Looking for budget-friendly internet services?
Here are the best choices for cost-effective and reliable home internet plans.
Our Top Picks for Cheap Internet Plans
| Provider | Speed Range | Monthly Cost |
| Xfinity | 150 – 2,000 Mbps | $19 – $95 |
| T-Mobile | 72 – 245 Mbps | $35 – $70 |
| Astound Broadband | 100 – 1,500 Mbps | $20 – $80 |
| AT&T Fiber | 300 – 5,000 Mbps | $55 – $250 |
| Frontier Fiber | 500 – 5,000 Mbps | $50 – $155 |
| Mediacom | 100 – 1,000 Mbps | $25 – $80 |
| Quantum Fiber | 200 – 8,000 Mbps | $30 – $165 |
| Verizon 5G | 85 – 1,000 Mbps | $50 – $70 |
| Cox Communications | 100 – 2,000 Mbps | $50 – $110 |
| Starry Internet | 50 – 1,000 Mbps | $30 – $80 |
| Spectrum | 500 – 1,000 Mbps | $50 – $80 |
Why These Internet Providers Stand Out?
Finding affordable home internet can be difficult. The average cost of internet service is around $78 per month, making it expensive for many families.
These providers offer great value if you’re searching for a lower-cost option.
- Xfinity is the most affordable, with rates starting at $20 – $35 monthly for speeds up to 150 Mbps. However, rates can increase to $72 per month after a year.
- Astound Broadband has similar pricing but is not as widely available. Xfinity covers over 34% of U.S. households, whereas Astound reaches only 2%.
- AT&T Fiber, T-Mobile Home Internet, and Quantum Fiber offer stable pricing, though their starting costs are higher.
Important Considerations
- Introductory pricing can expire after a year, leading to higher monthly fees.
- Additional costs may include equipment rentals and installation charges.
- Availability varies by location, so always confirm serviceability in your area.
Choosing the Right Internet Plan
Selecting an internet plan depends on speed, cost, and reliability. While the cheapest plans are attractive, they may come with slower speeds.
If you prefer steady pricing, consider providers like AT&T Fiber or T-Mobile, which offer fixed rates without surprise hikes.
Use this guide to make an informed decision and find an affordable home internet plan that meets your needs.
Best Internet Providers in Los Angeles, CA
| Provider | Starting Price | Connection Type | Download Speeds Up To | Contract Requirement | Key Details |
| Spectrum | $30/month | Cable | 500 Mbps | No | Offers competitive pricing with no contracts. Bundled options are available for TV and mobile services. Suitable for households needing reliable speeds without fiber. Source |
| AT&T Fiber | $55/month | Fiber | 5,000 Mbps | No | One of the fastest fiber internet services available. Includes a $10/month discount with paperless billing and Autopay using a debit card or bank account. Ideal for high-speed users, gamers, and work-from-home professionals. Source |
| Xfinity | $20–$35/month | Cable | 150 Mbps | Yes | It offers a range of plans, but pricing depends on location. Some of the cheapest plans require a contract. Suitable for budget-conscious users, but data caps may apply. |
| Astound | $20/month | Cable | 300 Mbps | No | A low-cost option for metro areas. Promotional pricing is attractive, but rates increase after the first year. |
| Frontier Fiber | $30/month | Fiber | 500 Mbps | No | No contracts, unlimited data, and free equipment rental included. Availability varies by neighborhood. Source |
| Mediacom | $50/month | Cable | 300 Mbps | No | Provides unlimited data without contracts, but prices increase after the first year. Best for users who don’t want long-term commitments. |
| Verizon 5G Home | $35/month | Fixed Wireless | 300 Mbps | No | Uses Verizon’s 5G network to provide home internet. Includes a price lock guarantee for up to three years and free equipment rental. Ideal for those looking for an alternative to traditional wired internet. Source |
Affordable Internet Providers: Plans and Prices Compared
Finding an internet plan that fits your budget can be challenging.
Below is a comparison of providers offering cost-effective internet options with different speeds and pricing structures.
