So, you're wondering, “How much does Verizon internet cost?” That's a fantastic question, and one that many people grapple with when looking for reliable home internet. Verizon offers a variety of internet options, primarily their lightning-fast Fios fiber optic service and their increasingly popular 5G Home Internet. The cost can vary based on speed, promotions, and whether you bundle with other Verizon services.
Let's dive in and break down everything you need to know about Verizon internet costs, step-by-step!
Step 1: Engage Your Inner Internet Detective – What Do You Need?
Before we even look at prices, let's figure out what you truly need. Are you a casual browser, a streaming enthusiast, a hardcore gamer, or someone who works from home with constant video calls? Your internet usage heavily influences the ideal speed and, consequently, the cost.
Consider your household: How many people will be using the internet simultaneously?
Think about your devices: How many smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and computers will be connected?
What do you do online?
Basic Browse & Email: You might be fine with lower speeds.
Streaming SD/HD Video: Moderate speeds will suffice.
Streaming 4K Video & Online Gaming: You'll want higher, more stable speeds.
Large File Downloads/Uploads & Video Conferencing: Symmetrical (equal upload and download) speeds are a huge plus, often found with fiber.
By understanding your needs, you'll be better equipped to choose a plan that's just right for you, avoiding overpaying for speeds you don't use or being frustrated by sluggish performance.
Step 2: Unveiling Verizon's Internet Offerings: Fios vs. 5G Home Internet
Verizon primarily offers two distinct types of home internet service, and their pricing structures differ:
Sub-heading 2.1: Verizon Fios (Fiber Optic Internet)
Fios is Verizon's fiber-optic internet service, known for its incredible speed, reliability, and symmetrical upload and download speeds. This means you get equally fast uploads (great for video calls, online gaming, and sending large files) as you do downloads. Fios is generally considered the premium option due to its superior technology.
Fios Plans & Typical Monthly Costs (with Auto Pay):
Fios 300 Mbps: Often around $49.99/month. This offers 300 Mbps download and 300 Mbps upload speeds, perfect for most households with multiple streamers and online users.
Fios 500 Mbps: Typically around $74.99/month. With 500 Mbps symmetrical speeds, this is great for serious streamers, gamers, and households with numerous connected devices.
Fios 1 Gig: Usually priced around $89.99/month. This plan provides blazing fast speeds of up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload. It's ideal for power users, large households, or anyone who demands the absolute best performance.
Fios 2 Gig: The ultimate plan, costing around $109.00/month. This offers speeds up to 2,300 Mbps download and 1,500 Mbps upload, suitable for extremely high-demand environments.
Key Fios Features:
No data caps: You can use as much internet as you want without worrying about overage charges.
No annual contracts: This provides flexibility, allowing you to change plans or cancel without early termination fees (though promotional pricing might be tied to a specific term).
Equipment included: The router is typically included in the monthly price.
Sub-heading 2.2: Verizon 5G Home Internet (Fixed Wireless)
Verizon's 5G Home Internet leverages their 5G cellular network to deliver internet to your home wirelessly. It's a fantastic alternative to traditional cable internet, especially in areas where Fios isn't available.
5G Home Internet Plans & Typical Monthly Costs (with Auto Pay):
5G Home: Around $50.00/month. Offers speeds up to 300 Mbps download. If you have select Verizon 5G mobile plans, this can drop to $35.00/month.
5G Home Plus: Approximately $70.00/month. Provides faster speeds, potentially up to 1,000 Mbps. With select Verizon 5G mobile plans, this could be $55.00/month.
There might also be an "Ultimate" tier with even higher speeds.
Key 5G Home Internet Features:
Wireless setup: Often self-installed, making it quick and easy to get started.
No annual contracts: Similar to Fios, this offers flexibility.
Router included: The necessary equipment is part of the plan.
Price guarantee: Often includes a 2-year or 3-year price lock.
Sub-heading 2.3: LTE Home Internet
In some areas, if 5G Home Internet isn't available, Verizon might offer LTE Home Internet, which uses their 4G LTE network. Speeds are generally lower than 5G Home Internet (e.g., up to 50 Mbps), and the cost is typically around $50.00/month for the basic plan, and $70.00/month for the "Plus" version.
Step 3: Dissecting Additional Costs and Hidden Fees (or lack thereof!)
One of the refreshing aspects of Verizon's internet service, especially Fios and 5G Home Internet, is their commitment to transparent pricing with fewer hidden fees compared to some competitors.
Sub-heading 3.1: Installation Fees
Fios: A professional installation fee of $99 typically applies. However, this fee is often waived if you order online or for certain higher-tier plans (like Fios 1 Gig). It's always worth checking for current promotions.
5G Home Internet/LTE Home: There is no charge for self-installation, which is the standard setup for these services. Professional installation might be an option but usually isn't necessary.
Sub-heading 3.2: Equipment Rental Fees
Fios: The standard Wi-Fi router is generally included in the monthly price of Fios plans. If you need Wi-Fi extenders for whole-home coverage, these might incur an additional monthly fee (e.g., ~$10/month for one extender, ~$15/month for three).
5G Home Internet/LTE Home: The necessary wireless router/receiver is included in the monthly price.
