Internet providers in Columbia, MO
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Best overall
- Prices: $50.00 per month
- Speeds up to: 1,000 Mbps
Best 5G internet
- Prices: $60.00 per month
- Speeds up to: 245 Mbps
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Columbia is home to Missouri’s largest university and one of the nation’s top journalism schools, but it’s much more than just a college town. With its proximity to the beautiful Missouri Ozarks, a leading international documentary film festival, and a thriving local business community, Columbia manages to keep many graduates long after college.
With a steadily growing population, Columbia has more people than ever looking for home internet services. Columbia internet providers offer a range of plans and services, from DSL to fiber, for anywhere from $29.99/mo. to $249.99/mo.
If you’re ready to compare internet service providers in Columbia, enter your address on this page or read on to learn more about each of our top picks.
Best internet providers in Columbia, MO
- Brightspeed: Best overall
- Socket: Fastest fiber connection
- Mediacom Xtream: Best for cable bundles
- Viasat: Best for rural areas
- T-Mobile Home Internet: Best 5G internet
Columbia internet comparison
Columbia residents can choose from several major local internet providers and connection types. Companies like Brightspeed and Socket offer gigabit fiber connections, while Mediacom offers comparable download speeds through its cable plans. T-Mobile is becoming a popular option for 5G internet in Columbia, while Viasat is a top choice for locals who live outside the city.
Provider | Starting price range* | Download speed range | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
Brightspeed | $49–$69/mo. | 3–940 Mbps | Fiber, DSL |
Socket | $60–$80/mo. | 300–1,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Mediacom Xtream | $29.99–$69.99/mo. | 100–1,000 Mbps | Cable |
Viasat | $49.99–$249.99/mo. | 25–150 Mbps | Satellite |
T-Mobile Home Internet | $60/mo. | 72–245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.
How to choose a provider in Columbia, MO
What determines a great internet provider in Columbia? The answer will be different for everyone, but it usually comes down to three important factors:
- Understanding your speed needs: Choosing an internet plan is a delicate balance of getting a good speed and staying on budget. To determine how much speed you really need, consider how you use the internet and how many devices you have connected. For connecting a few devices, basic browsing and light streaming, 200–400 Mbps is usually more than enough. For connecting 20+ devices, heavy 4K streaming and online gaming, you’ll want to consider gigabit internet speeds — ideally with fiber service.
- Reading the fine print on pricing: Plan costs typically include much more than the advertised price. From taxes to equipment fees and installation charges, be sure you understand everything you’ll have to pay. Also, keep in mind that providers often raise prices after the first year or so.
- Comparing bundles and extras: Even when costs add up, there are ways to save on your internet plan or related home services. Many Columbia internet providers offer bundle deals or other plan perks to add value and bring down costs, so be sure to compare all the options before you decide on a plan.
Columbia, MO internet provider reviews
Brightspeed – Best overall
Brightspeed is one of the newest internet providers in the mix, but it has quickly risen to the top in markets like Columbia. Built on networks bought from CenturyLink, Brightspeed continues to upgrade DSL lines to fiber throughout its service area. As a bonus, Brightspeed offers free installation and equipment on top of already affordable pricing.
Overall score: 3.7 out of 5
Read our full Brightspeed review.
Socket – Fastest fiber connection
As a local fiber provider, Socket is a popular choice among Columbia residents. It offers plans from 300–1,000 Mbps, with reasonable starting prices of $60–$80/mo. There are no contracts, data caps or deposits, and the gigabit plan comes with a guaranteed “price for life.” Socket even offers cable and phone bundles for a better value. Local reviews highlight Socket’s pricing and speed, along with excellent customer service, but its fiber network isn’t available everywhere in Columbia.
Mediacom Xtream – Best for cable bundles
Mediacom’s Xtream cable internet plans offer the best price and speed range in Columbia, with options for 100 to 1,000 Mbps for $29.99 to $69.99/mo. As one of the most widely available internet providers in Columbia, most locals have access to Xtream internet. All Mediacom plans include data caps and two- to three-year contract terms, and prices increase after 12 months. Although equipment costs extra, you can bring your own if you’d prefer to save.
Overall score: 3 out of 5.
