Cheap internet service providers of 2025

Finding a reliable and affordable internet service feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. So much of daily life relies on a steady connection, like streaming your favorite shows, working from home, or keeping in touch with family. Prices, though, seem to keep climbing, leaving many frustrated. It doesn’t have to be like this, however.

The Cybernews research team and I took a deep dive into the data to find the best cheap internet service providers of 2025. We analyzed prices, speeds, hidden fees, you name it.

One contender that caught our attention is Comcast Xfinity. For $25.00, it delivers speeds suitable for most households, making it a no-brainer for cost-conscious users who want value without compromise.

Continue reading to discover the best cheap internet service providers of 2025. Options range from the most budget-friendly to those offering extra perks. Whatever your priorities are, there’s a plan here that’ll suit your needs and your wallet.

Our cheapest internet service providers: ranked

What's the best cheap ISP?

Let’s look at what it means to choose a budget-friendly internet service provider (ISP). Xfinity has a plan for $25.00 per month with a 150 Mbps download speed.

However, budget plans often have drawbacks. With Xfinity, you’re tied to a one-year contract with the $25.00 plan. And entry-level or promotional rates are not “locked” like regular plans. Monthly fees may also rise after a year.

Alternatively, Frontier provides fiber internet plans starting at $49.99/month, while Verizon guarantees stable pricing for up to 4 years. Availability will vary based on coverage in your area.

Best cheap internet service providers in the US in 2025

Here’s my detailed list of the top internet providers in the US if you prioritize affordability. I’ve discussed each provider’s reliability, service quality, prices and plans, and more. Remember, availability differs by region; you should check which providers are available in your area.

1. Xfinity – best internet provider for ultra-affordable plans

Download/upload speed range:	150 Mbps to 10 Gbps download, 20 Mbps to 10 Gbps upload
Price & plans:	Connect plan at $25.00/month (promotional pricing)
Availability:	Available in 39 states and Washington, D.C.

Visit Xfinity

My experience with Xfinity has been largely positive, especially with its range of plans tailored to different needs and budgets. Both light users and heavy streamers are covered. However, it has faced some criticism for service outages.

Xfinity offers speeds from 150 Mbps for basic browsing to 10 Gbps with its fiber Gigabit Pro plan. Other plans rely on hybrid fiber-coaxial technology, so the upload speeds are lower than download speeds.

Xfinity’s pricing starts at an affordable $25.00/month for the Connect plan, though promotional prices increase substantially after 12 months. Also, most plans include a 1.2TB data cap. Bundling internet with TV, phone, and mobile services unlocks added savings and features like the StreamSaver bundle.

2. Frontier – best cheap provider for reliable fiber internet

Download/upload speed range:	200 Mbps to 7 Gbps download, 200 Mbps to 7 Gbps upload
Price & plans:	Fiber 200 plan at $49.99/month (promotional pricing)
Availability:	Available in 25 states, focused in the Midwest and Northeast

Visit Frontier

I like Frontier for its affordable high-speed fiber internet plans and transparent pricing. Users generally appreciate its unlimited data and no-contract options, but its customer service has been criticized.

Frontier offers symmetrical speeds ranging from 200 Mbps to 7 Gbps, providing smooth streaming, gaming, and remote work. Fiber connections ensure minimal latency and stable performance even during peak usage hours.

Frontier’s plans start at $49.99/month, and the included router doesn't require equipment rental fees. Though contracts aren’t required for standard plans, accepting bonuses like the $200 Visa Reward Card may require a term agreement. Customers can also choose whole-home Wi-Fi for enhanced coverage.

3. Verizon – best cheap internet provider for stable pricing

Download/upload speed range:	300 Mbps to 2.3 Gbps download, 300 Mbps to 1.5 Gbps upload
Price & plans:	Fios 300 plan at $39.99/month (promotional pricing)
Availability:	Available in 8 Eastern states and Washington, D.C.

Visit Verizon

Verizon is an established name in the telecommunications industry. Its affordable Fios plans have no contracts and offer many perks. However, users report occasional connection drop-offs and latency issues with its service. On the plus side, users praise its knowledgeable technicians.

Verizon’s speeds are almost symmetrical and range from Fios 300 Mbps to the premium 2.3 Gbps Fios 2 Gig plan. For reliability, Verizon caps its fiber speed at 2.3 Gbps.

