Best Cheap Internet Providers of 2024
Best for Accessibility
Nomad
Why We Chose It
Nomad is the best cheap internet provider when it comes to accessibility. The service offers continuous promo pricing, a simple structure with no contracts and unlimited nationwide data across the United States.
Key Features
- 24/7 support available
- Wide-ranging accessibility
- Single-payment and monthly fee options to appeal to all user preferences
Pros
- No credit check required
- No installation required
- Can pause or restart service at any time
Cons
- Slow download speeds
- Mixed customer service experiences
- No guaranteed connection speeds
Best for Affordability
Kinetic by Windstream
Pricing
Monthly fees from $39.99
Free Trial
30-day money-back guarantee
Why We Chose It
Kinetic by Windstream offers affordable Internet service you can count on at regionally-appropriate prices. They also run ongoing promotional pricing, offering users more ways to save. (For example, at this publication’s time, users can enjoy free high-speed internet for three months when they turn on autopay.)
Key Features
- On-site optimization with specialist
- Connection support
- Affordable regional pricing and rolling promotional offers
Pros
- Consistent, congestion-free speeds
- Unlimited data for streaming and surfing
- Contract-free service structure
Cons
- Limited information available regarding security
- Users report random drop-off times
- Mixed customer service experiences
Best for Digital Nomads
T-Mobile
Pricing
Monthly fees from $40 with bundling
Free Trial
Multiple trial options
Why We Chose It
Over 40 million people worldwide, as reported by Pumble, have chosen the digital nomad lifestyle, so our experts felt it was only fitting to list T-Mobile as the best ISP for digital nomads.
Its flexible plans and unlimited data make it a shoo-in for the title, as well as the trust-building Price Lock feature that guarantees clients their existing rate.
Key Features
- 15-minute setup process
- Rewards for vendor changes and package deal availability
Pros
- 15-day “test drive” available
- No annual contract required
- Carrier reimburses up to $750 in termination fees for you
Cons
- Users report signal strength variations at random
- Slower download speeds than competitors
- Inconsistent availability shown on the coverage map
Best for Unlimited Use
Astound Broadband
Pricing
Monthly fees from $20*
Free Trial
Periodically available via promotions
Why We Chose It
While Astound Broadband offers robust unlimited options, it takes the concept a step further by providing specialty cheap internet options for those who have higher or different network needs (such as gamers, streamers, gig workers, and businesses). It also offers an Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) with a free modem, home Wi-Fi, and 150 Mbps speed with no data caps.
Key Features
- Single-year Price Lock perk
- Regionally-specific pricing
- Specialty setups and optimization support
Pros
- Generous specialty plan selection
- Many quality discount options available
- No contract required
Cons
- Limited availability compared to competitors
- Users report high monthly fees after the Price Lock period ends
- Mixed customer service experiences
*Pricing is specific to the client’s given address/regional area. Users must provide their address or location for the most accurate pricing information. Newsweek experts listed an average above.
Best Fiber Internet
Pricing
Monthly fees from $29.99
Free Trial
None available
Why We Chose It
Fiber internet is fast, novel and fairly expensive. Our experts were excited to find that Frontier offers fiber services at an affordable rate that doesn’t compromise quality.
Enjoy comparable fiber internet support across devices, 4K quality entertainment and graduated internet plans that suit every use case.
Key Features
- Diverse promotional offerings
- Guaranteed annual pricing
- No credit check required and multiple speeds available
Pros
- Base plan offers guaranteed pricing for one year
- Packages include up to 5000+ Mbps
- Extensive partnership perks are available
Cons
- Higher speed-based costs compared to other list entries
- Mixed customer service experiences
- Customers report random network errors
Best for Download Speeds
AT&T
Pricing
Monthly fees from $55
Free Trial
Available up to 30 days or 50 gigabytes (GB) of data
Why We Chose It
AT&T is one of the most reliable and trusted cheap internet providers on this list, offering inexpensive, high-speed internet to consumers around the nation. With an average upload and download speed of 10 Mbps at any time, you’ll be able to surf as you would with more expensive packages while saving on your monthly bill.
