Cheap Internet: Best Low-Cost Internet Providers in the US

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels

You might be pulling double shifts and living on a thrift spree. The internet is one of those demanding bills from which you can save your hard-earned bucks, if you know where to look and what to do.

You are sorted with the where part. Now, how would you sort the what part of savings?

This is where I will swoop in to help you. I was in the same boat, and I did some deep digging to find the affordable internet providers in the US with their cheapest internet plans that don’t come with hidden costs like equipment fees, contract termination fees, and more.

Let me share my findings with you so that you can choose only the best and cheapest internet provider.

What to Look for in an Internet Provider?

First of all, you need to understand that cheap internet doesn’t always mean bad service. The best internet providers like Verizon, Google Fiber, and Xfinity are transparent with their pricing. I mean, they are not going to surprise you with an equipment fee in your bill.

On top of that, they also offer great speeds that actually match their claim.

If you’re just streaming TV shows and scrolling social media, you might not need high internet speeds. But if you’re gaming or working from home, reliable high-speed internet is worth it. Coverage matters too: cheap internet that constantly drops should not be shortlisted.

Also, flexibility (contract-less internet plans) is pretty important. Month-to-month options or short contracts give you the freedom to switch if things go south. So, do look for that.

What to Avoid While Choosing an Internet Provider?

Here’s where most people get burned. Those “intro pricing” deals that look too good are usually doubled after the first year. Equipment rentals, activation fees, and installation charges can catch you by surprise and take a hit on your budget. So, you need to ask, what will actually be included in your monthly bill at the end of each month.

Some providers run credit checks and then force deposits if your score isn’t great. Not to forget, there are data caps—do not fall for “unlimited” if it’s really 30 gigs of high speed before your internet speed starts to throttle because of data caps.

Customer support is another trap. How? In my opinion, saving ten bucks a month won’t be worth it if you’re stuck on hold every time your internet starts to show signs of struggle, and you reach out to the customer support team of your internet provider.

All in all, these are the things that you should try to avoid in the first place.

Affordable Internet Providers in the US

Here is the list of internet providers that offer affordable internet plans, minus all the fuss.

Speaking of which, you should note that the pricing might vary depending on your location and the availability of the plans. It is better to confirm them by reaching out to the customer service teams of the providers.

Verizon (5G Home Internet)

If you want a quick setup without messy contracts, Verizon 5G home internet is one of the solid choices. The price might vary, but generally speaking, their plans start around $50 a month for up to 300 Mbps, $60 for 500 Mbps, and $75 for 1 Gbps. If you bundle with Verizon’s mobile service, you can get the price as low as $35.

What makes it super good is that the price includes the equipment, there are no hidden fees, and you get a long-term price lock for peace of mind. But it comes with a catch: speeds can be inconsistent depending on how close you are to a strong 5G tower.

Some users appreciate speeds in gigabits, while others complain about slow connections. If coverage in your area is solid, it’s the best option.

Frontier Fiber

If fiber is available in your area, Frontier is one of the best value internet providers you might find in your area. Their 500 Mbps plan costs up to $50 a month, 1 Gbps for up to $70, and they even go up to 5 Gbps for heavy users.

Every plan includes the router and comes without data caps and contracts. Frontier does have a reputation for raising rates for existing customers while offering better deals to new ones, so I recommend checking your bill after the first year.

But if you get the right deal, it’s one of the most affordable and reliable fiber providers around.

Fidium

Fidium is a smaller name, but it’s quickly getting popular, especially in the Northeast. They run a pure fiber network with simple pricing that doesn’t come with the typical hassle the way other plans do.

You’ll find lower monthly rates than most big providers, plus the same lightning-fast symmetrical speeds. It sounds like sunshine and rainbows without any downside, right? Well, that is not true because it does have downsides.

The downsides: their availability is still pretty limited compared to the bigger players. If you’re lucky enough to be in their coverage area, though, they’re a no-brainer for affordable, high-quality internet.

Xfinity

Xfinity has been known for confusing pricing, but lately, they’ve been changing their plans with everyday pricing that’s easier to understand. Their cheapest plan starts at less than $50 a month and offers up to 300 Mbps with a one-year price guarantee, or $10 more if you want to lock it in for five years.

They also offer faster tiers like 500 Mbps and 1 Gbps at competitive rates.

The nice thing is, they’ve started offering perks like free WiFi equipment, mobile discounts, and even one free unlimited wireless line on some long-term plans. But here’s the reality: once your promo ends, Xfinity isn’t shy about raising prices. You’ll need to stay sharp, negotiate, or switch if you want to keep your bill under control.

My Two Cents

If I had to pick the best overall, Frontier Fiber is the one, at least if fiber is available in your neighborhood. The pricing is honest, the speeds are top-notch, and the lack of hidden fees makes it the most stress-free option. If fiber isn’t on the table, Verizon’s 5G Home Internet is the next best thing.

As for Xfinity, I’d recommend it if you’re looking for short-term promos or are comfortable renegotiating. I have been using it, and the service so far is pretty reliable.