Finding an internet provider in Washington, D.C. can be a challenge with so many options and plans to compare.

Residents looking for affordable internet have several choices, each offering different speeds and prices. Many internet connection types are available in Washington, D.C., including cable, fiber and 5G. In order to determine the internet speed you need, run an online speed test. If you’re unhappy with the results, consider upgrading to a higher-speed plan.

This guide reviews the top cheap internet providers available in the city, compares their plans and rates, and highlights key factors to consider when choosing a provider. Whether you need basic browsing or fast streaming, this overview covers what you need to know about internet options in the nation’s capital.

Top cheap internet service providers in Washington, D.C.

Several internet service providers offer affordable plans in Washington, D.C. The top options are ranked here from cheapest to most expensive based on starting prices:

Astound Broadband: Known for flexible pricing and no contractsXfinity: Offers low-cost starter plans with broad availabilityVerizon Fios: Delivers fast fiber-optic speeds with reliable serviceT-Mobile: Provides wireless internet with no annual contracts

These providers are chosen for their mix of price, speed and reliability, as well as their service coverage in Washington D.C.

Compare the best cheap internet providers in Washington, D.C.

Here are how the top cheap internet providers compare in Washington, D.C., in order of cheapest to most expensive.

Astound Broadband

Astound Broadband offers competitive prices and does not require annual contracts. This flexibility is appealing to renters or people who may not want long-term commitments. However, availability can be limited to specific neighborhoods. Astound offers cheap starting rates, but you should keep in mind that prices will increase after the promotional period ends.

Here is a quick look at some Astound plans offered in Washington, D.C.

300 Mbps Internet: Starts at $30 per month for download speeds up to 300 Mbps for one year.600 Mbps Internet: Starts at $45 per month for download speeds up to 600 Mbps for one year.1,000 Mbps Internet: Starts at $65 per month for download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps for three years.1,500 Mbps Internet: Starts at $85 per month for download speeds up to 1,5000 Mbps for three years.

Read our full Astound Broadband review.

*Prices based on ZIP code 20019. Plans and prices vary by service area and availability. Promotional rates reflect discounts for Autopay and paperless billing. Upload and download speeds are based on maximum. Actual speeds may vary.Xfinity

Xfinity is widely available throughout Washington, D.C. It is known for its range of plans and reliable cable connections. Customers often choose Xfinity for its lower-priced starter options and widespread network. However, some plans come with data caps and prices can rise after the first year.

Here is a quick look at some Xfinity plans offered in Washington, D.C.

Xfinity 300: Starts at $40 per month for download speeds of 300 Mbps, with a one-year price guarantee. One unlimited mobile line included for one year.Xfinity 500: Starts at $45 per month for download speeds of 500 Mbps, with a one-year price guarantee. One unlimited mobile line included for one year.Xfinity 1 Gig: Starts at $50 per month for download speeds of 1,000 Mbps, with a one-year price guarantee. One unlimited mobile line included for one year.Xfinity 2 Gig: Starts at $70 per month for download speeds of 2,000 Mbps, with a one-year price guarantee. One unlimited mobile line included for one year.

Read our full Xfinity internet review.

*Prices based on ZIP code 20019. Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include Autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.Verizon Fios

Verizon Fios uses a fiber-optic network, which provides fast and consistent internet speeds. It is popular for its reliability and customer satisfaction. Verizon’s plans are contract-free, but availability may depend on your address.

Verizon Fios 300: Starts at $49.99 per month for download and upload speeds of 300 Mbps and a three-year price guarantee.Verizon Fios 500: Starts at $74.99 per month for download and upload speeds of 500 Mbps and a four-year price guarantee.Verizon Fios 1 Gig: Starts at $89.99 per month for download and upload speeds of 1,000 Mbps and a five-year price guarantee.

Read our full Verizon Fios review.

Prices based on ZIP code 20019. Auto-pay and paperless billing discount included. Prices vary by location and are subject to change. T-Mobile

T-Mobile Home Internet is a wireless service using 5G and 4G LTE networks. It is easy to install and does not require a technician. T-Mobile’s plan is simple but may vary in speed depending on location and network congestion.

Here’s a quick look at some T-Mobile 5G plans offered in Washington, D.C.

T-Mobile Rely Home Internet: Starts at $50 a month for download and upload speeds up to 318 Mbps/56 Mbps.T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet: Starts at $60 a month for download and upload speeds of up to 415 Mbps/55 Mbps.T-Mobile All-In Home Internet: Starts at $70 a month for download speeds and upload of up to 415 Mbps/55 Mbps. Includes Wi-Fi Mesh Access Point for faster speeds.

Read our full T-Mobile home internet review.

*Plans and prices based on ZIP code 20019. Offers and prices may vary by service area and availability. Actual download and upload speeds vary.Which internet providers offer the cheapest internet in Washington, D.C.?

The most affordable providers in Washington D.C. ranked by starting price, are:

Astound Broadband: Plans start at $30 per month and range to $85 per month.Xfinity: Plans start at $40 per month and range to $70 per month.Verizon Fios: Plans start at $49.99 per month and range to $89.99 per month.T-Mobile 5G: Plans start at $50 per month and range to $70 per month.

Looking for cheap internet? Top cheap internet providers of 2025.

*Plans and prices based on ZIP code 20019. Offers and prices may vary by service area and availability. Actual download and upload speeds vary.What are the fastest internet options in Washington, D.C.?

Download speed is important for activities like streaming, video calls and gaming. Faster speeds allow more devices to connect and use data at the same time.

Providers ranked by the fastest available download speeds:

Xfinity 2 Gig: Download speeds up to 2,000 Mbps. Cable connection.Astound Broadband 1.5 Gig: Download speeds up to 1,500 Mbps. Cable connectionVerizon Fios 1 Gig: Download and upload speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. Fiber connectionT-Mobile All-In: download speeds and upload of up to 415 Mbps/55 Mbps. 5G connection.*Plans and prices based on ZIP code 20019. Offers and prices may vary by service area and availability. Actual download and upload speeds vary.How to choose an internet service provider in Washington, D.C.

When selecting an internet provider, consider these factors:

Availability: Check which providers offer service at your addressSpeed: Pick a plan that matches your online activitiesPrice: Compare monthly costs and feesContract terms: Understand if a contract is requiredCustomer service: Research provider reputation and support optionsWhat types of internet are available in Washington, D.C.?

Internet connection types in Washington D.C. include:

Cable: Uses coaxial cables, widely available, speeds varyFiber-optic: Uses glass fibers, offers high speeds and reliability5G/4G LTE: Wireless home internet, provided by T-MobileAre there any special programs for affordable internet in Washington, D.C.?

Several providers offer special programs that offer cheap internet to qualifying households.

Xfinity Internet Essentials: Starts at $14.95 a month for download speeds of 75 Mbps, or $29.95 a month for download speeds of 100 Mbps. Must meet eligibility requirements.Verizon Forward: Starts at $20 a month for qualifying Verizon 5G and Verizon Fios plans.Astound Internet First: Starts at $9.95 per month for download speeds of 50 Mbps and $19.95 per month for download speeds of 150 Mbps. First three months free for new customers.

Contributing: Lisa Iscrupe, Hannah Whatley, Allconnect

This article was edited with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. Learn more about Gannett’s AI guidelines and policy here.