The Cost of High-Speed Internet

Internet access is now as essential as water, electricity and gas. But comparing options—or what a fair monthly price looks like—can be tricky. Below we break down today’s connection types, typical costs, and ways to save on your high‑speed internet bill.

What is high-speed internet?

The FCC generally uses the term “broadband” for always‑on, high‑capacity internet access delivered over technologies like fiber, cable, DSL, satellite and wireless; specific speeds, prices, and features vary by provider and address.

Types & Speeds of Internet Connections

High-Speed Internet Providers

What factors contribute to internet cost?

• Equipment rental – Many ISPs include equipment, but where they don’t, typical modem/router fees are about $10–$15 per month. The FCC’s Broadband Facts label discloses these charges.
• Installation/activation fees – One‑time installation or activation charges vary by provider and address; some waive them during promos. Check the Broadband Facts label for any up‑front costs.
• FCC Universal Service Fund fee – Carriers contribute to Universal Service and often pass through a line item. The contribution factor changes quarterly and has recently been in the low‑to‑mid 30% range (peaking at 34.5% in early 2024); the exact percentage varies each quarter.
• Late Payment fee – Late fees vary by provider; expect roughly $5–$25 per late bill.
• Cancellation fee – Many plans are now month‑to‑month, but if you signed a term contract, early‑termination fees may apply. Some charge a flat ~$100–$150; others charge per month remaining.

How much should you be paying for internet?

If you’re asking what a fair monthly price looks like, in the U.S. stand‑alone “popular” fixed‑broadband plans (roughly 100–300 Mbps, unlimited data) typically run about $60–$75 per month before equipment and taxes. Average household data use has climbed sharply since 2018 and exceeded 700 GB per month by early 2024. 

There are four long‑standing types of high‑speed internet: cable, DSL, fiber optic, and satellite. Cable runs over coaxial lines (upgraded via DOCSIS), DSL over copper phone lines (now largely legacy), fiber over dedicated optical cables with symmetrical uploads, and satellite via ground terminals connecting to spacecraft. A fifth option, 5G fixed wireless access (FWA), has emerged since 2020 as a mainstream home‑internet alternative in many areas. Across technologies, mainstream U.S. stand‑alone plans generally cluster around $60–$75 per month before equipment and taxes; exact speeds, uploads, and terms depend on your address.

While add‑on fees and equipment can raise the effective bill, inflation‑adjusted prices for mainstream fixed broadband have generally fallen since 2015 even as speeds increased, and standardized Broadband Facts labels now make it easier to see the true all‑in price and compare offers.

Ways to lower your internet cost per month

• Switch Providers annually – New‑customer promos and bundles are common. Because many plans are month‑to‑month and 5G fixed wireless options have price guarantees, switching when a promo ends can cut your bill. Use providers’ Broadband Facts labels to compare true all‑in prices.
• Negotiate – Despite appearances, few prices are set in stone. Near renewal, ask for retention and cite competitor offers and their labeled prices/fees; be ready to switch if they won’t match.
• Use your own equipment – Monthly rental fees can add up. If your provider allows customer‑owned modems/routers, buying your own can eliminate $10–$15/month in rental costs. Note that many fiber and 5G home internet plans include equipment at no extra charge.
• Choose a lower speed – Plan prices closely track speed. Right‑size using activity needs and household size; many homes won’t notice a difference between mid‑tier and gigabit for everyday use.

How to choose the best internet service

Which internet provider is best for you depends on what you do online, how many people and devices share your connection, and what’s available at your address. If fiber is offered, its symmetrical uploads are great for creators and frequent video calls; if not, cable or 5G fixed wireless may be the best value. Use the Broadband Facts label at checkout to compare true prices, fees, typical speeds, and any data caps. If these questions feel overwhelming, don’t worry, below is a step-by-step walkthrough of how to choose the best internet service for you.