Verizon’s cheapest plan costs $39.99/month for 300 Mbps. You get a 2 to 4-year price lock. There are no data caps or hidden fees. Verizon offers perks like Netflix, Max subscriptions, or an Xbox gaming bundle.

If you’re outside its fiber service coverage, Verizon also offers affordable 5G home internet with up to 1 Gbps speeds.

4. Cox – best cheap internet provider for customizable bundles

Download/upload speed range:	100 Mbps to 2 Gbps download, 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps upload
Price & plans:	ConnectAssist plan at $49.99/month (promotional pricing)
Availability:	Available in 18 states and Washington, D.C.

Visit Cox

Cox is mainly a cable-reliant internet service provider. I like its bundling and Panoramic Wi-Fi setup, though users report service interruptions and steep price increases after promotional periods.

Cox’s speeds range from 100 Mbps on the ConnectAssist plan to 2 Gbps on the Go Beyond Fast plan. While its download speeds shine, its upload speeds lag, capped at 100 Mbps even for premium tiers. Customers praise its easy installation and Panoramic Wi-Fi, but outages and price hikes have drawn criticism.

Cox plans come with a data cap of 1.25TB (1,250 GB), which most households won’t exceed. Unlimited data is available for an extra $49.99/month. Promotional pricing keeps plans affordable for the first year or two, but costs rise sharply afterward. Bundling the internet with Cox’s mobile or TV services unlocks additional savings.

5. T-Mobile – best cheap internet provider for 5G internet

Download/upload speed range:	72 Mbps to 245 Mbps download, 15 Mbps to 31 Mbps upload
Price & plans:	Home Internet plan at $50.00/month (promotional pricing)
Availability:	Available in 50 states, covering 50 million households

Visit T-Mobile

T-Mobile Home Internet is affordable and straightforward. I like its no-contract, unlimited data approach, and perks, such as free devices for new customers. However, its speed is inconsistent for some users.

T-Mobile’s speeds range from 72 to 245 Mbps, depending on location and signal strength. Its speeds are suitable for general use, streaming, and browsing. Users appreciate its ease of setup and affordability, but inconsistent speeds and limited advanced features are common criticisms.

T-Mobile Home Internet includes a free 5G Gateway with no rental fees or hidden charges. Plans cost $50.00/month or $30/month if bundled with Go5G Plus or Magenta Max mobile plans. The Home Internet Plus plan adds a Wi-Fi Mesh system for extended coverage and premium 24/7 tech support.

Comparison of the best cheap internet plans

You want to balance cost, speed, and features when looking for cheap internet plans. The following table displays key details of each provider to help you narrow down your decision even more:

	Staring monthly cost	Max download speed	Max upload speed	Connection type	Bundles
Xfinity	$25.00/month	Up to 10 Gbps	Up to 10 Gbps	Cable, fiber	StreamSaver (Netflix, Apple TV+); iPhone 16 Pro with trade-in; mobile + internet bundles
Frontier	$49.99/month	Up to 7 Gbps	Up to 7 Gbps	Fiber	$200 Visa Reward Card; Free router rental; Whole-Home Wi-Fi upgrades
Verizon	$39.99/month	Up to 2.3 Gbps	Up to 1.5 Gbps	Fiber, 5G/LTE	Netflix/Max for 12 months, Xbox gaming bundle
Cox	$49.99/month	Up to 2 Gbps	Up to 100 Mbps	Cable	Panoramic Wi-Fi; TV, internet, and phone bundles
T-Mobile	$50.00/month	Up to 245 Mbps	Up to 31 Mbps	5G, fixed wireless	Free Amazon Fire TV or Blink Security System; $150 gift card

Here are some additional details of note about each provider:

• Xfinity’s StreamSaver package offers Netflix, Peacock TV, and Apple TV+ for just $15/month — a perfect add-on for families or streaming enthusiasts. For those on a budget, its Internet Essentials program delivers unlimited data and equipment and costs under $15/month, making reliable internet accessible to low-income households.
• Frontier’s Power Fiber plans include cutting-edge Wi-Fi technology at no extra cost. Combine this with its partnership with YouTube TV, which gives you access to over 100 live channels, and you’ve got an ideal setup for both work and play.
• Verizon’s Xbox Gaming Bundle is free and valued at $169, while the Whole-Home Wi-Fi ensures coverage in every corner of the house. The Verizon Forward program provides discounted plans for eligible customers through partnerships with assistance programs like Lifeline and SNAP.
• Cox’s prepaid plans, like StraightUp Internet, offer no contracts or credit checks. For $9.95/month, families with K-12 students can benefit from the Connect2Compete program.
• T-Mobile gives you a 15-day "test drive" to ensure satisfaction and a Home Internet Backup plan for uninterrupted service during outages. Plus, small businesses can snag a $200 Virtual Prepaid Mastercard.

