Detroit has seen rapid changes in internet service options over recent years, offering residents a range of choices from traditional cable to fast 5G home internet. With more people working, studying and streaming from home, reliable and affordable internet is a growing priority.

The city’s major providers have responded by expanding coverage and introducing low-cost plans for homes across Detroit. While some neighborhoods have access to fiber or gigabit speeds, others rely on 5G or cable connections. Residents often have to compare prices, speeds and plan features to match their needs. Understanding the differences between providers and plans can help Detroiters find the most affordable and reliable internet for their households.

This guide compares Xfinity, T-Mobile, Verizon 5G and AT&T. Whether you are looking for the lowest price or fastest speeds, here is what you need to know about cheap internet in Detroit.

Top cheap internet service providers in Detroit, MI

Detroit has a mix of cable, fiber and 5G home internet services. The top cheap providers in the city are Xfinity, T-Mobile, Verizon 5G and AT&T. These were selected for their availability, plan variety and pricing. Here they are ranked from cheapest to most expensive starting price:

XfinityT-MobileVerizon 5GAT&T

Xfinity offers the lowest starting price, while AT&T’s fiber plans are priced higher but provide fast speeds. All four providers have coverage across most Detroit neighborhoods.

Compare the best cheap internet providers in Detroit, MIXfinity

Xfinity is a major cable internet provider in Detroit. It offers a range of plans including low-cost options with flexible speeds. Xfinity is known for widespread availability and frequent discounts.

Here’s a quick look at Xfinity provider plan options in Detroit:

Xfinity 300: Starts at $40 a month for download speeds of 300 Mbps with a 1-year price guarantee. No contract, unlimited data, Wi-Fi equipment and one Xfinity Unlimited mobile line included for 12 months.Xfinity 500: Starts at $45 a month for download speeds of 500 Mbps with a 1-year price guarantee. No contract, unlimited data, Wi-Fi equipment and one Xfinity Unlimited mobile line included for 12 months.Xfinity 1 Gig: Starts at $50 a month for download speeds of 1,000 Mbps with a 1-year price guarantee. No contract, unlimited data, Wi-Fi equipment and one Xfinity Unlimited mobile line included for 12 months. Two years of a Peacock Premium subscription also included.Xfinity 1.2 Gig: Start at $70 a month for download speeds of 1,200 Mbps with a 1-year price guarantee. No contract, unlimited data, Wi-Fi equipment and one Xfinity Unlimited mobile line included for 12 months. Two years of a Peacock Premium subscription also included.

Read our full Xfinity internet review

*Prices and plans based on ZIP code 48202. 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 5G

Verizon 5G Home Internet uses wireless 5G technology to bring broadband to Detroit homes. No contracts are required and the monthly price includes equipment fees.

Here’s a quick look at Verizon 5G provider plan options in Detroit:

Verizon 5G Home: Starting at $50* a month for download speeds of up to 300 Mbps, with unlimited data and 1080p HD video streaming included.Verizon 5G Home Plus: Starting at $60* a month for download speeds of up to 500 Mbps, with unlimited premium data and 1080p HD video streaming included.Verizon 5G Home Ultimate: Starting at $75* a month for download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps, unlimited premium data, Ultra HD 4K streaming, Whole-Home Wi-Fi** (one Wi-Fi Extender) and a free router upgrade after three years included.

Read our full Verizon 5G review

*Prices and plans based on ZIP code 48224. For new and existing myHome customers. Available on 5G Ultra Wideband high-band or mmWave spectrum. Applies only to the then-current base monthly rate exclusive of any other setup and additional equipment charges. Auto-pay and paperless billing discount included. Prices vary by location and are subject to change. Actual speeds may vary. 5G Home Internet plans vary depending on address/location, equipment, network connection, and external factors affecting cellular networks.T-Mobile

T-Mobile Home Internet offers fixed wireless service using its 5G network. Plans are simple with one flat rate and no annual contracts.

