Cheapest Internet Plans

Cheapest internet plans
Did you move to a new location and need to find a new internet service provider? Or maybe you’re just wanting to start fresh with a new provider. Whatever the circumstances, moving is the perfect time to reconsider your internet options. And after all that you’ve just spent on your move, you’re probably searching for the cheapest internet plans.
If you’re looking for ways to cut down on your monthly expenses, look no further. At MYMOVE, we’re sharing some of the cheapest internet service providers on the market and tips to help you avoid overpaying for internet.
[deals-hub-ad]Cheap internet plans under $50/mo.
You’ll find many cheap, fast internet plans around the country for under $50/mo. Among those plans are a few types of internet connections: cable, DSL, fiber, and satellite.
Cable internet plans are generally the cheapest option, but if you’ve just moved to a rural area, satellite internet might be the only internet option available. For those areas where satellite is the only option, there may be issues getting the speeds needed. However, depending on your location, you may be able to either boost your speeds or find public places that offer free internet use.
Here are our top 10 picks for cheap internet plans under $50/mo. — regardless of connection type.
Starting Price | Internet Type | Offers Speeds Up To | Contract Info | Add-ons | Data Caps | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AT&T | $35/mo. for 12 months | DSL | 100Mbps | Contract and no-contract options | Installation cost up to $99
$10/mo. equip fee | 1TB |
CenturyLink | $49/mo | DSL | 100Mbps | No contract | Modem cost $15/mo or $200 one-time fee. Installation fee up to $125. | Unlimited |
Cox | $29.99/mo. | Cable | 10 Mbps | 1 year contract | Installation, activation, equipment fees | 1.25 TB |
Frontier | $37.99/mo. | DSL | 9 Mbps | 2 year contract | Installation, equipment and infrastructure surcharge fees. | Unlimited |
Optimum | $40/mo. | Cable | 300 Mbps | No contract | Installation fee$99,$10/mo. equipment fee | Unlimited |
Spectrum | $49.99/mo. | Cable | 400 Mbps | No contract | Installation fee | Unlimited |
Suddenlink | $59.99/mo. | Cable | 200 Mbps | No contract | Modem $10/mo. and installation fee $99 one-time | Unlimited |
Verizon Fios | $39.99/mo. | Fiber | 200 Mbps | No contract | Installation fees, $15/mo. router charge | Unlimited |
Windstream | $45/mo. | DSL | 25 Mbps | No contract | Installation fees | Unlimited |
Xfinity | $25/mo. | Cable | 25 Mbps | 1-year agreement | Installation fees | 1.2 TB |
*As of 12/10/2020
Availability
Internet availability varies by provider and location, so we’ve broken down availability of the plans listed above by state. Keep in mind that not all plans are available in every city. Be sure to check out availability for each provider at your new home address.
- AT&T – AL, AR, CA, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MS, MO, NV, NC, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, WI
- CenturyLink – AL, AR, AZ, CO, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NV, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WY
- Cox – AZ, AR, CA, CT, FL, GA, ID, IA, KS, LA, MA, MO, NE, NV, NC, OH, OK, RI, VA
- Frontier – AL, AR, CA, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, MS, NE, NV, NM, NY, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, WA, WV, WI
- Optimum – CT, NJ, NY, PA, FL, IN, MI, OH, AZ, AR
- Spectrum – AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY
- Suddenlink – All states
- Verizon Fios – DC, DE, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VI
- Windstream – AL, AR, FL, GA, IA, KY, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TX
- Xfinity – AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MS, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV
Ways to get the cheapest internet at home
There are many ways you can avoid overpaying for the internet. Some of these ideas are no-brainers, while others require a little more strategy.
- Only pay for the speed you need: If you’re not paying attention to the details of your internet plan, you may pay more for a faster plan than you need. Most providers offer scenarios for each internet plan, depending on speed. For example, AT&T’s Internet 100 Plan is best if you’re interested in online shopping and browsing.
- Shop promotions and service bundles: Many internet service providers will run special promotions, especially for new customers. If you’re interested in bundling your services — meaning that you receive services like internet, TV, and mobile from the same company — you have the opportunity to save money on your internet bill.
- Choose a plan with a high data cap or unlimited: Data overage charges are common fees that can increase your monthly internet bill. If you’re looking for a cheap internet plan and don’t want to worry about usage, make sure you choose a plan with a high data cap or unlimited data.
- Check the fine print for additional fees: You may be attracted to the low monthly price of the internet plan written in big bold type, but make sure you read the fine print before you make a decision. That’s where you’ll find additional fees for things like installation, equipment, and wiring.
- Consider buying your own modem and router: You can avoid monthly equipment fees by using your own modem and router. Your one-time payment may seem expensive, but it will pay for itself in a matter of months.
Watch out for these unexpected costs
As we mentioned above, it’s important to read the fine print for the internet plan you’re interested in before you decide to make a purchase. Those extra fees may significantly increase your upfront costs, your monthly bill or both.
Keep an eye out for these fees:
- Installation fees: This is a one-time fee that usually costs $100 to $150 for professional installation. Some plans have a DIY installation, which is often cheaper. If you feel comfortable enough to install your own equipment, you’ll save some money on installation.
- Equipment fees: This is the price you pay to lease your modem, router, or both. You can avoid this fee if you purchase your own equipment. Otherwise, the cost of the equipment will typically be added to your monthly bill. It is important to note that if you decide to purchase your own equipment, you may be required to purchase the provider’s equipment in order to get ongoing equipment support.
- Early termination fees: If your internet plan is under contract, and you have to cancel the plan before your contract has ended, many internet providers will charge an early termination fee. So, opt for internet plans with no contract required, like many of the internet plans mentioned above.
- Data cap fees: One of the easiest ways to increase your monthly internet bill is by going over your data cap. Look for an internet plan that has a high data cap or none at all.
The bottom line
Everyone wants the fastest and cheapest internet at home. Fortunately, there are cheap, fast internet options in almost any area though some areas have higher speed internet options than other, more rural areas.
If you have recently moved or are moving to a new area and are on the quest for a new internet service provider, check some of these cheapest internet providers to see if they are available at your new location. Don’t be afraid to shop around to get your best deal, but don’t forget to consider your speed and internet usage needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get the cheapest internet?
There are many cheap, fast internet plans available by providers around the country. Take a look at the table above to find 10 internet plans under $50 per month — most if not all of them should include Wi-Fi connectivity at little or no extra charge.
How can I reduce my internet bill?
Make sure you’re only paying for the internet speed you need, bundle services if you can, look for an internet plan with a high data cap or unlimited data, and consider buying your own equipment.
How do I know if a cheap internet plan has extra fees?
Make sure you read the fine print before you choose an internet plan. That’s where you’ll find hidden fees like installation, wiring, and cancellation fees. If you cannot find these answers in the fine print, be sure to ask the internet service provider for confirmation on all applicable fees, recurring and non-recurring.