Sub-heading 3.3: Data Caps
Good news! Verizon Fios and 5G Home Internet plans typically come with no data caps. This means you don't have to worry about overage charges or throttled speeds based on your data usage. This is a significant advantage over many cable providers.
Sub-heading 3.4: Taxes and Other Charges
Verizon Fios prices often include taxes and fees, making the advertised price the actual price you pay. This is a major plus for budgeting.
For 5G Home Internet, the pricing is also generally all-in, meaning no hidden taxes and fees beyond the advertised monthly rate.
Late Payment Fees: As with any service, late payments may incur a fee (e.g., a $5 late fee or 1.5% of the unpaid balance, whichever is greater).
Step 4: Unlock Savings: Bundles and Promotions
This is where you can often find the best value for your money! Verizon frequently offers promotions and discounts, especially when you combine services.
Sub-heading 4.1: Mobile + Home Internet Bundles
If you're already a Verizon mobile customer, or considering switching, bundling your mobile plan with Fios or 5G Home Internet can lead to significant monthly savings. For example, you might get a $15/month discount on Fios for having a premium 5G mobile plan, or bring down your 5G Home Internet cost to $35/month. Always check for the latest "mix and match" deals.
Sub-heading 4.2: Promotional Offers for New Customers
Verizon often entices new customers with special deals. These can include:
Waived installation fees (especially for Fios when ordering online).
Gift cards (e.g., Home Depot gift cards for signing up for Fios).
Free streaming service subscriptions for a limited time (e.g., YouTube Premium, Disney Bundle, Netflix & Max for a discounted rate like $10/month).
Price guarantees for a certain number of years (e.g., 2, 3, or even 4 years for Fios plans).
Sub-heading 4.3: Specific Discounts
Verizon offers special discounts for eligible groups, such as military personnel, veterans, teachers, and first responders. These can provide ongoing monthly savings on internet plans. Be sure to inquire if you qualify!
Step 5: Check Availability in Your Area
This is a crucial, non-negotiable step! Verizon Fios is a fiber-optic service, meaning it's dependent on the physical infrastructure being present in your neighborhood. 5G Home Internet relies on 5G network coverage.
Visit the Verizon Website: The easiest way to check availability is to go to the official Verizon Home Internet website and enter your exact street address and ZIP code.
Specify Service Type: The tool will typically tell you if Fios, 5G Home Internet, or LTE Home Internet is available at your location, and what specific plans and speeds are offered.
Step 6: Review the Fine Print (but thankfully, there's less of it!)
While Verizon is known for its transparency, it's still good practice to understand the terms.
Price Guarantees: Understand how long your promotional price is guaranteed. After this period, the price may increase to the then-current market rate.
Contract Terms: While Fios and 5G Home Internet typically don't have annual contracts, some promotional bundles or business plans might have term agreements. Be aware of any early termination fees if you cancel before the term ends (though for consumer Fios/5G Home, these are rare unless tied to a specific promotional device offer).
Equipment Return: If you cancel service, you'll generally need to return Verizon's equipment (router, etc.) within a specified timeframe (e.g., 30 days) to avoid unreturned equipment fees.
By following these steps, you'll have a clear understanding of Verizon internet costs and be well-equipped to make an informed decision for your home!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Verizon internet costs, starting with "How to," along with quick answers:
How to find out if Verizon Fios is available at my address?
Visit the Verizon Fios website and enter your full street address and ZIP code in the availability checker.
How to get the best deal on Verizon internet?
Consider bundling with a Verizon mobile plan if you have one, look for new customer promotions online (which often waive installation fees), and check for special discounts for military, veterans, teachers, or first responders.
How to avoid installation fees for Verizon Fios?
The $99 Fios installation fee is often waived if you order your service online, especially for higher-tier plans like Fios 1 Gig.
How to know if Verizon 5G Home Internet is right for me?
5G Home Internet is a great alternative to cable, offering competitive speeds without wires. It's especially good if Fios isn't available or if you prefer a simpler, self-installed setup with all-in pricing.
How to cancel Verizon internet service?
You can typically cancel your Verizon Fios service by calling 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966) or by using the My Verizon app to disconnect service online for Fios. For security, having your account information ready is important.
How to return Verizon internet equipment?
After canceling service, Verizon will provide instructions for returning rented equipment (like your router) within a certain timeframe (usually 30 days) to avoid unreturned equipment fees.
How to save money on my existing Verizon internet bill?
Check if you qualify for any loyalty discounts, consider bundling if you only have internet, review your current speed to ensure it matches your actual usage, and call customer service to see if there are any new promotions for existing customers.
How to understand the difference between Fios and 5G Home Internet costs?
Fios (fiber) typically offers symmetrical speeds and is highly reliable, with prices based on speed tiers. 5G Home Internet (fixed wireless) uses cellular signals, is often cheaper, and relies on 5G network coverage, with speeds varying by location. Both usually include equipment and have no data caps.
How to tell if my Verizon internet plan has a data cap?
Verizon Fios and 5G Home Internet plans generally do not have data caps. You can confirm this on your specific plan details on the Verizon website or by checking your monthly bill.
How to get faster Verizon internet speeds if my current plan isn't enough?
You can upgrade your Verizon Fios or 5G Home Internet plan through the My Verizon app or by contacting Verizon customer service. They can help you select a higher speed tier available at your address.
