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(877) 654-4997Different connection types often simplify our decision-making process. But what if you had to choose between two cable internet providers? Spectrum and Astound may share the same connection type but have distinct coverage areas.
While Spectrum is easily accessible in most locations, Astound only serves key metro areas of various states. If you are struggling between Spectrum and Astound, allow us to walk you through their plans, pricing, speeds, and customer service ratings. You can pick the most suitable option after analyzing all the key factors.
Astound Broadband, powered by RCN, is on a mission to connect its customers to ‘astounding’ opportunities. This telecommunications holding company, founded in 2018, only operates in major metro areas of 11 states.
Astound mainly offers cable internet, TV, and home phone services to over 1 million people. However, a small percentage of its customers also have access to fiber-to-home internet service. The provider is famous for its consistent performance, offering a fast and reliable internet connection at extremely affordable prices.
On the other hand, Spectrum, a brand of Charter Communications, attracts customers through simplicity. Although the trade name ‘Spectrum’ was introduced in 2014, Charter Communications has been active in the industry since the 90s. Spectrum became a nationwide name after its merger with Bright House Networks and Time Warner Cable in 2016.
Currently, Spectrum provides cable internet, TV, home phone, and mobile plans in 41 states and satisfies the requirements of more than 32 million customers. Its award-winning hybrid fiber-coaxial network is a lifeline to many businesses and residential customers.
| Features | Spectrum | Astound Broadband |
| Price Range | $49.99/mo. – $79.99/mo. | $20.00/mo. – $55.00/mo. |
| Speed Range | Download: 300 – 1,000 Mbps | Download: 300 – 1,500 Mbps |
| Upload: 10 – 35 Mbps | Upload: 20 – 1,000 Mbps | |
| Internet Type | Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial (HFC) | Cable, Fiber |
| Data Caps | None | None |
| Bundle Deals | Yes | Yes |
| Contracts | None | None |
| Equipment | Modem: Included | Modem & standard home Wi-Fi: Included |
| WiFi Service: $7.00/mo. | ||
| WiFi Pods: $3.00/mo. per pod | Enhanced Whole Home Wi-Fi: $5.00/mo. | |
| Installation Fee | Primary Installation: $65.00 | None |
| Self-Installation: Requires $30.00 service activation fee | ||
| Coverage Area | 41 states | Metro areas of 11 states |
Both, Spectrum and Astound, mainly deliver cable internet service. However, their pricing, maximum speeds, and policies for equipment and installation charges are completely different. Moreover, they have varying coverage areas.
Spectrum and Astound offer a limited number of plans. However, they offer enough speed to cater to various requirements. Comparatively, Astound Broadband is more affordable than Spectrum.
Astound’s internet plans are highly affordable. It means you get a faster connection for comparatively less money. Astound gives you four internet speeds ranging from 300 Mbps to 1,500 Mbps, with prices starting from $20 a month. This promotional price is significantly lower than Spectrum’s. In fact, Astound’s gigabit plan is almost half the price of Spectrum Internet Gig, making it a more attractive option.
The plans become even more valuable with a 2-year price lock guarantee. Moreover, they are contract-free and include free equipment and unlimited data. However, keep in mind that Astound’s prices, speeds, and other terms can vary with your location.
| Astound Internet Plans | |||
| Plans | Starting Price | Max Download Speed | Type |
| 300 Mbps Internet | $20.00/mo.* | Up to 300 Mbps | Cable, Fiber |
| 600 Mbps Internet | $35.00/mo. | Up to 600 Mbps | Cable, Fiber |
| 1,000 Mbps Internet | $45.00/mo. | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Cable, Fiber |
| 1,500 Mbps Internet | $55.00/mo. | Up to 1,500 Mbps | Cable, Fiber |
In comparison, Spectrum’s entry-level plan has the same speed as Astound but is more expensive. All Spectrum Internet plans have higher promotional rates than Astound, costing $30 more, to be precise.
Like Astound, Spectrum also offers a 2-year price guarantee on higher-speed plans. Moreover, every Spectrum Internet plan includes unlimited data, a free modem, and antivirus software. And you don’t have to worry about a contract.
| Spectrum Internet Plans | |||
| Plans | Starting Price | Max Download Speed | Type |
| Internet | $49.99/mo.* | Up to 300 Mbps | Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial |
| Internet Ultra | $69.99/mo.** | Up to 500 Mbps | Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial |
| Internet Gig | $79.99/mo.** | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial |
Internet providers are infamous for increasing your internet bill with multiple additional costs. Let’s take a look at the additional costs of both, Spectrum and Astound Broadband.
