If you can’t get fiber internet in your area and you need a reliable connection, Spectrum is a great choice. It offers high-speed internet with a fiber-rich broadband network, which is a hybrid of fiber and coaxial cable, to customers in 41 states.
Spectrum’s upload speeds are significantly slower than its download speeds. While they are sufficient for a majority of internet users to stream and upload media, the slow upload speeds aren’t ideal for professional gamers or users who need to share large files.
Pros
- No data caps
- No contracts
- Deals for bundled services
Cons
- No fiber-optic internet plans
- Slower upload speeds
- Prices increase after 12-24 months
Table of Contents
- Spectrum Internet at a Glance
- Spectrum Internet Plans
- How Much Does Spectrum Internet Cost?
- Spectrum Internet Coverage
- What Speeds Can You Expect With Spectrum Internet?
- Spectrum Internet Contracts, Equipment, Fees and Hardware
- Spectrum Internet Bundles and Deals
- How Does Spectrum Internet Perform on Customer Service?
- Getting Internet: We Put Spectrum Internet to the Test
- What You Can Expect From Spectrum Internet
- What We Like About Spectrum Internet
- What We Didn’t Like About Spectrum Internet
- Spectrum Internet Reviews and Experience
- Is Spectrum Internet The Right Internet Provider for You?
Spectrum Internet at a Glance
Spectrum Internet at a GlanceCharter Communications bought Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks to create Spectrum in 2016. One of the largest internet service providers (ISPs) in the United States, the company provides broadband internet to 32 million customers across 41 states.
Spectrum’s cable network gives customers access to fast downloads at affordable prices, which earned the company a spot on our list of best internet providers. However, customers should note that upload speeds are significantly slower than download speeds.
Spectrum offers three internet plans with download speeds ranging from 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps and monthly prices starting at $50 and reaching $70. None of Spectrum’s plans have data caps, as required by the Federal Communications Commission as a condition of its acquisition.
Spectrum Internet Plans
Spectrum offers three high-speed internet plans that are available as internet-only subscriptions or bundled with other services.
| INTERNET PREMIER | INTERNET GIG | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | Starting at $50.00 | Starting at $70.00 |
| Connection | Cable | Cable |
| Max Download Speeds | 500Mbps | 1 Gbps |
| Max Upload Speeds | 10 Mbps | 35 Mbps |
| Data Cap | None | None |
| Contract Term | None | None |
| Users per Household | 3 - 4 | 4+ |
Internet Premier Plan – A No-Frills Plan for Casual Internet Users
Spectrum’s standard internet plan features download speeds of up to 500 Mbps. Upload speeds are much slower, at 10 Mbps.
This plan is good for small households with three to four internet users who want to stream, game or upload and download medium-sized files. It’s not ideal for those who want to upload large files, like HD videos.
Internet Gig – Get the Best Gaming Performance
Serious gamers should spring for Spectrum’s Internet Gig plan, which features download speeds of up to 1 Gbps and upload speeds of up to 35 Mbps. In our research, we found that these speeds are more than sufficient for the average internet user.
With Internet Gig, more than four users can easily stream and game simultaneously, download large files, like high-resolution videos, and utilize smart home and virtual reality technology.
How Much Does Spectrum Internet Cost?
Spectrum offers its plans at promotional rates, plus an additional discount for autopay, with guaranteed pricing for either 12 or 24 months, depending on the plan you choose. These prices are available to customers who sign up for autopay and add a “free” Spectrum unlimited mobile line for 12 months.
Spectrum includes a modem with internet at no extra cost. However, you’ll have to pay a small monthly fee to access Spectrum’s secure Wi-Fi.
All plans also require a one-time service activation fee of $30 if you choose self-installation.
| INTERNET PREMIER | INTERNET GIG | |
|---|---|---|
| Promo Rate* | $50.00 for 12 months | $70.00 for 24 months |
| Standard Rate | $84.99 | $114.99 |
| Monthly Equipment Fee (optional) | $5+ | $5+ |
| One-Time Service Activation Fee | $30 | $30 |
| Typical Two-Year Cost** | $1,200 | $1,680 |
** Equipment and service fees not included
If you opt for professional installation, you’ll pay a bit more. Spectrum charges $65 to send a technician out to set up your internet for you.
Please note that prices and discounts vary by location.
Spectrum Internet Coverage
Spectrum internet is available in 41 states, but not necessarily the entirety of each of those states. The easiest way to know if Spectrum is available where you live is to enter your address on its website.
We named Spectrum as one of the best ISPs in these cities:
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Diego, CA
- Orlando, FL
- Tampa, FL
- Louisville, KY
- St. Louis, MO
- Brooklyn, NY
- New York City, NY
- Cincinnati, OH
- Columbus, OH
- Dallas, TX
- El Paso, TX
- Milwaukee, WI
What Speeds Can You Expect With Spectrum Internet?
Spectrum offers internet plans with download speeds ranging from 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps. Upload speeds start at 10 Mbps and reach 35 Mbps.
Spectrum’s slower speeds are sufficient for standard internet users, but its faster plans are more suited to well-connected families with users streaming and gaming on multiple devices at once.
