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Cheap Internet Plans — State by State Provider Breakdown
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There are literally thousands of internet providers out there, and finding cheap internet plans that also have great coverage can be frustrating. Thankfully, seeking out life hacks (including cheap internet packages) is just one of our specialties! Here are the top internet providers in each state and an overview of the plans they offer. Keep in mind that prices vary based on speed options, data usage, state, and zip code, so use these prices as estimates. Scroll down to view the best options for cheap internet plans by state, and some added honorable mentions.
- How to Choose the Best Cheap Internet Plan for You
- Top 5 Providers with Cheap Internet Plans
- Cheap Internet Plans for Low-Income Households
- Find Cheap Internet Plans in Your Area
How to Choose the Best Cheap Internet Plan for You
Let’s face it, internet jargon can be confusing. From understanding internet speeds to types of service, a lot goes into selecting the best internet package for your household. These are the most important factors to consider when choosing your internet plan.
Bandwidth
Before shopping around for a cheap internet plan, calculate how much bandwidth you need. Typically, bandwidth is the speed that you can download information from the internet to your computer. Streaming movies and downloading video games, for example, require more bandwidth to allow more information to be transmitted to your computer faster. This speed is measured in bits per second and is typically sold in megabytes per second (Mbps).
Number of users
Since each device that is connected to the internet shares the bandwidth, homes with just one or two devices need less bandwidth than those with four or five. As a general rule, one device using the internet for general browsing, emails, and social media will only need one Mbps. HD video streaming, however, will require at least five Mbps.
These are just estimations, so be sure to use different bandwidth calculators to determine just how much you need. You don’t want to overpay for internet service, but you also don’t want to stop streaming your favorite shows because you don’t have enough bandwidth.
Where you live
Most internet providers offer internet service based on zip code. Certain companies only provide internet in specific regions or cities, and their prices often vary by location, so be sure to get accurate quotes before purchasing your plan.
Are you in a rural area, city, or suburb? The type of region you live in will also affect your internet choices. Many rural areas can only get internet service from a satellite connection opposed to cable or cellular, so keep your location in mind when shopping for a cheap internet package.
Service type
The four basic types of internet connection are satellite, DSL, cable, and fiber connections. Each one runs at a different speed, with satellite and DSL being the slowest and fiber taking the lead as the fastest. Unfortunately, you may not be able to purchase your first choice in service type since your region has a lot of control over the type of internet you can access.
Termination fees and contracts
Already have a service provider? If you’re unhappy with your current internet company and are trying to cut ties before your contract is up, you could be liable for hundreds of dollars in early termination fees. If you’re able to wait until your contract ends, sitting through the final months could be worth it financially.
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Top 5 Providers with Cheap Internet Plans
Hughes Net
If you’re looking for satellite internet, Hughes Net offers coverage to over 300 million households throughout the entire U.S. Moving from the city to the country? Hughes Net’s satellite internet service is particularly helpful in rural areas that may not be able to connect via cable or cellular WiFi. Satellite internet is usually more expensive than other types of connection, but Hughes Net still offers relatively cheap internet plans starting at $59.99 a month for 25 Mbps.
Viasat Internet (formerly Exede)
The fastest satellite internet provider out there still offers cheaper internet plans than many competitors, but for the extra speed, you’ll have to pay more. Viasat’s coverage starts at $50 per month for 12 Mbps and they offer a range of plans priced up to $100 each month. Be aware, however, that you have to commit to a two-year contract and prices tend to increase within the first three months. To avoid any surprises, be sure to read the fine print and ask about any price alterations before ordering.
AT&T Internet
AT&T Internet is the largest DSL provider in the U.S. Their coverage is vast and reliable in most states, and their prices are competitive. Their cheaper internet plans start at $50 and provide a whopping 100 Mbps! You’ll have to sign a 12-month contract, and once it’s up you can expect to pay a little more for your internet service. That said, AT&T Internet is an exceptional value for its speed.
Xfinity from Comcast
Need a cheap internet plan from a cable provider? Cable internet service is the most common type of broadband internet connection out there, so if you’re in the city or the burbs, you’ll likely want cable internet. Xfinity’s bundled packages tend to offer better value, but if you just need the WiFi, you can definitely find a cheap internet plan. Their basic package is just $39.99 a month and gives you 60 Mbps. Not bad for a cheap internet package.
Charter Spectrum
If you need a cheap internet plan with reliable service and national hotspots, Charter Spectrum could be a great option for you. For just $44.99 a month, you could get up to 100 Mbps in bandwidth and access to free WiFi hotspots across the country. So, you’ll have an internet connection on the go!
