Best No-Contract Internet Providers for 2024
AT&T Fiber offers quick speeds and amazing prices without the need for a contract.
Are you concerned about getting stuck in a lengthy contract just to stay connected to the online world? Many internet plans no longer require a contract, which means you can have the freedom to move, transfer your service, and search for the best deal without fear of cancellation fees. With so many options, however, picking the right fit for your needs can be challenging. We analyzed countless internet providers and compiled this list of the best no-contract internet providers in the U.S. based on availability, speed, value, reliability, and reputation.
BroadbandNow Bottom Line
No-contract internet plans may sound too good to be true, but AT&T Fiber proves that quality internet and high internet speeds don’t need to come with pesky contracts. With speeds up to 5 Gbps and affordable plans starting at $55 per month, AT&T Fiber stands out as a great customer-first internet service provider. Check out the latest AT&T Fiber internet deals to find the plan that matches your home’s needs.
Navigating the Best No-Contract Internet Providers
- AT&T Fiber (BroadbandNow Top Pick)
- Spectrum (Next-Best No-Contract ISP)
- Optimum (Budget Pick)
- Our Top No-Contract ISP Recommendations
- Why You Should Pick a No-Contract ISP
- How We Chose Our Favorite No-Contract Internet Providers
- Methodology for Assessing Internet Providers
- Other No-Contract Internet Providers Worth Mentioning
- Tips for Picking the Perfect No-Contract Internet Provider
- Frequently Asked Questions About No-Contract Internet Providers
AT&T Fiber (BroadbandNow Top Pick)
Caption: AT&T Fiber is widespread across the U.S., reaching more states than any other fiber internet provider.
With its widespread fiber network, blazing-fast speeds, and award-winning customer service, AT&T Fiber is one of the leading ISPs in the country for no-contract internet plans. AT&T is the largest fiber internet provider in the United States, reaching more households than Verizon Fios and Google Fiber combined. AT&T Fiber provides immense value due to its low prices and super-fast speeds. AT&T Fiber internet starts at just $55 per month and reaches symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps. With no data caps or price hikes, that deal is hard to beat.
AT&T also has a long history of excellence in customer service. In 2023, J.D. Power ranked AT&T as the best ISP in the North Central and West regions of the U.S., while the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) placed AT&T Fiber above all other internet providers in 2024, with a score of 80 out of 100. Sandra Graham from Arkansas wrote to us to praise AT&T Fiber by saying, “Best internet that I have ever had — and I’ve used several different services since the early ’90s.” Whether you’re a gamer, streamer, or at-home professional, AT&T Fiber has everything you need, along with the added benefit of no contracts.
What we like:
- Extensive fiber internet network
- Wide selection of fiber internet plans
- Frequent sign-up perks and bonuses
What we don't like:
- Lacks television packages
- Relatively high installation fee
Spectrum (Next-Best No-Contract ISP)
Caption: Spectrum’s no-contract plans are available in most states across the U.S.
If AT&T isn’t available in your region, Spectrum is another no-contract internet provider offering cheap internet plans, multiple home services, and expansive availability. Even though Spectrum doesn’t have the speeds of AT&T Fiber, it can still achieve download speeds up to 1 Gbps (wireless speeds may vary), which is more than enough for even the largest households looking to stream and support numerous devices. Best of all, Spectrum’s plans start at just $49.99 per month for 12 months, combining speed and price for exceptional value.
One of Spectrum’s strongest suits is its widespread availability across the U.S. Spectrum reaches an extraordinary number of households, making it the second-largest cable internet provider in the U.S. No matter where you live, you’ll probably be able to get Spectrum for your home. Spectrum is also known for its reliability. One of our staff editors told us, “I had Spectrum for over a decade, and I rarely experienced outages, unlike with other providers.” If you’re in a family that loves using multiple devices and numerous services, you should consider Spectrum for an affordable and dependable no-contract internet solution.
What we like:
- Multiple plan choices and no data caps
- Quick speeds and affordable prices
- Expansive cable internet availability
What we don't like:
- Billing two weeks before and after the statement date is tedious
- Installation windows vary
Optimum (Budget Pick)
Optimum is an affordable no-contract internet provider that is ideal for budget-conscious consumers, especially for families that qualify for low-income internet discounts. With plans starting at $40 per month, Optimum provides low costs and quick speeds up to 8 Gbps through its cable and fiber internet network. Optimum doesn’t have the coverage of Spectrum or the speed of AT&T Fiber, but it offers a reasonable middle ground with a variety of internet plan speeds and services, such as mobile, home phone, and TV, for you to customize your internet package.