1. Determine what you need from your internet. Decide how many devices you plan to have connected to your home network at a time. Look at what you use your devices for and determine what level of internet speed makes sense. This guide provides a reference for which internet speeds are suitable for different types of activity and can be a useful tool in determining what speeds will meet your needs.
2. Assess what is available. Available internet plans and services vary by location. Speed and availability are the main factors affected by locale, but the price can be impacted as well. For this step, you can click here to find out which providers and plans are available at your location.
3. Shop around. Look at the details of plans offered in your area and compare speed, price, data caps, contracts, fees, deals and discounts, and bundling options. The goal here is to determine which provider will offer you the best of what you want for the most reasonable price. Ask yourself, “of the available providers who fit my needs, who has the best of these things.”
4. Make your selection. With the data collected, it is time to decide. Once you have gone through the previous steps, you should arrive at a provider that stands out above the rest for you. Now, all that’s left is to contact them and schedule an appointment.

Consider the cost of internet

Internet pricing can sometimes surprise you, especially when you consider all of the different costs that might get factored into your bill. Below are some  common features and add-ons that might up your internet bill.

• Overage charges – Plans that have data caps will see charges added to your account if you go over your allotted data amount. Many major providers now advertise no data caps on mainstream tiers, but always confirm on the Broadband Facts label.
• Unlimited data add-on – Many internet plans that have data caps can have an unlimited data add-on purchased alongside them, removing the data cap but increasing the monthly price.

Determine the speed you need

• Cable – Cable internet delivers hundreds of Mbps widely and, with DOCSIS 4.0 upgrades, can offer multi‑gigabit downloads and improved uploads. It’s best for households with moderate to high speed needs when fiber isn’t available.
• DSL – DSL is legacy high‑speed internet over copper phone lines. While fine for light use in limited areas, it’s slower than modern cable and fiber and is being retired in many markets.
• Fiber – Fiber Optic internet offers symmetrical uploads and the highest reliability, with multi‑gigabit options increasingly common. It is best for people who need very high speeds, frequent uploads, or many concurrent users/devices.
• Satellite – Satellite is a good option in remote areas without wireline service. Newer low‑Earth‑orbit (LEO) systems offer lower latency than traditional geostationary (GEO) satellites, but pricing and performance vary by provider and location. 

What are the options in your area?

Every internet provider has a disclaimer posted along with their service plans. This disclaimer lets potential customers know that plans, speeds, and prices may vary by location. While this can be frustrating, it is primarily due to the nature of the American telecommunication infrastructure. In general, the more urban and densely populated an area, the more internet service options there will be. For an in-depth look at what is available in your area, take a look at our review of the best internet providers.

FAQs

How much does wifi cost?

Typical mainstream stand‑alone fixed‑broadband plans in the United States run about $60–$75 per month before equipment and taxes, but your effective monthly cost depends on promos, bundles, and fees. Earlier estimates from a 2020 shopping study cited higher average bills, but today many providers include the router/gateway, and where they don’t, equipment rental commonly adds about $10–$15 per month. To figure out your wifi cost per month, add any equipment charge to the cost of your internet plan (or use your own compatible equipment to avoid rentals).

How much should high speed internet cost?

In the U.S., a reasonable target for mainstream standalone fixed‑broadband is roughly $60–$75 per month before equipment and taxes, with lower entry tiers and higher multi‑gig tiers priced below or above that range. Always check the provider’s Broadband Facts label for the exact monthly price, fees, and any introductory term at your address.

Who has the cheapest internet?

It depends on your address and current promotions. AT&T Fiber (300 Mbps from about $55), Verizon Fios (300 Mbps from about $49.99 where available), Spectrum (base tier from about $49.99 for 12 months), and Google Fiber (1 Gig at $70) are commonly advertised examples. In many areas, 5G fixed wireless plans from mobile carriers can be even cheaper with bundles or price guarantees. Use each provider’s Broadband Facts label to compare your real all‑in price.