Best Internet for Seniors in 2024
AT&T Fiber checks off the box for its fast and reliable internet, along with excellent customer service.
Seniors use the internet as an essential tool just like everyone else, which is why we’ve chosen the best internet service providers (ISPs) that address their unique online needs. Whether it’s paying bills electronically or attending virtual medical appointments, seniors rely on the internet now more than ever. Of all the ISPs we’ve evaluated, AT&T Fiber, Xfinity, and Spectrum are the best options for seniors based on speed, value, availability, reliability, and reputation.
BroadbandNow Bottom Line
While AT&T Fiber, Xfinity, and Spectrum all offer bundle plans, AT&T Fiber comes out on top because of its affordable pricing and award-winning customer service. With plans starting as low as $55 per month paired with ongoing deals, AT&T Fiber is the best choice for seniors.
Navigating the Best Internet Providers for Seniors
- AT&T Fiber (BroadbandNow Top Pick)
- Xfinity (Best Bundling ISP)
- Spectrum (Budget Pick)
- Our Top Internet Provider Recommendations for Seniors
- How We Chose Our Favorite Internet Providers for Seniors
- Methodology for Assessing Internet Providers
- Other Internet Providers Worth Mentioning
- How to Pick the Perfect Internet Provider for Your Home
- Frequently Asked Questions About Internet Providers for Seniors
AT&T Fiber (BroadbandNow Top Pick)
Unlike Xfinity and Spectrum, which are primarily cable internet providers, AT&T Fiber is our favorite choice for seniors. Its plans are affordable and it delivers consistent, symmetrical download and upload speeds thanks to its fiber connection. Internet-only plans start as low as $55 per month with Autopay and include a modem with Wi-Fi so you don’t have to pay additional equipment fees.
Speeds are as low as 300 Mbps, which is more than enough to handle normal internet tasks, such as paying bills online and sending emails. Plus, customers have shared that AT&T Fiber is reliably fast even when the power shuts off and there are minimal delays or buffering. My great-uncle, who’s in his 70s, shared his experience with AT&T’s internet service, saying, “What I like about AT&T Fiber is that it doesn’t go out randomly like when I had cable.”
Aside from speed and price, AT&T’s customer service has ranked first in customer satisfaction every year. Although Xfinity doesn’t fall too far behind in the survey, AT&T has proven to be responsive and knowledgeable about every issue as soon as it comes up. Whether you need to call someone directly, chat online, or find a support video, AT&T is there when customers need assistance. Seniors who want budget-friendly internet with fast connection speeds and good customer service will find that AT&T Fiber is a great choice.
What we like
- Low-cost internet plans
- Reliable fiber internet connection
- Award-winning customer service
What we don't like
- Limited fiber availability
Xfinity (Best Bundling ISP)
What makes Xfinity a standout internet provider for seniors is its affordable internet-only plans and bundles that include TV, phone, or both. Generally, cable internet has a good balance of fast internet and affordable pricing, and Xfinity is no exception. Its cheapest internet-only plan starts at $30 per month, a great deal when comparing it to the price of satellite or DSL internet.
Unlike AT&T, Xfinity’s bundles provide greater value; download speeds are faster but the price remains relatively low. Combined with other deals, this is a great option that allows seniors to get the services they need without breaking the bank. Xfinity is best for seniors who want the option to bundle their internet with phone or TV services — an all-in-one package.
What we like
- Affordable cable internet
- Wide variety of bundling options
- Great benefits for qualifying individuals
What we don't like
- Data caps on select plans
Spectrum (Budget Pick)
Like Xfinity, Spectrum is a cable internet provider, which means it’s available in more states and cities than fiber internet providers. This is ideal for seniors who live in less-populated areas, as Spectrum might be the only wired internet option available. While Spectrum doesn’t offer a wide variety of bundles like Xfinity, that could be a good thing for seniors who don’t want to overcomplicate their options. Editor Andrew Cole said, “Spectrum is great for my wife’s 92-year-old grandmother because it supports her medical alert and home security systems, as well as offers cable access for her to keep track of sports.”
Spectrum also offers its own low-income internet program called Spectrum Internet Assist. Seniors are eligible to sign up if they already participate in a government program such as the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP, and the Supplemental Security Income.
