ISP Review: NetZero Platinum

NetZero got its start as a free Internet provider. But when it came out with NetZero Platinum, it made the jump into value ISP service -- looking to steal customers from AOL, EarthLink, and the other major players. Not surprisingly, it's been very successful, mainly because of its low cost.

While the free Internet service tends to hit you with tons of ads, that's not the case for NetZero Platinum. You still get some advertising with Platinum's ISP service, but not nearly as much. Its on-screen navigation bar, for instance, doesn't have any banner ads -- so you get more room on your screen for actual Web surfing.

In short, what you get is fairly reliable dialup Internet service, pure and simple. No frills, no real bells and whistles.

You do get one email address and 10 megs of email storage, which is pretty much industry standard.

One special "plus" that most other ISPs don't offer is what NetZero calls "TrueSwitch." That allows you to switch quickly and easily from your old Internet Service Provider to your new ISP -- basically you just sign up for NetZero and they take care of the rest, so you don't even have to worry about canceling your old Internet access account.

When you want a dialup ISP, NetZero Platinum might be a good one to consider -- it offers cheap Internet service without a lot of the special add-ons that other Internet service providers can use to justify higher prices.

Of course, you might miss out on some of those features, like special content or downloads, which other Internet Service Providers offer. It depends on what kind of Internet user you are -- whether you like to surf at random or whether you like to visit the same portals for news, information, and other services.

If that's the case, you might be better served going with another Internet service provider who gives you tons of add-on content and features. With NetZero Platinum, all you get is the Internet, really, so you shouldn't expect too much.

But on the other hand, the price is right, and if you're a veteran Web surfer and don't need the hand-holding of someone like AOL for Broadband, Verizon DSL, then NetZero might be the one for you!

Great-ISP-Deals.com gives NetZero Platinum... two stars! A great value!

• $9.95 per month