April 20, 2020
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With so many internet service providers available today, you must find the best internet deal for your household. Fast speeds and wide coverage are not all you need to consider, however. Every internet company has several different plans and pricing, but things like equipment rentals, installation and activation fees can all greatly impact what you pay each month. We analyze the latest offerings, pricing and reviews to deliver the best internet deals for your entire family.
Best internet deals at-a-glance
| PROVIDER | STARTING PRICE | SPEEDS | DISCOUNTS | EXTRAS |
| Cox | $29.99/month | Up to 1000 Mbps | • Military bill credit • Student discounts • Senior discounts | • TV streaming Contour TV • 650,000 WiFi hotspots • 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Xfinity | $29.99/month | Up to 2000 Mbps | • $10 less a month with a contract • Student discounts • Military credit | • No activation fees • 30-day money-back guarantee • WiFi hotspots |
| Spectrum | $49.99/month | Up to 940 Mbps | • Low-income assistance | • Free security suite & modem • Contract buyout • WiFi hotspots |
| Optimum | $39.99/month | Up to 400 Mbps | • Low-income assistance | • Price for Life program • Unlimited data • No contracts |
| Mediacom | $39.99/month | Up to 1000 Mbps | • Low-income assistance | • 90-day money-back guarantee • No early termination |
| AT&T | $50/month | Up to 1000 Mbps | • Military discounts • Senior citizen discounts • First responder credit | • Unlimited data for 1,000 Mbps plans |
| Verizon | $39.99/month | Up to 940 Mbps | • Student discounts • Low-income assistance • Military discounts • Employee discounts | • Unlimited data • No contracts |
| Frontier | $24.99/month | Up to 1000 Mbps | • Student discounts • Low-income assistance | • Unlimited data • Two-year price-look guarantee |
Most affordable internet deals from top providers
The most affordable providers with the best internet deals are Cox, Xfinity, AT&T, Verizon and Frontier.
Cox
Internet
Plans Include
- Download speeds up to 940 Mbps
- Options to bundle cable TV, home phone or home security
Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract, unless otherwise stated. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing may or may not reflect promotional, bundle and/or other offers available. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary.
Cox is America’s third-largest internet provider, servicing 18 states across the U.S. Plans can include speeds up to 1 Gbps with the Gigablast plan, which can accommodate over ten devices in your household. Pricing is reasonable, starting at $29.99, but you’ll have to pay a monthly rental fee for a modem if you don’t have your own. Most promotional pricing requires a 12-month or 24-month contract, and while coverage is pretty reliable, customer reviews are not great.
Comcast Xfinity
Internet
Plans Include
- Up to 2,000 Mbps download speed
- Option to bundle with Xfinity TV
Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract, unless otherwise stated. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing may or may not reflect promotional, bundle and/or other offers available. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary.
Comcast Xfinity offers cable internet plans that start at 15 Mbps and go up to 2,000 Mbps. You can choose from a number of different internet and cable TV packages, with basic cable available for $5 a month. There is also an equipment rental fee of $13 each month. Xfinity is available in 39 states, as well as Washington D.C., making it the largest cable provider in the U.S. Xfinity is also top-rated by J.D. Power for customer satisfaction.
AT&T
Internet
Plans Include
- DSL or fiber internet service
- Download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
- Bundle options with AT&T TV or DirecTV
For new eligible TV and/or Internet res. custs. Availability varies. Wired & wireless Internet speeds vary due to device limits, multiple users, network & other factors. Call to see if you qualify. Subj. to credit approval & may require a deposit.
AT&T offers DSL and fiber-optic internet available in 100 Mbps, 300 Mbps or 1000 Mbps with a 12-month contract. There is 1TB a month of data, or you can enjoy unlimited data for 1,000 Mbps plans. Additional data packages of 50 GB are available for up to $100 per month. With some of the widespread internet coverage available, AT&T provides super-fast, reliable internet service. Unlike many other providers, AT&T is known for its excellent customer service.
There are no activation fees when you order service online. You may even be able to take advantage of speed upgrades, with total download speeds reaching up to 1000 Mbps. You can also bundle your internet service with DIRECTV, all through your AT&T TV and internet bundle. There are also home phone services available, as well.
