Cheap Internet in Winston Salem, North Carolina - Most Affordable Plans (February 2026)
Cheapest internet in Winston Salem: Windstream Kinetic Internet at $27/mo for 50 Mbps (DSL/Fiber). Call 1-855-463-4357 to sign up today. Winston Salem is a small city in the Southeast with a cost of living about 12% above the national average, and the average internet bill here is approximately $74/mo. Compare all plans below to find the best deal for your household.
Before you overpay for internet, take a closer look at the promotional offers and low-cost plans available in your neighborhood. In Winston Salem, North Carolina, 9 providers offer budget-friendly internet plans with promotional rates starting as low as $27/mo. With a population of 50,000, the local market is competitive enough that most households can find reliable service under $50 per month.
Most Affordable Internet Plans in Winston Salem
The table below compares the cheapest plan from each provider available in the area, sorted by promotional price from lowest to highest.
| Provider | Plan | Speed | Promo Price | Regular Price | Type | Contract | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windstream | Kinetic Internet | 50 Mbps | $27/mo* | $50/mo | DSL/Fiber | No | View Plans | 1-855-463-4357 |
| Spectrum | Internet | 300 Mbps | $30/mo* | $55/mo | Cable | No | View Plans | 1-844-481-5997 |
| AT&T Internet | Internet 100 | 100 Mbps | $35/mo* | $55/mo | Fiber/DSL | No | View Plans | 1-855-850-5977 |
| Verizon Fios | Fios 300 | 300 Mbps | $40/mo* | $50/mo | Fiber | No | View Plans | 1-855-387-1456 |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G Home | 85-300 Mbps | $45/mo* | $60/mo | 5G | No | View Plans |
| T-Mobile | 5G Home Internet | 72-245 Mbps | $50/mo* | $50/mo | 5G | No | View Plans | 1-844-275-9311 |
| HughesNet | Select | 50 Mbps | $50/mo* | $65/mo | Satellite | No | View Plans | 1-855-543-5405 |
| Viasat | Unleashed 100 | 100 Mbps | $70/mo* | $100/mo | Satellite | 24 mo | View Plans | 1-855-463-9333 |
| Starlink | Residential | 50-200 Mbps | $120/mo* | $120/mo | Satellite | No | View Plans |
*Promotional prices for new customers. Taxes and fees may apply. Prices as of February 2026.
Windstream - Budget Plans in Winston Salem
Roughly 16% of Winston Salem has access to Windstream DSL internet, which is worth considering if you primarily use the internet for browsing, email, and light streaming.
- Kinetic Internet: 50 Mbps for $27/mo (regular $50/mo) -- DSL/Fiber, No contract
- Kinetic Internet Plus: 200 Mbps for $37/mo (regular $57/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
Call 1-855-463-4357 to check Windstream availability and current promotions in Winston Salem.
Compare all Windstream plans in Winston Salem →
Spectrum Cheap Internet Plans in Winston Salem
Spectrum serves about 86% of Winston Salem via its cable network, providing a solid balance of speed and affordability for everyday internet use.
- Internet: 300 Mbps for $30/mo (regular $55/mo) -- Cable, No contract
- Internet Ultra: 500 Mbps for $50/mo (regular $75/mo) -- Cable, No contract
Ready to sign up? Call Spectrum at 1-844-481-5997 for the latest deals in Winston Salem.
See full Spectrum plan details and pricing →
Affordable AT&T Internet Plans for Winston Salem Residents
AT&T Internet uses fixed wireless technology to serve approximately 60% of Winston Salem, making it a viable alternative in areas where wired connections are limited.
- Internet 100: 100 Mbps for $35/mo (regular $55/mo) -- Fiber/DSL, No contract
- Internet 300: 300 Mbps for $45/mo (regular $65/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
Contact AT&T Internet at 1-855-850-5977 to see which plans are available at your Winston Salem address.
Check AT&T Internet availability in Winston Salem →
Verizon Fios in Winston Salem: Low-Cost Plan Options
If you are in Verizon Fios's fiber coverage zone (about 28% of Winston Salem), you can expect symmetrical speeds and minimal downtime compared to cable connections.
- Fios 300: 300 Mbps for $40/mo (regular $50/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
- Fios 500: 500 Mbps for $60/mo (regular $70/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
Reach Verizon Fios at 1-855-387-1456 to learn about promotions and availability in Winston Salem.
View all Verizon Fios deals for Winston Salem →
Winston Salem Verizon 5G Home Plans Starting at $45/mo
Approximately 28% of Winston Salem falls within Verizon 5G Home's 5G coverage area, where residents can get home internet without a wired connection or long-term contract.
- 5G Home: 85-300 Mbps for $45/mo (regular $60/mo) -- 5G, No contract
- 5G Home Plus: 300-1000 Mbps for $65/mo (regular $80/mo) -- 5G, No contract
Compare all Verizon 5G Home plans in Winston Salem →
T-Mobile - Affordable Options in Winston Salem, NC
5G home internet from T-Mobile is available to about 72% of Winston Salem, offering a wireless alternative to traditional cable and fiber connections.
- 5G Home Internet: 72-245 Mbps for $50/mo (regular $50/mo) -- 5G, No contract
Ready to sign up? Call T-Mobile at 1-844-275-9311 for the latest deals in Winston Salem.
Budget-Friendly HughesNet Plans in Winston Salem
Satellite service from HughesNet reaches 100% of Winston Salem and represents a broadband lifeline for underserved and rural-adjacent neighborhoods.