Here’s a quick look at T-Mobile provider plan options in Detroit:

T-Mobile Rely Home Internet: Starting at $50* a month for download speeds of 133 – 415 Mbps (5G) and upload speeds of 12 – 55 Mbps (5G). Includes unlimited data, a 5-year price guarantee and 5G gateway.T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet: Starting at $60* a month for download speeds of 133 – 415 Mbps (5G) and upload speeds of 12 – 55 Mbps (5G). Includes unlimited data, 5-year price guarantee, high-performance 5G gateway, cyber security and 24/7 live interactive assistance.T-Mobile All-In Home Internet: Starting at $70* a month for download speeds of 133 – 415 Mbps (5G) and upload speeds of 12 – 55 Mbps (5G). Includes unlimited data, 5-year price guarantee, high-performance 5G gateway, cyber security, 24/7 live interactive assistance, Wi-Fi Mesh Access Point, Hulu (with ads) and Paramount+ Essential plan.

Read our full T-Mobile 5G home internet review

*Plans and prices may vary by service area and availability. Actual download and upload speeds vary.AT&T

AT&T provides both DSL and fiber internet in Detroit. Its fiber plans deliver some of the fastest speeds in the area. Pricing is straightforward and includes unlimited data on fiber plans.

Here’s a quick look at AT&T fiber plan options in Detroit:

AT&T Internet 300: $55 per month for download and upload speeds of up to 300 Mbps (fiber).AT&T Internet 500: $65 per month for download and upload speeds of up to 500 Mbps (fiber).AT&T Internet 1 Gig: $65 per month for download and upload speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps (fiber). Special offer.AT&T Internet 2 Gig: $125 per month for download and upload speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps (fiber).AT&T Internet 5 Gig: $155 per month for download and upload speeds of up to 5,000 Mbps (fiber).

Read our full AT&T home internet review

Disclaimer: Prices and plans based on ZIP code 48224. *Plus taxes (w/ eligible Autopay & Paperless bill). Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. See offer details below. One time install chrg may apply. Ltd. avail/areas. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101. In no case does AT&T guarantee particular minimum speeds for AT&T Internet Air services.Which internet providers offer the cheapest internet in Detroit, MI?

Here are the cheapest starting prices for the main providers, ranked from lowest to highest:

Xfinity: $40 a month for download speeds up to 300 Mbps. Cable connection.Verizon 5G: $50 per month for download speeds up to 300 Mbps. 5G connection.T-Mobile: $50 per month for download speeds up to 415 Mbps. 5G connection.AT&T: $55 per month for download speeds up to 300 Mbps. Fiber connection.

Xfinity has the lowest entry price, but higher speed plans from other providers may offer better value for some households.

What are the fastest internet options in Detroit, MI?

Here is how the main providers rank by their fastest download speed:

AT&T: Up to 5,000 Mbps (fiber)Xfinity: Up to 1,200 Mbps (cable)Verizon 5G: Up to 1,000* Mbps (wireless)T-Mobile: Up to 245 Mbps (wireless)

Download speed is important for streaming, video calls and online gaming. Higher speeds allow more devices to connect at once without slowdowns.

*Plans and prices may vary by service area and availability. Actual download and upload speeds vary. Verizon 5G plans may get up to 1,000 Mbps with additional equipment and in select locations only.How to choose an internet service provider in Detroit, MI

Consider these factors before signing up:

Availability in your neighborhoodDownload and upload speeds you needMonthly price and feesContract terms or commitmentCustomer service reputation and supportWhat types of internet are available in Detroit, MI?

Detroit residents can access several types of internet:

Cable: Uses TV coaxial cables. Available from Xfinity.Fiber: Uses fiber-optic lines for fast speeds. Offered by AT&T.5G: Wireless broadband over 5G networks. Available from Verizon and T-Mobile.DSL: Runs over phone lines, slower than cable or fiber. Some AT&T coverage.Are there any special programs for affordable internet in Detroit, MI?

Several providers offer discounted plans and participation in federal programs:

Xfinity: Internet Essentials program for qualifying low-income families at $14.95 per month.AT&T: Access program with plans starting at $30 per month for qualifying households.Verizon Forward: Starts at $20 a month for qualifying Verizon 5G and Verizon Fios plans.

Contributing: Luke Daugherty, 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.