Cheapest Way to Get WiFi at Home in 2023 (Top Ways) (2023)

The internet powers just about every aspect of life today, from entertainment to work to even medical care. It’s an essential part of life, but it can be expensive, too.

Many people are searching for the cheapest way to get WiFi at home. If you’re one of those people looking for how to get cheap internet, follow some of the tips we have provided below.

Our guide will help you find the top ways to get WiFi in 2023.

What is the cheapest WiFi to buy?

Cheapest Way to Get WiFi at Home in 2023 (Top Ways) (1)

Unfortunately, there is no quick and easy answer, because the options are influenced by where you live, just like ways to get dental work when you have no money or saving money on car repairs.

Each area has its own internet service providers through which you can purchase WiFi.

So, one of the first steps that you need to take when you’re looking for cheap WiFi service is to see who offers it in your area.

Luckily, there are many ways that you can find which service providers are in your area so you can find cheap internet.

You can do this by:

  • Google Search – Simply type in a search such as “WiFi providers in my area” or add your Zip code.
  • Specific Sites – Sites such as HighSpeedInternet.com and AllConnect.com allow you to search available plans.
  • Provider Sites – You can also go to each main provider’s site to search if they offer service in your area.
  • People You Know – Ask people you know in your area which provider they use for WiFi.

With these searches, you can compare the pricing for each service provider to see what fits within your budgeting goals.

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Tactic for Success

When you’re searching for available WiFi providers, making sure you’re comparing apples to apples. In other words, make sure that the plans you’re comparing have the same or similar download and upload speeds. This will give you a true sense of which WiFi plans are the cheapest.

How can I get internet without cable or phone line?

There are a number of different ways that you can get internet without a cable or a phone line.

While bundling TV and phone services with your internet may provide you a better price for your internet, it also could result in a rather large monthly bill.

You can even opt for companies that aren’t in the TV or phone business at all. Depending on where you live, you could go with satellite internet service.

This works similarly to satellite TV. Instead of broadcasting a signal that allows you to get channels on TV, though, the satellite service will bring you WiFi throughout your home.

There are some positives and negatives to satellite internet, and it’s important to understand them before you decide whether this could be a good fit for you.

Cheapest Way to Get WiFi at Home in 2023 (Top Ways) (2)

Can I just buy WiFi?

Many telecom providers market their bundled services as a cheaper way to get your internet, TV and phone all in one package from one provider.

However, there are more and more people today who steam all their TV services and who rely solely on cellphones for their phone service.

As such, there are many service providers who offer the option to purchase just WiFi services — and some at a really great price.

Some of these companies will still require you to have a coax cable coming into your home, which then connects to a modem and broadcasts out a WiFi signal throughout your home.

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Because WiFi is so popular and in demand today, being used for everything from finding ways to cut your hair at home or even to get free stuff for Amazon reviews, many service providers offer impressive packages for this service only.

Trend on the Rise

WiFi is increasingly important in today’s society. In fact, the average household in the U.S. has 14 connected devices. If this sounds like you, make sure that you have enough WiFi to support everything you and your family need to do in your home.

Some even offer free streaming devices that you can connect to your TV so that you can stream your video services using their WiFi service.

A few years ago, many of these WiFi-only options wouldn’t be available through traditional internet service providers.

But, today, you won’t have a lack of options if this is something you’re searching for.

Tactic for Success

One of the most important things you need to consider when purchasing WiFi service is what you plan on doing on it at your home. For example, will you be working from home, streaming lots of content and more? Knowing what you’re going to do on your WiFi network will help you determine what speeds and bandwidth you need.

Free Government Internet Service

The U.S. federal government knows how important high-speed internet service is today that they are spending loads of money trying to help people access and afford it.

Cheapest Way to Get WiFi at Home in 2023 (Top Ways) (3)

In addition to allocating money from the federal budget to build out broadband networks in underserved regions, the government has also created programs that will make it more affordable for people to purchase WiFi for their homes.

