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There are plenty of ways to score great deals from internet providers and save money. While price and availability boil down to where you live, you can still find great discounts on cheap internet. It’s important to be mindful of internet fees, which you can easily prevent by checking your monthly bills. You can also receive discounts through government assistance programs and student discounts.
| Provider | Starting Price | Max Download | Max Upload | Data Caps | Find Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | $55/mo. – $80/mo. | 300 Mbps – 940 Mbps | 300 Mbps – 940 Mbps | No | Check Availability |
| CenturyLink | $30/mo. – $70/mo. | 940 Mbps | 940 Mbps | No | Check Availability |
| Xfinity | $19.99/mo. – $299.95/mo. | 50 Mbps – 3000 Mbps | 5 Mbps – 35 Mbps | Yes | Check Availability |
| HughesNet | $44.99/mo. | 25 Mbps | 3 Mbps | No | Check Availability |
| Spectrum | $49.99/mo. – $89.99/mo. | 300 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 35 Mbps | No | Check Availability |
| Provider | AT&T |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $55/mo. – $80/mo. |
| Max Download | 300 Mbps – 940 Mbps |
| Max Upload | 300 Mbps – 940 Mbps |
| Data Caps | No |
| Check Availability | |
| Provider | CenturyLink |
| Starting Price | $30/mo. – $70/mo. |
| Max Download | 940 Mbps |
| Max Upload | 940 Mbps |
| Data Caps | No |
| Check Availability | |
| Provider | Xfinity |
| Starting Price | $19.99/mo. – $299.95/mo. |
| Max Download | 50 Mbps – 3000 Mbps |
| Max Upload | 5 Mbps – 35 Mbps |
| Data Caps | Yes |
| Check Availability | |
| Provider | HughesNet |
| Starting Price | $44.99/mo. |
| Max Download | 25 Mbps |
| Max Upload | 3 Mbps |
| Data Caps | No |
| Check Availability | |
| Provider | Spectrum |
| Starting Price | $49.99/mo. – $89.99/mo. |
| Max Download | 300 Mbps – 1000 Mbps |
| Max Upload | 35 Mbps |
| Data Caps | No |
| Check Availability | |
Pricing, speeds, offers, and availability vary by service address and are subject to change at any time. Additional fees, taxes, and terms may apply. As of 05/26/2022.
Best affordable plans
$55/mo. – $80/mo.
300 Mbps – 940 Mbps
300 Mbps – 940 Mbps
No
AT&T internet plans provide fiber internet up to 940 Mbps, streaming TV, and home phone. Internet and phone services are available in 21 states, and DIRECTV STREAM is available nationwide.
Best pricing & perks
$30/mo. – $70/mo.
940 Mbps
940 Mbps
No
CenturyLink internet plans are available in 36 states, with the best coverage in Colorado, Florida, and Oregon. While most service areas have DSL internet access, CenturyLink is growing its fiber network to include speeds up to 940 Mbps to more homes.
Best bundles & variety
$19.99/mo. – $299.95/mo.
50 Mbps – 3000 Mbps
5 Mbps – 35 Mbps
Yes
Xfinity internet offers a variety of internet, TV, and home phone plans that include contract-free options, quick installations, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Stay connected on the go with over 18 million free WiFi hotspots nationwide.
Best satellite internet
$44.99/mo.
25 Mbps
3 Mbps
No
HughesNet internet offers high-quality satellite internet with fast speeds coast to coast. HughesNet offers broadband level speeds, data options, and availability virtually everywhere so you can live where you love and stay connected.
Best features & plans
$49.99/mo. – $89.99/mo.
300 Mbps – 1000 Mbps
35 Mbps
No
Spectrum internet is one of the largest and fastest-growing internet, TV, and phone providers. It offers internet speeds up to 1 Gbps, TV packages with at least 125 channels, and home phone with unlimited nationwide calling.
Save an additional $10/mo. when you sign up for paperless billing and auto payments! Eligible customers can also receive a FREE Flex Stream device with any internet plan.
Much like holiday savings, there are special seasons in our lives that warrant a little extra help. For seniors, low-income households, students, veterans, and active military, there are plenty of opportunities to save more money. While qualifications for government-assisted programs and special rates vary by provider and location, all it takes is a simple credit, age, or address verification for eligibility. See below for ways you can save today.