Cheap Internet Plans for Low-Income Households
Spectrum Internet Assist
Qualifying households can apply for Spectrum’s Internet Assist service. The plan costs $14.99 per month for up to 30 Mbps. There aren’t any data caps, so users can spend as much time on the internet as they need. More good news? Spectrum promises not to raise these prices, so they should remain the same for years to come. They do charge $5 a month for the modem, so you might be better off purchasing your own modem to save the additional monthly charge.
Access from AT&T
If your area offers AT&T service, you may want to check out their cheap internet plans for qualifying households. Depending on your neighborhood, you’ll be charged $5-$10 per month for 3-10 Mbps. Keep in mind that your internet speed is predetermined by your location, so you can’t pick and choose to get the cheapest deal. Also, be aware of your data usage. If you go over 600 GB in a month (unlikely but possible), you’re liable for extra charges. Need a new computer? Through this cheap internet package, you can also purchase a computer for $149.99! A pretty good deal in our book.
Comcast Internet Essentials
Comcast now offers a cheaper internet plan for eligible families, veterans, and seniors. At $9.95 (plus tax) for 15 Mbps, the price is hard to beat. On the move? You’re also allocated one 40-minute session on Xfinity WiFi hotspots outside of the home each month. That way you won’t have to choose between maxing out your data plan and missing important emails.
Cox Low-Cost Internet
Another cheap internet plan for qualifying residential users is Cox’s Connect2Compete program. After qualifying for the program, you can receive up to 15 Mbps for $9.95 per month and a free modem. The plan doesn’t require any deposits or annual contracts, so if your circumstances change, you can also change your internet plan.
Click on your state to find cheap internet plans in your area.
Cheap Internet Plans: States A-C
Alabama: Looking for internet service in Alabama? You’re in luck! There are plenty of providers and cheap internet plans to choose from with Xfinity servicing the largest portion of the population. The average internet speed is 11Mbps and the majority of Alabama has access to broadband.
Alaska: Alaska might be one of the most sparsely populated states in the U.S. but it’s also one of the most connected. A whopping 89% of the population has access to DSL service, and 79% connect via cable internet. The most widely available internet provider is GCI Communication. Plans start at $64.99 with download speeds up to 75 Mbps.
Arizona: The most widely used internet provider in Arizona is Cox Communications. They cover over four million people and offer a maximum internet speed of 1,000 Mbps. You’ll be happy to know that they offer cheap internet plans starting at $39.99 per month.
Arkansas: Cox Communications offers the fastest internet in Arkansas, with an average download speed of 39.1 Mbps. Their cheap internet packages start at $39.99 per month for download speeds up to 30 Mbps.
California: The fastest internet provider in California is Xfinity, with speeds averaging 65.4 Mbps throughout the state. Looking for a cheap internet plan? Their basic package starts at $39.99 per month. Highly connected, over 90% of Californians have access to wired broadband, cable, and DSL service.
Colorado: The majority of Colorado gets their internet through Xfinity. Their cheapest internet plan starts at $39.99 a month and their maximum download speed is 2,000 Mbps.
Connecticut: Almost the entire population of Connecticut has access to cable, DSL, and broadband service. If you’re looking for a cheap internet plan, Frontier is the leading provider in Connecticut. Plans start at $32 per month and don’t require an annual contract.
Cheap Internet Plans: States D-H
Delaware: The largest internet provider in Delaware is Verizon and the majority of the population has access to cable internet. Verizon’s cheapest internet package starts at just $39.99 for download speeds up to 110 Mbps.
District of Columbia: It may come as no surprise that the nation’s capital is highly connected. An overwhelming majority of residents have access to the internet via Verizon. They offer plans starting at $39.99 per month with download speeds up to 100 Mbps.
Florida: Xfinity has the fastest download speeds in Florida. One of the most connected states, 99% of Florida residents have access to broadband speeds of at least 25 Mbps. Thanks to Xfinity’s cheap internet plans, Florida residents can enjoy download speeds up to 60 Mbps for just $39.99 per month.
Georgia: Out of the 224 internet providers in Georgia, AT&T is the fastest. Their cheap internet plans start at $40 a month and come with at least a 12-month contract.
Hawaii: Charter Spectrum leads the pack in Hawaii as the fastest internet provider in the state and is available to 98% or residents. Their internet packages start at $44.99 per month for the first year.
Cheap Internet Plans: States I-L
Idaho: Cable ONE is the fastest internet provider in Idaho by far. Their cheapest internet plans start at $49 per month for the first three months, and then increase to $55 per month. This most basic plan includes 100 Mbps of bandwidth.