Read our full Mediacom Xtream review.
Viasat – Best for rural areas
Outside Columbia, many residents live in more rural or remote areas of mid-Missouri. Cable and fiber internet often don’t reach such areas, but satellite plans from providers like Viasat offer coverage even in remote locations. Viasat plans cap out at 100–150 Mbps, and you’ll need to install a satellite dish at your home. Initial pricing is competitive, but fees increase after only three months.
Overall score: 2.1 out of 5.
Read our full Viasat review.
T-Mobile Home Internet – Best 5G internet
T-Mobile’s 5G network is widely available in Columbia, offering speeds of up to 245 Mbps in some areas. If you bundle with T-Mobile’s cellular plans, you can save up to $20 on your monthly rate. You’ll pay a device setup fee of $35, but you can save with other perks like free streaming subscriptions. Keep in mind that fixed wireless connections can be much slower during times of high network traffic.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read our full T-Mobile review.
Cheap internet in Columbia, MO
If you live in the Columbia area, you’ve got several options for affordable internet plans. Mediacom and Brightspeed both offer 100 Mbps plans starting at $29.99/mo. and $49/mo., respectively. T-Mobile cellular customers can tap into the nation’s largest 5G network with a bundle deal for as low as $40/mo.
The following table a few of the most popular options for cheap internet in Columbia.
Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
Mediacom Xtream | $29.99/mo. | 100 Mbps | Cable |
T-Mobile Home Internet | $40/mo.** | 72–245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
Brightspeed | $49/mo. | 100 Mbps | DSL |
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
Fastest internet in Columbia, MO
Columbia internet providers also offer high-speed plans for reasonable prices, with gigabit internet speed available for between $59/mo. and $69.99/mo. There are no options for speeds above 1 GB in Columbia, but 1 GB fiber plans with synchronous download and upload speeds will be more than enough for more home internet users.
Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
Socket | $80/mo. | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Mediacom Xtream | $69/mo. | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Cable |
Brightspeed | $59/mo. | Up to 940 Mbps | Fiber |
Columbia internet technology
Ultimately, internet performance varies widely based on the type of connection your provider users. Internet service providers in Columbia offer all of the following connection types, each with its pros and cons.
- Fiber internet: If you want the fastest and most stable internet performance in Columbia, fiber internet will likely be your best choice. Even when cable can match fiber’s download speeds, it can’t come close to fiber’s upload speeds for fast-paced online gaming. The only caveat is its more limited availability.
- Cable: Cable internet is an older but well-established technology type, and it’s fast and reliable enough for many home users. It’s far more widely available than fiber, but cable will quickly get bogged down if you have a lot of devices streaming 4K content, gaming online or otherwise demanding a lot of bandwidth.
- Fixed wireless: If neither of the previous types is available for your Columbia home — or you just want to save by bundling home internet and cell services — check out options for fixed wireless. 5G technology can compete with cable speeds in many cases, though the connection gets slowed down more easily when demand is high.
- Satellite: Satellite internet is widely available on the outskirts of Columbia and other rural areas that cable, fiber or even fixed wireless can’t reach. It requires a satellite dish on your property, and connection speeds top out much slower than the previous options.
- DSL: Although less common than it used to be, DSL is still a popular choice in rural areas or other spots that don’t yet have other options. Companies like Brightspeed offer DSL where they don’t yet have fiber connections, and speeds are similar to satellite internet.
Columbia, Missouri internet FAQs
What is the best internet provider in Columbia, MO?
Deciding on the best internet provider comes down to your browsing needs, budget and availability at your home. For instance, our top choice for internet in Columbia is Brightspeed, but its fiber plans are much faster than its DSL plans. If Brightspeed fiber isn’t available at your home, we recommend trying Socket or Mediacom.
How much does internet cost in Columbia, MO?
Internet plan pricing varies widely by provider and plan type. Internet service providers in Columbia feature plans for anywhere from $29.99/mo. to $249.99/mo.
Is Spectrum available in Columbia, MO?
Spectrum offers spotty availability in the Columbia area. It’s largely unavailable in the center of the city and around the University of Missouri-Columbia, but you may be able to get Spectrum in the suburbs or outlying areas.
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