Top 5 Best Internet Providers in Germany

Are you searching for an affordable internet provider in Germany? Look no further. In this guide, we’ll compare the five best internet providers in Germany. We will also provide insights into how you can save money when switching your DSL or fiber internet service.

List of Internet Providers

In this section, we’ll review five of the cheapest internet service providers in Germany. These providers offer cost-effective plans that cater to different needs and budgets.

• • 1&1 DSL

  • Deutsche Telekom

  • O2

  • Vodafone Cable Internet

  • Eazy

  • NetCologne

1. 1&1 Internet-Flat

1&1 is known for offering some of the cheapest DSL and fiber internet plans in Germany. They provide a variety of internet plans, including fiber optic packages, making it suitable for households with varying bandwidth requirements. With options ranging from 16Mbit/s to 1.000Mbit/s, their DSL 100 plan boasts 100Mbit Download and 40Mbit Upload speeds. Moreover, for the first 10 months, customers can enjoy this plan at 0€, with a subsequent cost of 39,99€ afterward. Known for reliability and fast internet via glass fiber, 1&1 also offers competitive prices, discounted routers, and fair terms.

  Pros:

• • Low monthly costs.
  • 30-day trial period with no obligation.
  • No upfront fees.
  • A wide range of plans available.

  Cons:

• • Add-ons may not be very useful for budget-focused users.

2. Deutsche Telekom

Deutsche Telekom offers cheap DSL internet plans with attractive discounts for the first three months. They also provide bonus credits to new customers, effectively offering a few months of free broadband. Moreover, they offer MagentaZuhause 50, providing speeds ranging from 16Mbit/s to 250Mbit/s, with a specific plan offering 50Mbit Download and 10Mbit Upload speeds for €19.95 for the first 10 months, which increases to €39.95 afterward. This plan offers very fast internet via glass fiber, fair terms, and excellent customer service.

  Pros:

• • Reasonable monthly costs.
  • Includes credit towards a router and monthly costs.
  • Offers 15GB of free cloud storage.

  Cons:

• • High upfront cost for new customers.
  • Requires a 24-month contract.

3. O2

O2 offers reasonably priced internet plans ranging from 10Mbit/s to 250Mbit/s, including their O2 my HomeL 100 plan which features 100Mbit/s download and 40Mbit/s upload speeds for €24.99 per month for the first 12 months, and €29.99 thereafter. Known for competitive prices, fast internet, and flat-rate calls to landlines and mobile phones, O2 provides good value for the price. While there’s a connection fee, O2 provides flexibility by allowing you to purchase DSL internet without a contract. Additionally, they offer a variety of routers to choose from.

  Pros:

• • Good value for the price.
  • A variety of routers to choose from.
  • Option to buy internet without a contract.

  Cons:

• • Incurs a setup cost.

4. Vodafone Cable Internet

While Vodafone may not be the cheapest provider, they offer great value with strong WLAN signal quality. Their cable internet plans are often more cost-effective than their DSL counterparts, making them worth considering. Vodafone is a prominent player in the German internet market, offering a range of speed options and competitive pricing. Their cable internet service is known for its reliability and high speeds, making it an excellent choice for heavy internet users. Vodafone also provides a German landline as part of their packages, adding extra value for customers. For instance, their Vodafone Red Internet & Phone Cable 500 plan offers speeds of up to 500Mbit/s with 500Mbit download and 50Mbit upload speeds for 19,99€ for the first 12 months, and 49,99€ afterward.

  Pros:

• • Better upload speeds compared to many other providers.
  • Ability to switch to Vodafone, even if you’re under contract with another provider.
  • Includes a good Wi-Fi router.

  Cons:

• • Not the lowest monthly costs.

5. Eazy

Eazy is a German internet service provider (ISP) offering DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) internet services. With a focus on simplicity and affordability, Eazy aims to provide reliable internet access to customers across Germany. Their internet speeds vary, typically up to 300Mbit/s, making it suitable for basic internet needs. For example, their Eazy20 plan offers 20Mbit/s download and 2.5Mbit/s upload speeds at a competitive price of 12.99€ for the first 12 months, which increases to 24.99€ afterward. While Eazy is a budget-friendly option, it’s essential to note that they do not include a German landline in their packages.

  Pros:

• • Eazy offers affordable internet plans, making it accessible to individuals or small households with modest internet needs.
  • Eazy focuses on simplicity.
  • Despite not offering the fastest speeds, Eazy provides reliable internet access.

  Cons:

• • No German landline included.
  • Price increase after initial period.

6. NetCologne

NetCologne provides a range of internet plans tailored to meet varying needs, including broadband, fiber optic, and cable internet options. With download speeds of up to 250 Mbit/s and upload speeds of up to 40 Mbit/s, customers can enjoy fast and stable internet connections. The most expensive contract option, priced around 54 euros, offers 250 Mbit/s download speed and up to 50 Mbit/s upload speed.

  Pros:

• • Reliable internet connections.
  • NetCologne provides internet services to a wide range of customers across Germany.
  • NetCologne offers a variety of internet plans, including broadband, fiber optic, and cable options, allowing customers to choose a plan that best fits their needs and budget.

  Cons:

• • Limited national recognition.
  • While NetCologne offers high-speed download options, its upload speeds are comparatively lower.

Comparative Chart of DSL Providers

How to Save Money on Internet in Germany

There are several ways to save money on your internet bill in Germany:

• • Opt for DSL or cable instead of fiber internet, as they often offer sufficient bandwidth for most households.
  • Choose a budget-friendly internet provider like 1&1 if you want to maximize savings.
  • Explore discounts based on your eligibility, such as low-income, student, or older citizen discounts.
  • Avoid unnecessary add-ons like cable TV channels and prepaid landline calling minutes.

What Internet Speed Do I Need?

For most households, a download speed of 30-50 megabits per second (Mbps) is sufficient. Consider faster plans (100 Mbps or more) if:

• • You frequently download large files.
  • Three or more people use the internet simultaneously.
  • You’re willing to pay extra for faster internet.

Which Is the Cheapest Internet Provider in Germany?

There is no single provider that consistently offers the cheapest internet plans. Prices vary, so it’s essential to compare current deals from different providers. However, 1&1 is a reliable option known for competitive prices.

How Much Should I Expect to Pay for a Cheap Internet Plan?

On average, cheap internet plans in Germany cost around €25 per month over the contract period, excluding router rental. Additional monthly expenses for router rental typically range from €5 to €7. If you’re paying more than €30 per month, you may be able to find a more cost-effective plan, unless you require high-speed fiber internet.

Risks and Downsides

Choosing a reputable internet provider minimizes risks. Consider these factors when opting for a budget-friendly plan:

• • Ensure the internet speed meets your household’s needs.
  • Check the provider’s customer service reputation.
  • Be aware of any price increases after an initial discount period.
  • Assess the router’s quality and consider signal boosters for larger homes.

Using LTE vs. DSL or Fiber Internet

While LTE (4G or 5G) routers are an option, they often come with data usage limits or high costs for unlimited data. LTE is not typically recommended for cost savings unless you have minimal data usage.

Changing Internet Providers

When switching providers, ensure your current contract has expired or be prepared to pay an exit fee. New providers often handle the cancellation of your old connection. Once you receive your new router and activate your internet, you’ll be ready to get online.

This concludes our guide to the best internet providers in Germany. If you’re looking to save on your home internet, 1&1 is a great starting point with its competitive pricing and no upfront fees. Choose a provider that suits your needs and budget, and enjoy reliable, cost-effective internet service in Germany.

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