See if you could pay less for home internet

• ✔ Compare plans side by side
• ✔ See speeds available in your area
• ✔ No cost to check

Why use SmartSave Hub

• Independent, free-to-use information
• No obligation — you decide whether to proceed
• Secure connection (HTTPS)
• Clear disclosure of how we are paid

How to lower your internet bill

Many households pay more than they need to because promotional pricing expired or their plan is faster than they use. A practical approach:

• Check your current bill for the plan name, speed, equipment rental fees and when any promo ended.
• Run a speed test at busy times to see what you actually get.
• Estimate the speed you need (see below).
• Check which providers and plans serve your exact address.
• Call your current provider's retention department with a competing offer — they can sometimes match it.
• Consider buying your own compatible modem/router if rental fees apply; confirm compatibility with the provider first.

How much speed do you need?

These are rough guidelines; needs vary with how many people and devices are online at once.

• Light use (email, browsing, one HD stream): often 25–100 Mbps is enough.
• Several people streaming and video calling: roughly 100–300 Mbps.
• Large households, frequent large uploads or 4K streaming on many screens: 300 Mbps–1 Gbps or more.
• For work-from-home video calls, upload speed matters — fiber usually offers matching upload and download.

Connection types compared

• Fiber: usually the fastest and most consistent, with high upload speeds, but not available everywhere.
• Cable: widely available and fast for downloads; upload speeds are usually lower.
• Fixed wireless and 5G home internet: simple setup and often no contract; speeds vary with signal and network load.
• DSL: slower, but sometimes the only wired option in some areas.
• Satellite: available almost anywhere; newer low-orbit services have improved latency, though equipment and monthly costs vary.

Fine print to check before switching

• Is the price promotional, and what is the regular rate afterwards?
• Is there a contract or early termination fee?
• Are there data caps or overage charges?
• Are equipment, installation or activation fees extra?
• Does the advertised price require autopay or paperless billing?
• Is there a price lock, and for how long?

Prices and availability vary by address, and plan terms change. Confirm details directly with the provider before you sign up.

Help for lower-income households

Some providers offer low-income internet plans, and some states or cities run their own programs. Eligibility rules vary, so ask providers directly about affordable plan options. SmartSave Hub is not affiliated with any government program.

How SmartSave Hub works

SmartSave Hub is an independent information and referral website. We write general guides to help you understand your options, and we link to or connect you with third-party companies that provide the actual products or services. We do not perform services, make loans, sell insurance or set prices.

We may be paid by partners when you click a link, submit a request or place a call through this site. That compensation can affect which partners appear, but it does not change the general guidance on this page. We do not list every company or offer available, so we encourage you to compare options independently, read each provider's terms and ask questions before you commit to anything.

Questions about this site? See our About page or Contact us.

Frequently asked questions