Best Internet Deals for Seniors, July 2025

Shopping for internet" target="_self while navigating flashy promotional pricing can be overwhelming. For seniors and retirees looking for a  reliable internet connection" target="_self  that fits a fixed-income budget, finding cheap internet" target="_self is essential.

A recent CNET survey" target="_self found that 63% of adults are paying more for internet this year than the previous year for roughly the same speeds. Now, more than ever, finding an internet plan that doesn't break the bank is vital.

To help you decide which internet deal" target="_self is best for you, we've compiled a list of the top internet discounts based on cost, added fees, service details and military status and have provided you with our top picks.

Tips for choosing the best internet plan

Start with government programs

Unlike your local diner, most internet service providers" target="_self don't offer senior discounts. There are low-income deals worth exploring (and we'll get into them later), but your best bet is to begin by taking advantage of federal programs. One particular plan jumps to mind and has been around since 1985.

Lifeline" target="_self is a decades-old program that can help eligible customers with phone or internet bills. While it's not specifically geared to older citizens, several of its qualifiers -- including participation in Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit -- apply to seniors. Lifeline aims to help low-income households, so retirees on an exceptionally tight, fixed income, including those in Federal Public Housing Assistance or those using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, might be able to participate. 

What do you get if you do qualify? Older people can get up to $9.25 a month off their internet bill or $111 a year off the cost of being connected at home.

Be sure to check our low-income internet guide for all 50 states" target="_self . Depending on where you live, there may be statewide or community-led programs too.

Try to avoid scams

Beware of some ISP sites with "senior deals" pages, which are often ads masquerading as helpful tips. They're trying to sell you on higher-speed plans instead of showing you legitimate discounts or unveiling special deals. Unless you have some heavy streamers , gamers or remote workers" target="_self in your house, you probably don't need all the speed offered in those plans . The Federal Communications Commission's guidelines advise at least 100 megabits per second in download speed and 20Mbps in upload speed, with a recommendation of at least 25Mbps for streaming in HD 4K.

Also, be sure to pay close attention to the fine print. If a "senior deal" doesn't explicitly mention data caps or additional fees, you might see extra charges added to your bill. Know precisely what you're paying for before you buy. To avoid paying more, learn how to spot those hidden fees better .

What's the cheapest internet service for older adults?

Our top picks for the cheapest internet for seniors are  Xfinity's Internet Essentials  plan and  Astound Broadband's Internet First  plan .Xfinity's plan costs $15 monthly for 75Mbps of speed, and Astound's plan costs $20 monthly for 150Mbps. Although Xfinity's plan is slightly cheaper than Astound's offering, you'll get more speed for a better cost per Mbps" target="_self with Astound. Both plans are targeted at low-income households and people over 65 who participate in Medicaid or SSI. With no data caps or required credit checks, these budget-friendly plans are perfect for households with light internet usage (like streaming, shopping online or checking your email).

Best internet deals and discounts for seniors

How does internet access benefit older adults?

For many people, browsing online is a way of life. Gaming , streaming and staying connected through social media aren't just a habit; they're effectively a need. Some older generations may be more apprehensive about getting online, especially with the never-ending developments and changes in technology that occur so frequently.

Internet access can benefit seniors in many ways, including social connection and mental stimulation. Additionally, the absolute attachment of the internet to everyday life makes it increasingly difficult to pay bills, file taxes, or get help during an emergency without a reliable internet connection.

How can older adults stay connected online?

Two essential elements are required to stay connected online: a device for internet access and a reliable internet connection. Whether you opt for a cellphone , computer or tablet , accessing the internet from your household requires a dependable service plan. There are multiple providers and options, but the right fit for you depends on availability and what type of activities you plan to use the internet for.

What are the best social media apps for seniors?

Email is one of the most popular online tools that older generations use. It's a great option for efficiently communicating with loved ones, regardless of distance.

Unlike email, social media outlets like Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube won't come already downloaded onto your phone. Those three apps also make it easy for older people to interact with family and friends.

What's the easiest way for seniors to get internet on their phones?

To access the internet on your phone, you have two options: Connecting to a home internet server or visiting a location that provides free Wi-Fi .

Some providers offer a phone and internet bundle if you want a phone plan and a household internet service. Companies like AT&T , Verizon and T-Mobile offer plans that combine the two to save you money.

How CNET chose the best internet deals for retirees

Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone , laptop , router or kitchen tool , it's impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What's our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov .

It doesn't end there: We use the FCC's website to check our data. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication. Once we have this information, we ask three main questions:

• Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?

• Do customers get decent value for what they're paying?

• Are customers happy with their service?

The answer to those questions is often layered and complex, but we recommend the providers who come closest to "yes" on all three. To explore our process in more depth, visit our explainer on how we test ISPs . 

What's the final word on senior internet deals?

Older adults have access to various deals and discounts regarding home internet connections, but few companies offer plans exclusively for people over 65. Most are more targeted toward low-income households that might also include the senior demographic.

The government program Lifeline is also a way to get money knocked off your monthly broadband bill. Even if you're unsure whether or not you're eligible for this program, it's worth checking out.

If you're looking for speedier plans, the option to bundle television or mobile devices with your internet could bring decent savings. Whichever direction you choose, be sure to explore all of your options before making a final decision. Pay attention to added fees, service terms and the fine print to maximize your savings and avoid being scammed.