Spectrum Internet Review

Spectrum Internet®

$49.99/mo.

for 12 mos.*

  • 300 Mbps
  • Free WiFi + Mobile Line
  • 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Spectrum Internet® Ultra

$69.99/mo.

for 24 mos.*

  • 500 Mbps 
  • Free WiFi + Mobile Line
  • 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Spectrum Internet® Gig

$79.99/mo.

for 24 mos.*

  • 1,000 Mbps 
  • Free WiFi + Mobile Line
  • 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

It’s 2024! You shouldn’t compromise on what matters the most to you, and this includes your home internet connection. Spectrum is one of the few providers in the USA offering high-quality internet service at affordable prices. These traits already make Spectrum a reliable choice for many, but its nationwide coverage solidifies its position as the top internet provider.

This cable internet provider dominates more than half of the US broadband market and connects over 32 million customers. 

Spectrum’s Internet service is an excellent choice for residential and business customers living in non-fiber areas. It is faster, more reliable, and more consistent than DSL, satellite, and 5G internet services. Plus, Spectrum’s low-income internet solutions guarantee free and discounted internet access to struggling households.

check-icon

 Pros:

  • Widely available across 41 states
  • Affordable promotional prices
  • 2-year price guarantee on Internet Ultra and Internet Gig
  • All plans include unlimited data, a free modem, and a security suite
  • You don’t have to sign a contract to receive promotional discounts
  • Excellent bundling options with potential savings


 Cons:

  • Asymmetrical internet speeds
  • High regular prices
  • Below-average customer satisfaction
Table of Contents

Review of Spectrum Home Internet Plans & Prices

Spectrum mainly offers three cable internet plans with fast downloads and slower uploads to most of its customers. However, unlike other major cable internet providers, it does not restrict data usage or trap you in a contract.

All Spectrum Internet plans have affordable introductory prices, ranging from $49.99 to $79.99 per month, and include free modem and self-installation. But its gigabit internet connection delivers the most value, providing twice the download speed of Internet Ultra for only $10 more each month. Spectrum also has an exclusive internet plan, Spectrum Internet 100, for eligible low-income families.

To make its internet service more accessible, the provider has recently introduced price guarantees on its higher speed tiers. Hence, Spectrum Internet Ultra and Internet Gig’s customers can now enjoy low promotional rates for two years. Still, keep an eye on Spectrum Internet’s standard rates, especially if you are searching for a long-term home internet solution.

Plans Price Download Speed Upload Speed
Spectrum Internet 100 $29.99/mo.* Up to 100 Mbps Up to 10 Mbps
Spectrum Internet 300 $49.99/mo.* Up to 300 Mbps Up to 10 Mbps
Spectrum Internet Ultra $69.99/mo.** Up to 500 Mbps Up to 20 Mbps
Spectrum Internet Gig $79.99/mo.** Up to 1,000 Mbps Up to 35 Mbps
*Promo price for 12 mos.
**Promo price is valid for 24 mos. All prices are mentioned with Auto Pay & Paperless Billing discount and are subject to change. Actual speeds, including wireless, may vary and are not guaranteed

Additional Costs

Low promo rates are quite attractive. But like every internet provider, Spectrum charges extra bucks for additional services and equipment. However, it is quite transparent about these costs and lists them all on its rate card.

Keep in mind that your first Spectrum Internet bill will be higher than the following bills as it will include a one-time installation fee. Although the provider gives you two installation choices, neither of which is completely free.

The primary installation (by a technician) costs $65, and you will have to pay $30 for service activation with the self-setup process. Your internet bill will also include a monthly fee of $7 for Spectrum’s WiFi service unless you plan to use your own router.

Spectrum Internet – Additional Costs
WiFi Service $7.00/mo.
WiFi Pods $3.00/mo. per pod
Primary Installation $65.00
Service Activation $30.00
Reconnection Fee $4.99
Unreturned Equipment Fee Modem – $59.00
Wireless Router – $76.00
Spectrum WiFi Pod – $65.00
EPON ONU – $280.00

Spectrum Symmetrical Internet Speeds

Since Spectrum Internet’s main network is cable, the majority of its customers get asymmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 35 and 1,000 Mbps, respectively. However, the company is upgrading its cable infrastructure, and with the potential deployment of 10G technology, most of its customers will have access to symmetrical plans soon.

