CNET has updated its recommendations for the best internet service providers without contracts, highlighting options that offer competitive speeds and pricing amid rising costs for US households. GFiber leads as the top overall choice for its high-speed fiber plans, though availability is limited. Other strong contenders include AT&T Fiber, Verizon Fios, and Astound Broadband for various regions and connection types.
Internet costs have surged, with US adults paying $195 more annually than last year, according to a CNET survey. In response, CNET evaluated no-contract providers based on pricing, speeds, availability, and customer satisfaction, drawing from provider data, FCC mappings, and surveys like J.D. Power and the American Customer Satisfaction Index.
GFiber tops the list with fiber plans ranging from 1,000Mbps to 8,000Mbps at $70 to $150 per month, equating to 7 cents to 2 cents per Mbps. It includes equipment and installation at no extra cost, with no data caps or contracts, but serves only 19 states including California, Texas, and Florida.
For broader appeal, AT&T Fiber offers plans from 300Mbps to 5,000Mbps for $55 to $245 monthly, averaging over 10 cents per Mbps, with no contracts or data caps on fiber options. Verizon Fios provides 300Mbps to 2,000Mbps plans at about 11 cents per Mbps, scoring high in satisfaction—76 out of 100 in ACSI and top in J.D. Power's East region for 2023 and 2024.
Astound Broadband starts at $30 for 300Mbps promo pricing, at 5 cents per Mbps initially, with no data caps. Spectrum's 500Mbps and 1,000Mbps plans average 10 cents and 7 cents per Mbps in the first year, including nationwide Wi-Fi hotspots. Rural users may prefer Kinetic by Windstream's DSL and fiber at 12 cents per Mbps promo, or Starlink's satellite service at over $1 per Mbps but no contract.
CNET emphasizes cost per Mbps—ideally 5-10 cents—as key, favoring fiber over cable, 5G, or DSL. Providers like T-Mobile 5G Home Internet ($50-$70, speeds 87-415Mbps) and Xfinity's prepaid option ($45 for 200Mbps) add flexibility. All plans allow cancellation without penalty, though some promo rates increase after the first year.