My secret to saving internet bills is my router: This is the router you get for free
The rising cost of internet services means cutting expenses from bills makes everything different. A recent CNET survey found that about 63% of adults paid an average of $195 for the internet. If you want to trim your monthly expenses, having a bill on your router is easier to get rid of than others: the cost of renting a router.
Of course, buying a router upfront is also an easy way to remove that fee from your bill. CNET router expert Joe Supan spent $185 on modems and routers, a cost of over a year and improved the overall reliability and speed of his network.
However, if you are not ready to invest in your own router, renting a router for free from a reliable ISP is a sure way to save money and headaches. Additionally, Opensignal's latest research found that people who rent routers using ISPs reported higher reliability and consistency than those who purchased routers. The main reasons for this are network diagnosis and good customer service: a good ISP will keep your router updated regularly and provide services to diagnose Wi-Fi.
I rent a router from AT&T for free. Although I ended up wanting to invest in my own high-performance router (CNET and SUPAN approved of course), the Nokia gateway devices offered by AT&T have proven to be very reliable since I started using it. Also, I appreciate having my ISP service and upgrading the gateway regularly, which is no extra cost to me.
If you are lucky enough to have multiple good ISP options on your address, consider switching to an ISP that offers free rental or lets you use your own router. Here is a list of top ISPs that offer free device rentals, so you can keep your monthly internet bills without sacrificing speed.
Top ISPs with free equipment
amazing: There are amazing extras compared to some ISPs and bills tend to vary from market to market, so make sure you read your bills carefully. Wi-Fi devices are included in most amazing internet plans, although you may have to pay $10 for modems and routers in some areas. You can also upgrade to enhance your family Wi-Fi for an extra $5 per month. Note that in some markets, the shock is that the monthly network access and maintenance costs are $17, so be sure to add it to your total.
AT&T fiber: All AT&T fiber plans include Wi-Fi devices. If a single router does not provide enough coverage throughout the home, AT&T extends Wi-Fi coverage services (including up to five Wi-Fi extenders) can get $10 per month.
AT&T Internet Air: AT&T Internet Air Service also includes a gateway router. AT&T extends Wi-Fi coverage (with only one extender included) for 2,000 square feet homes, available for $10 per month.
Cox Communications:In some areas, Cox doesn’t have to pay extra, including its panoramic Wi-Fi Gateway device, with a $15 monthly value that also comes with device upgrades and network protection. For extended coverage, you can buy Panoramic Wi-Fi Pods for $130. Since you can't rent these Wi-Fi extensions, I recommend you purchase them yourself.
Edge fiber: Wi-Fi devices include full-boundary fiber plans and are equipped with The latest Wi-Fi technology. The provider's 200Mbps plan comes with an Amazon Eero Pro 6e router, while the 500Mbps plan, 1GIG and 2GIG plans come with the Eero Pro 7. Fastest plan, 5 GIG and 7 GIG plan with Eero Max 7 device. Any plan or device can offer hospital-wide Wi-Fi for $10 per month and includes up to two mesh Wi-Fi Pods.
Google Fiber: All Google fiber plans include Wi-Fi devices. The provider's “slowest” plan, Sings Gig Service, includes a Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro device, with a mesh extender that can accommodate 4,000 square feet of coverage. All faster plans come with GFIBER WI-FI 6E routers along with up to two grid extenders, providing over 5,000 square feet of coverage. Google Fiber is one of the only major ISPs that include grid extenders at no extra cost.
Metronet: All Metronet plans include a Wi-Fi 6e Eero router at no extra cost. Upgrading to premium family Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 7 Eero router) will add $15 to your monthly bill. All plans also have an inevitable monthly “technical appraisal” fee of $13.
optimal: Wi-Fi devices include all the best internet plans and you may get a Wi-Fi 6e gateway. For an extra $10 per month, you can add Wi-Fi throughout the home, which includes up to 3 extenders and 24/7 technical support.
Quantum fibers: According to quantum fiber, your Wi-Fi device rental is free. It is unclear how long the period lasts and how much your equipment costs are due, and I can’t find any beautiful prints about it. Enjoy it with free – the setup contains up to four mesh Wi-Fi Pods, which usually works more efficiently across your home connection than a Wi-Fi extender.
spectrum: A free modem is included only in the Spectrum Gig Internet plan. Otherwise, you can expect to pay $10 a month for other plans. Up to five Wi-Fi extenders can be rented for an additional $3 per device. Spectrum does offer some Wi-Fi 7 and Wi-Fi 6e routers, but don't be surprised if you end up with a Wi-Fi 6 or even a Wi-Fi 5 router.
Interstellar Internet: Wi-Fi devices include all interstellar Internet plans. For better coverage and enhanced Wi-Fi performance, customers can upgrade to Starry Gravity Wi-Fi 6 devices for $14 per month.