Key Features
- Affordability programs in 21+ states
- Fixed options for rural residents and simple and transparent pricing
Pros
- 24/7 proactive network security
- No data caps or overage fees
- $200 rewards plus covered cancellation fees
Cons
- Restrictive availability
- Mixed customer service experiences
- Users report random spotty service
Best Value
Spectrum
Pricing
Monthly fees from $49.99*
Free Trial
N/A
Why We Chose It
If you’re looking to maximize your value regarding cheap internet services, we recommend Spectrum. The service offers speeds up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps), a two-year Price Lock perk and hundreds of dollars in rewards opportunities. You’ll also enjoy an opportunity to secure advanced Wi-Fi service and one unlimited mobile line free for a year at the time of this publication.
Key Features
- Comprehensive package options
- Extensive reward options and a two-year price guarantee
Pros
- Award-winning customer service
- Available speeds range from 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps
- Mobile app management options available
Cons
- Users report random throttling
- Mixed customer service experiences
- Users report difficulty adding phone line to package
*Pricing is specific to the client’s given address/regional area. Users must provide their address or location for the most accurate pricing information. Newsweek experts listed an average above.
What’s the Cheapest Internet Provider?
If you’re on the hunt for the best cheap internet providers, you’re in good company. Millions around the country are looking for ways to save in the face of the upcoming recession.
The cheapest options on our list are Nomad and Astound Broadband, each offering coverage for as little as $20 per month. Astound is the best option to consider if you’re looking for reliable unlimited coverage, while Nomad is ideal for those wanting extra support and a flexible, contract-free internet option. The best part? Nomad doesn’t require credit checks like Astound or other entries on this list might.
If you’re shopping for value at a cost you’ll love, however, we recommend considering Spectrum or Frontier. Both options offer affordable, high-speed internet at a lower going rate than many competitors. You’ll also be able to maximize your value with promotional packages and benefits with each option you choose.
As you shop, our experts recommend speaking candidly with the sales representatives about your needs. They’ll be able to give you the information you need to make the right choice as you look for the best cheap internet provider that offers services in your area.
How Do Internet Providers Work?
Internet providers have a single role: Providing their customers with fast and reliable access to the Internet. There are many ways to assure access, including fiber-optic, dial-up, cable, wireless, and digital subscriber line (DSL) options.
Here’s a quick summary of each option, giving you the knowledge you need to choose the best cheap internet provider for your needs:
- Fiber-optic: Fiber-optic internet (known also as fiber internet) transmits data using very small strands of glass cables. It’s one of the fastest internet options available.
- Dial-up: This type of internet uses a modem and a telephone line to establish a connection. It’s an older model, but is still in use today.
- DSL: DSL works similarly to dial-up, using vocal frequency over telephone lines to receive and send data.
- Cable: Cable internet options require your ISP to send data signals through coaxial cables to your modem.
- Wireless: This type of internet uses radio wave transmissions and communicates via related frequencies.
How to Choose the Best Cheap Internet Providers for Your Business
Looking for the best cheap internet? There are a few things to check for as you search.
Pricing
When you’re searching for the cheapest internet service, you likely already know to look at the price point. However, our experts encourage you to take this a step further—gauging the presented initial price for affordability months to years down the line, as well as how affordable it would be to maintain if you experienced a change to your financial situation.
Proactively planning for long-term affordability can save you hundreds of dollars in switching and hardware fees later on. It can also decrease any stress or strain around managing monthly expenses.
Free Trials And Guarantees
Many of the cheapest home internet services come chock-full of promos and discount opportunities. Vendors know their clients are looking to maximize their value—so they take every opportunity to come out on top.
Check out any possible ways to save from your vendor of choice and factor the savings into your decision-making process. Many ISPs offer rewards for switching, either in the form of prepaid cards, rebates or statement credits.
Required Hardware
Some ISPs require hardware to function. Examples of typical hardware needed for the best cheap internet providers include modems (all types) or satellite adapters if you opt for a satellite service.
Before you sign on any dotted lines, consider exploring your options and evaluating any fees that might be associated with hardware and setup costs. These can add up quickly, especially if they aren’t tracked from the start.
Contracts
Contracts can be mutually beneficial, protecting the needs and interests of both customers and service providers. However, they can also be unnecessarily restrictive, locking the client in for extended periods of time and limiting any opportunities to recoup value or cost.