Astound and Spectrum include a free modem with every plan. However, unlike Astound, which also exempts you from the monthly router rental, you have to pay $7 for Spectrum’s WiFi service every month.
On the other hand, Spectrum offers a WiFi Pod for an additional $3 per month for extra coverage. Meanwhile, Astound allows you to upgrade to enhanced Whole-Home WiFi for $5 per month for better range and stability. This enhanced system allows multiple routers to work together, enabling you to work, stream, or play games from any corner of your home.
| Provider | Equipment Fee |
| Spectrum | Modem – Free |
| WiFi service – $7.00/mo. | |
| WiFi Pod – $3.00/mo. per pod | |
| Astound Broadband | Modem & standard home Wi-Fi – Free |
| Enhanced Whole-Home Wi-Fi – $5.00/mo. |
While Astound offers free installation with every plan, Spectrum charges $65 to set up everything. You can choose a DIY option, but you will still have to pay $30 to activate your Spectrum Internet plan.
| Provider | Installation Fee |
| Spectrum | Primary Installation: $65.00 |
| Self-installation: $30.00 required for service activation | |
| Astound Broadband | Free ($79.95 in value) |
Astound gives you more bundling options and benefits than Spectrum.
Unlike Spectrum, Astound gives you a variety of TV plans so you can pick your favorite channels and customize your TV experience. Its internet and TV bundles have low base prices and a higher channel count than Spectrum. Moreover, some locations are even eligible for bundling discounts.
In short, Astound Broadband’s bundles are perfect for your entertainment needs, giving you a taste of your favorite local, sports, and family networks.
| Bundles | Starting Price | Internet Speed | TV Channels |
| 300 Mbps Internet + Basic TV | $47.45/mo. | 300 Mbps | 70+ |
| 300 Mbps Internet + Basic + Preferred TV | $109.04/mo. | 300 Mbps | 175+ |
| 300 Mbps Internet + Basic + Preferred + Premier TV | $147.03/mo. | 300 Mbps | 245+ |
Spectrum’s Internet and TV bundles are for people with basic entertainment requirements. Unlike Astound, you don’t get multiple cable TV plans with Spectrum. Hence, you can only combine your Spectrum Internet with TV Select Signature for a starting price of $114.98/mo.
For cord-cutters, Spectrum has a TV Stream plan, allowing you to watch over 75 popular networks.
| Bundles | Starting Price | Internet Speed | TV Channels |
| Spectrum Internet + TV Stream | $89.98/mo. | 300 Mbps | 75+ |
| Spectrum Internet + TV Select Signature | $114.98/mo. | 300 Mbps | 150+ |
| Spectrum Internet + Mi Plan Latino | $89.98/mo. | 300 Mbps | 145+ |
Gaming is 100 times better with fiber internet. Although Astound has a small fiber footprint, the majority of its network is cable. As a result, both Spectrum and Astound have similar latency rates of around 30 ms.
Serious gamers know that while a latency rate below 100 ms is acceptable for most games, 20 to 40 ms is the optimal range. Since the latency rate of both Spectrum and Astound falls within the optimal range, you can choose either option to indulge in your favorite hobby.
Astound Broadband cannot compete with the nationwide coverage of Spectrum. The provider only operates in the major cities of 11 states, including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Houston, and more. You can also find it in the country’s capital Washington D.C.
On the other hand, you can find Spectrum in 41 states. Its 875,000-mile-long network supports 32 million customers across the country.
Unsurprisingly, Astound has better customer service than Spectrum. Since it is a regional internet provider, Astound perfectly understands the local requirements, often receiving positive reviews for its service. Its high post-promotional rates are the only major issue.
Meanwhile, Spectrum’s customer service leaves a lot to be desired. The provider ranks below the industry average on both ACSI and J.D. Power’s Study. But the good news is that Spectrum is gradually improving its customer service, setting a personal best record in the South region in J.D. Power’s Study with a score of 728.
| ACSI Rankings | Spectrum | Astound Broadband | Industry Average |
| 2023 | 64 | N/M | 68 |
| 2022 | 63 | N/M | 64 |
You might be getting tired of reading this, but the choice between Spectrum and Astound depends on your requirements and how much you are willing to spend on your internet service.
Both Astound and Spectrum, are primarily cable internet providers, but their internet plans differ in speeds, pricing, and other terms. Spectrum is a highly accessible option, but you might get a more dedicated customer service experience with Astound Broadband since it is a regional internet provider.
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