Testing a new internet service can feel like a risky roll of the dice, but we like how Optimum helps calm new customer fears with its 30-day money-back guarantee. Optimum also features unlimited data on its plans so you don’t have to worry about data caps and overage fees. If you’re looking for an internet provider that can provide a one-stop, no-contract shop for all your connectivity needs, Optimum could be the right ISP for you.
What we like:
- Fast fiber and cable internet speeds
- Free installation for online orders
- Unlimited data
What we don't like:
- Limited availability
- Plan offerings vary by location
Our Top No-Contract ISP Recommendations
| Details | BroadbandNow Top Pick | Next-Best No-Contract ISP | Budget Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provider name | AT&T Fiber | Spectrum | Optimum |
| Starting price | $55 per month | $49.99 per month | $40 per month |
| Download speeds (up to) | 5 Gbps | 1 Gbps | 8 Gbps |
| Installation fee | $99 | $65 | $99 to $149.99 |
| Equipment fee | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Data caps | No | No | No |
| Contracts | No | No | No |
| Bundle options | Home phone or mobile phone | TV, home phone, mobile phone, or security software | TV, mobile phone, or home phone |
| More info | View AT&T Fiber Deals | View Spectrum Deals | View Optimum Deals |
Why No-Contract Internet Could Be Right for You
No-contract internet plans are becoming increasingly popular. You may miss out on perks offered through contract-only plans, but there are plenty of reasons why finding a no-contract internet plan will suit your needs.
- You don’t need to worry about early termination fees (ETFs). When you enter into a contract with an internet service provider, you’ll be subject to early termination fees if you need to cancel your internet service. With a no-contract internet plan, you don’t have to worry about the fees.
- You can easily upgrade or downgrade your service. Changing your service in the middle of a contract can be a hassle. There are many reasons why you might need to change your service, whether you’re upgrading to meet increased internet needs or downgrading to reduce your budget. When you have a no-contract internet plan, you don’t have to worry about changing your plan to adjust to your needs.
- You have the flexibility of changing your internet provider. Similar to changing your internet plan, you also have the option to change your internet service provider without paying fees. Whether you’re moving or simply looking to get the best rates, finding a new ISP could be a requirement.
How We Chose Our Favorite No-Contract Internet Providers
Finding a no-contract internet plan may seem too good to be true —and in some cases, it might be. That’s why we narrowed down our list to the best in the business. We used the key factors below to choose our top picks.
- Availability: When selecting ISPs for our list, we prioritized evaluating each no-contract provider’s capability to ensure wide coverage. ISPs that extend their services across extensive areas of the United States hold greater appeal than those confined to specific states or regions.
- Speed: The speed of your internet connection plays a vital role in catering to the needs of your household’s activities and devices. A no-contract plan is great, but it has to provide adequate speeds. We ensured the no-contract providers on this list met the FCC’s updated broadband threshold of 100 Mbps download speed and 20 Mbps upload speed.
- Value: Internet is a necessary household utility that should provide services at a reasonable price for consumers, even if they forgo contracts. We looked for affordable no-contract internet options that cost between $40 and $80 per month. We also looked more favorably at internet providers that commonly offer perks and discounts with their plans.
- Reliability: An internet provider’s reliability hinges on its capacity to deliver consistent service around the clock. In compiling this list, we assessed the dependability of the providers by analyzing historical outage reports. We prioritized no-contract internet providers with a demonstrated history of delivering high-quality service.
- Reputation: Encountering an issue with your internet provider can be a huge headache. We prioritized providers with a history of high-quality customer service to ensure your no-contract provider can take care of your needs.
Methodology for Assessing Internet Providers
At the core of our assessment process lies the invaluable experience gained from direct interaction with internet providers. From initial setup to ongoing customer support, immersing ourselves in every facet allows for a comprehensive and unbiased evaluation. Our aim is to provide firsthand insights essential for making informed decisions no matter the ISP options available in your location. Our commitment to thoroughness extends beyond mere hands-on engagement.