Budget-Friendly Internet Plans
| Provider & Plan | Initial Cost | Top Speed | Rate per Mbps | Equipment Charge |
| Mediacom Xtream Connect | $15 | 100 Mbps | $0.15 | $15 (optional) |
| Xfinity Internet Essentials | $15 | 75 Mbps | $0.20 | None |
| Starry Connect | $15 | 30 Mbps | $0.50 | None |
| Ziply Fiber 100 | $20 | 100 Mbps | $0.02 | $15 (optional) |
| Astound Broadband 300 | $20 | 300 Mbps | $0.07 | None |
| Xfinity Connect | $20 | 150 Mbps | $0.13 | $15 (optional) |
| Kinetic Fiber 100 | $25 | 300 Mbps | $0.25 | $11 (optional) |
| Brightspeed Fiber 200 | $29 | 200 Mbps | $0.14 | None |
| Frontier Fiber 500 | $30 | 500 Mbps | $0.06 | None |
| WOW Internet 300 | $30 | 300 Mbps | $0.10 | None |
| Frontier Fiber 200 | $30 | 200 Mbps | $0.15 | None |
| Cox Connect Assist | $30 | 100 Mbps | $0.30 | $15 (optional) |
| Metronet 100 | $35 | 150 Mbps | $0.23 | None |
| Armstrong Zoom Express | $35 | 25 Mbps | $1.40 | $11 (optional) |
| Optimum Fiber 300 | $40 | 300 Mbps | $0.13 | None |
| Kinetic Fiber 300 | $40 | 300 Mbps | $0.13 | $11 (optional) |
| Sparklight Connect 100 | $40 | 100 Mbps | $0.40 | $15 (optional) |
| GoNetspeed 500 | $45 | 500 Mbps | $0.09 | None |
| Metronet 500 | $45 | 500 Mbps | $0.09 | None |
| Quantum Fiber 200 | $45 | 200 Mbps | $0.22 | None |
| Spectrum Internet | $50 | 500 Mbps | $0.10 | $10 router (optional) |
| T-Mobile Home Unlimited | $50 | 318 Mbps | $0.15 | None |
| Verizon 5G Home | $50 | 300 Mbps | $0.17 | None |
| Verizon Fios 300 | $50 | 300 Mbps | $0.17 | None |
| Cox Go Faster | $50 | 250 Mbps | $0.20 | $15 (optional) |
| Mediacom Xtream 300 | $50 | 300 Mbps | $0.17 | $15 (optional) |
| Hughesnet Select | $50 | 50 Mbps | $1.00 | $15 per month or $300 one-time charge |
| AT&T Fiber 300 | $55 | 300 Mbps | $0.18 | None |
| CenturyLink Unlimited | $55 | 100 Mbps | $0.55 | $15 (optional) |
| Rise Broadband 50 | $55 | 50 Mbps | $1.10 | $10 modem; $15 router (optional) |
Choosing the Best Low-Cost Internet Plan
- Speed Needs: Higher speeds suit gamers and streaming, while lower speeds work for basic browsing.
- Monthly Costs: Some plans offer the lowest rates but may include extra fees for equipment.
- Connection Type: Fiber generally provides faster and more stable speeds than cable or satellite.
- Optional Fees: Check for additional costs like router rental or installation.
Factors Beyond Price When Choosing Internet Plans
The cost of an internet plan isn’t just about the advertised rate. Other key aspects should be considered before opting for the most affordable package.
Speed: Will It Meet Your Needs?
The lowest-cost plan might not provide the speed you require. If the budget-friendly option isn’t fast enough, looking at alternative providers or upgrading could be worthwhile.
For instance, Astound’s 300Mbps package is available for $20 per month, whereas Xfinity’s Connect plan offers 150Mbps at the same rate, excluding a $15 equipment rental fee.
If you need faster speeds and Astound isn’t an option in your area, a slightly pricier plan could significantly enhance your browsing and streaming experience.
