Spectrum Internet: Plans, Prices, and Reviews
Spectrum key features
- Price: $50 – $70/mo.
- Speed: 500 Mbps – 1 Gig
- Contract: None
- Data caps: None
- American Customer Satisfaction Index score: 63/100
With a business reach that spans 41 states, Spectrum is one of the largest internet service providers out there, covering over 27% of the U.S. population. Owned by parent company Charter Communications, Spectrum offers a broad array of cable internet, TV, and phone services.
What we like
- Service in 41 states
- Frequent promotions for new customers
- No data caps
What we don’t like
- $25/mo. price increase in year two
- Slower upload speeds
Spectrum plans and prices
Spectrum offers both internet-only and bundle options to all customers that fall under the ISP’s service area. Here’s a breakdown of Charter Spectrum’s offerings:
| Plan | Price | Download speed | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Premier | $50/mo. | 500 Mbps | 12 months |
| Spectrum Internet Gig | $70/mo. | 1 Gig | 12 months |
Spectrum internet speed
According to the FCC’s latest report, Spectrum is one of the top performing internet providers when it comes to speed and consistency. More than 90% of customers received at least 95% of their advertised download speed on average, and this held up even during peak hours.
Ookla’s speed test data also rated Spectrum very highly, with the second highest download speeds and consistency scores on average, behind only Xfinity. In short, you can expect to get the speeds you’re paying for with Spectrum.
Spectrum reviews
The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) has Spectrum in the middle of the pack with a score of 63/100, one point below the average score for internet service providers. Spectrum also scored in the middle of the pack from J.D. Power in every region it’s available.
There were a number of things that stood out for active customers, but concerns with hidden fees and higher average costs seemed to be the most common reason for negative reviews. But other reviewers wrote of positive experiences with the ISP, citing easy installation and a good customer service experience.
How does Spectrum compare?
Spectrum ranks in the middle of the pack compared to other internet providers. While its speeds are as good as any of them, Spectrum’s price increases in the second year make it very expensive for the average customer. It also has much lower upload speeds than fiber providers like Verizon and AT&T.
| Provider | Starting price | Download speed | Upload speed | ACSI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | $50/mo. | 500 Mbps | 10 Mbps | 63/100 |
| Verizon Fios | $50/mo. | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | 72/100 |
| Cox | $50/mo. | 100 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 61/100 |
| Mediacom | $20/mo. | 100 Mbps | 10 Mbps | 60/100 |
| T-Mobile | $50/mo. | 33 – 182 Mbps | 6 – 23 Mbps | 71/100 |
| Xfinity | $25/mo. | 75 Mbps | 10 Mbps | 66/100 |
| AT&T Fiber | $55/mo. | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | 69/100 |
| CenturyLink | $50/mo. | 100 Mbps | 12 Mbps | 60/100 |
Our take
Spectrum offers solid internet speeds, but they’ll cost you. By your second year, you’ll be paying at least $74.99/mo. for internet — the main reason Spectrum scores in the middle of the pack for customer satisfaction. That said, it does deliver on the speeds that it advertises, with some of the best performance metrics of any internet provider.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get Spectrum as my internet service provider?
Spectrum has a footprint in 41 states currently as a direct service provider.
How much is Spectrum?
Spectrum has internet-only packages that range from $50/mo for 500 Mbps to $70/mo for 1 Gig.
Does Spectrum have a data cap for its services?
At the present time, Spectrum service does not have a data cap for any of its broadband services.
Does Spectrum offer internet phone service as part of their package offerings?
Yes. In some of the bundles they offer, there are options for phone service. Phone service can also be added a-la-carte to other existing packages.
Are Spectrum and Time-Warner Cable the same?
Time-Warner Cable was bought by Charter Communications in 2016. It was then re-branded under the Spectrum umbrella as Spectrum Internet. They are now one and the same.
Is Charter the same as Spectrum?
Yes. Charter and Spectrum are the same. Charter is the parent company of the Spectrum brand.
Getting ready to move?
Here are a few extra resources to make your move easier:
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