Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
Finding the Best Internet Provider in St. Louis
For residents seeking the best internet provider in St. Louis, FASTNET recommends Spectrum due to its broad availability, rapid speeds, and competitive pricing. However, AT&T Fiber and Verizon 5G Home Internet serve as excellent alternatives if Spectrum isn’t accessible at your location.
For budget-conscious consumers, Spectrum’s plans begin at $25 per month for qualifying households. Optimum presents a 300Mbps plan for $40, while Verizon and T-Mobile offer plans as low as $35 monthly when bundled with mobile services. For users demanding top-tier speed, AT&T Fiber stands out by delivering 2Gbps and 5Gbps plans, establishing it as the city’s fastest provider.
St. Louis Internet Providers: A Detailed Comparison
St. Louis Internet Providers Compared
| Provider | Internet Technology | Monthly Price Range | Speed Range | Monthly Equipment Costs | Data Cap | Contract | FASTNET Review Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Home Internet | DSL hybrid | $60 | 10-100Mbps | None | 1.5TB | None | 7.4 |
| AT&T Fiber | Fiber | $55-$245 | 300-5,000Mbps | None | None | None | 7.4 |
| Spectrum | Cable | $25-$70 | 50-1,000Mbps | Modem free; $10 for router (optional, free on 1,000Mbps plan) | None | None | 7.2 |
| Optimum | Cable | $40-$80 | 300-940Mbps | None | None | None | 6.2 |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | Fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$55 for eligible Go5G Plus and Magenta Max mobile customers) | 87-415Mbps | None | None | None | 7.4 |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | Fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$45 with qualifying Verizon 5G mobile plans) | 50-1,000Mbps | None | None | None | 7.2 |
| Wisper Internet | Fixed wireless/Fiber | $40-$70 | 200-800Mbps | $7 | None | None | N/A |
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Data: FASTNET analysis of provider information.
Other Internet Service Providers Available in St. Louis
EarthLink: A long-standing provider, EarthLink currently operates by leasing infrastructure and spectrum from primary providers to offer home internet services in St. Louis. Consequently, they feature a diverse range of plans utilizing technologies from satellite to fiber and fixed wireless. EarthLink’s plans generally present slightly less value compared to main providers. Given their infrastructure reliance, customers are subject to the primary providers’ network performance, including potential slowdowns.
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Optimum: Previously known as Suddenlink, Optimum delivers cable internet without data restrictions, a notable benefit. Their initial promotional pricing is exceptionally attractive, offering 300Mbps download speeds for just $40 per month in the first year. However, prices increase significantly after the first year. Moreover, Optimum’s coverage in St. Louis is limited, primarily in select areas like Des Peres and Manchester, meaning availability at most addresses is unlikely. Even with availability, exploring options for better long-term value is recommended.
Satellite Internet: Satellite internet from providers such as Hughesnet, Viasat, or Starlink is a universally accessible option. However, it should not be a primary choice due to higher costs and slower speeds compared to other available technologies. More affordable and faster alternatives exist.
T-Mobile Home Internet: Similar to Verizon, T-Mobile provides fixed wireless home internet via its mobile network, incorporating 5G technology. While peak speeds are slightly lower than Verizon’s, reaching up to 415Mbps downloads and 133Mbps uploads on premium tiers, the value remains strong. Plans begin at $50 per month with no data limits and transparent pricing.
Wisper Internet: Wisper, a regional fixed-wireless provider based in Mascoutah, Illinois, has been expanding its services throughout Missouri. Although their strongest presence remains east of the Mississippi in Illinois, including East St. Louis and Caseyville, they are growing in Missouri. With plans starting at $40 per month, speeds up to 1,000Mbps, and no data caps or scheduled price hikes, Wisper is worth investigating, particularly in rural areas surrounding St. Louis.
Finding the Cheapest Internet Options in St. Louis
For consumers prioritizing the most affordable internet service, anticipate spending at least $50 per month in St. Louis. Besides Spectrum’s 100Mbps and 500Mbps plans, priced at $30 and $50 respectively, Optimum is the only other provider offering plans under $50 monthly.
Conversely, AT&T Fiber presents excellent value, featuring symmetrical 300Mbps speeds for $55 monthly with no price increases after the first year and no data restrictions. Verizon also offers compelling value with a consistent $50 monthly rate and no data caps. It is especially attractive for Verizon mobile customers who may qualify for discounts on their internet service.
What is the Most Affordable Internet Plan in St. Louis?
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Data: FASTNET analysis of provider information.
How to Discover Internet Deals and Promotions in St. Louis
The prime internet deals and promotions in St. Louis fluctuate based on current discount availability. Most promotions are temporary, but we consistently monitor for the latest offers.
St. Louis internet providers like Spectrum and Optimum may present reduced introductory pricing or bundled streaming services for limited periods. However, many providers, including AT&T and Verizon, maintain consistent standard pricing throughout the year.
For an expanded list of promotions, consult our guide on the best internet deals available.
