The Best Internet Deals With Free Equipment (2026)

• Switching to a plan that includes free equipment eliminates monthly rental fees, which typically range from $5 to $15 per month.
• Several top providers bundle a free modem and router for the duration of the promotional contract.
• Low-income households may qualify for government or provider assistance programs that provide discounted broadband with complimentary equipment.

The cost of internet can be a major burden on households, so it’s natural to want to find the best ways to save some money. Free equipment from major internet service providers (ISPs) is a great method to lower your monthly internet bill. The best internet deals with free equipment come from ISPs and subsidized assistance programs that waive standard monthly modem and router rental fees. We evaluated offers from national broadband companies to identify the most cost-effective hardware inclusions.

What Is an Internet Deal With Free Equipment?

An internet deal with free equipment is a promotional offer in which the service provider supplies the necessary modem, router, or gateway (a modem-router combo) at no additional monthly charge. Internet service providers charge an extra $5 to $15 per month, on average, to lease their hardware. For example, Spectrum charges $10 if you lease a Wi-Fi router from them. These fees can cost $60–$180 annually, and over a standard two-year contract, they add up to nearly $360 in out-of-pocket expenses. Waiving this equipment cost reduces the monthly expense of your home network.

Free Hardware Ownership vs. Waived Monthly Rental Fees

It’s common for promotional deals to waive the monthly rental fee instead of transferring device ownership to the customer. You use the provider’s modem and router for $0 per month, but you must return the hardware when you cancel or downgrade service. Outright hardware ownership applies primarily to prepaid wireless devices or specific promotional giveaways, such as Google Fiber’s Mesh Wi-Fi inclusion.

Promotional Internet Deals vs. Government Subsidy Programs

Promotional internet deals function as temporary marketing incentives, whereas federally funded government subsidy programs provide ongoing financial assistance. Providers offer commercial promotions to attract new customers, frequently bundling a free router for one to two years. Beyond commercial discounts, you can access numerous low-income internet options designed to bridge the digital divide for eligible households. Providers such as AT&T and Xfinity offer free equipment as part of their low-income plans.

Government assistance, such as the FCC Lifeline program, issues a $9.25 monthly discount to eligible low-income households for participating in internet plans. Unfortunately, Lifeline doesn’t include any discounts on equipment. However, non-profits and community organizations frequently supply qualifying families with refurbished routers and modems at absolutely no cost.

Eligibility Requirements for Discounted and Free Internet Plans

You generally qualify for discounted internet plans and free equipment through federal assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Supplemental Security Income. Internet service providers also maintain their own income-based tiers for residents who meet specific poverty guidelines. To enroll, you must submit documentation proving your household income falls below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or provide proof of active enrollment in a qualifying government program. Once approved, many of these subsidized tiers upgrade users to unlimited home internet plans that waive all data caps and include a high-speed Wi-Fi gateway for free, but this varies by provider.

Compare the Best Internet Deals With Free Equipment

Free equipment deals vary widely by provider and depend on the type of internet service. For example, satellite internet equipment is expensive, and no satellite providers offer free equipment, though they may offer discounts or promotions. Cable is the most common provider with free equipment, but even fiber and 5G Home Internet providers offer deals.

Below are the providers that offer free equipment, but eligibility may vary based on the plan you choose.

How to Eliminate Monthly Router Fees and Reduce Setup Costs

Customers eliminate ongoing monthly router fees through three primary methods:

• Purchasing compatible third-party hardware outright.
• Negotiating rate reductions with their current provider.
• Switching to a competitor offering waived equipment costs.

Purchasing a third-party modem and router pays for itself within 10 to 12 months. And when you purchase your own equipment, you can choose more high-end models than those provided through ISPs. Before you buy, verify third-party devices against the provider’s official compatibility list to ensure support for specific speed tiers. Subscribers pursuing new-customer internet promotions may receive zero-dollar setup fees and complimentary hardware leases.

Securing the Best Free Internet Equipment Offers

Securing the best internet equipment requires confirming the exact hardware included in the advertised base prices. Do your research to verify the exact duration of the promotional period before signing a contract so you don’t end up with surprise fees on your monthly bill. You also need to read the provider’s hardware return policy to understand the timeline and shipping methods required for returning leased equipment upon cancellation. Once you’ve narrowed down the internet providers with free equipment in your area, compare them to find the deal that works best for your household.

Frequently Asked Questions About Free Internet Equipment

What is the cheapest way to get Wi-Fi in my home without equipment fees?

The cheapest way to secure home Wi-Fi without hardware costs is to take advantage of internet deals targeted at new customers. Compare local internet providers that include a free wireless gateway in their flat monthly rate or waive the modem fee for the first 12 months. You can also purchase a new or refurbished, provider-compatible router outright to permanently eliminate monthly leasing charges.

Is the “free equipment” provided with cable internet truly free or just a temporary rental?

The hardware bundled with most cable internet promotions is a temporary rental and remains the provider’s property. The company waives the monthly fee during the initial promotional period, but you do not own the device. The equipment must be returned upon cancellation to avoid penalties for unreturned hardware.

What is the difference between free equipment and free installation?

Free equipment waives ongoing monthly hardware fees, whereas free installation waives the one-time professional setup charge.

Can I use my own router instead of taking the provider’s free equipment?

You can almost always choose to use your own compatible router instead of using the provider’s leased equipment. Many savvy switchers looking at internet deals prefer to connect their own high-performance mesh network systems for better whole-home Wi-Fi coverage. Using your own gear guarantees you will never face unreturned equipment fees if you decide to change providers in the future. You just have to check that the equipment you want is compatible with your internet provider and plan.

Is free government internet legitimate now that the ACP has ended?

Government-subsidized internet remains active through the federal Lifeline program following the termination of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Major internet service providers allow customers to apply the $9.25 monthly Lifeline benefit directly to discounted plans to lower monthly expenses.