AT&T vs. Sparklight: Which Internet Provider Is Best for You?
Choosing between Sparklight and AT&T internet depends on where you live
Feb 6, 2025 | Share 
Provider Comparisons (Versus)
-
Best Overall
AT&T- Customer rating: 3.9/5
- Price: $55.00–$245.00/mo.‡
- Speed: 75–5,000Mbps
- Internet type: Fiber & fixed-wireless
- Data cap: Varies
- Contracts: No contract
-
Best for TV Bundles
Sparklight- Customer rating: 3.8/5
- Price: $34.95–$99.00/mo.*
- Speed: 100–2,000Mbps
- Internet type: Cable
- Data cap: Varies
- Contracts: No contract
Read disclaimers.
Compare AT&T and Sparklight head to head
If you’re trying to decide between AT&T and Sparklight, your first step should be to find out what plans are in your area because the deal changes dramatically based on where you live (psst… use the zip search below). In short, AT&T is the better choice unless you have access to Sparklight’s Freedom Connect plans, where you’ll find more speed for your money.
Pros and cons: AT&T vs. Sparklight
Pros:
- Fast speeds
- Unlimited data for most plans
- High customer ratings
- No contracts
Cons:
- Small data cap for fixed-wireless
- Limited fiber availability
Pros:
- Unlimited data and freedom from contracts
- Hassle-free installation
- Pay-as-you-go options
Cons:
- Price hikes after a few months
- Monthly equipment charges
Want to know if you can get AT&T or Sparklight in your area?
Enter your zip code below to find out.
Plans and pricing: AT&T vs. Sparklight
AT&T and Sparklight offer comparable internet plans, most of which provide decent speeds for the money. AT&T has a leg up with max speed and perks, offering connections up to 5,000Mbps and unlimited data for every plan but one. Also, its fiber plans have much faster upload speeds than anything from Sparklight.
You can find a good deal from Sparklight, too, but it’s a little more complicated. Sparklight offers different promotions depending on where you live, and some are a lot better than others.
AT&T plans and pricing
| Package | Price | Speed | Type | View on AT&T site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet 100 | $60.00/mo.† | 100Mbps | Fiber | |
| Internet 300 | $55.00/mo.* | 300Mbps | Fiber | |
| Internet 500 | $65.00/mo.* | 500Mbps | Fiber | |
| Internet 1 GIG | $80.00/mo.† | 1,000Mbps | Fiber | |
| Internet 2 GIG | $145.00/mo.† | Up to 2,000Mbps | Fiber | |
| Internet 5 GIG | $245.00/mo.† | Up to 5,000Mbps | Fiber | |
| Internet Air | $60.00/mo.‡ | 75–225Mbps | 5G fixed wireless | View Plan |
* Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes & fees. Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install charge may apply. Ltd. avail/areas. Call or go to www.fiber.att.com to see if you qualify. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.
†Above pricing is after $10/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount with a debit card or bank account; if using a credit card, then price is $5/mo more. Pricing includes Equipment Fee. Up to $99 install fee may apply, plus tax where applicable.
‡ $60/mo after $5 discount when enrolled in Autopay. Paperless billing req’d. Not available in NY. Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. . Service subj. to Internet Terms of Service at att.com/internet-terms. Offers may be modified, or discontinued, at any time without notice. Other conditions may apply to all offers. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.
AT&T’s plans are easier to understand with uniform pricing and perks, regardless of your location. All plans may not be available in all areas, but the speeds, prices, and data caps stay consistent wherever the plans are offered.
Most AT&T plans are a good value, packing good speeds for your dollar. Plus, all plans come with unlimited data, with the AT&T fixed wireless plan being the only exception. You also have to factor in that most AT&T plans provide fiber internet, which is better than cable in just about every way. The downside is that fiber availability is still rather limited.
Pro tip:
Want to see how much speed you’re getting on your home internet plan? Take a speed test to find out—and don’t forget to download our speed test app.
