Bypass the burden of extended agreements and opt for adaptable internet plans.

We’ve rounded up the top providers that let you stay connected without requiring a long-term commitment.

Best Short-Term Internet Choices

Which Provider Excels?

Top Overall Pick: Google Fiber

With lightning-fast speeds between 1,000 Mbps and 8,000 Mbps, Google Fiber ensures a stable connection with no data restrictions or equipment costs.

The primary downside is its limited availability, which is restricted to select states.

• Advantages: No hidden fees, high-speed fiber, growing network.

• Drawbacks: Limited accessibility, no lower-cost plans.

Best for Initial Discounts: Astound Broadband

This cable provider offers some of the most attractive introductory rates, starting at 100 Mbps.

While the initial pricing is competitive, expect an increase once the promotional period ends.

• Advantages: Affordable first-year rates, no data restrictions, and flexible options.

• Drawbacks: Prices rise post-promotion, primarily available in urban areas.

Best DSL Option: CenturyLink

CenturyLink is a solid choice for DSL users with steady pricing, unlimited data, and no long-term commitment. However, speeds can be inconsistent depending on location.

• Advantages: Budget-friendly, unrestricted data, no extended contracts.

• Drawbacks: Fluctuating speeds, potential interruptions.

Top Cable Internet Pick: Spectrum

Spectrum offers transparent pricing with no data limitations. While fiber can outperform cable, Spectrum remains dependable, with speeds starting at 500 Mbps.

• Advantages: Straightforward costs, free modem, widespread Wi-Fi access.

• Drawbacks: More expensive than fiber, average customer ratings.

Best for Rural Locations: Kinetic Internet

Providing both DSL and fiber connections, Kinetic Internet is a strong alternative to satellite service. However, speed and pricing vary by area.

• Advantages: No speed reductions, unlimited data, expanding fiber reach.

• Drawbacks: Limited availability and lack of built-in security tools.

Top Fiber Expansion: AT&T Fiber

AT&T’s fiber plans offer high-speed connections without term contracts or data caps. Multi-gig options present excellent value, though coverage is still expanding.

• Advantages: No commitment is necessary, and the introductory offers are appealing.

• Drawbacks: DSL speeds are significantly slower, and non-fiber plans include data limits.

Best for Customer Satisfaction: Verizon Fios

Verizon Fios receives high marks for dependability and service quality. With speeds from 300 Mbps to 2 Gbps, it provides clear-cut pricing and excellent reliability.

• Advantages: Pure fiber-optic network, no data caps, no term agreements.

• Drawbacks: Limited regional availability, LTE and DSL plans are pricey.

Alternative Short-Term Internet Providers 

Looking for flexible internet plans without long-term commitments? Many providers now offer no-contract options.

While some come with higher costs, they provide freedom from cancellation fees and allow you to switch providers when needed.

Here are some internet services that don’t require a contract:

Providers Offering Short-Term Internet

• Cox Communications: Cox offers both contract and no-contract options. While a two-year deal lowers costs, their no-contract plans provide flexibility. Their budget-friendly ConnectAssist plan offers 100Mbps at $30 per month with a free modem. This comes to 30 cents per Mbps, slightly higher than their other plans.

• Frontier Communications: Whether you choose Frontier’s DSL or fiber service, there are no contracts. Equipment fees are included. Fiber customers typically pay 6 cents per Mbps during the first year, while DSL users spend around $2.60 per Mbps.

• Mediacom: Although data caps apply, Mediacom’s Xtream internet doesn’t require long-term agreements. The first-year cost per Mbps is about 10 cents, rising to 17 cents after the promo period.

• Metronet: Available in 16 states, Metronet provides fiber internet with no contracts and included equipment. The first-year cost per Mbps is around 5 cents for gigabit speeds. After one year, prices increase by about $10 per month.

• Optimum: Offering cable and fiber internet with no contracts or data caps, Optimum’s fiber plans cost around 7 cents per Mbps in the first year, while cable plans average 10 cents per Mbps.

• Rise Broadband: A fixed wireless service with no data limits, Rise Broadband offers speeds from 50Mbps to 1,000Mbps. First-year costs range from 75 cents to $1 per Mbps, but their fiber network provides a lower rate of around 11 cents per Mbps.

• Sparklight: Serving rural areas, Sparklight has competitive introductory rates. Prices depend on location; in Alabama, the average cost per Mbps is 15 cents, increasing to 18 cents after the promo period. There’s a soft 5TB data cap.

• Starlink: Unlike most satellite providers, Starlink doesn’t require a contract. The standard 100Mbps plan costs about $1 per Mbps, while the priority 220Mbps plan lowers this to 6 cents per Mbps. However, equipment costs between $349 and $699 (or $2,500 for priority plans).

• Starry Internet: A fixed wireless provider using millimeter-wave technology, Starry’s plans include unlimited data and equipment. The first-year cost per Mbps is 17 cents, rising to 22 cents after the promo period.

• T-Mobile Home Internet: T-Mobile’s service includes all fees, installation, and equipment at one price. For eligible mobile customers, monthly rates range from $50 to $70 or $30 to $50. Speeds vary, with users reporting anywhere from 72Mbps to 300Mbps.

• Verizon 5G Home Internet: Verizon’s fixed wireless service has variable speeds (50Mbps to 1,000Mbps), averaging 300Mbps. The cost per Mbps is around 17 cents, with all fees and equipment included.

• WOW (WideOpenWest): WOW provides cable internet with no contracts and low starting rates. The average cost per Mbps across all plans is slightly over 6 cents.

• Xfinity: Though Xfinity typically requires a one- or two-year contract, they offer a prepaid plan at $45 monthly for 200Mbps. The cost per Mbps is 22 cents, lower than their standard rates of 25 to 39 cents per Mbps.

• Ziply Fiber: Serving the Northwest, Ziply Fiber eliminates credit checks, data caps, and contracts. Their fiber plans cost 13 cents per Mbps during the promo period and 21 cents after the first year.

Comparison of Short-Term Internet Plans

Key Considerations When Choosing a No-Contract ISP

• Cost per Mbps: Plans costing 10 to 20 cents per Mbps are reasonable. The best deals come in at 5 cents per Mbps or lower.

• Connection Type: The fastest and most reliable service comes from fiber. Generally, fiber beats cable surpasses 5G and satellite, and DSL ranks the lowest.

• Service Availability: Not all providers operate in every location. Check which services are accessible in your area.

How We Reviewed No-Contract ISPs

Due to the regional nature of ISPs, direct testing isn’t always possible. Instead, we gather data from provider websites, historical trends, and government databases like the FCC.

We also consider customer satisfaction reports from J.D. Power and the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

Our evaluations focus on three factors:

1. Speed availability – Are the speeds offered fast enough for modern needs?
2. Value for money – Do the costs justify the speed and reliability?
3. Customer experience – Are users satisfied with the service?

Final Thoughts on Short-Term Internet

Long-term agreements are becoming less common as competition increases. Many ISPs now allow users to switch plans easily.

If you’re looking for flexibility, consider the options listed above. Some even offer incentives to cover early termination fees from other providers.

For the best performance, fiber is the top choice where available. Google Fiber offers the lowest cost per Mbps, but availability is limited. AT&T Fiber is an excellent alternative in many areas.