6 Ways to Get Cheap Internet
Get cheap internet service by slowing your speed, negotiating your bill or trying 5G.
Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
Updated · 3 min read
Written by
Lead Writer & Content Strategist 
Edited by
Managing Editor 
Co-written by
You don't have to be stuck with expensive internet. If you’re happy with your provider, but not how much internet costs each month, check if it offers a cheaper plan or ask for a promotion. There are other ways to save, too.
1. Stop renting your modem
It might be more cost-effective to buy your internet hardware rather than rent it.
Providers tend to charge $15 and up per month to rent a combined modem and Wi-Fi router device. After two years, the total rental costs would be about $360 or more.
You can buy a top-rated cable modem and router for less than $200 on Amazon or at Best Buy. Be sure to confirm with your internet provider that the modem you plan to buy will work with its service.
Keep in mind that some providers won't offer support or troubleshooting for your compatible personal hardware.
2. Reduce your internet speed
Internet providers are taking high-speed to the next level, with plans that promise download speeds of 400 Mbps or more. That’s great if you need that level of service. Most households don’t.
Dropping to a slower, perhaps more appropriate speed could reduce your monthly bill. Go to your provider’s website to see what various plans cost to get an idea of potential savings.
3. Try a prepaid service like Xfinity Now
A relatively new option offering adequate speed for less is the Xfinity Now internet service. Plans are $30 or $45 per month for 100 Mbps or 200 Mbps download speeds, respectively. There's no credit check to sign up and a Wi-Fi modem is included in the price.
A service like it is the cable internet equivalent to a prepaid cell phone plan, and the cost is compelling.
As you can see below, 100-200 Mbps will do just fine .
| Light use | Moderate use | High use | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 user on 1 device | 3-8 Mbps. | 3-8 Mbps. | 12-25 Mbps. |
| 2 users or devices at a time | 3-8 Mbps. | 12-25 Mbps. | 12-25 Mbps to more than 25 Mbps. |
| 3 users or devices at a time | 12-25 Mbps. | 12-25 Mbps. | More than 25 Mbps. |
| 4 users or devices at a time | 12-25 Mbps. | More than 25 Mbps. | More than 25 Mbps. |
Mbps (megabits per second) is a measure of internet data upload and download speed.
Light use: Basic functions such as email, web browsing, basic video, VoIP and internet radio.
Moderate use: Basic functions, plus one high-demand application, such as streaming HD video, multiparty video conferencing, online gaming and telecommuting.
High use: Basic functions, plus more than one high-demand application running at the same time.
4. Negotiate your plan
It won't hurt to ask to lower your bills. Your negotiating position is simple: I know of a better deal elsewhere, and I’m prepared to leave your company to get it.
Research the promotional prices that your provider and its competitors are offering to new customers — and be prepared to actually cancel your service and change providers.
Turn to the Nerds: We have a script and research guide so you know exactly what to say when you call your provider to lower your internet bill.
You have the Federal Communications Committee in your corner, too. The FCC now requires all internet service providers to display consumer labels, similar to nutrition labels on food, that detail fees.
5. Check on assistance programs for a discount
The government offers subsidies for broadband internet if you fall below a certain income threshold or are enrolled in certain government programs.
The nonprofit EveryoneOn can help connect you with discounts and other assistance programs in your area.
If you can trim $10 to $20 or more off your monthly internet bill, the savings could provide a great start on your emergency fund or a little more leeway in your budget.
» Learn how to budget
6. Try 5G home internet if it's cheaper and available
Companies like T-Mobile and Verizon now offer 5G home internet plans with solid speeds and decent prices, especially if you're already a mobile customer. These plans are cool because you don't need a cable connection. Plug the modem/router into the wall and you're done. Just make sure service is available and good in your area.
Also, if you mobile phone plan abides and you're super conservative with your internet use, you can see if your hotspot will suffice for home internet. Just don't expect to binge Netflix with your hotspot.
Article sources
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary,
trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed
studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with
industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness
and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high
standards for journalism by reading our
editorial guidelines.
- 1. Federal Communications Commission. Household Broadband Guide. Accessed Dec 12, 2025.