Applying is also easy because it’s online. With Spectrum Internet Assist, qualified individuals get a free modem, no data caps, and no contracts. If neither AT&T Fiber nor Xfinity are viable options due to availability or budget, then Spectrum is another internet provider worth considering because of its widespread coverage, simple phone and TV packages, and low-income discounts.
What we like
- No modem fees
- No data caps
- Widespread availability
What we don't like
- Mediocre customer service
Our Top Internet Provider Recommendations for Seniors
| Details | BroadbandNow Top Pick | Best Bundling ISP | Budget Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet provider | AT&T Fiber | Xfinity | Spectrum |
| Starting price | $55 per month | $30 per month | $49.99 per month |
| Download speeds (up to) | 5 Gbps | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
| Current promotion | $150 Visa Reward Card for subscribing to AT&T Fiber Internet 1000 or higher | Up to $30 monthly discount for 24 months when bundling Xfinity Mobile and Xfinity internet | TV and internet bundles include a Disney+ Basic subscription and a free Xumo Stream Box for 6 months |
| Low-income discount | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Activation fee | None | None | $35 (self-install) |
| Installation fee | $99 | $39.99 (self-install), $100 (professional) | $65 |
| Equipment fee | None | $15 per month | $5 per month |
| Contracts | No | Yes | No |
| Data caps | No | 1.2 TB | No |
| Bundle options | Home phone or mobile phone | TV, home phone, mobile phone, or home security | TV, home phone, or security software |
| More info | View AT&T Fiber Deals | View Xfinity Deals | View Spectrum Deals |
How We Chose Our Favorite Internet Providers for Seniors
For seniors, it’s not always about picking an internet provider with the fastest speeds or the cheapest plans. Saving money wherever and whenever you can while getting the most out of your internet plan is the ideal end result. Many ISPs offer plenty of opportunities for savings, but only a handful are one step ahead of the competition. We took the following key factors into consideration when finalizing our top picks:
- Availability: Finding an internet provider that services your area is crucial. It doesn’t make sense to recommend an ISP with limited coverage. Availability also depends on the ISP’s connection types, so when you weigh your plan options and find that there are two different connections (e.g., cable vs. fiber), it’s much more likely that you live within the provider’s cable internet service area due to its preexisting infrastructure. That’s not to say fiber is hard to come by, as it’s continually expanding, so we took into consideration the ISPs that offer both broadband types in most states and cities.
- Speed: Depending on your online activities, your internet speed will determine whether you’ll be able to stream movies in 4K without any buffering or download large files in a short period of time. The Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, defines the benchmark speed for broadband as 100 Mbps download / 20 Mbps upload. We only chose ISPs that not only exceed this benchmark but also offer a wide range of speeds for their internet plans. This provides more options, and you’ll also have the ability to downgrade or upgrade your plan.
- Value: It goes without saying that the best way to save is by bundling your internet plan with TV and phone services. Seniors who want to avoid the hassle of searching for a separate TV or phone provider will find that many ISPs offer more than just internet plans. You’ll find bigger savings from bundle promotions, which may include a discounted monthly rate for your services or free equipment. We also looked into ISPs with low-income and senior discounts or programs that help alleviate the rising costs of newer technology.
- Reliability: Consistent connection and optimal speed shape the quality of your online experience. Because of that, we made sure the ISPs we chose are ones that have had customers reporting minimal lag, latency, and outages. We also referenced reports of users who experienced consistent service throughout the day. For this list, our favor leaned toward ISPs with a proven track record of reliable internet service.
- Reputation: One of the deal breakers of choosing and sticking with an ISP is its customer satisfaction. We liked ISPs that offer multiple channels of communication and have a quick turnaround for responses. Our favorite ISPs are the ones that put a lot of effort behind their customer service team.
Methodology for Assessing Internet Providers
Our team has tested countless internet service providers — including the ones mentioned above — and collaborated with seniors that we know to compare their experiences with each other. However, we don’t rely on just that when we make recommendations. When determining which internet service provider is best for seniors, we draw on BroadbandNow’s vast data set, which we collect from both the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection and our in-house team of data collection experts. Since 2016, we’ve been utilizing this data, which includes exhaustive pricing information, precise availability maps, and thousands of individual reviews written by real customers.
