Top Cheap Internet Providers in Baltimore, MD: Compare Plans and Prices in 2025

Baltimore, Maryland, is a city of contrasts—historic charm meets modern innovation, and the same goes for its internet landscape. With a mix of fiber, cable, DSL, and satellite options, residents have plenty of choices when it comes to staying connected. But let’s be real: not everyone can afford the flashiest, fastest plans. If you’re on the hunt for affordable internet in Baltimore without sacrificing too much speed or reliability, you’ve come to the right place.

As the self-proclaimed mall mole of consumer spending, I’ve dug deep into Baltimore’s internet market to uncover the best budget-friendly options. Whether you’re a student, a remote worker, or just someone who wants to stream Netflix without breaking the bank, this guide will help you navigate the maze of providers, plans, and prices.

The Budget Battle: Cable vs. Fiber vs. DSL vs. Satellite

First, let’s break down the four main types of internet available in Baltimore:

Cable Internet – The most widely available option, covering about 97.4% of the city. It’s fast, reliable, and often cheaper than fiber.

Fiber Internet – The gold standard for speed, but it’s only available to 9.6% of Baltimore residents. If you can get it, it’s worth considering.

DSL Internet – An older technology with slower speeds, but it’s still an option for some areas.

Satellite Internet – The last resort for those in rural or underserved areas, but it comes with higher latency and data caps.

Now, let’s dive into the providers that offer the best bang for your buck.

1. Xfinity: The Budget-Friendly Giant

Xfinity is the most widely available internet provider in Baltimore, covering nearly every corner of the city. It’s a solid choice for those who want a balance of affordability, speed, and reliability.

Xfinity’s Best Budget Plans

– Performance Starter (50 Mbps) – Starts at $25/month (with a 12-month contract).
– Performance Select (100 Mbps) – Around $35/month (with a 12-month contract).
– Performance Pro (200 Mbps) – Around $50/month (with a 12-month contract).

Pros:
✔ Wide availability (97.4% coverage)
✔ No data caps on most plans
✔ Bundles available (internet + TV + phone)

Cons:
✖ Speeds can slow down during peak hours
✖ Prices increase after the promotional period

Verdict: If you want a reliable, budget-friendly option with decent speeds, Xfinity is a strong contender.

2. Verizon Fios: Fast but Limited Availability

Verizon Fios is the speed demon of Baltimore’s internet scene, offering fiber-optic connections that can reach up to 2.3 Gbps. However, its availability is much more limited—only about 10.2% of the city can access it.

Verizon Fios’ Best Budget Plans

– Fios 300 Mbps – Starts at $35/month (with a 12-month contract).
– Fios 500 Mbps – Around $50/month (with a 12-month contract).

Pros:
✔ Blazing-fast speeds
✔ No data caps
✔ Symmetrical upload/download speeds

Cons:
✖ Limited availability
✖ Higher prices after the promotional period

Verdict: If you’re lucky enough to have Fios in your area, it’s worth considering—especially if you need high-speed internet for work or gaming.

3. T-Mobile Home Internet: The Wireless Wildcard

T-Mobile Home Internet is a newer player in the game, offering wireless internet via 5G. It’s not as widely available as cable or fiber, but it’s a solid alternative for those who want fast speeds without the hassle of wired connections.

T-Mobile Home Internet Plans

– Standard Plan (245 Mbps) – $50/month (no contract, no data caps).

Pros:
✔ No contracts or data caps
✔ Fast speeds (up to 245 Mbps)
✔ Easy installation (no wires needed)

Cons:
✖ Limited coverage (not available everywhere)
✖ Performance can vary based on signal strength

Verdict: If you’re in a T-Mobile-covered area, this is a great no-frills option with solid speeds.

4. EarthLink Fiber: The Underdog with Great Coverage

EarthLink Fiber is a lesser-known provider but offers fiber-optic speeds at competitive prices. It covers 96.24% of Baltimore, making it a strong alternative to Xfinity and Verizon.

EarthLink Fiber Plans

– 100 Mbps – $49.95/month (with a 12-month contract).
– 300 Mbps – $59.95/month (with a 12-month contract).

Pros:
✔ Fiber-optic speeds
✔ No data caps
✔ Good coverage

Cons:
✖ Higher prices than some cable options
✖ Limited availability outside Baltimore

Verdict: If you want fiber speeds without Verizon’s price tag, EarthLink is a solid choice.

5. Viasat & HughesNet: Satellite Internet for the Underserved

If you live in a rural or hard-to-reach area of Baltimore, satellite internet might be your only option. Viasat and HughesNet offer coverage across the city, but they come with higher latency and data caps.

Viasat & HughesNet Plans

– Viasat Bronze (12 Mbps) – $30/month (with a 12-month contract).
– HughesNet 15 Mbps – $59.99/month (with a 12-month contract).

Pros:
✔ Available everywhere
✔ No need for wired connections

Cons:
✖ High latency (not ideal for gaming or video calls)
✖ Data caps can be restrictive

Verdict: Only consider satellite if you have no other options.

Final Verdict: Who’s the Best Budget Provider in Baltimore?

If you’re looking for the best balance of speed, price, and availability, Xfinity is the clear winner. It’s widely available, offers decent speeds, and has no data caps on most plans.

If you need fiber speeds and can get Verizon Fios, it’s the fastest option—but it’s not cheap.

For wireless flexibility, T-Mobile Home Internet is a great choice if you’re in a covered area.

And if you’re in a rural area, Viasat or HughesNet might be your only option.

Pro Tips for Saving Money on Internet in Baltimore

– Check for promotions – Many providers offer discounts for new customers.
– Bundle services – Combining internet with TV or phone can save you money.
– Negotiate with your provider – Sometimes, calling and asking for a better deal works.
– Use comparison tools – Websites like BroadbandNow and HighSpeedInternet.com can help you compare plans.

At the end of the day, the best cheap internet provider in Baltimore depends on your specific needs. But with this guide, you’re armed with the knowledge to make the right choice—without overspending. Happy surfing, Baltimore!