Verizon
Internet
Plans Include
- Offers both DSL or fiber options
- No data caps
- No contracts
For new eligible TV and/or Internet res. custs. Availability varies. Wired & wireless Internet speeds vary due to device limits, multiple users, network & other factors. Auto Pay (ACH or bank debit card only) & paper-free billing req’d. for Internet service. Subj. to credit approval & may require a deposit.
Verizon has made a name for itself with its lightning-fast fiber optic internet. No contracts are required, but you can benefit from extra savings when you sign a two-year contract. Unlike many internet companies, Verizon provides excellent customer service and support. The only problem is whether you live in its coverage area.
Frontier
Internet
Plans Include
- Download speeds ranging from 45 to 940 Mbps
- No data caps
- Offers cable TV and digital phone bundle options
For 12 months. Actual speeds may vary. Taxes, Internet Infrastructure Surcharge, equipment, Quantum service, VoiP Admin., broadcast & other fees apply. Services subject to availability and all applicable Frontier terms and conditions.
Frontier has some of the most affordable plans for basic internet with a “Price for Life” option. There are no contracts with all of its plans, and plans also carry a two-year price lock, so you don’t have to worry about inflation. Frontier Internet can be found in 29 states and is a great option for households with light to moderate coverage and free equipment rentals.
Want to avoid fees? Compare providers with low fees
Before you choose an internet service provider, it’s important to consider what fees may be charged. Depending on how much and how many fees there are, it can make a huge difference in how much you pay each month.
Spectrum
Spectrum is among the best internet companies when it comes to extras. There are no contracts required, no early termination fees if you do sign one, and they even can help with a contract buyout, depending on your current plan. There is unlimited data, a free modem and a free security suite.
Optimum
Optimum is another internet provider that does not require you to sign a contract in order to receive internet service. There is also unlimited data, so you don’t have to worry about overages and expensive fees.
Mediacom
Mediacom is so confident in their services that they offer a 90-day money-back guarantee when you sign up for an internet plan. If you miss that deadline, there’s no reason to worry – there are no early termination fees, so there’s no penalty if you decide to break your contract.
Cox
There is an optional modem rental fee; you’re welcome to provide your own, but Cox offers its panoramic WiFi modem that uses a mesh design for wall-to-wall coverage in your home. There’s a self-installation fee of $20 plus shipping, or you can opt for professional installation for $75. Early termination fees can cost $120 or $240, depending on your plan and its terms.
Comcast Xfinity
With Xfinity, you will be charged if you exceed your monthly data. However, charges are capped at $200, so you’ll never be charged more than that in overage fees. There are also equipment leasing fees, depending on which service you choose.
AT&T
AT&T is a great company for discounts and freebies. There is unlimited data for its 1,000 Mbps plans and no activation fees for online orders, although there is a $10 per month equipment fee. There’s an expansive WiFi hotspot network. An additional package of 50 GB is available, with a maximum cost of $100 per month.
Verizon
Verizon is a fantastic choice because it has fast speeds with extra savings on two-year contracts. There is unlimited data, too, which can save you money. Verizon offers all-inclusive pricing, so there are no surprises when you receive your bill each month.
Frontier
With Frontier, customers can benefit from unlimited data. The DSL plans do not require a contract, and even better, there is a two-year price-lock guarantee, so inflation is not a problem for a full 24 months.
Think you qualify for a discount? Compare internet discounts from top providers
In addition to special company incentives, you can sometimes benefit from additional discounts on your internet service plan.
Military discounts
- Cox: There is not a military discount, but active duty and veteran military members receive a bill credit of $25 toward each service that they purchase.
- Xfinity: Military members receive a gift card and coupon with up to $67 in savings, a $100 Visa prepaid card and a $25 coupon.
- AT&T: Active duty and veteran military members can receive up to $15 off internet service each month.
- Verizon: Verizon offers military and first responder discounts of up to $10 off service each month.
Student discounts
- Xfinity: Students can also receive up to $75 on a Visa prepaid card and free streaming.
- Cox: Cox offers students discounts on monthly internet rates.
- AT&T: Students can receive discounts on their internet service through AT&T.
- Verizon:
- Frontier: Students also receive extra savings on their monthly bill with Frontier.
Low-income discounts
- Mediacom: The Connect2Compete program offers families affordable internet with free equipment rental and no initial deposit.
