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View PackagesThese days, internet access is as essential as a phone line; however, not all providers are created equal. The best internet providers for seniors combine reliably fast speeds with affordable monthly prices.
Below, you'll find a variety of companies that offer low-cost internet with the speeds needed to browse the web and stream videos. We'll also take a closer look at federal programs that offer further internet discounts to qualifying individuals.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a phone with internet, check out our rundown of the best senior cell phone plans.
When choosing the best internet for seniors, we looked for the following criteria:
| Plan | Price | Speed | Contract requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity Performance Starter+ | $24.95 per month | 25 Mbps | 1 year required |
| T-Mobile Internet | $50 per month | 50 Mbps | None |
| AT&T Basic | $49.99 per month | 100 Mbps | None |
These are the least expensive plans offered by the three companies, but they aren’t the only plans or internet service providers available. There are a handful of companies, plans, and features beneficial to older adults. Here’s a highlight of what we like about each of our favorite internet providers.
Xfinity’s cost is $24.95 per month with a one-year commitment for Xfinity Performance Starter+.
Xfinity internet for seniors offers the most pricing variety, with its cheapest package costing just $19.99 per month and most expensive costing $299.95. The pricing increases as speeds increase. Faster speeds are more expensive, but necessary if you have multiple people using the same network. For older adults who may not have many people living with them, the less expensive internet plans will usually suffice.
Our favorite Xfinity plan is the Performance Starter+. Starting at $24.99 per month, it provides speeds of up to 25 Mbps. That certainly is not as fast as other plans on this list, but it will be enough for browsing the web, streaming audio, and streaming video on one device.
Xfinity has options for either do-it-yourself installation or professional installation. Each DIY starter kit comes with everything you need to set up your devices and activate your modem. If you think you’ll have questions or you just don’t want the responsibility, you can have an Xfinity technician come to your home and install everything for you. It takes between two and four hours, and costs an additional $89.99.
T-Mobile’s cost is $50 per month.
Widely known for the T-Mobile 55+ cell phone plans, the company also offers affordable internet. Similar to its cellular options, we love T-Mobile’s simplicity and affordability.
T-Mobile doesn’t offer an internet plan specifically for seniors — it offers only one plan total — but its internet plan impressed us with its simplicity. For starters, T-Mobile internet was super easy to set up. We simply plugged in the modem and walked through a setup prompt. Quickly had internet service.
Whereas other companies charge extra fees for modem rentals, activation, and installation, T-Mobile does not. The $50 you pay monthly covers equipment, and this fee is guaranteed to never go up.
A relative newcomer to home internet, T-Mobile does not yet provide service to the entire country, so you’ll want to check their website to see if they offer service in your area.
To learn more about this internet provider, check out our rundown of T-Mobile internet for seniors.
AT&T’s cost is $50 per month for AT&T Internet Basic.
AT&T prides itself on its solid customer service, and that’s one of the reasons it’s high on our list. There are multiple ways to get in touch with an AT&T representative, including a chatbox on the company’s website, a phone number, and an email address. For people unfamiliar with the inner workings of the internet, a customer service line with friendly representatives is imperative.
Another pro for AT&T is its bundle options for customers who want more than one service. If you’re looking for internet and television, for example, AT&T offers both and you can save money with a bundle. We go into more detail about bundling in our AT&T internet for seniors review.
AT&T also offers consistently fast internet speeds. Whether you live alone or have frequent guests who need to connect, AT&T has an appropriate connection speed for your needs. The cost of slower speeds is comparable to the cost of faster speeds, so we suggest erring on the faster side. With faster speeds, you’ll never hear your grandchild complain that their online game isn’t working!
Spectrum’s cost is $49.99 per month for speeds of up to 300 Mbps.
Spectrum internet for seniors is a solid option for older adults who want to steer clear of long-term contracts. Because the company offers internet packages with no contracts, you don’t have to worry about remembering to cancel the service ahead of time.
An additional benefit is Spectrum’s contract buyout option, which allows you to change your service provider without paying the entire contract or other hidden cancellation fees. Spectrum will cover up to $500 of an existing contract, a nice option if you want to switch service providers without waiting until your existing contract expires.
Spectrum offers only one internet package, so your choice will be very easy. Unlike companies that have different prices for different speeds, Spectrum’s one service price simplifies the purchasing process. Additionally, Spectrum internet subscribers get access to affordable cellular service. To learn more, read our guide to Spectrum cell phones for seniors.
CenturyLink’s cost is $65 per month for 940 Mbps speeds.
CenturyLink’s price-for-life program makes it another great option for older adults. By locking in a price, you can budget for your internet costs without worrying about unexpected price hikes.
I also like CenturyLink’s installation options. The company has both a do-it-yourself installation option and professional installation. Professional installation is an additional cost, but it may be a good option if you need more assistance with setup.
If you are looking for internet and phone service, CenturyLink offers a bundle that includes both. The bundle is a better bang for your buck since you get the highest internet speeds and phone service for $85 — just $20 more than CenturyLink’s fastest internet package. For older adults who need a landline, this is a way to save a little money in the long run.
To learn more about this provider, read our guide to CenturyLink internet for seniors.
Cox’s cost is $50 per month for 25 Mbps speeds.
Cox provides older adults with a wide range of internet options — from basic plans to plans with all the bells and whistles. Cox Internet Starter 10 is the company’s most affordable plan at $29.99, and it’s best for sending emails and surfing the web. The package also comes with McAfee internet security, which is great for older adults who are susceptible to cybercrime.
Cox is also known for its reliable service, something we all need from our internet provider. As the largest cable internet service provider in the U.S., you can almost guarantee Cox Internet will work when you need it. The company also offers 24-hour technical support, so you’ll always have someone to contact if you have an outage or other problem.
To learn more about this provider, check out our guide to Cox internet for seniors.
Below are just a few reasons older adults need to know about internet providers.
Whether you’re looking for a provider that offers plans with no contracts, one that has affordable pricing, or one that has high speeds, the companies on our list have all your needs covered. Older adults need an internet provider that allows them to connect with the outside world, and these providers do just that.
An internet connection should make your life easier rather than complicate it. Whether you need it to keep in touch with loved ones, stay on top of the news, or play some online games, signing on to the web can simplify things. What’s more, with any of the providers mentioned above, you can rest assured you’ll get your money’s worth.
To learn more about our favorite internet and cellular providers, check out our helpful guides:
As of 2023, there are internet providers that offer specialized plans or discounts for seniors; however, there are several that charge under $50 per month.
Low-income individuals receiving SSI can qualify for the FCC’s Lifeline program, which gives discounts on internet which may cover all of your costs.
While no two individuals will have the exact same needs, we recommend a person get internet with a minimum of 50 Mbps. This will allow multiple devices to stream video at once.