Our experts want to reiterate that not all contracts are harmful. However, it’s especially important to review any restrictions or clauses in your contract if your ISP requires that you sign one. As a perk to prospective clients, many of the best cheap internet providers have foregone contracts and agreements, instead offering flexible month-to-month options to appeal to those who are contract-averse.
Customer Reviews
Our experts have done extensive research on the best cheap internet providers, highlighting the pros and cons of each service solution. However, some vendors may suit particular needs or customer profiles better than others.
That’s why reading up on customer reviews is critical to your research process. Taking the time to complete this step can give you the most accurate representation of your possible customer experience, saving you time and costs that would be associated with the wrong choice of provider.
Cheap Internet Providers vs. Expensive Internet Providers
Each type of provider differs in a few key areas. In our review, we’re giving you an honest look at each option, equipping you with the information you need to make the best choice for your internet-use needs.
Cheap Internet Providers vs. Expensive Internet Providers: Speed
Speed is one of the primary differences observed between cheap and expensive internet providers. The best internet speed tests allow users to know exactly how fast their internet connection actually is at any given time.
Speed associated with a specific internet package generally rises as you pay more. However, there are plenty of cheap internet providers that offer competitive speeds for a lower overall price point. Astound Broadband and Frontier are prime examples to consider as you hunt for the best cheap internet provider.
Cheap Internet Providers vs. Expensive Internet Providers: Package Perks
Many believe that the extensive partnership package perks end when you abandon the expensive packages for something more affordable. Thankfully, though, this doesn’t have to be the case.
Both expensive and cheap internet providers offer plenty of package perks to consider, offering an equivalent experience in this specific case. Frontier’s inexpensive fiber internet packages, for example, come with an Amazon eero 6+ router, a discount off of YouTube TV, and other perks.
Not sure what you’re getting? Feel free to candidly ask your provider and take a read through package options and proposed contracts. You’ll likely find a few additional opportunities to benefit and maximize your value.
Cheap Internet Providers vs. Expensive Internet Providers: Credit Checks
Did you know that many ISPs conduct credit checks to determine their likelihood of payment for services? They work much like they would if you were looking to finance a larger purchase, reviewing your previous payment history and risk-assessing your customer profile. This practice is more commonly seen from more expensive internet providers, though some cheap internet services do a credit check as well.
If you’re looking to avoid ISP credit checks, you’re in the right place. Many of the options on this list forego this step entirely, allowing you to secure services without the strain and hassle of a credit check. Many users appreciate the non-invasive nature of the services we’ve listed in our expert review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 200 Mbps Good Internet Speed?
Many internet providers and experts recommend an internet speed of 200 Mbps or above. So yes, 200 Mbps is an objectively “good” internet speed—but there are likely options out there that could give you a faster download or surfing experience.
Price often correlates to the speed and quality of service you get. However, our list of the best cheap internet providers features many vendors that offer guaranteed speeds, anti-throttle plans and an overall faster surfing speed than other inexpensive options.
How Much Should I Be Paying A Month For Internet?
The answer to this question is entirely subjective. However, many experts believe that you should be paying about $45 to $65 on average. This monthly price covers your average run-of-the-mill internet package, averaging a few hundred Mbps download speed and basic, reliable coverage.
Looking to save more? No problem. Our list of the best cheap internet providers has plenty of vendors that come in at or below these prices, giving you coverage you can count on at a price you’ll love. You can also consider reaching out to your current vendor and asking about any incentives you may be eligible for if you stay in contract, such as contract credits or discounts.
Does Your Wi-Fi Bill Go Up The More You Use It?
Many ISPs (whether they make the list of the best cheap internet providers or not) offer packages with unlimited data once you pay your monthly subscription fee. So, no—it doesn’t necessarily go up the more you use it.
You’re more likely to run into reduced download and surfing speeds or face overage charges if you exceed your data cap. A careful read-through of your contract can help prevent these charges and can help you to set expectations around internet use and charges associated with your specific plan.
What Service Has The Cheapest Internet?
Both Astound Broadband and Nomad offer the cheapest internet services in our professional review of the best cheap internet providers. However, Spectrum and Frontier offer impeccable value for a fraction of the price you’d find otherwise—despite being about $20 more per month than the base price with the cheapest options.
Our tip? Know what you’re shopping for and what’s sustainable for your budget. Do a deep dive into customer experiences and speak with your sales representatives, securing the information you need to make the right choice for your unique needs.
