Frontier vs Starry: Which Internet Provider Is Better in 2025?

Frontier and Starry represent two fundamentally different approaches to home internet. Frontier has been building out its fiber network across suburban and rural America for decades, while Starry is a newer entrant targeting apartment buildings in dense urban cores with fixed wireless technology. If you live in a major city apartment and want simplicity, Starry appeals. If you want raw speed and widespread availability, Frontier fiber is hard to beat.

We evaluated Frontier Communications and Starry Internet across five critical categories: speed and performance, monthly pricing and value, technology and network coverage, customer satisfaction ratings, and contract flexibility. Here is everything you need to know before signing up.

Overview: Frontier vs Starry at a Glance

Frontier Communications is a fiber & dsl internet provider serving 25 states primarily in Connecticut, California, Texas, and Florida. The company offers speeds ranging from 500 Mbps to 5 Gbps with plans starting at $49.99/mo. Frontier is best suited for budget-conscious fiber users who want no contracts.

Starry Internet is a fixed wireless internet provider available in select metro areas in Boston, New York City, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Denver, and Columbus. It offers speeds from 50 Mbps up to 200 Mbps, with pricing starting at $30/mo. Starry is best suited for apartment dwellers in supported cities seeking affordable no-contract internet.

Speed Comparison: Frontier vs Starry

Internet speed is often the deciding factor when choosing a provider. Frontier delivers maximum download speeds of 5 Gbps through its fiber optic and DSL network, with entry-level plans starting at 500 Mbps. Meanwhile, Starry offers up to 200 Mbps via fixed wireless broadband, with its lowest tier providing 50 Mbps.

When evaluating speed, consider not just the maximum advertised number but the speeds available at your specific address. Fixed wireless and 5G speeds can vary significantly based on tower proximity, signal congestion, and environmental factors. Peak speeds are often much higher than typical everyday performance. For most households, a connection between 100-300 Mbps handles streaming, gaming, and remote work comfortably. Larger households with 5+ connected devices may benefit from gigabit-level service.

Frontier Internet Plans

• Fiber 500: 500 Mbps for $49.99/mo
• Fiber 1 Gig: 1 Gbps for $74.99/mo
• Fiber 2 Gig: 2 Gbps for $109.99/mo
• Fiber 5 Gig: 5 Gbps for $154.99/mo

Starry Internet Plans

• Starry Basic: 50 Mbps for $30/mo
• Starry Plus: 100 Mbps for $50/mo
• Starry Pro: 200 Mbps for $80/mo

Pricing Comparison: Frontier vs Starry

Monthly cost is a crucial consideration for any internet subscription. Frontier plans range from $49.99-$154.99/mo, while Starry charges $30-$80/mo. However, sticker price tells only part of the story. You need to account for equipment rental fees, installation costs, promotional pricing that expires, and any data overage charges.

Frontier requires no contracts required, while Starry offers no contracts required. Contract-free plans provide flexibility to switch providers without paying early termination fees, which is especially valuable if you are unsure about long-term satisfaction with the service. When comparing prices, always look at the regular monthly rate rather than the introductory promotional price, as promotions typically expire after 12-24 months.

Technology and Coverage: Frontier vs Starry

Frontier uses fiber optic and DSL while Starry relies on fixed wireless broadband. This fundamental technology difference impacts speed capabilities, latency, reliability, and availability in your area.

Frontier serves 25 states primarily in Connecticut, California, Texas, and Florida, while Starry is available in select metro areas in Boston, New York City, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Denver, and Columbus. In areas where both providers are available, you have the advantage of choosing based on performance rather than availability. Before making your decision, verify that your specific street address qualifies for service from both providers, as coverage can vary block by block.

Frontier uses fiber optic and DSL technology, providing symmetrical upload and download speeds, low latency, and high reliability. Starry, using fixed wireless broadband, delivers wireless connectivity leveraging cellular or radio tower infrastructure without physical cables.

Customer Satisfaction: Frontier vs Starry

Customer experience plays a significant role in long-term satisfaction with your internet provider. According to J.D. Power residential internet satisfaction studies, Frontier earns a score of 714/1000, while Starry receives N/A. These scores reflect factors including network reliability, speed consistency, billing transparency, customer support quality, and value for money.

Beyond survey scores, we recommend researching recent customer reviews in your specific market. Provider quality can vary substantially between regions, and a company with excellent service in one city may have growing pains in another. Common customer complaints across the industry include unexpected price increases after promotional periods, difficulty reaching support during peak hours, and inconsistent speed delivery during high-usage times.

Pros and Cons

Frontier Pros and Cons

Starry Pros and Cons

Which Should You Choose: Frontier or Starry?

After analyzing speeds, pricing, technology, coverage, and customer satisfaction, Frontier earns our recommendation for most households. Frontier delivers a stronger overall package when you weigh all the factors together, particularly in terms of value and flexibility.

Choose Frontier if:

• You want fiber optic and DSL technology in your area
• You prioritize no contracts or data caps
• You value competitive fiber pricing
• Frontier has coverage at your address

Choose Starry if:

• You need fixed wireless broadband connectivity
• You want very affordable pricing
• no contracts or data caps is important to you
• Starry serves your neighborhood

The ideal internet provider depends on your unique situation. Consider how many devices you connect simultaneously, whether anyone in your household games or streams in 4K, if you work from home and need reliable video conferencing, and how much you are willing to spend each month. Both Frontier and Starry serve millions of satisfied customers, and either can be an excellent choice depending on your priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons and Resources

• Frontier Internet Review
• Starry Internet Review
• Frontier vs Spectrum
• Frontier vs Xfinity
• Frontier vs T-Mobile
• Best Internet Providers of 2025
• How to Choose the Right Internet Provider