5 tips to save money on your internet bill

Saving money on your internet bill requires some thought and pragmatism. Here’s my advice:

• Adjust your internet speed to match your needs. Budget internet plans can come with hidden costs, like fees or throttled speeds, so it’s essential to understand what you’re paying for. Many households don’t require the fastest plans unless you’re streaming in 4K, gaming competitively, or running multiple devices simultaneously. Grabbing a lower-tier plan can meet your needs while saving a lot.
• Limit data to what’s essential. Data caps are a common budget plan pitfall that can lead to pricey overage charges. Simple adjustments like streaming in standard definition or turning off auto-play can help you avoid exceeding your limit. For frequent streamers or large households, choosing an unlimited plan might save more in the long run by preventing surprise fees.
• Buy your equipment instead of renting. Rental fees for modems or routers may seem small, but they add up fast. Purchasing your equipment can pay for itself within a year and can deliver better performance. Just ensure the equipment you buy is compatible with your provider’s network.
• Bundle services for added savings. Many providers offer discounts when you combine services like internet, TV, or mobile. Bundling might get you faster speeds or free streaming subscriptions. Just be cautious of packages that include services you won’t use. Unused services are wasted money.
• Negotiate to keep rates in check. Promotional plans often start low but increase dramatically after the initial period (i.e., 12-24 months). Call your provider before the hike happens and ask about ongoing promotions or discounts. Providers value customer retention, so mentioning competitor offers can secure a better deal.

What are some things to consider when getting inexpensive internet services?

Choosing a budget internet plan is about making sure you’re getting real value. Let’s break it down:

• Watch out for hidden costs. Budget plans often include add-ons like equipment rental fees, installation charges, or overage penalties. For example, a plan might look cheap at $19.99/month but climb to over $60 when these extras are factored in. Ask upfront for the total cost.
• Consider your speed requirements carefully. A low-cost plan might be enough light browsing, but things can slow to a crawl with multiple devices or streaming. If you work from home, stream regularly, or have a large household, it’s always worth splashing a little more for the mid-tier to avoid constant frustration.
• Look into data caps. Some budget plans limit how much you can use before extra charges kick in or your speed gets throttled. If you stream, game, or use cloud storage often, check if an unlimited option is available (or one with a large data cap).
• Think long-term about promotional rates. Many plans start with an enticingly low rate, but that can double or triple after a year. Always ask how long the price is locked in and what the standard rate is. Knowing this lets you plan or negotiate for an extension when the time comes.
• Find the right balance of cost and features. Don’t chase the cheapest price. Instead, focus on what you need. Skipping premium features like bundled TV channels you don’t watch can trim unnecessary expenses. Investing in reliable speeds and fewer frills is often the smart path.

How we tested the cheapest internet companies

Together with the Cybernews research team, I strived to find internet plans that balance cost with performance. I didn’t just look at the advertised price. I factored in hidden fees, equipment charges, and how much rates climbed after promotional periods. I focused on uncovering what you’ll pay, not just the price the provider claims.

Then, I evaluated how well these plans perform: can they handle streaming, video calls, and browsing across multiple devices? How wide is the coverage? Reliability matters as much as speed because an affordable plan isn’t a bargain if it constantly slows down when you need it most.

Beyond the fundamentals, I considered flexibility and perks. Providers that offer no-contract plans, unlimited data, or extras like streaming subscriptions or free devices scored higher in my analysis. Discounts for families, students, and those on tight budgets were icing on the cake, boosting the score even further.

Combining all these factors, I crafted this guide to help you find cheap internet service providers without settling for low-quality service.

Final word

Finding a cheap internet service doesn’t mean compromising quality. Among my picks, Xfinity shines with plans starting at $25.00/month coupled with attractive add-ons like StreamSaver for streaming enthusiasts. It also carries one of the fastest plans in the US, at 10 Gbps.

Frontier and Verizon also impress me with fiber reliability and perks like Visa gift cards and streaming bundles. The choice comes down to balancing price with features. Are you looking for essential connectivity or added value with premium perks? There’s a quality option here to suit your needs without overspending.

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