- Select: 50 Mbps for $50/mo (regular $65/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
- Elite: 100 Mbps for $65/mo (regular $85/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
Contact HughesNet at 1-855-543-5405 to see which plans are available at your Winston Salem address.
Viasat Internet Deals in Winston Salem
Approximately 85% of Winston Salem can access Viasat's satellite internet, which works anywhere with a clear view of the sky regardless of local infrastructure.
- Unleashed 100: 100 Mbps for $70/mo (regular $100/mo) -- Satellite, 24 mo contract
- Unleashed 150: 150 Mbps for $100/mo (regular $130/mo) -- Satellite, 24 mo contract
Reach Viasat at 1-855-463-9333 to learn about promotions and availability in Winston Salem.
Save with Starlink in Winston Salem
Starlink satellite covers 100% of Winston Salem, though its higher pricing and latency make it most practical for households with no other broadband alternative.
- Residential: 50-200 Mbps for $120/mo (regular $120/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
Internet Costs in Winston Salem: Local Market Overview
Understanding the local broadband landscape helps you make a more informed purchasing decision.
Winston Salem, known as a charming place to call home, has a cost of living index of 112 (national average = 100). The median household income is approximately $65,700, and the average monthly internet bill in the area is around $74. Even with higher overall costs, residents can find competitive internet pricing thanks to strong provider competition in the market.
The presence of 9 providers in Winston Salem creates healthy competition that benefits consumers. Fiber and cable plans generally offer the best value, while satellite should be reserved as a last resort. Promotional pricing from Windstream and Spectrum frequently brings monthly costs below $40.
Low-Income Internet Programs in Winston Salem
Winston Salem residents who meet income guidelines can access deeply discounted internet service through the following programs. Some plans cost under $10 per month.
- FCC Lifeline Program: Provides up to $9.25/mo discount on internet or phone service for households at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. North Carolina residents can apply through the National Verifier.
- Spectrum Internet Assist: 30 Mbps for $17.99/mo for eligible households, including seniors on SSI. Call 1-844-481-5997 to apply.
- AT&T Access: Plans starting at $30/mo for households participating in SNAP or with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Call 1-855-850-5977 for eligibility info.
- State and Local Assistance: Check with North Carolina state agencies and Winston Salem community organizations for additional digital inclusion programs and subsidized internet access initiatives.
How to Lower Your Internet Bill in Winston Salem
Even if you are already on one of the cheaper plans in Winston Salem, there are strategies to reduce your monthly costs further. Here are five proven ways to save.
Consider a no-contract plan
Locking into a 12-24 month contract can mean early termination fees if you move or find a better deal. No-contract plans from Spectrum, T-Mobile, and Frontier give you the flexibility to switch freely.
Audit your actual speed needs
Run a speed test during peak hours. If you are consistently using less than half your plan speed, you could downgrade to a cheaper tier without any noticeable performance difference.
Ask about autopay and paperless billing discounts
Many ISPs offer $5-$10 off your monthly bill when you enroll in autopay with a bank account or credit card and opt for paperless statements.
Downgrade your speed tier
If you live alone or have a small household, you may not need the fastest plan available. A 100-200 Mbps connection handles streaming, video calls, and gaming for most users.
Use your own modem and router
Renting equipment from your ISP typically costs $10-$15 per month. Purchasing a compatible modem and router can pay for itself within 6-8 months and save you over $100 annually.
Budget Internet FAQ for Winston Salem Residents
What is the cheapest internet plan available in Winston Salem, NC?
The cheapest internet plan in Winston Salem is Windstream Kinetic Internet at $27/mo for 50 Mbps. This promotional rate is available to new customers. The next most affordable option is Spectrum at $30/mo.
Is sub-$30 internet available in Winston Salem?
Yes, Windstream offers promotional rates under $30/mo for new customers in Winston Salem. Low-income programs like Xfinity Internet Essentials ($9.95/mo) and Spectrum Internet Assist ($17.99/mo) are also available to qualifying households.
Who has the best price-to-speed ratio for internet in Winston Salem, NC?
For the best speed-per-dollar value in Winston Salem, look at providers offering fiber or cable service. Windstream offers 50 Mbps for $27/mo, while Spectrum provides 300 Mbps for $30/mo. Fiber plans typically deliver the best long-term value with symmetrical speeds and no data caps.
Is contract-free internet available in Winston Salem, NC?
Yes, most providers in Winston Salem now offer no-contract plans. Windstream, Spectrum, and T-Mobile 5G Home Internet all provide service without requiring a long-term commitment, giving you the flexibility to switch providers if a better deal becomes available.
What is the typical internet bill in Winston Salem, NC?
The average monthly internet bill in Winston Salem, NC is approximately $74, which is below the national average of about $75/mo. By choosing a promotional rate or low-income program, you could pay significantly less than this average.
Which affordable plan delivers the best speeds in Winston Salem?
Among budget-friendly plans under $50/mo in Winston Salem, fiber providers typically offer the fastest speeds. Plans like Windstream Kinetic Internet (50 Mbps) and Spectrum Internet (300 Mbps) deliver strong performance at introductory prices.
Related Resources
Explore these additional resources to learn more about internet options in your area.
- Internet Providers in Winston Salem, NC
- Windstream Plans and Pricing
- Spectrum Plans and Pricing
- AT&T Internet Plans and Pricing
- Verizon Fios Plans and Pricing
- Internet Providers in North Carolina
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning InternetProviders.ai may earn a commission if you click through and sign up for a plan. This does not affect our editorial independence or the prices you pay. Our recommendations are based on objective research and analysis. All pricing is accurate as of February 2026 and is subject to change. Availability varies by address within Winston Salem.