CNET recommends an important tip for making the most of your home internet service: Use your own router.
When you’re looking for the best internet service provider and plan, determining the equipment cost is important and it may even lower your monthly bill. I rent my router, and although my router isn’t free (I pay around $10 extra per month for a mesh Wi-Fi setup), I appreciate having my ISP provide, service, and upgrade it. I consider the fee a small price to pay for the convenience, but I’ll admit — it would be nice not to have to pay for equipment at all.
Many internet providers include modem and router rental at no additional cost. Here’s a list of the top ISPs to offer free equipment rental.
Top ISPs that offer free equipment
Astound: Wi-Fi equipment is included with all Astound internet plans. Customers can upgrade to enhanced Whole-Home Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. However, Astound charges a monthly network access and maintenance fee of $17, so be sure to add that to your total.
AT&T Fiber: Wi-Fi equipment is included with all AT&T Fiber plans. If the single router doesn’t offer enough coverage throughout your home, AT&T Extended Wi-Fi Coverage Service, which includes up to five Wi-Fi extenders, is available for an additional $10 a month.
AT&T Internet Air: Your AT&T Internet Air service includes a gateway router. AT&T Extended Wi-Fi Coverage with one extender is recommended for homes over 2,000 square feet and is available for $10 a month.
Cox Communications:In select areas, Cox includes its Panoramic Wi-Fi Gateway device at no extra cost, a $15 monthly value. For extended coverage, Panoramic Wi-Fi Pods are available for purchase starting at $130. The pods are not available for rent.
Frontier Fiber: Wi-Fi equipment is included with all Frontier Fiber plans. The provider’s 200 and 500Mbps plans come with an Amazon eero 6 Plus. Single and 2-gig plans include an eero Pro 6 and Pro 6E, respectively. The fastest plans, 5Gbps and a new 7-gig plan, come with an Amazon eero Max 7 device. Whole-Home Wi-Fi is available with any plan or device for $10 a month and includes up to two mesh Wi-Fi pods.
Google Fiber: Wi-Fi equipment is included with all Google Fiber plans. Single gig service, the provider’s “slowest” plan, includes a Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro device with one mesh extender for up to 4,000 sq ft coverage. Faster plans, from 2 to 8Gbps, come with a GFiber Wi-Fi 6E Router plus up to two mesh extenders for 5,000-plus sq ft coverage. Google Fiber is one of the only major ISPs to include mesh extenders at no extra cost.
Metronet: All plans 2-gig and below include equipment at no additional cost. Upgrading to the Premium Whole-Home Wi-Fi router will add $15 to your monthly bill. There is also an unavoidable monthly “Tech-Assure” fee of $13 with all plans.
Optimum: Wi-Fi equipment is included with all Optimum internet plans. Customers can add a single Wi-Fi extender at no extra cost. An additional extender is available for $3 monthly.
Quantum Fiber: Your Wi-Fi equipment rental is free for an “initial period,” according to Quantum Fiber. How long, exactly, that period lasts and what your fees could be once it expires is unclear. Enjoy it while it’s free — the setup includes up to four mesh Wi-Fi pods.
Spectrum: A free modem is included only with the Spectrum Gig internet plan. Otherwise, you can expect to pay $10 a month for other plans. Up to five Wi-Fi extenders are available to rent for an extra $3 per device.
Starry Internet: Wi-Fi equipment is included with all Starry Internet plans. For better coverage and enhanced Wi-Fi performance, customers can upgrade to the Starry Gravity Wi-Fi 6 device for $14 a month.
T-Mobile’s Home Internet gateway serves as modem and router, though you can also plug in an existing router or mesh network.
T-Mobile Home Internet: A gateway router is included with all of T-Mobile’s home internet plans at no extra cost.
Verizon 5G Home Internet: A gateway router is included with Verizon 5G Home Internet at no extra cost. Upgrading to the Home Plus plan will get you a better setup: enhanced Whole-Home Wi-Fi that includes one Wi-Fi extender.
