers three months of free Paramount+, STARZ and Cinemax with the bundling option.
One of the features that makes this plan stand out from other internet providers is that AT&T includes internet security in this package, AT&T ActiveArmorSM—meaning no more worries about malicious threats ever reaching you!
4. Xfinity - Xfinity Connect
Xfinity is one of the largest internet providers in the country, operating across 40 states. It’s best known for its promotions that start at prices that sound too good to be true and offer decent internet speed. For example, its Connect More Internet plan offers speed up to 200 Mbps for just $25/month.
The plan we’re looking at is the Xfinity Connect, where the prices start from $19.99/month (depending on your location), including a download speed of up to 75 Mbps with a data cap of 1200 Mbps. In this plan, the installation is free, you can use your own equipment (if compatible) and a price guarantee for one year. After a year, the price will shift to $34.99/month.
A thing to note is that Xfinity’s plan names and prices differ according to location so to check what the price of the lowest plan in your area is, check out their website.
5. Mediacom - Access Internet 100
Mediacom is the nation’s fifth-largest cable provider and its internet service is available in 22 states, mainly in the Midwest. The goals of this company are simple—build larger fiber networks, deliver the fastest internet speed and offer the products and services at an affordable price. While simple, Mediacom still has some ways to go before it can call itself the best internet provider, however, they are one of the cheapest in the market.
The Access Internet 100 plan is exactly as the name suggests—100 Mbps download speed while 10 Mbps upload speed. This plan is available at a promotional price of $20/month and will increase to $30/month after a year. If you don’t have compatible equipment, Mediacom offers modem rental at an affordable price of $13. Unlike other providers, data isn’t unlimited and has a cap of 200GB, which is still plenty given its extraordinary price.
Final Thoughts
This concludes our list of the cheapest internet plans in the market. Internet providers are always rolling out new promotions and deals on internet plans, so it’s wise to browse all your options before settling on one. When considering any of the plans above, or any you’ve come across by yourself, consider the following things;
- Autopay and paperless billing: Opt for a plan that has this.
- Good internet speed: Don’t settle for anything less than 50 Mbps.
- Equipment fees: You’re probably better off purchasing your own compatible equipment instead of paying hefty monthly rental fees.
- Contracts: For very cheap internet plans, a contract usually means the company will charge you a heavy fee if you terminate the contract early.
- Installation fees: The prices vary depending on the provider, ranging from $50 to $100. Some providers waive the installation fee as part of a promotion, so that’s always a nice thing to look out for.