In addition to our practical encounters, we meticulously curate data from reputable sources to rank no-contract providers. Leveraging reports and research from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and tapping into the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection enriches our understanding of ISPs. Collaborating directly with internet providers allows us to discover the latest information on plans, pricing, promotions, and availability.
Our dedicated data-collection team diligently uncovered hidden fees, price adjustments, and other pertinent details. Meanwhile, BroadbandNow Research delved deeper into ISP claims, generating tailored reports and forging partnerships with major broadband entities such as Microsoft and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to provide insightful perspectives on the broadband landscape. We also consulted esteemed entities such as the American Customer Satisfaction Index, J.D. Power, and the Better Business Bureau, complemented by direct user feedback, to capture a comprehensive view of customer experiences with no-contract internet providers.
Other No-Contract Internet Providers Worth Mentioning
Our top picks will fit most people, but some other ISPs offer no-contract options worth mentioning. Below are some other internet providers with no-contract plans.
- Google Fiber: Google Fiber doesn’t require a long-term contract with any of its plans. Not only is Google Fiber adding more cities to its fiber network every month, but it is also one of the fastest fiber internet providers in the U.S., with download speeds up to 8 Gbps. Google Fiber may not have the widest availability, but it’s a good option for a straightforward, no-nonsense internet plan without a contract.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: T-Mobile 5G Home Internet offers a no-contract internet solution with simple plan pricing and easy installation. With this no-contract ISP, you pay one price for one plan: $50 per month (with AutoPay) for download speeds between 33 Mbps and 245 Mbps.
- Cox: Some of Cox’s plans have a contract, but not all of them. It could still be a suitable option for your home if you’re looking for a no-contract internet plan. Cox offers fiber and cable internet connections, and its pricing is reasonable, especially for the starter plans, which begin at $30 per month. Cox even offers a StraightUp Internet plan that allows you to prepay for $50 per month for download speeds up to 100 Mbps — no deposit or credit check required.
- Brightspeed: Unlimited data plans on a fiber connection and without a contract may be on the menu if Brightspeed is available in your area. The provider features a simple pricing structure, starting at $49 per month, with all plans costing less than $100 per month.
- Starlink: Major satellite internet providers like Hughesnet tend to require a contract, but Starlink doesn’t have that policy. If you’re looking for an internet provider that offers service no matter where you live, Starlink is a good fit for speeds up to 220 Mbps.
Tips for Picking the Perfect No-Contract Internet Provider
When picking a no-contract internet provider, you need to consider several factors. So you don’t have to go it alone, we put together a few tips to help you choose the right no-contract provider for your household.
- Identify your family’s priorities. The best no-contract internet service provider for you depends on your household’s needs. Does your family play online games and stream on multiple TVs, or do they usually just browse social media and shop? Choose your plan speed based on what your family does most.
- Look for extra internet provider perks. Are you looking to get the most out of your internet provider? Some providers offer free routers, streaming subscriptions, and access to Wi-Fi hotspots just for joining. Sign up at the right time (usually at the beginning of the month) to get the most out of your no-contract internet provider.
- Read customer reviews and ratings. Research your internet provider on reputable websites before making your purchase. What have people in your city said about the ISP in question? You’ll always be free to change your provider later since you won’t be locked into a contract.
Frequently Asked Questions About No-Contract Internet Providers
Which internet provider offers the best no-contract internet plan?
We recommend AT&T Fiber as the best no-contract provider due to its extensive fiber internet network, blazing-fast speeds, and history of outstanding customer service. The best no-contract internet provider for your home, however, will depend on your specific needs and availability at your address.
How do I get out of my current internet provider contract?
In most cases, you must pay an early termination fee to get out of your contract early. Some providers, however, such as T-Mobile, will pay your ETF to allow you to switch to their service. Make sure to read all the fine print before you make the jump from one provider to another.
Are no-contract internet plans more expensive?
Typically, no-contract internet plans have slightly higher rates because you can leave at any moment. Internet providers tend to reward customers for committing long-term by providing a lower monthly rate, discounts on installation costs, and even special offers.
Why do internet providers require contracts?
From the ISP’s perspective, there are several benefits to long-term contracts. ISPs invest significantly in infrastructure and maintenance, and having revenue stability allows them to recover their investment. Contracts also help ISPs with operating efficiency and resource allocation. Lastly, contracts enable ISPs to maximize customer retention by securing a long-term commitment.