We let price take priority, but we aren’t interested in cheap internet that doesn’t provide good service – high speed and reliability are also crucial. We looked at data caps, connection type, and other factors to review the best cheap internet providers of 2021.
Compare the Best Cheap Internet Providers
AT&T offers nearly nationwide coverage, affordable pricing, and solid download speeds – though navigating the company’s labyrinth of plans can feel unnecessarily complicated. Features:
Second-largest DSL internet provider in the countryAffordably priced plans for solid download speedsEquipment cost includedFiber internet options for higher speedsPhone and TV bundles available1TB data caps on DSL plans
Pros:
Broad coverageReliably fast DSLEquipment included
Cons:
Limited availability for fiberVolatile speed and pricingData cap costs more or requires bundled services
Plans:
Internet Basic (0.8–5 Mbps): $45/mo.Internet 10 (10 Mbps): $45/mo.Internet 18 (18 Mbps): $45/mo.Internet 25 (25 Mbp)s: $45/mo.Internet 50 (50 Mbps): $45/mo.Internet 100 (100 Mbps): $45/mo.Internet 300 (300 Mbps): $35/mo.Internet 500 (500 Mbps): $45/mo.Internet 1000 (940 Mbps): $60/mo.
Comcast XFINITY offers high-speed options for people who need them and affordable fiber internet options on a budget, though the best prices require at least a one-year contract. Features:
Fiber internet connection availablePhone and TV packages availableFastest available download speedsWidespread availability in 39 states1.2TB data caps
Pros:
Large coverage mapNo contract options are availableHigh-speed plans available
Cons:
Hidden feesSlower upload speedsThe contract required for best prices
Plans:
50 Mbps: $65.00/mo.100 Mbps: $83.95/mo.200 Mbps: $29.99/mo.400 Mbps: $69.99/mo.600 Mbps: $74.99/mo.800Mbps: $69.99/mo.1200 Mbps: $84.99/mo.
Verizon Fios offers a fast, reliable fiber internet connection for a price that won’t break the bank with no monthly contract. The only downside is that it’s available in only certain parts of the country. Features:
Fiber internet option availableNo advertised data capsNo annual contract requiredLots of special offers with Verizon packages and partnersA $15/mo. Router rental
Pros:
High-value fiber plansSpecial offersWaived or reduced installation feeSavings for Verizon Wireless customers
Cons:
Limited fiber availabilityExpensive equipment costsPrice increase after the first year
Plans:
200 Mbps: $39.99/mo.400 Mbps: $64.99/mo.940 Mbps: $89.99/mo.
Frontier Communications provides the best option for unlimited internet data, yet keep an eye out for the hidden fees that are often associated with their plans. Features:
Fast growing Fiber network99.99% Network reliabilityPrice lockRouter cost includedUnlimited data and no overage charges
Pros:
Speeds up to 2000 mbpsNo overage chargesLower latency
Cons:
Low ASCI scoreLimited high-speed optionsHidden fees
Plans:Frontier(R)Internet: $49.99/moFrontier(R)Fiber 500/500 Mbps: $59.99/moFrontier(R)Fiber Gig Service: $79.99/moFrontier Fiber 2 Gig Internet: $154.99/mo
CenturyLink offers cheap internet coverage across the Mountain West and locks in your price for life, so you don’t have to worry about surprising charges. Features:
Price locked in for lifeNo contract required1TB data capOne-time purchase fee for routerNo early termination fees
Pros:
Price for life guaranteeNo contracts requiredHigh-end speeds are available in some regions
Cons:
Few options for higher-speed DSLPrice lock doesn’t apply to fiber plansNo cable internet option
Plans:
20 Mbps: $50/mo.40 Mbps: $50/mo.80 Mbps: $50/mo.100 Mbps: $50/mo.940 Mbps: $85/mo.
Charter Spectrum offers a broad coverage map for cheap internet and will pay your early termination fee if you switch from another provider – but the price increases after the first year. Features:
Pays early termination fees when switching providersNo contracts requiredBundles available with other servicesModem includedNo data caps
Pros:
Highest speed in its price rangeNo-contract plans with a buyout offerNo data cap
Cons:
Price increase after the first yearLimited support if you use your own equipmentUnspecified upload speed
Plans: 200 Mbps: $49.99/mo. 400 Mbps: $69.99/mo. 1,000 Mbps: 109.99/mo. Cox Communications offers solid value for its baseline plans with no contracts and locked price for three years but has data caps and poor service. Features:
Elite Gamer data optimization software available for gamersNo contract for 50Mbps plans and upPromotional prices lock for 3 yearsPanoramic Wi-Fi limits dead zones1.25TB data cap
Pros:
Panoramic Wi-Fi for better coverage through homeLower-than-average installation feeNo contract required for some plans
Cons:
Price increase over timeCosts extra for unlimited data
Plans:
Internet Starter 25 (25 Mbps): $29.99/mo.Internet Essential 50 (50 Mbps): $39.99/mo.Internet Preferred 150 (150 Mbps): $59.99/mo.Internet Ultimate (500 Mbps): $79.99/mo.Gigablast (1000Mbps): $99.99/mo.
Customer Satisfaction: We used J.D. Power’s 2020 Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study to calculate an average rating of internet providers across all applicable regions.Top Download Speeds: We awarded higher scores to internet providers with higher download speeds.Number of Plans: Internet providers with more plan options to choose from scored higher in our methodology.Data Caps: No one wants to be left without internet for the rest of the month, so we awarded internet providers higher scores if they had high or no data caps. Customer Support: We reviewed and compared the number of channels that customers could reach each provider’s customer support representatives. The more channels of contact available, the higher the score.