Spectrum Internet Contracts, Equipment, Fees and Hardware
Spectrum does not require contracts for any of its plans, nor does it implement data caps.
However, customers should be aware that there is a one-time $30 activation fee. While all of Spectrum’s plans come with a modem, a router used to access secure Wi-Fi will cost about $7 extra per month. You won’t have to pay this extra fee if you already have your own compatible router.
Spectrum Internet Bundles and Deals
In addition to the internet, Spectrum offers bundles with TV, home phone and mobile phone services. Customers can mix and match bundles to reap savings, though deals vary from location to location.
Depending on the package you choose, you can save anywhere from $5 to $10 a month.
How Does Spectrum Internet Perform on Customer Service?
Spectrum offers a variety of customer support avenues. Its website features a human-powered live chat, a community forum, a blog and an online resource center. Spectrum also has a 24/7 customer support phone line.
ISPs aren’t necessarily known for their customer service, and Spectrum is no exception. We gave it a “good” rating primarily because it has so many support options. Customer experiences vary depending on the agent they talked to.
Getting Internet: We Put Spectrum Internet to the Test
Signing up for Spectrum using its website is fairly simple. Enter your address on the front page, and it will let you know if plans are available where you live.
If they are, you’ll see the plans to choose from and have an option to add equipment or bundles. You can also click on the “help me choose” button above the plans if you want more specifics on each plan to help you decide.
Spectrum’s website makes it easy to compare plans. Plans are side by side to compare pricing and you can scroll down to see a card that allows you to compare download speeds between each.
What You Can Expect From Spectrum Internet
Spectrum’s plan prices are locked in for a certain amount of time. After that time is up (12 or 24 months, depending on the plan you choose), your bill will be higher. The provider also tacks on equipment fees (though you can opt-out) and charges a one-time installation fee of $30 or $65, depending on whether or not you do it yourself or hire a pro.
What We Like About Spectrum Internet
We like the fact that Spectrum offers high-speed internet at affordable prices. It regularly offers deals and discounts for bundles, making it an even more affordable internet choice.
Spectrum is ideal for well-connected families or households who need high internet speeds.
What We Didn’t Like About Spectrum Internet
Spectrum’s website isn’t as easy to navigate as others, and finding information on plan specifics isn’t intuitive, which makes it challenging to compare plans.
If you need to share large files, like 4K videos, Spectrum is not the best choice. In that case, look for a plan with faster upload speeds.
How Spectrum Internet Stacks Up
Spectrum Internet vs. CenturyLink
CenturyLink’s availability is much more limited than Spectrum’s, with only 16 states covered compared to Spectrum’s 41.
Both ISPs, however, offer affordable high-speed internet plans with options for unlimited service with no annual contract.
Learn more: CenturyLink review
Spectrum Internet vs. Cox Communications
Like CenturyLink, Cox Communication has limited internet availability. The provider covers 19 states, while Spectrum covers 41.
Both Spectrum and Cox offer service bundles and affordable high-speed internet.
The key difference between these two ISPs is that Cox imposes data caps, while Spectrum does not. Cox also offers more plans at different price points than Spectrum, giving customers more options.
Learn more: Cox Communications review
Spectrum Internet Reviews and Experience
As of August 2024, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) gave Spectrum an A+ rating, though customers on the BBB site rate it a 1.09 out of 5.
One BBB reviewer complained of inaccurate billing, and another, this time from Trustpilot, experienced issues with their internet connection. As of August 2024, Spectrum scored a 2.0 on Consumer Affairs. Customers seem satisfied with the internet service and customer support but not with Spectrum’s pricing practices.
Spectrum Comparisons
Is Spectrum Internet The Right Internet Provider for You?
Spectrum offers two high-speed internet plans that range in price from about $50 per month to about $70 per month, but these prices are only available to new customers for a set amount of time (usually 12 or 24 months). After that promotional period, prices will go up.
Spectrum is ideal for users who need high-speed internet at an affordable rate. Keep in mind that upload speeds are relatively slow, so Spectrum isn’t the best internet for users who need to share large files. Its speeds are sufficient for most standard internet users, however.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I get Spectrum Internet service?
Sign up for Spectrum internet service on the company’s website. Plug in your address to see what plans, if any, are available in your area and which deals you’re eligible for.
How do I cancel Spectrum Internet service?
You can either call Spectrum to cancel internet service or do so through your account on the company’s website. Another alternative is to head to a Spectrum store near you to talk to an agent in person about canceling. If you cancel in-store, bring any rented Spectrum equipment.
Can I install Spectrum Internet by myself?
Yes, you can install Spectrum Internet yourself. When you sign up, you’ll need to purchase a $30 self-install kit. It will either be mailed to you, or you can pick it up at a Spectrum store. You can also pay extra for a professional to come out and do the job for you.
How do you tell if Spectrum Internet is throttling you?
Spectrum has no data caps, so it doesn’t throttle your internet when you exceed a certain amount of data. But if you’re experiencing slowdowns when online, test your internet speed multiple times a day to find out if Spectrum is throttling you.
