Affordable and Free Internet Options Worth Checking Out in Your Area This Year

Getting a fast connection at home doesn't require a huge monthly bill. Plenty of cheap and even free internet deals are available online right now.

A dependable, high-speed connection is a necessity for every household. Broadband that keeps pace with modern life makes downloads quicker, lets you stream high-quality video, and supports video calls.

Unfortunately, many Americans spend more on internet access than they need to. The good news is that numerous providers now offer competitively priced monthly plans that let you get online without straining your budget.

Below are some of the best-value plans currently available.

Spectrum Internet 100 Mbps

Spectrum's 100 Mbps plan is both generous and very affordable. It costs $49.99 per month for the first 12 months and includes unlimited data, speeds of up to 100 Mbps, and no fixed contract.

If another provider comes along with a better offer, customers can move over without Spectrum charging any penalties or fees.

Xfinity Performance Select

The Xfinity Performance Select plan runs $34.99 per month with a 12-month contract. Speeds reach up to 100 Mbps, which is plenty for streaming and gaming.

The plan also includes free access to Xfinity Flex, a streaming device that lets you watch select shows and other entertainment on your TV. That makes it a win-win.

Windstream Enhanced Kinetic Internet 200 Mbps

Those who want DSL with no data caps should look at Windstream's Enhanced Kinetic Internet 200 Mbps plan. It costs $36 per month, plus a $35 upfront connection fee. The unlimited plan delivers rapid internet to hundreds of customers across nineteen U.S. states.

To see whether your area is covered, visit Windstream's website and check your region.

Frontier FiOS 500 Mbps

Anyone after lightning-fast internet with plenty of data may find Frontier's Fios 500 Mbps plan a good fit. At $40 per month, it supports streaming on multiple devices, gaming, and other bandwidth-heavy activities, all with no data caps.

For tighter budgets, Frontier also offers a DSL plan at just $28 per month. It provides 6 Mbps, enough to cover basic internet needs.

FreedomPop

FreedomPop offers free internet service to customers who can pay a security deposit. With a portable router, the service can be used wherever and whenever you like.

The free plan includes 500Mb of flexible internet access, which is pitched as a budget-friendly choice for heavy internet users.

CenturyLink Price For Life

With CenturyLink's Price for Life plan, customers lock in an affordable rate not just for a few months but for good. For $49 per month, you get 100 Mbps speeds and unlimited bandwidth. CenturyLink promises never to raise the monthly price as long as you stay at the same address.

This plan suits seniors living on a fixed budget, as well as anyone else who wants cost certainty and doesn't plan to move.

NetZero Internet

NetZero is another budget-friendly choice, giving customers 10 hours of completely free internet each month. It works well for light users who simply want inexpensive access.

People with larger needs can step up to a bigger plan that adds more data and faster speeds.

Hunting Down Low-Cost Internet Online

A limited budget doesn't rule out reliable, high-speed service, because many options exist. Searching online for deals and promotions could save you hundreds of dollars on internet service.

For the best result, compare several plans and confirm each one offers the bandwidth and speeds you need. Read the fine print carefully before signing anything so you don't get stuck in a bad deal.