Sparklight plans and pricing
| Package | Price | Speed | Data cap | View on Sparklight site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connect Internet 100 | $39.95/mo.* for the first 12 mos. | Up to 100Mbps | Unlimited | View Plan |
| Freedom Connect 300 | $39.95/mo.† for the first 12 mos. | Up to 300Mbps | Unlimited | View Plan |
| Freedom Connect 500 | $49.00/mo.‡ for the first 24 mos. | Up to 500Mbps | Unlimited | View Plan |
| Freedom Connect 600 | $54.95/mo.§ for the first 12 mos. | Up to 600Mbps | Unlimited | View Plan |
| Freedom Connect Gig | $69.00/mo.║ for the first 24 mos. | Up to 940Mbps | Unlimited | View Plan |
| Freedom Internet 2 Gig | $99.00/mo.# for the first 24 mos. | Up to 2,000Mbps | Unlimited | View Plan |
| 300 Mbps | $34.95/mo.** for the first 12 mos. | 300Mbps | 700GB | View Plan |
| 600 Mbps | $44.95/mo.†† for the first 12 mos. | 600Mbps | 1,500GB | View Plan |
| 1 Gig | $59.95/mo.‡‡ for the first 12 mos. | 940Mbps | Unlimited | View Plan |
| Pay As You Go 100 | $35.00/mo. | Up to 100Mbps | Unlimited | View Plan |
| Pay As You Go 300 | $45.00/mo. | Up to 300Mbps | Unlimited | View Plan |
| Pay As You Go 500 | $55.00/mo. | Up to 500Mbps | Unlimited | View Plan |
| Pay As You Go 1 Gig | $75.00/mo. | Up to 1,000Mbps | Unlimited | View Plan |
Read disclaimers.
Sparklight’s new Freedom Connect internet plans are an awesome deal: They come with a ton of speed and unlimited data. However, prices go up after three months for some plans, and then again at the 12-month mark.
Sparklights Freedom Connect 600 plan gives you 600Mbps and unlimited data for just $54.95 per month; that’s more speed for the money than anything offered by AT&T. But after a year, you’ll have to pay $70 per month. In that case, you’d be better off with AT&T, where $15 less per month will buy you 1000Mbps of symmetrical speed.
Deals and promotions: AT&T vs. Sparklight
- Get six months of internet for free when you sign up for both AT&T Fiber and a wireless plan and buy a smartphone on installment, until June 30
- Get a reward card up to $150 when you sign up for AT&T Fiber and an eligible wireless plan by June 30
- Get 20% off your internet bill every month when you bundle with wireless service from AT&T, until June 30
Want to know if AT&T or Sparklight are in your area? Take a look by typing in your zip code below.
Extra fees: AT&T vs. Sparklight
| Equipment Fee | Installation Fee | Late fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| | Free | $99 (often waived) | Up to $9 late fee |
|
| $14/mo. | $30 (activation fee) | $8 |
The biggest potential fee is AT&T’s $99 professional installation, but it’s often waived, especially for new customers.
In the long run, it’s the equipment rental fees you have to look out for. AT&T has you covered with a free rental internet gateway (modem/router combo). But to avoid Sparklights equipment charges, you need to buy your own equipment.
Customer ratings: AT&T vs. Sparklight
| Overall Rating | Reliability Rating | Customer Service Rating | Speed Rating | Price Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | 3.9/5 | 3.9/5 | 3.7/5 | 3.8/5 | 3.8/5 |
|
| 3.8/5 | 3.9/5 | 3.2/5 | 3.7/5 | 3.8/5 |
In most areas, these two providers are neck and neck with customer feedback, but AT&T dominates when it comes to price satisfaction. The data from our annual customer satisfaction survey says AT&T customers are much happier with their internet bill. This doesn’t mean that AT&T customers pay less, but it does suggest they feel they’re getting more for their money.
Best TV and internet bundles
| Bundle deal | Internet speed | TV channels | Price | View on provider’s site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV CHOICE All-Included Package + AT&T Fiber Internet 300 | 300Mbps | 105+ | $124.99/mo.† | |
| Sparklight Internet 300 Mbps + Standard Sparklight TV Plus | 300Mbps | Up to 100 channels | Starting at $196.75/mo.* | View Plans |
† Internet: For 12 mo. plus tax. Autopay & Paperless bill req’d. Price after $5/mo autopay & paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Monthly state recovery charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg. may apply. Ltd. avail/areas TV: w/ 24-mo. agmt. AutoPay and Paperless Bill req’d. Advanced Receiver Service Fee $15/mo. and Regional Sports Fee up to $13.99/mo. are extra & apply.
* With Internet 300 plan and Sparklight TV Plus with Standard TV Plus. Pricing and availability may vary by area.
AT&T partners with DirectTV for its TV+internet bundles, meaning you get satellite TV service. You can stream DIRECTV to any TV without a satellite dish. You can also get traditional satellite TV service if you can’t get high-speed internet. Sparklight’s TV is more of a standard cable affair, so it’s likely to be the more reliable of the two, but it’s also more expensive.
Internet types: AT&T vs. Sparklight
| Internet type | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| | Fiber, fixed-wireless | |
|
| Cable | View Plans |
AT&T offers fiber and fixed-wireless internet (including 5G internet) while Sparklight uses much more common cable internet. Fiber is the best kind of internet connection you can get. It’s the fastest and most reliable, but availability is limited.
Fixed-wireless is the least capable of the three but receives the best customer feedback, likely due to its convenience.
Cable internet is the broadband workhorse of the nation, getting more people online than any other internet type. It’s not as good as a fiber internet connection, but the real-world difference is often unnoticeable.