- Spectrum: Spectrum offers low-income assistance through Spectrum Internet® Assist program. It enables families to enjoy internet at an affordable price with no data caps, no contracts and a free internet modem.
- Frontier: For low-income households, Frontier offers discount programs to provide affordable internet service.
- Verizon: Low-income families can also benefit from extra savings through Verizon.
Senior discounts
- Cox: Seniors can benefit from extra savings on internet plans from Verizon.
- AT&T: AT&T also offers discounted monthly internet rates for seniors.
Want the most bang for your buck? Find internet providers with the most added value
Many plans include extra benefits and perks for free that can save you a ton of money.
Cox
Cox plans include a security suite, spam blocker and cloud drive storage. Most plans also enjoy free access to 650,000 hotspots nationwide. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Comcast Xfinity
Xfinity has tons to offer, with no activation fees and a 30-day risk-free guarantee. At home, enjoy a Flex 4K streaming device with voice remote control, and you’ll have access to tons of WiFi hotspots when you’re out and about.
Spectrum
In addition to unlimited data, Spectrum gives internet customers a free modem and free security suite. There is no contract required, and Spectrum may even help with a contract buyout.
Optimum
Optimum features its signature Altice technology, which delivers superior streaming. There’s also a Price for Life program for qualified customers that locks in your pricing. Customers also get unlimited data and are not required to sign a contract.
Mediacom
Mediacom offers a 90-day money-back guarantee, and there is no penalty for early termination. That makes Mediacom a risk-free choice for your internet service since you can get all of your money back without getting stuck into a contract.
AT&T
With AT&T, there are no activation fees when you order service online. You may even be able to take advantage of speed upgrades, with total download speeds reaching up to 1000 Mbps. With AT&T’s national WiFI HotSpot Network, you also have internet wherever you go.
Verizon
Verizon offers unlimited data without the need to sign a contract. There is also all-inclusive pricing, so no longer do you have to worry about additional fees and hidden charges.
Frontier
Frontier is another internet service provider who does not limit the amount of data that is included. There is also a two-year price-lock guarantee, and DSL plans don’t require a contract.
Looking to bundle? Here are the best providers for phone or TV bundles
Internet and phone bundles
Often, internet isn’t the only service you need. You can save big bucks by adding television and phone service where available.
- Verizon: Verizon includes home phone service that comes equipped with features like caller ID and spam blocking.
- Cox: Cox phone and internet bundles include unlimited calling throughout the entire U.S. and Canada.
- Spectrum: Spectrum offers four different plans that include unlimited nationwide calling, along with internet and cable TV.
- AT&T: AT&T’s phone bundles include unlimited nationwide calling for the whole family.
Internet and TV bundles
- Cox: Cox has its own television service called Contour TV with over 250 channels that include HBO and Cinemax. There is also home automation and security service.
- Comcast Xfinity: Comcast Xfinity Triple Play bundles include internet service, cable TV and home phone service. TV options can include anywhere between 140 channels and 260 channels with available Latino packages, as well. Xfinity On Demand is included with access to thousands of films and shows on demand.
- Spectrum: Cable television packages include over 200 channels with Spectrum’s Triple Play packages. There are over 125 channels, and HD channels are included at no extra cost, with some premium channels like HBO and Showtime also included with some plans.
- Verizon: With Verizon, you can create your own bundle based on your needs. There is live TV from Fios, as well as live TV powered by YouTube. Spanish TV is also available.
- Frontier: Frontier Internet and TV includes optional HBO and STARZ with a 12-month contract.
Learn more about the best internet and TV bundles.
Find the best internet deals for you & your family
- Cox: Best for families
- Comcast Xfinity: Fastest speeds up to 2000 Mbps
- Spectrum: Largest coverage area
- Optimum: Best cable bundles, best for light streaming
- Mediacom: Best risk-free service
- AT&T: Best network, best customer service
- Verizon: Best fiber-optic network
- Frontier: Best cheap internet
There are many internet companies out there, but not all of them will be the right fit for you. Be sure to check to see which providers are available in your area; some companies only service certain parts of the country. Also, give consideration to what kind of internet, TV and phone bundle you would like to buy. With many companies allowing you to mix and match to create your perfect plan, you can find something that works for your needs without requiring you to pay for more than you need.