One of those programs is called the Affordable Connectivity Program. The government created this $14 billion program to help households afford broadband internet.

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While it doesn’t give free WiFi service to households, it does provide major discounts for purchasing the service.

The maximum benefit through the program is $50 per month off your WiFi bill. You can get $75 off your bill per month if you live on a qualifying Tribal land.

You can also get a one-time $100 discount for the purchase of a tablet, desktop or laptop computer if you purchase it from a participating provider.

While this program won’t provide you completely free WiFi, it’s still a great program to take advantage of if you qualify.

Trend on the Rise

While almost all people in the United States need high-speed WiFi, not everyone is purchasing it. One of the main reasons, according to a Pew Research Center study, is that it’s not affordable. In fact, 45% of people who don’t have high-speed internet say it’s because it’s too expensive.

Other Options for Affordable WiFi

There are some other options for cheap or free WiFi at home. Not all of these options will work for everyone, but they are certainly worth looking into.

This includes:

  • Free Hotspots – Some companies are offering free WiFihotspots, depending on where you live.
  • Tether From Your Phone – You could tether internet from your cellphone, if you have an unlimited data plan.
  • Provider Discounts – Some internet service providers offer discounted plans based on income and other factors.
  • Free Trials – Some providers also offer free trials to internet service if you are a student or have a certain job.

The key to finding cheap, affordable and possibly even free WiFi is to do your research.

Where you live in the country will be a big determining factor in what options are available to you, unfortunately.

While the federal government is looking to bridge the gap in what’s called the digital divide, the coverage areas — and WiFi options — are just not equal throughout the country at this time.

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How to Get WiFi without a Provider

There are some options for you to get WiFi at home without going through a traditional internet service provider.

One option is a mobile hotspot. There is a cost that you will have to pay upfront to actually purchase the device.

Cheapest Way to Get WiFi at Home in 2023 (Top Ways) (4)

Then, you’ll still need to pay for a monthly data service that will give you the actual WiFi.

Some of the benefits of this, though, is that you can take the hotspot with you on the road so that you always have WiFi service, and you can cancel the service any time you want to.

This will allow you to avoid getting locked into a long-term contract.

Along the same lines, you can purchase a USB dongle that will serve as a mobile hotspot. You again will need to purchase a device and sign up for a monthly plan.

However, again, there are some big benefits to doing this if your goal is to get cheap WiFi without a provider.

Finally, you could consider sharing WiFi with a neighbor. If you live close enough, you could split the monthly bill and just connect to their WiFi router.

The downside is that the connection may not be strong from one house to the next.

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Wrapping Up

Just about everyone needs high-speed internet access at home today, but it’s not always affordable for everyone.

If you’re searching for cheap WiFi at your home in 2023, following some of the tips we’ve provided in our guide above.

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to get Wi-Fi at home? ›

6 ways to get cheap internet
  1. Buy your own modem and router.
  2. Reduce your internet speed.
  3. Negotiate your internet provider bill.
  4. Bundle your services.
  5. Check on government subsidies.
  6. Get bare-bones internet service.
Jan 19, 2023

What is the cheapest Wi-Fi only? ›

10 Cheapest Internet and Wi-Fi Providers 2023
Provider and planPromotional priceEquipment rental fee
AT&T Internet 100$55.00/mo.$15.00/mo.
Connect$19.99/mo.$14.00/mo.
Spectrum Internet®$49.99/mo. for 12 mos.$5.00/mo.
Internet 200$29.99/mo.$14.00/mo.
1 more row

Will the government pay for my internet? ›

How much is my Affordable Connectivity Program benefit? Most eligible families can receive a benefit of up to $30 per month applied to the cost of their internet service. ACP-eligible households who live on Tribal lands are eligible for a benefit of up to $75 per month.

What is the best option for home Wi-Fi? ›

TP-link N300 WiFi Wireless Router TL-WR845N. D-Link DIR-615 Wireless-N300 Router. TP-Link AC750 Dual Band Wireless Cable Router. TP-Link Archer C6 Gigabit MU-MIMO Wireless Router.