Data caps: AT&T vs. Sparklight
| Data Cap | View on provider’s site | |
|---|---|---|
| | Unlimited 350GB for fixed-wireless | |
|
| 700GB-unlimited | View Plans |
AT&T offers unlimited data for all it’s plans except AT&T fixed-wireless, which comes with a tiny data cap.
Sparklight plans come with unlimited data, but speeds slow down after 5TB. That’s far more data than most households need, though, so it’s nothing to worry about.
Contracts: AT&T vs. Sparklight
| Contract length | View on provider's site | |
|---|---|---|
| |
| |
|
|
| View Plans |
Both AT&T and Sparklight offer month-to-month contracts. You can cancel anytime without penalties.
Installation: AT&T vs. Sparklight
| Installation options | View on provider's site | |
|---|---|---|
| |
| |
|
|
| View Plans |
AT&T’s $99 professional install is concerning at first, but don’t let it scare you off as the fee is often waived. Sparklight’s $30 activation fee is definitely on the cheap side compared to other ISPs, and you can whittle it down even further by opting for self-installation.
Availability: AT&T vs. Sparklight
AT&T and Sparklight share a strong presence in the South and Midwest. The outliers are California, where AT&T has huge fiber coverage areas in the Bay Area, Los Angeles and Sacramento, and Idaho, where there’s lots of Sparklight but no AT&T.
To see if AT&T or Sparklight is in your area, enter your zip code below:
Final call: AT&T vs. Sparklight
We think AT&T’s fiber plans offer the most value overall: The prices, speeds, unlimited data, and perks of a fiber internet connection are tough to beat. You might be able to get cheaper service for the first year with Sparklight, though. Just don’t forget to add equipment costs to the total price! Your first step should be to enter your zip code above to see what plans are in your area.
Methodology
Our HighSpeedInternet.com editorial team bases our analyses on customer input from our annual customer satisfaction survey, results from our speed test tool, and proprietary internet provider data on speeds and pricing. To strengthen our research, we look closely at provider contracts to get hard-to-find information on price hikes, data caps, and extra fees, and we keep tabs on the latest news reports and online reviews. When applicable, we also rely on our personal experiences testing these services.
More about AT&T Internet Air and Xfinity
Disclaimers
‡ AT&T
- Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes & fees. Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. Ltd. avail/areas. Call or go to www.fiber.att.com to see if you qualify.
-
Above pricing is after $10/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount with a debit card or bank account; if using a credit card, then price is $5/mo more. Pricing includes Equipment Fee. Up to $99 install fee may apply, plus tax where applicable.
- $60/mo after $5 discount when enrolled in Autopay. Paperless billing req’d. Not available in NY. Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. . Service subj. to Internet Terms of Service at att.com/internet-terms. Offers may be modified, or discontinued, at any time without notice. Other conditions may apply to all offers. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.
* Sparklight
- For the first 12 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Billing*. $55/mo. Reg price.
- For the first 12 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Billing*. $60/mo. Reg price.
- For the first 24 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Billing*. Reg price: $74/mo. + $14.99/mo. modem + eero Wi-Fi device lease.
- For the first 12 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Billing*. $70/mo. Reg price.
- For the first 24 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Billing*. Reg price: $94/mo. + $14.99/mo. modem + eero Wi-Fi device lease.
- For the first 24 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Billing*. Reg price: $124/mo. + $14.99/mo. modem + eero Wi-Fi device lease.
- For the first 12 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Billing*. $60/mo. Reg price.
- For the first 12 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Billing*. $70/mo. Reg price.
- For the first 12 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Billing*. $85/mo. Reg price.
All Sparklight internet plans
*For the first 12 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Billing*. $55/mo. Reg price.
†For the first 12 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Billing*. $60/mo. Reg price.
‡For the first 24 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Billing*. Reg price: $74/mo. + $14.99/mo. modem + eero Wi-Fi device lease.
§For the first 12 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Billing*. $70/mo. Reg price.
║For the first 24 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Billing*. Reg price: $94/mo. + $14.99/mo. modem + eero Wi-Fi device lease.
#For the first 24 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Billing*. Reg price: $124/mo. + $14.99/mo. modem + eero Wi-Fi device lease.
** For the first 12 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Billing*. $60/mo. Reg price.
†† For the first 12 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Billing*. $70/mo. Reg price.
‡‡ For the first 12 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Billing*. $85/mo. Reg price.
Author - Austin Aguirre
Austin worked as a broadband technician installing and troubleshooting countless home internet networks for some of the largest ISPs in the U.S. He became a freelance writer in 2020 specializing in software guides. After graduating with a BS in technical communication from Arizona State University, he joined the team at HighSpeedInternet.com where he focuses on home network improvement and troubleshooting.
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