Currently, only a tiny portion of Spectrum’s customers receive symmetrical internet speeds due to its limited fiber footprint. The provider’s fiber network is much smaller than its cable network and is primarily available in areas where other fiber internet providers are not present. Hence, you will most likely find its fiber internet service in new neighborhoods or commercial sectors.

Spectrum has recently announced an investment of around $70 million to expand its fiber service to Maine. The provider aims to deliver symmetrical, multi-gigabit speeds to more than 700,000 homes and businesses in this state by the end of next year. 

Spectrum Bundle Deals

You can also bundle other Spectrum products with its internet service to receive a number of benefits. Spectrum’s Internet bundles are excellent, giving you a combination of high-speed internet, your favorite channels, strong WiFi coverage, and nationwide 5G mobile access under one manageable bill.

The provider does not impose any restrictions on its bundles, so you can combine as many services as you want. While its internet, TV, and home phone bundles are great for accessing your favorite content and high internet speed under one bill, they do not offer monthly savings. 

Bundles Starting Price Max. Download Speed Channel Count Home Phone
Internet + TV Select Signature $114.98/mo.* Up to 300 Mbps 150+
Internet + TV Select Plus $124.98/mo.* Up to 300 Mbps 160+
Internet + Mi Plan Latino $89.98/mo.* Up to 300 Mbps 170+
Internet + TV Select Signature + Voice $134.97/mo.* Up to 300 Mbps 150+ Unlimited Calling
*Price is valid for 12 mos and includes an Auto Pay & Paperless Billing discount.
Speeds and availability may vary with location.

Only Spectrum One provides incredible savings of over $400 in the first year. This offer gives you high download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps, Advanced WiFi, and unlimited mobile connectivity for a starting price of $49.99 per month. 

You only have to pay for your internet plan as Spectrum’s WiFi router and a single line of its unlimited plan are totally free for a year.

Spectrum One Bundle Starting Price Max. Download Speed
Internet + Advanced WiFi + Mobile Unlimited $49.99/mo.* Up to 300 Mbps
Internet Ultra + Advanced WiFi+ Mobile Unlimited $69.99/mo.** Up to 500 Mbps
Internet Gig + Advanced WiFi + Mobile Unlimited $79.99/mo.** Up to 1,000 Mbps
*Promo price is for 12 mos.
**Promo prices are for 24 mos.
Unlimited Mobile and Advanced WiFi are only free for 12 months, after which their standard rates will apply.

Is Spectrum Internet Good for Gaming?

America has one of the biggest gaming markets in the world. According to Research and Markets, the size of its gaming market is around 57.91 billion dollars this year, indicating the increasing popularity of online gaming. 

Millions of Americans engage in online gaming, and hence, they understand that a top-tier internet connection is crucial for a seamless gaming experience. They know that every move and strategy depends on the stability of their internet connection. 

Therefore, most passionate gamers choose fiber internet service for playing intricate and fast-paced games. But due to its limited availability, cable is the next best choice with a low latency rate ranging from 13 to 27 ms. Hence, Spectrum Internet is a good choice for playing your favorite games. Its high-speed internet plans and low latency rate ensure a responsive and smooth gaming session.

Spectrum Internet Perks

Spectrum gives you an excellent internet connection. Many customers praise its reliability and quality of service. Spectrum Internet operates on a secure and powerful network, providing fast internet speeds and consistent connection. Some of its perks include:

Advanced Security

Spectrum Internet, powered by Advanced WiFi, keeps your network secure with AI-enabled protection. This enhanced network security blocks thousands of online threats every day, protecting your devices from internet scammers and malicious software.

Complete Control

Spectrum Internet gives you complete control over your usage by offering unlimited data and contract-free service with no additional taxes or fees.

Constant Connectivity

Spectrum’s out-of-home WiFi hotspots keep you connected at all times. However, these nationwide WiFi hotspots are only available when you bundle your Spectrum Internet plan with Spectrum Mobile.

Smooth Gaming & Streaming

Spectrum Internet’s high download speeds and lower latency provide superior gaming and streaming experience, allowing you to indulge in your favorite activities without frustrating lags and buffering.