T-Mobile's home Internet gateway is used as a modem and router, although you can also plug into an existing router or grid network.
T-Mobile Home Internet: All T-Mobile's home internet plans include a gateway router at no additional cost. T-Mobile offers some different gateway routers for its 5G home internet plan, including new devices with faster speed capabilities.
Verizon 5G home internet: Verizon dual-band gateway routers are included in the Verizon 5G home internet plan at no additional cost. The upgrade to Home Plus plan will give you better settings: Enhanced home Wi-Fi, which includes a Wi-Fi extender.
Verizon Fios: Wi-Fi devices include all Verizon Fios plans. 300 and 500Mbps plans come with free Wi-Fi 6e router rental. Upgrade to Family Wi-Fi to upgrade to a $10 monthly extender for three extenders for $15 a month. The provider's show and 2GIG plan includes family Wi-Fi and a Wi-Fi extender. Up to three additional expanders will add $5 to your monthly bill.
Wideopenwest: All WOW cable internet plans include gateway devices. Hospitalwide Wi-Fi starts at $10 per month and it comes with an Eero mesh Wi-Fi access point.
xfinity: XFINITY XFI Gateway Devices are available for no additional cost, but it depends on the area you are in. For cable providers, the Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6e gateway is good. However, it may only be available during the 12-month introduction period. After that, regular rents apply (currently $15). For an additional $10 ($25 after 12 months), customers can upgrade to XFI full, which includes unlimited data, free device upgrades after three years, and a grid extender POD (if necessary).
More privileges for renting routers from ISP
I save money by renting a router for free, but that rent comes with other privileges as well. Here is something you might expect when relying on your ISP to use your Wi-Fi device:
- convenient: Rental can save you the hassle of shopping routers and navigate the often confusing world of Wi-Fi technology (but if you are on the market, check out us Router Purchase Guide). You can also be assured that the router your ISP offers is the right router for your connection type and speed layer.
- Free upgrade: This will vary by provider, but most ISPs will regularly update your internet device and even shut down the router if it becomes obsolete or stops running.
- technical support: Using your own router will limit the ability to support the technical support to troubleshoot Internet issues. Your router manufacturer should have a technical support number that you can call, but this will add additional steps during the troubleshooting process. Most ISPs offer 24/7 technical support and an application that easily manages router settings to keep network issues at the top.
Things to consider when renting a router
When renting a router, the monthly fee is convenient and cost-effective when included, but not completely trouble-free. If you rent a router, keep this in mind.
First, you have to take care of it because you will eventually return it. Damage to the router outside of normal wear and tear can result in replacement fees, including the cost of installing a new router if required by a technician.
When you switch providers, you will need to return to any rental equipment within a certain time frame. Most ISPs make the process easy and they send you the steps to ship labels and return to the device. However, if you don't return everything on time, you may charge a significant fee.
Second, you will have to satisfy your gains. Yes, the router you rent should be suitable for your internet connection, but does it fit your needs or space? Remember that router placement at home is also key to optimizing internet connection. Maybe you prefer a router designed specifically for gaming, or ISP's router does a poor job covering every corner of the house. The only solution is to invest in your own equipment.
Last but importantly, renting a router from an ISP does pose some privacy risks. ISPs can track your browsing data using rented routers, although some ISPs collect more data than others. If you buy your own router, your privacy will be more secure.
As with all aspects of home internet services, you should carefully evaluate router options before committing to specific internet providers and plans. In my case, using a free router rental saves me money and time – but I know that in the end, I'll invest in my own router.
Router Rental FAQ
Will my ISP give me a cheap router?
Providers such as Frontier Fiber, Google Fiber, and Quantum Fiber offer high-performance routers, but other ISPs may offer a router without special ones. Additionally, your router has the potential to be used, refurbished devices. Your ISP will provide a router that is suitable for your service and you can get technical support at any time if you have any questions about the device.
What is the difference between a modem and a router?
Your modem handles data transmission and reception, encoding and decoding. It creates your connection to the internet. A similar device called an optical network terminal performs the same responsibilities on fiber optic Internet services. Your router can broadcast the connection wirelessly to establish a Wi-Fi network. For more details, check out CNET's Modem and Router Guide.
Can I ask my ISP to provide a better router?
certainly. Some providers (such as Xfinity) offer free device upgrades after a certain period of time. Others may offer upgrades upon request, although upgrades may be subject to additional fees. If you are interested in a better router, call the ISP to see if the device is available. This is how to determine if it's time to upgrade the router.
How to return the equipment after canceling the service?
Your ISP should provide specific details on how to return to the device. In most cases, your provider will send you instructions for shipping labels (if necessary) and return the device for free via USPS, UPS or FedEx. If your ISP has a physical store location, you can also return the device there.
