Dial-up internet service providers

How does dial-up internet work?

Dial-up internet is an outdated and slow type of connection that uses a phone line.

Dial-up internet works by taking over the signal of an existing phone line and changing it from communicating voice to communicating data. The amount of data that dial-up internet can transfer via the phone line is very limited.

According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data, an estimated 163,400 people are still using dial-up internet. Check out our guide to low-cost internet options, or click the button below to shop available providers in your area.

Does dial-up internet service still exist?

Yes, and with a phone line and the right equipment, you can likely get dial-up internet in your area. Though most people wonder when dial-up internet was phased out, it’s still a great option for those living in rural areas without access to cable or fiber internet and do not want satellite internet.

Pros and cons of dial-up internet

Dial-up internet is cheap and readily available, but is it any good? Here are the advantages and disadvantages of choosing this connection type.

Top dial-up internet providers

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. 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. As of 03/17/25.

The dial-up services listed above are likely to offer up to 56 Kbps. Some of these internet service providers, such as NetZero and Juno, offer accelerated dial-up speeds up to five times faster than basic dial-up internet, but for a higher price. If you’re looking for other cheap internet options, click “View internet plans” below to see what’s available in your area.

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Who is dial-up internet best for?

Dial-up internet is best as a last resort for rural residents or someone who doesn’t access the internet beyond occasionally checking email.

With a range of 40 to 50 Kbps, you will not be able to stream shows or play games with a dial-up connection, especially with streaming services recommending a minimum of 3 Mbps for standard definition (SD) and 5 Mbps for high definition (HD).

Other internet connections include:

Satellite internet offers considerably faster speeds than dial-up internet and allows consumers to use the internet for popular activities like streaming videos. However, it generally has high latency and low speeds compared to cable and fiber.

DSL internet also uses your home phone line to carry the signal to a modem in your home that converts the signals to internet service, but DSL speeds also lack in comparison to cable and fiber.

5G internet is a newer technology that uses cell towers to deliver internet. It can be a suitable alternative to dial-up since it provides speeds up to 1,000 Mbps but again lags compared to cable and fiber reliability.

To most, dial-up internet feels more like a throwback technology than a viable option for internet service. However, for those who only use the internet sparingly in their home or for those in rural areas that lack good internet options, dial-up is still an attractive option, especially because of its lower prices. If all you need for internet access is to check your email once a day, then dial-up internet may be the service for you. Check out other cheap internet providers and compare the most affordable options.

Dial-up internet vs. other connection types

Fiber, cable, satellite, 5G and DSL are the other available internet technology options, with cable and fiber being the fastest.

Satellite internet is available across the country, so it’s very likely that you can get it where you live if you want a better internet option than dial-up. Apart from satellite internet, cable, fiber, 5G and DSL aren’t available everywhere. Cable is the most widely available behind satellite, but fiber still has limited availability. 5G is a solid choice if you live near cell towers, but DSL delivers the slowest speeds besides dial-up. 

The alternatives to dial-up will cost you more, but you can get enough speed for the connectivity you need. You can use the internet for streaming and working from home on as little as 100 Mbps in a small household.

Dial-up internet FAQs

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