It’s time to cash in on your new status. There are many internet discounts for senior citizens if you know where to look. Many providers such as Spectrum and AT&T offer cheap internet deals for eligible customers when it counts the most. Spectrum Internet Assist plan for seniors aged 65+ includes speeds up to 30 Mbps for $14.99/mo. and unlimited data. And, AT&T Access brings speeds up to 10 Mbps to rural and urban communities for $10.00/mo. and in-home WiFi included.
In an effort to bring affordable internet service to low-income households, the FCC created the Affordable Connectivity Program in partnership with internet service providers nationwide. Lifeline is a government program that grants qualifying recipients $9.25/mo. to go towards their monthly internet or phone bill. Providers then pledge to create solid internet and phone deals for as little as $10.00/mo. So, while this doesn’t get you free internet, it significantly reduces the monthly cost of service.
If you’re a student, you may be enjoying the perks of BOGO deals at movie theaters and cheap gym memberships. Student discounts are one of the few things that make kids feel rich in school, and luckily, they also extend to internet services. Some internet providers offer cheap internet for students knowing it’s essential to learning today. The best deal is Cox Communications’s Connect2Compete plan that offers internet with speeds up to 25 Mbps for just $9.95/mo. to low-income households with students.
Active-duty military and veterans risk their lives each day to protect our country. To show their support, internet providers, wireless carriers, and nonprofits offer discounted or free internet service to these heroes and their families. From financial aid to significantly reduced internet rates, it never hurts to ask what special savings are available. Providers and tech companies including AT&T, T-Mobile, Samsung, and Verizon all provide cheap internet for veteran and active military families. View our Guide for Veteran & Active Military Discounts to explore even more ways to save.
Depending on which provider you go with, you can use any of the tips below to find the cheapest home interent:
1. Use your own internet equipment – Some providers allow you to use your own modem/router, which can save you up to $25/mo.
Potential Savings: $10 – $20 a month
2. Negotiate a service contract– You always have the option to request a contract to potentially lock in a lower rate.
Potential Savings: $5 – $20 a month
3. Bundle services – Bundling internet and TV is by far the easiest way to save if you already need multiple services.
Potential Savings: $10 – $40 a month
4. Watch your data usage – Check your provider’s data tracker regularly to avoid unnecessary overage fees.
Potential Savings: $30 – $100 a month
5. Referral programs – It’s very common for internet providers to incentivize customers to recruit friends and family to sign up and receive rewards.
Potential Savings: Up to $100
Remember: speeds, pricing, and availability all vary based on the provider and your home address.
You should expect to pay about $60 on average for reliable, internet service. Keep in mind that doesn’t include added services like TV plans, equipment rental fees, or taxes. However, internet prices and plans vary drastically depending on where you live and what connection type you have available near you. Enter your zip code here to find and compare plans near you.
Most internet service providers (ISP) make this decision for you since they typically only offer one option or the other. However, if you do have a choice, it’s generally cheaper to opt for a contract over monthly payments.
Similar to bundling internet and TV, signing a contract comes with special pricing because providers see you as a committed customer. On the other hand, month-to-month service is great for families on a budget or those who move often. Without a contract, you can cancel your service without worrying about a termination fee.
Internet connection is all about speed and coverage. And for the most part, it’s priced relative to how much you can achieve with a certain type.
DSL internet and cable internet are typically cheaper connections as they run on pre-existing infrastructures and don’t provide as much bandwidth or home coverage as fiber internet. The exception to the rule is satellite. Satellite internet prices vary greatly due to the extra equipment and installation support needed. Fixed wireless internet rivals that of DSL, though less common nowadays.
There are many additional ways to save on internet service without downgrading your plan to include slower speeds. Here are a few things that may save you money:
Most internet plans include introductory rates that expire after one or two years depending on the promotional period. Unless you have an extended service agreement with your ISP or they offer a Price for Life guarantee of some sort, you can expect immediate price hikes of $10-$30 or more on your monthly bill.
In addition to promotional periods ending, providers also have to keep up with operating expenses and scaling network infrastructures, which results in annual price increases customers must bear. Be sure to talk this out with your provider upon signing up for new internet service, so a price increase doesn’t blindside you.
The main contributors to high internet prices are internet providers’ operating costs and expenses when extending their networks. Internet networks require significant maintenance and upgrades to keep up with technological advancements and the increasing demand for internet service. You can attribute higher-than-expected costs due to added fees if you’re referring to your monthly bill.
The FCC estimates that internet subscribers pay on average 20-40% more than the base rate they signed up for, thanks to taxes and added fees not included in advertised prices. To avoid this unwanted surprise, speak with a representative upon signing up for service to discuss possible fees included.
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