The 5 Best No-Contract Internet Plans

The shortest term for which you can purchase internet is usually one month, since the billing cycle for internet service generally operates on a monthly basis. Since you have to make only a single payment to get one month’s worth of internet, these plans are generally referred to as no-contract, pay-as-you-go, or monthly internet plans.

If a full month still sounds like a long time, some mobile Wi-Fi hotspots offer service on a per-day basis. You can also make use of public Wi-Fi hotspots if there’s one close to your home.

No-contract plans are fairly close in price to comparable plans that require year-long contracts. ISPs that offer plans both with and without contracts generally offer a discount to customers who sign up for a contract, making their no-contract plans slightly more expensive. There are, however, many ISPs that have abandoned contracts altogether and these plans are sometimes cheaper than similar plans from other ISPs that require long-term contracts.

Google Fiber is the best no-contract internet service you can get, based on our research. There are no hidden fees or unexpected price hikes. The service is also superfast and reliable. The only downside is that Google Fiber is available in only a few cities, so if you don’t live in one of them, you’ll have to choose another provider.

Google Fiber has begun expanding its network once again, so although its reach is still very limited, some people will soon have Google Fiber available in their cities.

It’s hard to find no-contract internet plans in rural areas, particularly areas that have only satellite internet available. Satellite internet almost always requires a two-year contract, as well as the installation of expensive equipment.

One potential alternative to satellite internet is using mobile hotspots. Often you can set up a mobile hotspot using your cell phone. You can also purchase a dedicated mobile hotspot, independent of your phone plan. This requires both buying the device and paying for the data, so it’s a much bigger investment than simply setting up a hotspot on your phone.

Getting out of your internet contract typically requires you to pay an early termination fee (ETF) that’s dependent on how many months remain in your contract. These fees can be very high, which is why you should never enter into an internet contract lightly.

There is one way to get out of a contract without taking a financial hit. Some internet providers will pay your early termination fee (or, more often, reimburse you) if you switch to one of their plans. Of course, this means getting into another contract. But if you have to switch anyway, this can be a nice perk when choosing your new internet provider.

Here are a few important factors to make sure of when choosing a no-contract internet plan.

What you want from a no-contract internet plan:

• An internet speed that’s fast enough to meet your needs
• A monthly bill that fits your budget
• Minimal hidden costs or fees—or none at all
• A reliable connection type like cable or fiber

The most important thing in choosing a no-contract internet plan is selecting one that matches your internet speed needs. Avoiding long-term contracts can make your life easier, but not if it makes everyday tasks like work or school harder. No-contract internet plans can vary substantially in price and speed, so make sure that the one you choose fits your lifestyle.