Can you get Wi-Fi without a plan? ›

Now, it's possible in many places to get a high-speed internet connection without a landline or cable television service. Depending on where you live, the best options for how to get Wi-Fi without cable or a phone line include satellite internet, fiber internet, 4G or 5G internet, fixed wireless or a mobile hotspot.

Which Wi-Fi is best at low price? ›

  • Mi Smart Wifi Router 4C Wireless. Team ProductLine. Mi Smart Wi-fi Router 4C. ...
  • TP-Link N300 Wi-fi Router Wireless. Team ProductLine. TP Link N300 Wireless Wifi Router. ...
  • D-Link DIR 615 Wireless Router. Team ProductLine. ...
  • TP-Link AC750 Dual-Band Wireless Wifi Router. Team ProductLine. ...
  • Mi 4A Dual-Band Wifi Router. Team ProductLine.
Jul 13, 2022

What is a portable internet device? ›

A portable Wi-Fi router is a type of Internet router that helps you connect your devices to the network. A portable router is wireless and usually uses the Internet from a SIM card, Local Area Network (LAN) connection, or public Wi-Fi. A portable Wi-Fi router establishes a secure and private Internet connection.

Can I just buy a router and have Wi-Fi? ›

Most Internet providers allow you to purchase your own modem and router separately, or a device that contains both—it's up to you. Both options connect you to the Internet.

How can I get Wi-Fi without paying monthly? ›

We've got a few internet service providers and some other options for free service, so let's get into it!
  1. FreedomPop. If you haven't heard of FreedomPop before, you are definitely missing out! ...
  2. NetZero. ...
  3. WifiMap. ...
  4. Wifi Free Spot. ...
  5. InstaBridge. ...
  6. Use Wifi at Coffee Shops. ...
  7. Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ...
  8. Ask Your Neighbours.
Feb 8, 2023

Is NetZero still free? ›

NetZero is unique in that it offers a free plan that includes 200 MB per month of data for $0.

Is the internet stimulus over? ›

The Affordable Connectivity Program replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit on December 31, 2021.

Which state is giving free internet to the poor? ›

Kerala aims to start providing free, high-speed Internet to schools, public offices, and poor households in the state by December, this year. Kerala is the first among all states to launch such a project, which is similar to the Centres BharatNet project.

What is stimulus internet credit? ›

Your household may be eligible for a government-sponsored program that allows you to save up to $30 a month on your Internet service. If you qualify for the stimulus Internet credit, you'll enjoy all the benefits of Spectrum Internet® while saving every month with the ACP program. In-home WiFi service available.

What is better than wi fi? ›

An Ethernet connection is generally faster than a WiFi connection and provides greater reliability and security.

Which is better WiFi or WiFi? ›

Broadband connections are far more secure and consistent than Wi-Fi connections. 4. Plus, you can always connect it to a Wi-Fi router to enjoy high-speed wireless internet connectivity on your mobile and computer devices at the same time.

What is a portable router? ›

In simple terms, a portable router is a small device that converts a regular telecom signal into a wifi signal. Hence, it doesn't matter whether you have a 2G, 3G, 4G or even a 5G connection, the portable wifi router can make it a wifi signal for you.

Who has the best unlimited wi fi? ›

Five best unlimited internet plans
  • Best overall: Verizon Fios Internet 200/200.
  • Best for availability: Spectrum Internet®
  • Best for speed: Google Fiber 1 Gig.
  • Best for cheap internet: Astound Broadband 100 Mbps Internet.
  • Best for rural users: Rise Broadband 50 Mbps Unlimited.
Jan 30, 2023

Is there a device that gives you internet anywhere? ›

GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Router, $170

Be connected no matter where you are with this travel WiFi hotspot. Sold at Amazon, the GlocalMe mobile router operates on a pay-as-you-go model, which is perfect for travelers or those that only need the hotspot once in a while.

