How to Get Cheap Internet | Credential Index

6 Ways to Get Cheap Internet

Get cheap internet service by slowing your speed, negotiating your bill or trying 5G.

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Edited by other Updated Apr 1, 2026 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 $10 and up per month to rent a combined modem and Wi-Fi router device. After two years, the total rental costs would be about $240 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.

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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. Households that stream, game and work from home can get away with 200 Mbps. 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 Light use Moderate use Moderate use High 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. Mbps (megabits per second) Light use: Basic functions such as email, web browsing, basic video, VoIP and internet radio. Light use: Moderate use: Basic functions, plus one high-demand application, such as streaming HD video, multiparty video conferencing, online gaming and telecommuting. Moderate use: High use: Basic functions, plus more than one high-demand application running at the same time. High use:

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. Turn to the Nerds: 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 » Learn

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 your 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. Explore more on 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. Federal Communications Commission. Household Broadband Guide. Accessed Mar 29, 2026. About the author Tindall Tommy Tindall is a lead writer and content strategist covering how to make money — and how to keep it. He’s recorded and written about his experience testing popular gig jobs like driving for Uber, delivering with DoorDash and full-service shopping for Instacart. He loves making an extra buck, but laments the hours of awkward silence he endured as an Uber driver (never again). Cool kids might call him a content creator because he makes YouTube videos for the NerdWallet channel and app, but he himself is no longer very cool. Ask him about budgeting apps — he's tried most of them, but still prefers a good ole Google sheet to track spending. Then be sure to smash that “like” and “subscribe” button. Before NerdWallet, Tommy held decidedly more boring jobs at Fannie Mae and Booz Allen Hamilton. Today, he feels super privileged to write for you, the consumer. Published in 1. Stop renting your modem 2. Reduce your internet speed 3. Try a prepaid service like Xfinity Now 4. Negotiate your plan 5. Check on assistance programs for a discount 6. Try 5G home internet if it's cheaper and available 13 Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill Bill Negotiation: Get a Better Deal on Cable, Internet and More 7 Ways to Lower Your Cell Phone Bill 9 Ways to Lower Your Cable Bill How to Lower Your Bills: 45 Ways to Save By Kelsey Sheehy, Laura McMullen, Tiffany Curtis Bill Negotiation: Get a Better Deal on Cable, Internet and More By Tiffany Curtis, Lisa Mulka It’s on You to Figure Out How to Cancel Subscriptions By Tommy Tindall Need Help Paying Bills ASAP? Use This Quick-Help Tool By Liz Weston, CFP®