Illinois: In Illinois, if you want fast internet service you’ll probably opt for Xfinity. They have the largest coverage in the state and their cheapest internet packages start at $39.99 for 60 Mbps.
Indiana: Xfinity wins the race as the fastest internet provider in Indiana, with an average download speed of 46.7 Mbps. Xfinity has a range of cheap internet packages and their prices start at $39.99 a month.
Iowa: Iowa is named in the top 10 best states for internet service, thanks to the 99.9% of households with broadband access. While the most commonly used provider is Mediacom, the fastest internet provider in Iowa is Cable ONE. Mediacom’s cheap internet plans start at $39.99 per month. Need cheap high speed internet? If you opt for Cable ONE, plans start at $49 per month for download speeds up to 100 Mbps.
Kansas: The largest internet provider in Kansas is Cox Communications, while the fastest (and more expensive) is Google Fiber. Their plans start at $50 per month for 100 Mbps service. However, only 32% of the Kansans have access to fiber-optic service. If Google Fiber doesn’t serve your area or you’re looking for a cheaper internet package, Cox Communications offers internet plans for as low as $39.99.
Kentucky: Charter Spectrum is the leading internet provider in Kentucky. Their cheap internet packages start at $44.99 per month for 100 Mbps.
Louisiana: If you’re in Louisiana, Charter Spectrum and Cox Communications are your best bets for speedy internet service. Cox Communications offers slightly cheaper internet plans starting at $39.99 a month, and with Charter Spectrum you can buy internet service for your home for as little as $49.99 per month.
Cheap Internet Plans: States M-O
Maine: Xfinity is the largest and fastest internet provider in Maine. Their cheap internet plans start at $39.99 a month for up to 60 Mbps. They also have some of the best high speed internet deals for homes that need up to 1000 Mbps. These plans start at $69.99 per month.
Maryland: Verizon and Xfinity are the frontrunners in Maryland, providing internet access to the majority of Marylanders. Both companies offer cheap internet plans starting at $39.99 per month. Need high speed internet without cable or phone? Xfinity is your best bet. They offer plans with download speeds of 1000-2000 Mbps starting at $89.99 per month.
Massachusetts: Outside of the Boston area, Verizon is the best option for fast internet service. Their plans start at $39.99 for 100 Mbps. Within the Boston area, RCN has the fastest service and cheapest internet plans with prices starting at $29.99 per month.
Michigan: Depending on your location, the best high speed internet provider in Michigan is a toss-up between Xfinity and WOW. Plans with both companies start at $39.99 a month with the primary difference between the two plans being internet speed. Xfinity’s cheapest internet plan gives you download speeds up to 60 Mbps while WOW’s basic plan offers 100 Mbps.
Minnesota: There are plenty of internet providers to choose from in Minnesota, from local internet service providers to much larger companies. Out of them all, Xfinity is the fastest option. For $39.99 a month, you can get download speeds up to 60 Mbps with their most basic plan.
Mississippi: Xfinity is the most widely spread internet provider in Mississippi, serving over 900,000 residents. Their most basic plan starts at $39.99 a month and gives you 60 Mbps of bandwidth. If you need a second option, Cable One is the next largest internet provider with cheap internet plans starting at $49 per month.
Missouri: Residents of the Show-Me-State have Charter Spectrum as their number one option for internet service. Cheap internet plans start at $49.99 and offer download speeds up to 100 Mbps.
Montana: With plans starting at $49.99, Charter Spectrum is the best option in Montana for cheap internet packages that are also reliable. Most residents have access to wireline, DSL and satellite service, so be sure to check out the fastest available internet for your area.
Nebraska: CenturyLink provides internet access to the majority of Nebraska. Their cheap internet plans start at $45 per month for 20 Mbps. If fiber-optic service is available in your area, you can access it with CenturyLink for $65 a month.
Nevada: In Nevada, the two fastest internet providers are Charter Spectrum and Cox Communications. They both offer cheap internet plans for less than $50 a month. Charter Spectrum’s plans start at $44.99 and you can get internet service with Cox Communication for as little as $39.99 per month.
New Hampshire: Looking for internet service in New Hampshire? Xfinity is your best bet for cheap internet plans with reliable service. They’re widely spread across the state, serving over 900,000 residents. Their plans start at $39.99 a month for 60 Mbps of bandwidth.
New Jersey: The largest internet provider in the Garden State is Verizon, with fiber-optic service available to 65% of New Jerseyans. Verizon’s cheapest internet plans start at $39.99 for 100 Mbps.
New Mexico: Xfinity provides internet service to most of New Mexico. Their cheapest internet plans start at $39.99 per month for download speeds up to 60 Mbps.