Additional Fees: Look Beyond the Base Price
Taxes apply to all internet services, but extra charges vary by provider. These can include:
- Equipment rental
- Data overages
- Installation fees
Reading the terms carefully helps to avoid unexpected expenses.
Contracts and Potential Price Increases
Long-term agreements can be costly if prices rise before your contract ends. Terminating a contract early may also lead to cancellation fees.
Many companies increase their rates after the first 12 months, even without a contract.
Check future pricing details beforehand if you intend to use the service beyond the promotional period.
Most providers disclose these details through broadband labels. See our guide on understanding broadband labels for assistance.
How We Assess Affordable Internet Providers?
CNET evaluates internet providers through in-depth research to help consumers make well-informed choices.
The process begins by consulting the Federal Communications Commission to determine coverage areas and service types.
Next, we verify pricing, speeds, and lesser-known factors such as:
- Data limits
- Contract obligations
- Equipment fees
We also analyze customer satisfaction scores from sources like the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D.
Power, alongside outage frequency and complaints from platforms such as Downdetector and the Better Business Bureau.
Factors like cost per Mbps and price hikes after one year played a role in selecting the best budget-friendly internet providers.
For more on our review process, check out our guide on how CNET evaluates internet service providers.
Honorable Mentions: Affordable Internet Providers
Some nationwide ISPs offer plans below $50 per month but did not rank among the best due to high cost per Mbps, pricing inconsistencies, or limited availability.
| Provider | Starting Price | Speed | Key Details |
| Kinetic by Windstream | $35/month | 300Mbps | No data limits; pricing varies by location. |
| Metronet | $35/month | 150Mbps | No contracts, free equipment, and upgrade to 500Mbps for $45/month. |
| Verizon Fios | $50/month | 300Mbps | Competitive mid-tier and gigabit plans are available. |
| Ziply Fiber | $20/month | 100Mbps | One of the fastest ISPs with affordable rates. |
Best Value Internet Plans: Final Takeaway
Consider cable providers like Xfinity, Astound, and Frontier for the lowest-priced service.
However, these plans may include future price increases, extra equipment rental fees, and data limits.
Other companies like AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, and Quantum Fiber may not have the cheapest base rates, but they provide value through price guarantees, bundling discounts, and customer-friendly features.
FAQs About Low-Cost Internet
What is the most affordable internet service?
Cable and fiber plans are often the best affordable and reliable service options. Though they cost more than DSL or dial-up, the performance justifies the price.
Some providers, including Xfinity, Astound, and Ziply Fiber, offer plans starting at $20 per month.
Xfinity is a solid choice due to its widespread availability and budget-friendly plans.
It offers 150Mbps for $20 monthly, with an option to upgrade to 300Mbps for an additional $5.
Are there budget-friendly internet options for low-income households?
Note: Enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has been temporarily suspended by the FCC.
Previously, the ACP provided eligible families with up to $30 per month ($75 on tribal lands) for home internet.
Following its suspension, AT&T, Cox, Spectrum, and Xfinity introduced alternative low-income plans.
These typically cost $30 or less and offer speeds ranging from 50Mbps to 100Mbps.
Why do internet prices keep rising?
Many providers offer a reduced rate for new customers lasting one or two years. Once this period ends, monthly charges can increase by $30 or more, depending on the provider.
Some companies provide a limited-time price guarantee even without a promotional discount.
However, once that guarantee expires, they can raise prices anytime. Rate increases may occur to support network maintenance, service expansion, or rising operational costs.
To manage increasing bills, try negotiating with your provider for a better rate or explore other options.
How can I lower my internet bill?
To cut costs on internet service, consider:
- Using your modem and router
- Negotiating a lower rate with your ISP
- Switching to a different provider
Check out our guide on saving money on your internet service for more tips.
What are the cheapest internet plans for seniors?
Several ISPs offer unique plans for seniors and low-income users. These options typically provide speeds between 30Mbps and 100Mbps for approximately $30 monthly or less.
Providers like AT&T, Cox, Spectrum, and Xfinity have specific discounted internet plans designed for this group.