We also have a dedicated BroadbandNow Research team that produces survey-backed pieces on topics related to broadband availability, expansion, and the digital divide. Finally, we work directly with internet service providers to obtain the latest information on promotions and deals. When we recommend an internet service provider, we’re not just saying that it worked well for us; we’re saying that it worked well for internet customers just like you.
Other Internet Providers Worth Mentioning
The providers listed below also have some valuable benefits that are great for seniors, despite some drawbacks that make them less ideal than our choices listed above. This can be due to reasons such as availability or additional services that may be better suited for a different use case.
- CenturyLink: CenturyLink offers its internet plans with no contracts at a fixed price, meaning there’s no need to worry about price increases in the future. It also offers its consumer assistance programs. Qualifying CenturyLink customers have access to support programs such as Lifeline and the Telephone Assistance Program (TAP). While it offers fiber internet plans, its speeds haven’t been consistent across the board.
- Hughesnet: Although its plans are pricey compared to fiber and cable internet providers, HughesNet provides excellent coverage for individuals living in remote or rural areas. A two-year contract is required when purchasing, but it’s well worth having satellite internet in your home when other internet options are limited.
- Optimum by Altice: One of few internet providers that offers no-contract internet plans, Optimum by Altice provides internet plans with adequate speed. Its plans come with unlimited data, allowing you to surf the internet without fear of data overage fees. However, it doesn’t have a strong reputation for keeping current customers happy, as some reported experiencing slow speeds after being with the provider for some time.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: T-Mobile 5G Home Internet offers one plan with one price and no hidden fees. While we do like that, it’s limited in not only alternative internet plans but also speeds, which are dependent on various factors. It’s still a great alternative if you live in a rural area with no access to wired internet providers.
- Verizon Fios: As a fiber internet provider, Verizon Fios offers lightning-fast gigabit speeds, but the downside is its availability. Plans with faster speeds are also more expensive, which may deter folks who are looking for gigabit internet on a budget.
How to Pick the Perfect Internet Provider for Your Home
With so many ISPs offering discounts and deals, it can be overwhelming for seniors who are looking for a simple, affordable internet plan. Although there are many things to consider when deciding which provider is the best option, there are a few important tips.
- Bundle your TV and phone services for additional savings. While low-cost internet plans are already affordable, some internet providers offer the option to bundle internet with TV and/or phone services. By combining your internet plan with a TV and/or phone plan, you’ll save extra money down the road and even qualify for certain benefits with some ISPs.
- Set up automatic payments. These days, paying your internet bill is as easy as turning on automatic payments. With most internet providers, internet plans are offered at promotional rates if they’re purchased with auto pay. Not only can seniors receive discounts, but they’ll never have to worry about late payments.
- Keep track of contracts. If your internet plan comes with a contract, you’ll need to be wary of its terms and policies. Internet providers may sell plans at promotional rates and then set the price back to its regular rate. Canceling a contract early could subject you to an early termination fee, so be sure to read the fine print before committing to an internet provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Internet Providers for Seniors
What is the best internet service for seniors?
Based on our experience, AT&T Fiber is the top internet service provider for seniors. Its low-cost internet plans provide a reliable connection and come with great customer service. If AT&T Fiber isn’t available in your area, Xfinity or Spectrum are the best alternatives.
How can seniors get free internet service?
Certain providers allow you to apply Lifeline benefits to your internet plan if you qualify. Although not entirely free, these benefits lower the cost of your phone or internet service.
What internet providers offer discounts for seniors?
Some providers offer discounts on internet plans for seniors and low-income households in accordance with select programs. AT&T, Xfinity, and Spectrum offer discounted services for qualifying participants. Other internet providers offering discounts for seniors include CenturyLink, Hughesnet, and Optimum by Altice.
How can seniors lower their internet bill?
Aside from applying for government programs designed for seniors or low-income households, seniors have the ability to negotiate their internet plan with their provider. This is only possible if you’ve been a loyal customer, but it’s not always guaranteed. An alternative is to downgrade your plan, especially if you’re getting more than you need for your budget.
Do AARP members get internet discounts?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was the best option for most seniors, including AARP members, to get internet discounts. However, April 2024 is the last fully funded month before the program shuts down.