Where to Buy Affordable High-Speed Internet in Missouri

A fast internet connection makes a world of difference in today’s increasingly connected environment. At the same time, Wi-Fi plans can quickly get expensive as you pay for higher speeds. So, where can you buy affordable high-speed internet in Missouri?

Thankfully, Missouri is home to a few affordable high-speed internet service providers (ISPs). Here’s a closer look at 10 of the best cost-effective ISPs in the state to help you make your choice.

Top 10 High-Speed Internet Providers in Missouri

1. i3 Broadband

The best place to buy affordable high-speed internet in Missouri is i3 Broadband, whose plans start at just $19.99 a month. Despite those low costs, you can expect leading connection speeds, with fiber plans delivering up to 2 gigabits per second (Gbps).

Even i3 Broadband’s higher-speed tiers are affordable. You can get gigabit-plus connections for $75 a month and under, which few — if any — other fiber providers can match. The company also offers contract buyouts to help you switch from another ISP, no data caps and contract-free service, giving you more bang for your buck.

Also read: Why High-Speed Internet is Important for Business?

2. Windstream

Kinetic by Windstream is another solid choice for low-cost but high-speed internet service. Like i3 Broadband, it offers download speeds up to 2 Gbps. While its prices may be slightly higher, they’re still lower than those of many competitors, especially when it comes to fiber plans.

Windstream’s services are most valuable for those living in more rural areas. The company specifically targets small towns and counties instead of building infrastructure around large cities like other ISPs. Consequently, it may be your best high-speed option in certain cases or even the only available fiber connection in some locations.

3. Spectrum

Spectrum is one of the most recognizable ISP names nationwide and another one of the most affordable high-speed internet providers in Missouri. It offers a range of plans with varying speeds and prices, but all of them are a good deal for what you get.

All Spectrum plans have no data caps, so you can use the internet as much as you want without fear of a price hike. You will have to pay some initial setup fees, but there are no charges for early cancellation, so you can switch providers easily should you want to down the line.

4. T-Mobile

Another great way to get affordable high-speed internet is to get it from a cellular provider like T-Mobile. While you don’t need a T-Mobile phone plan to use the ISP’s internet service, existing mobile customers get a $15 monthly discount.

T-Mobile uses 5G cellular networks for its home Wi-Fi services, which is not as fast as fiber but still speedy enough for most users. Most customers report getting around 250 megabits per second (Mbps), which is more than enough for all but extreme, device-heavy connections.

5. Verizon

Similarly, Verizon is another one of the best high-speed ISPs in Missouri for the cost-conscious. Its approach is nearly identical to T-Mobile’s, promising a $15 discount on your monthly bills if you also use the provider for your cell plan.

Verizon does operate a fiber network in some regions, but it’s unfortunately unavailable in Missouri. However, you can still use its 5G plans. In some cities, Verizon’s 5G internet can deliver gigabit speeds, which is rare for a cellular connection.

6. UScellular

A third mobile carrier-turned-ISP is UScellular. Its discount for bundling is not as big as T-Mobile’s or Verizon’s, but you can still save $10 a month on your internet bill and get a three-year price lock guarantee.

UScellular is the slowest of the three mobile options, and its plans do have some setup fees. However, you still get no data caps and no fees for early termination if you want to switch providers. It’s certainly worth considering if you already use UScellular for your mobile plan.

7. EarthLink

Alternatively, you could turn to EarthLink for your affordable high-speed internet. The ISP may be most famous for its satellite connections, which offer good rural coverage but are often slow. However, it now provides fiber, fixed wireless and cable packages, too.

EarthLink’s fiber plans reach up to a staggering 5 Gbps, but keep in mind that those plans are more expensive than its other offerings. Still, you can get 100 Mbps of fiber internet starting at just $39.95, which is hard to argue with.

8. AT&T

ISP giant AT&T is another one of the best high-speed internet providers in Missouri. Its prices may be higher than some competitors, but its speeds, reliability, coverage and sheer range of options make it a worthwhile consideration.

AT&T runs fiber connections in major metropolitan areas like St. Louis and Kansas City. For those further away, the ISP also has cable, fixed wireless and 5G plans. Rates start at $55 a month, which is admittedly on the higher end, but you get a lot in terms of service and reliability in return.

9. Xfinity

Depending on your location, Xfinity may be another solid choice. While its Missouri footprint centers mostly around larger cities, it offers some of the lowest rates available, starting at $30 monthly.

Keep in mind that Xfinity’s lowest-cost tiers are not as fast as many other options. Once you get into its faster plans, its cost-effectiveness dwindles. Still, it’s worth considering if you don’t need as much power.

Also read: Top 10 VPN for Internet Security

10. Hughesnet

Hughesnet is the slowest option on this list, with downloads reaching a max of 100 Mbps, but that still meets the standard for high-speed internet. As a satellite provider, it is also available in many rural areas where other ISPs don’t have a presence.

Plans start at $54.99 and go up to $99.99 a month for the fastest speeds. While that is higher than many other ISPs, it’s on the lower side for a satellite service, which tend to be pricier than other connectivity options.

Side-by-Side Comparison of High-Speed ISPs in Missouri

Here’s another look at how these 10 affordable high-speed internet options compare across several key categories.

How Much Should You Expect to Pay for High-Speed Internet in Missouri?

On average, Missouri households pay around $72 a month for their internet, so anything below that is reasonable. You’ll notice that all of the options on this list fall below that benchmark, but there are two important factors to remember. First, these prices represent the lowest available plans from each provider, and many people choose to pay more for faster speeds. Secondly, many ISPs raise their prices after a set period, so expect to pay more than these rates down the line.

How Fast Is Good Enough for High-Speed Internet?

The Federal Communications Commission defines “high-speed internet” as anything with download speeds over 100 Mbps. However, you may need more than that if you run a lot of devices at once or play online games heavily.

At least 200 Mbps is a solid benchmark for what will truly feel like a fast connection. Anything over 1 Gbps will feel fast by any standard, but remember that not everyone needs something that fast. Going for a slightly slower plan to save money can be a smart move.

Find the Most Affordable High-Speed Internet for Your Needs

Any one of these 10 options would be a great choice for affordable high-speed internet in Missouri. Start your ISP selection process by determining what you need, setting a budget and comparing those requirements to this list. Once you know what’s out there, making an informed choice is easier.