Spectrum Business vs Residential Internet

Spectrum’s business and residential internet speeds are not that different. But if you are a business customer, you should definitely opt for Spectrum Business for a dedicated broadband connection. This business internet service is perfect for small companies, offering three internet plans starting from $64.99 per month with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps.

Although Spectrum’s business internet plans are more expensive than the residential options, they give you consistent speeds and unlimited bandwidth. Additionally, you can save more than $40 every month for a year if you pair these plans with cable TV, mobile phone, and other Spectrum services.

Spectrum Business Internet plans share few similarities with residential counterparts, such as wide availability, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and no contracts or data caps. 

However, they include all the essential business features, such as wireless internet backup and free security for up to 25 desktops, so your business can survive among the competition. Spectrum Business allows you to create and grow your brand by offering a free domain name, static IP addresses, and custom email addresses.

Features Spectrum Business Spectrum Residential
Number of plans 3 3
Starting Price $64.99 – $164.99/mo. $49.99 – $79.99/mo.
Discounted Price When Bundled $39.99 – $119.99/mo.
Download Speed 300 – 1,000 Mbps 300 – 1,000 Mbps
Upload Speed 10 – 35 Mbps 10 – 35 Mbps
Dedicated Customer Support
Contracts
Unlimited Data
Contract Buyout Offer Up to $1,000 Up to $500
Business Features Custom email addresses –       
Domain name
Wireless internet backup
Static IP addresses
Advanced Security
Availability 41 states 41 states

Spectrum Internet vs Other Providers

Spectrum covers a significant portion of the country and is often the only internet provider in many areas. It uses a hybrid fiber-coaxial cable network to compete with top fiber internet providers like AT&T and Frontier but still cannot beat their internet speeds.

Spectrum is a direct rival of Xfinity, offering three simple options compared to Xfinity’s location-dependent offerings. Spectrum’s Internet service thrives on simplicity and transparency, and while its starting price is higher than other alternatives, its high availability makes it a top Internet provider in the US.

Internet Providers Starting Price Download Speeds Upload Speeds Type
Spectrum $49.99/mo. 300 – 1,000 Mbps 10 – 35 Mbps HFC
Xfinity $20.00/mo. 150 – 10,000 Mbps 10 – 10,000 Mbps Cable, Fiber
AT&T $55.00/mo. 10 – 5,000 Mbps 1 – 5,000 Mbps IPBB, Fiber
Frontier $44.99/mo. 6 – 5,000 Mbps 1 – 5,000 Mbps DSL, Fiber
Optimum $40.00/mo. 300 – 8,000 Mbps 20 – 8,000 Mbps Cable, Fiber

Spectrum Availability Review

With approximately 900K miles of network, Spectrum Internet provides coverage in 41 states. However, most of its coverage area is in Tennessee, Ohio, North Carolina, New York, Michigan, Maine, Kentucky, Central Florida and Alabama. 

Spectrum is a national internet provider. Although it offers other services as well, its flagship service is the Internet, with 30.6 million of its 32 million customers using it.

The provider is often available in densely populated areas but is working to expand its network to a few rural and suburban regions. If you are interested in this service, check Spectrum’s Internet availability to verify if it provides service in your area.

Spectrum Internet Customer Service Review

Average! This is how we can define Spectrum Internet’s customer service. While the provider gets praised for its transparency and simplicity, it receives negative reviews due to unhelpful technical support in some markets and high post-promotional rates. As a result, Spectrum’s customer satisfaction scores are average in most public surveys.

While its ranking has improved quite a lot in the latest report of the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) compared to the last few years, it is still below the industry average, indicating the need for further improvement. Spectrum Internet also consistently ranks below the regional averages in J.D. Power’s study. However, it earned the personal best score in the South region last year.

ACSI Rankings Spectrum Industry Average
2023 64 68
2022 63 64

Final Take – Is Spectrum Internet Good?

Transparent pricing, affordable promotional rates, and high internet speeds! These are some of the best qualities of Spectrum Internet. The provider has a penchant for simplicity, offering three simple plans at stable prices throughout the country. 

While its download and upload speeds are asymmetric for now, you might experience symmetric connections in the future since Spectrum is working to improve its network. Still, Spectrum Internet is ideal for both residential and commercial use, delivering contract-free plans over a powerful and secure network.

Related Post