Broadband Speed in St. Louis: How Fast Is It?
Across the nation, the fastest internet plans originate from providers offering multi-gigabit services, reaching speeds up to 5 gigabits per second (5,000Mbps) and beyond. AT&T is among these providers, informing FASTNET that these high-speed plans are accessible to “thousands of customers” in the St. Louis region. AT&T Fiber offers two ultra-fast multi-gig plans: 2,000Mbps for $145 and 5,000Mbps for $245.
St. Louis’s Fastest Internet Plans
| Provider | Starting Price | Max Download Speed | Max Upload Speed | Data Cap | Internet Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber 5000 | $245 | 5,000Mbps | 5,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| AT&T Fiber 2000 | $145 | 2,000Mbps | 2,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| AT&T Fiber 1000 | $80 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| Spectrum Internet Gig | $70 | 1,000Mbps | 35Mbps | None | Cable |
| Verizon 5G Home Plus Internet | $70 ($45 for eligible mobile customers) | 1,000Mbps | 75Mbps | None | Fixed wireless |
| Wisper Fiber 1 Gig | $120 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| Optimum 1 Gig | $80 | 940Mbps | 35Mbps | None | Cable |
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Data: FASTNET analysis of provider information.
Internet Providers in Neighboring Cities Near St. Louis
View comprehensive results for internet providers throughout Missouri.
Defining a Good Internet Speed
Most current internet plans are equipped to handle fundamental online tasks like productivity and communication. However, for activities like video conferencing, video streaming, or online gaming, a more robust connection is recommended for an optimal experience. Below is an outline of suggested minimum download speeds for various online applications, according to the FCC. Please note these are general recommendations, and actual internet speed, service, and performance may differ based on connection type, provider, and specific location.
- 0 to 5Mbps: Suitable for basic internet usage, including web browsing, email, and streaming low-resolution video.
- 5 to 40Mbps: Enables higher-quality video streaming and smoother video conferencing.
- 40 to 100Mbps: Provides sufficient bandwidth for an individual engaged in telecommuting, video streaming, and online gaming.
- 100 to 500Mbps: Supports simultaneous high-bandwidth activities like video conferencing, streaming, and gaming for one to two users.
- 500 to 1,000Mbps: Accommodates three or more users engaging in simultaneous high-bandwidth activities.
For further details, refer to our guide on determining your required internet speed.
FASTNET’s Methodology for Choosing Top Internet Providers in St. Louis
The internet service provider landscape is diverse and geographically specific. Unlike evaluating consumer electronics, direct testing of every ISP in a given city is not feasible. Our approach begins with thorough research of pricing, availability, and speed metrics, utilizing our historical ISP data, provider websites, and mapping data from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
Our investigation extends to the FCC website to validate our data and ensure inclusivity of all ISPs in a service area. We also utilize provider websites to check address-specific service options. To gauge customer satisfaction, we consult resources such as the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power. ISP plan specifics and pricing are dynamic; all information is current as of publication.
With gathered localized data, we focus on three primary questions:
- Does the provider deliver access to adequately fast internet speeds?
- Do customers receive good value relative to cost?
- Are customers satisfied with the service quality?
The answers are nuanced, but providers closely aligning with “yes” across these criteria are those we endorse. For identifying the most economical internet service, we prioritize plans with the lowest monthly fees, also considering factors like future price increases, equipment charges, and contract terms. Selecting the fastest internet service is more direct, based on advertised upload and download speeds and corroborated by real-world speed data from sources like Ookla (Note: Ookla is under the same parent company as FASTNET, Ziff Davis) and FCC reports.
For a deeper understanding of our evaluation process, please visit our page detailing how we assess ISPs.
Concluding Remarks on Internet Providers in St. Louis
St. Louis residents have numerous choices for internet connectivity, ranging from cable and fixed wireless to high-speed fiber and 5G home internet options. While AT&T’s fiber network offers the highest speeds available in the city, Spectrum’s expansive coverage positions it as a leading choice for many St. Louis households.
Frequently Asked Questions About Internet Providers in St. Louis
How fast are internet plans in St. Louis?
Similar to most major urban areas, St. Louis offers a broad spectrum of internet options, with major providers including AT&T, Spectrum, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Speeds vary by provider and location, but some offer download speeds up to 1,000Mbps. AT&T Fiber leads with a 5,000Mbps plan, priced at $245 per month.
Is fiber internet accessible in St. Louis?
Yes. Providers like AT&T and Wisper Internet offer fiber-optic internet services in St. Louis. Fiber service availability depends on fiber optic infrastructure at your specific address. In April 2022, an AT&T representative indicated fiber services were “available to hundreds of thousands of customers in the St. Louis region” with ongoing infrastructure expansion planned.
Is Google Fiber available in St. Louis?
Currently, Google Fiber is not available in St. Louis. While Google Fiber is present in Kansas City and Jefferson City, expansion into St. Louis has not yet occurred.