How much does it cost for a portable Wi-Fi? ›

How much does a mobile hotspot cost? Hotspots cost anywhere from $59 to $400 for the device, plus the cost of a data plan. Good quality 4G LTE hotspots are usually $200 and up and give you just what you need.

Is pocket WiFi worth it? ›

Using a portable WiFi has a couple of advantages. For one, since it's a separate device and has its own battery, you won't be using up your smartphone's battery. If you need something reliable without sacrificing the usage of your daily driver, then getting a portable WiFi is ideal.

What's the difference between Wi-Fi and internet? ›

Comparison between WiFi and Internet

WiFi is a wireless network to connect nearby devices with each other and share the Internet via hotspots. Internet is a global network of networks where computers communicate with each other via Internet Protocol. WiFi uses radio frequency waves to transmit data.

What's the difference between a modem and a router? ›

To put it simply, the modem connects your home to the Internet, while a router creates the network inside your house. Knowing how the blinking boxes plugged into your wall work can help you to get the Internet up and running again the next time there's a power outage or connection disruption.

Do I need a modem if I have a router? ›

A modem can function independently from a router, but a router cannot work without a modem. When a modem and router are built together as one device, that is called a gateway.

How can I get a free AT&T hotspot? ›

Enable Wi-Fi on your laptop and select the SSID or Wi-Fi Network name attwifi. Open a Web browser and select from the following options: For free Wi-Fi access, select I have an AT&T Account or Sign in with your AT&T Wi-Fi username and password.

Does dial-up still exist? ›

What's the Best Dial-Up Internet Provider? Even though high-speed internet has been a popular choice for many years, dial-up service is still available in quite a few areas.

How much does NetZero cost? ›

Douglas Broom. Getting to net zero by 2050 will cost an extra $3.5 trillion a year, according to a new study by McKinsey. We'll need a fundamental transformation of the global economy to go truly green. This will lead to job losses, but there will be a higher number of new roles created in a low-carbon world.

Can you buy your own Wi-Fi? ›

There are plenty of routers you can buy on your own, and they're available at most major retailers. What's more: Buying your own router is almost always a better financial decision compared to renting. It'll usually pay for itself after about a year of service.

How can I get Wi-Fi at home without a landline? ›

Mobile Broadband uses a USB dongle, data-only SIM or a Wi-Fi hotspot, which allows you to connect wirelessly to 4G or 5G internet. It's the most popular form of broadband without a fixed landline, and one of the best options if you're looking for something flexible.

Which is better Wi-Fi or internet? ›

A WiFi connection is more susceptible to interference from electrical devices or physical objects that can block the signal. An Ethernet connection is consequently more reliable, as it is insulated from interference and crosstalk and unaffected by the presence of physical objects.

Can I buy just a Wi Fi router? ›

Depending on your internet service provider (ISP), you may need to buy a router, a router and separate modem, or a router-modem. Nearly all ISPs use either DSL or fiber for their service, which requires signal conversion by a modem. Most modern routers have modems built-in, so you only need one device.

Should I buy a router or modem? ›

Your wired Internet connection will be provided via your modem. You can get away with merely having a modem if you only have one device that needs to connect to the Internet, such as a PC or laptop. However, if you have many devices or wish to use them wirelessly (WiFi), you'll need a router.

How can I get WiFi without cable or phone line? ›

Depending on where you live, the best options for how to get Wi-Fi without cable or a phone line include satellite internet, fiber internet, 4G or 5G internet, fixed wireless or a mobile hotspot.

Do I need a landline anymore? ›

To sum up: you don't need to have a landline phone if you want broadband. But to get broadband from an Openreach-based provider, your home must have a physically connected phone line.

Can you get a WiFi box without a phone line? ›

Yes, in some areas it's possible to get broadband without line rental, but it depends on whether a broadband-only deal is available in your area. It's also worth considering that a broadband-only deal could cost more than a combined broadband and landline package.

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