Verizon Fios: Wi-Fi equipment is included with all Verizon Fios plans. The 300 and 500Mbps plans come with free router rental, though upgrading to Whole-Home Wi-Fi will cost $10 to $15 monthly. The provider’s gig and 2-gig plans include Whole-Home Wi-Fi and one Wi-Fi extender. Additional extenders, up to three total, will add $5 to your monthly bill.
WideOpenWest: A gateway router is included with all Wow internet plans. Whole-Home Wi-Fi is available starting at $10 monthly.
Xfinity: The Xfinity xFi Gateway device is included at no extra cost but this will depend on your area. Free equipment rental may only be available for an introductory period of 12 months. After that, regular rental rates apply (currently $15). For an additional $10 ($25 after 12 months), customers can upgrade to xFi Complete, which includes unlimited data, a free equipment upgrade after three years and one mesh extender pod, if necessary.
More perks to renting your router from your ISP
Savings is an obvious advantage when renting a router for free, but having your ISP provide your router comes with other benefits as well. Here’s what you can potentially look forward to when relying on your ISP for Wi-Fi equipment:
- Convenience – Renting saves you the trouble of shopping for a router (but if you are in the market for one, check out our router buying guide). You can also rest assured that the router provided by your ISP is the right one for your connection type and speed tier.
- Free upgrades – This will vary by provider, but you can expect the occasional complimentary equipment upgrade when renting. When I felt my rented router was no longer up to par, I called customer service and firmly requested/lightly demanded new equipment. A tech was out to install it later that week, free of charge.
- Technical support – Using your own router will limit technical support’s ability to troubleshoot internet issues. Your router manufacturer should have a technical support number you can call, but that will add an extra step to the troubleshooting process.
Things to consider when renting your router
Renting your router is convenient, and cost-effective when it’s included with the monthly cost, but it’s not totally hassle-free. Here’s what to keep in mind if you rent your router.
First, you’re going to have to take care of it and eventually return it. Damaging your router outside of normal wear and tear could result in a replacement fee, including a service fee if a technician is needed to install the new one.
When the time comes for you to switch providers, you will be required to return any rented equipment within a certain time frame. Failure to return it on time could result in hefty fees.
Secondly, you’re going to have to settle for what you get. Yes, your rented router should be suitable for your internet connection, but is it equipped to handle your needs or space? Keep in mind that router placement in the home is also key to optimizing your internet connection. Perhaps you would prefer a router designed specifically for gaming, or the router from your ISP does a lousy job covering every corner of your home. The only solution is to invest in your own equipment.
Like with all aspects of home internet service, you will want to evaluate your router options carefully before committing to a specific internet provider and plan. Check out the CNET Internet hub page to learn more about how to make the most of your internet service.
Router rental FAQs
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 provide a router that is nothing special. Additionally, there’s a chance your router is a used, refurbished device. Your ISP will provide a router that is appropriate for your service, and you can always reach out to technical support if you have any issues with your equipment.
What’s the difference between a modem and a router?
Your modem handles data transmission and reception, encoding and decoding, and creates your connection to the internet. A similar device called an Optical Network Terminal performs the same duty for fiber internet service. Your router broadcasts that connection wirelessly to establish a Wi-Fi network. For more details, check out CNET’s modem vs. router guide.
Can I ask my ISP for a better router?
Certainly. Some providers, such as Xfinity, offer complimentary equipment upgrades after a certain time. Others may provide an upgrade upon request, although the upgrade may come with added fees. If you are interested in a better router, call your ISP to see if an equipment upgrade is available. Here’s how to tell if it’s time to upgrade your router.
How do I return my equipment after canceling service?
Your ISP should provide specific details regarding how to return your equipment. In most cases, your provider will send you a shipping label (if necessary) and instructions to return your equipment for free via USPS, UPS or FedEx. If your ISP has a brick and mortar store location, you may be able to return the equipment there as well.
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