Best ways to save money on your internet bill

Your Wi-Fi bill may have gone up for myriad reasons. Maybe you had a promotional price that expired, or your provider raised your rates after your initial contract was up.

If your Wi-Fi is suddenly more expensive than before, you should review your bill and compare it to the previous months to see when it went up and what the charges are. It's good practice to make checking your bill part of your routine. That will ensure you aren’t overpaying for unnecessary services, speed or equipment.

There are ways to save on your internet and get your prices back down. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Know your internet costs

Regularly reviewing your bill and comparing it to local rates is key to saving on internet costs.

The average broadband bill is $67.57 a month, according to Today Testing. Your bill may differ depending on your location, internet speed and local competition. Areas with fewer options or a higher cost of living typically have above-average internet prices.

Here are other ways to lower your internet costs.

8 easy ways to get a lower internet bill

1. Decrease your internet speed

A sure way to cut your bill is by lowering your internet speed. If you have a high-speed plan of 1 Gbps or more, you may be able to downgrade your plan speed without noticing a drop in performance. 

Before changing your internet plan, make sure you understand the speeds you need. Consider these factors before you go ahead and lower your internet speed:

• If you have fewer than five connected devices, you're fine on 100 Mbps. 
• If you have up to 10 connected devices, speeds of 100 to 300 Mbps should be enough to support most online activities, including gaming or streaming. 
• If you have 10 to 20 devices running multiple high-speed activities, opt for 300 to 800 Mbps. But if your household has more than 20 devices, stick with 1 Gbps. 

2. Get rid of optional add-ons

New customer internet promotions often include free equipment or services. After the trial period ends, you’ll start getting charged for it. The following list highlights hidden add-ons and their average costs.

• Whole-home Wi-Fi ($15 to $20 per month): A whole-home Wi-Fi upgrade usually includes Wi-Fi extenders that boost the signal throughout your home. You might not need this. Disconnect your extenders and run a speed test. If your internet speed is still strong, consider changing your plan to just standard Wi-Fi.
• Security applications or premium technical support ($5 to $20 per month):  You might be able to find cheaper antivirus and technical support from other companies outside of your provider. And you may not need technical support every month, which wouldn't make it worth paying for.
• Mobile lines ($15 to $40 per month): Free or discounted mobile service included in new customer bundles can cost extra once the promotion ends.
• Home phone ($10 to $25 per month): You likely don't use a landline anymore, but the service may be included in bundle packages. Review your package to see if a landline is included and drop the coverage if you don't use it.
• TV or streaming services ($5 to $30 per month): Additional streaming options or free basic TV packages might come with additional fees. Getting rid of TV and the accompanying equipment is another way to cut costs.

3. Buy your own equipment

Most providers send you equipment, like a modem or router, but you should check if they allow you to supply your own. If they do, you could shave around $10 to $15 off your bill. When providers send you equipment, you're technically renting it from them, which is why it's added on as a monthly cost. But companies like Xfinity and Spectrum allow you to buy your own. Just make sure you purchase the correct equipment. An incompatible router may slow down your wireless speeds. 

Before you decide to do this, keep in mind that if you use your own modem or router, your internet provider may not offer technical support. But if you're tech-savvy and think you can handle troubleshooting on your own, it may be worth the monthly cost of your internet bill.

4. Cut bundle packages or bundle your services

Depending on your situation, bundling or unbundling your services can result in cheaper internet. If you combine your plans under one company, you may score a discount. T-Mobile, for instance, offers $15 off your monthly home Wi-Fi plan when you bundle with mobile service.

On the other hand, if you rarely use the service that's included in your bundle, like a landline or a streaming service you don't watch, dropping the bundled package can help lower your bill.

5. Negotiate your price and ask about discounts

Negotiating your rate with your internet provider is worth a shot. Before you reach out, it's a good idea to check what competitors are offering for similar internet packages so that you can mention what rates you are able to pay. Call the customer support line to ask how to lower your bill. A representative may be able to review your bill and discuss with you what can drop to save money. Or they may offer retention rates if you are at risk of ending your service. If you’ve been with the provider for a while, you may be able to ask for a loyalty discount.

6. Get assistance with your internet bill

You may be able to get assistance on your internet bill, depending on if you qualify based on different requirements. For example, a provider may offer affordable plans to customers that are already enrolled in qualifying assistance programs, like Medicaid, VA pension, public housing assistance and more. Many major providers offer cheap or free internet for qualifying customers, including: Xfinity, Spectrum, AT&T, Verizon Fios and T-Mobile. Check with internet providers in your area for discounted plans for low-income families. 

7. Change internet providers

If you can't seem to get your rates down with the above steps, consider switching internet providers. Many companies offer new customer discounts and price guarantees for 12 months or more. Just keep in mind that your rates will go up after the offer ends.

Before switching, compare plan prices and customer reviews of different providers. Check what they charge for equipment, installation and activation. Also read over the small print so you can be wary of any extra fees. If you go through with changing providers, make sure you return your equipment so you don't get an extra bill. Also, be sure to check for early termination fees with your current provider — some companies offer to cover these fees when you switch. 

8. Manage your data usage

Many internet plans limit how much data you can use in a month. If you go over that limit, you'll be charged extra fees. Make sure you monitor your usage so you avoid the charges. If you're constantly exceeding your plan's data limits, consider reducing data-heavy activities like online gaming.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the cheapest internet available?

The cheapest internet you can get will depend on factors like your location and the providers that are available in your area. The average cost of internet is typically around $60 to $70 a month.

How much should I pay for internet per month?

Where you live, what internet speed you have and your internet provider will all impact the price of your internet. If you find that you're internet bill is above your means, consider lowering your internet speed, dropping add-ons or switching insurance providers.

Why is my internet bill so high?

Your internet bill might be high because you're paying for a variety of reasons. Maybe you're paying for high-speed internet or your plan has add-ons or your provider raised rates after a promotion expired.

Contributing: Lisa Iscrupe and Hannah Whatley, Allconnect