New York: From Manhattan to Buffalo, Charter Spectrum provides New Yorkers with reliable internet service. With Charter Spectrum’s cheap internet plans, you can get download speeds up to 100 Mbps for just $44.99 per month.
North Carolina: The biggest internet provider in North Carolina is also one of the the fastest. Need high speed internet without cable or phone service? Charter Spectrum offers cheap internet-only packages starting at $44.99 for download speeds up to 100 Mbps.
North Dakota: Many regions in North Dakota have access to broadband internet speeds over 25 Mbps. The most widely available provider is Cable One. Their basic plan starts at $49 per month for the first three months and includes download speeds up to 100 Mbps.
Ohio: While Charter Spectrum is the largest internet provider in Ohio, on average, WOW! provides faster download speeds. Spectrum’s cheapest internet plans start at $44.99 per month and WOW! offers home internet service for as little as $39.99 per month.
Oklahoma: Depending on your location, you’re probably debating between AT&T Internet and Cox Communications for internet service in Oklahoma. Cox Communications primarily serves residents of Oklahoma City and Tulsa with cheap internet packages starting at $39.99 per month. AT&T Internet is more widespread and offers download speeds up to 100 Mbps for $40 per month.
Oregon: There are many local internet providers to choose from, but CenturyLink serves the most Oregonians in the state. Cheap home wifi plans start at $40 per month for download speeds up to 20 Mbps.
Cheap Internet Plans: States P-U
Pennsylvania: Depending on your location, you have your pick of internet service types in Pennsylvania, from cheap DSL internet to fiber-optic service. Verizon is the largest provider in the state, with cheap internet packages starting at $39.99 per month.
Rhode Island: As one of the most connected states, Rhode Island has plenty of internet providers to choose from. Cox Communications is the largest as they provide internet access to over one million residents. Their cheap internet plans start at $39.99 making them both a budget-friendly and reliable option for many households.
South Carolina: Charter Spectrum is the leading internet provider in South Carolina. Their cheap internet plans start at $44.99 for download speeds up to 100 Mbps.
South Dakota: In South Dakota, the largest internet provider is Century Link. They provide cheap internet coverage for over 466,000 residents by offering packages starting at $45 per month for download speeds up to 20 Mbps.
Tennessee: For the best coverage in Tennessee, particularly in more urban areas, go with Xfinity. It isn’t available everywhere, but it is the largest internet service provider in the state. Cheap internet packages start at $39.99 per month for download speeds up to 60 Mbps.
Texas: Charter Spectrum and AT&T are the two most widely used and reliable internet providers in the Lone Star State. Both companies offer reliable service and cheap internet packages. Charter Spectrum’s internet plans start at $44.99 and AT&T Internet’s plans start at $40 per month.
Utah: Xfinity is the number one choice for most residents living in Utah. It’s the largest internet provider in the state, providing internet access to over 2.4 million Utahns. Cheap internet plans start at $39.99 per month for download speeds up to 60 Mbps.
Cheap Internet Plans: States V-Z
Vermont: If you’re looking for reliable internet service in Vermont, Xfinity is the leading provider. Their plans start at $39.99 for download speeds up to 60 Mbps. If you’re searching for cheap internet plans in most areas, Xfinity is sure to deliver.
Virginia: Verizon is the best option for the majority of Virginia, closely followed by Xfinity. Both Verizon and Xfinity’s most basic internet packages start at $39.99, though Verizon offers more bandwidth for the price. So, if you need cheap high speed internet service, Verizon could be the better option for you.
Washington: Though it primarily serves the more urban and coastal parts of Washington, Xfinity provides internet access to the majority of the state’s population. The cheapest internet plans start at $39.99 per month and offer download speeds up to 60 Mbps.
West Virginia: In most parts of West Virginia, you can get internet service through Suddenlink Communications. Their packages start at $49.95 per month depending on your location, so be sure to give them a call for an accurate quote.
Wisconsin: Charter Spectrum is both the fastest and the largest internet provider in Wisconsin. Their cheap and high speed internet packages start at $44.99 per month for download speeds up to 100 Mbps.
Wyoming: More Wyomingites have access to the internet through CenturyLink than any other provider. Enjoy download speeds up to 20 Mbps with plans starting at $45 per month.
Now that you know where to find the best cheap internet plan for you, feel free to shop around. Thanks to this guide, you’ll know you’re getting the best price for the bandwidth you and your household needs.
Unsure just how much bandwidth you need? Use our handy bandwidth calculator to get the right package for your household. Print it, screenshot it, do whatever you have to, but don’t overpay for your internet service.
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