Best No-Contract Internet Providers for 2023

AT&T Fiber offers quick speeds and amazing prices without the need for a contract.

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Last Updated: Dec 19, 2023

Internet 300
$55/month

Speeds up to
300 Mbps
*Not all internet speeds available in all areas.
Connection
Fiber

Spectrum Internet®
$49.99/month

Speeds up to
300 Mbps
*Not all internet speeds available in all areas.
Connection
Cable

Home Internet w/ Autopay
$60/month

Speeds up to
33-245 Mbps
*Not all internet speeds available in all areas.
Connection
Fixed Wireless


 

Are you concerned about getting stuck in a lengthy contract just to stay connected to the online world? These days, you don’t have to worry nearly as much. Many internet plans don’t require a contract, meaning you can have the freedom to move, transfer your service, and search for the best deal without fear of cancellation fees.

However, with so many options, picking the right fit for your needs can be challenging. That’s why we’re here. We analyzed countless internet providers to compile this list of the best no-contract internet providers based on availability, speed, value, reliability, and reputation.
 

AT&T Fiber (BroadbandNow Top Pick)


Starting at
$55/month
Speeds up to
300 Mbps
*Not all internet speeds available in all areas.

 

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. Plus, AT&T’s fiber network footprint is continuously growing, keeping it at the forefront of fiber technology.

AT&T Fiber provides customers immense value due to its low prices and super-fast speeds. AT&T Fiber internet starts at just $35 per month and reaches symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps. With no data caps or price hikes, this deal is hard to beat.

AT&T also has a long history of excellence in customer service. In 2022, J.D. Power ranked AT&T as the best ISP in the South and West regions of the U.S., while the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) placed AT&T Fiber above all other internet providers in 2023, with a score of 80 out of 100 points.

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.

Why We Like AT&T Fiber for No-Contract Internet

  • Extensive fiber internet network
  • Wide selection of fiber internet plans
  • Frequent sign-up perks and bonuses

 

Spectrum (The Next Best No-Contract ISP)


Starting at
$49.99/month
Speeds up to
300 Mbps
*Not all internet speeds available in all areas.

 

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 it’s a cable internet provider, Spectrum can achieve download speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is more than enough for medium or even large 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 an exceptional value.

While other providers focus only on internet, Spectrum offers numerous home services, each without a contract, including TV, home phone, and mobile phone services. That means you can put all your essential services on one bill without the headache of having to keep up with multiple providers, some of which may have contracts.

Beyond these facets, 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. So, no matter where you live, you’ll probably be able to get Spectrum for your home.

If you’re in a family that loves using multiple devices and numerous services, you might consider Spectrum for an affordable and dependable no-contract internet solution.

Why We Like Spectrum for No-Contract Internet

  • Multiple plan choices and no data caps
  • Quick speeds and affordable prices
  • Expansive cable internet availability

 

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet (The Best New No-Contract ISP)


Starting at
$60/month
Speeds up to
33-245 Mbps
*Not all internet speeds available in all areas.

 

Maybe you’re looking for an alternative to these major wired internet providers. If so, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet offers an innovative no-contract internet solution with simple plan pricing, easy installation, and an excellent customer service history. With T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, you pay one price for one plan: $50 per month (with AutoPay) for download speeds between 33 Mbps and 245 Mbps. That’s it. No looking for different speeds or prices. You get everything you need for one low price.

Unlike other providers like AT&T and Spectrum, when you order T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, T-Mobile ships a gateway device straight to your home, where you can plug it in, set it up, and start browsing in as little as 15 minutes. It’s simple, straightforward, and lacks all the monthly fees and commitments you’ll find from other providers. Whether you live in a city, suburb, or rural area, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is available almost everywhere.

With all this simplicity and streamlining, customers have taken notice as well. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet took the top spot in the ACSI ISP satisfaction benchmarks for non-fiber providers in 2023 for customer service and Wi-Fi quality.

If your home doesn’t need the speeds of gigabit cable or fiber internet, we recommend T-Mobile 5G Home Internet as a great no-contract internet solution that promises flexibility, affordability, and plenty of speed to keep your household streaming, browsing, and shopping seamlessly.

Why We Like T-Mobile Internet 5G Home Internet for No-Contract Internet

  • One plan, one price
  • Plug-and-play installation
  • No monthly fees or data caps

 

Other No-Contract Home Internet Providers

While our top picks will fit most people, some other ISPs offer no-contract options worth mentioning. Here are some other internet providers with no-contract plans:

  • Google Fiber: Google Fiber doesn’t require a long-term contract on any of its plans. Not only is Google Fiber adding more cities to its fiber network every month, but it is one of the fastest fiber internet providers in the U.S., with download speeds up to 8 Gbps. Google Fiber might not have the widest availability, but it’s a good option for a straightforward, no-nonsense internet plan without a contract.
  • Optimum: Optimum is another affordable no-contract internet provider that is ideal, especially for families that qualify for low-income internet discounts. With plans starting at $40 per month, Optimum provides low costs and quick speeds through its cable and fiber internet network.
  • Cox: Even though some of Cox’s plans have a contract, not all of them do, so 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 $49.99 per month. Plus, 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, no credit check required.

 

Why Pick a No-Contract Internet Provider?

While no-contract internet plans are becoming increasingly popular, there are a few potential drawbacks that you need to keep in mind related to pricing, perks, and other factors. Before you dive headfirst into a no-contract internet plan, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of no-contract internet to see if it’s right for you:

Pros Cons
  • No early-termination fees (ETFs)
  • Flexibility to change provider
  • Easier to upgrade your service
  • Higher monthly costs
  • More limited plan options
  • Miss out on perks offered only to contract-based plans

Tips for Picking the Perfect No-Contract Internet Provider

When picking your no-contract internet provider, you need to consider several factors. Instead of going 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 choice for you depends on the needs of your household. 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 enjoys doing most.
  • Look for extra internet provider perks. Are you looking to get the most out of your provider? Some internet 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 from reputable websites before making your purchase. What have people said in your city about the ISP in question? That said, you’ll always be free to change your provider later, because you won’t be in 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. However, the best no-contract internet provider for your home 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, customers must pay an ETF to get out of the contract early. However, some providers, such as T-Mobile, will pay your ETF to allow you to switch to their service. Make sure to read all the fine print, though, 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 having a long-term contract with customers. 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.