Spectrum Internet Review 2022

The nation'southward second-largest cable cyberspace provider has decent prices, fast speeds, and no information caps or contracts. Simply is that plenty to outweigh its bogus fees and poor customer service?

Spectrum

4 out of 5 stars

4

Information effective 03/15/22. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to alter.

* Limited time offer; subject to alter; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to whatever services inside the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter.

Wireless speeds may vary.

Limited time offering; subject to alter; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to whatever services within the previous 30 days and who accept no outstanding obligation to Charter. Spectrum Internet® Gig promotion price is $89.99/mo; standard rates apply after twelvemonth. 1. Taxes, fees and surcharges extra and discipline to change during and after the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are actress.

^ Speed based on wired connection. Available Internet speeds may vary by address. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a listing of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.internet/modem.

Mindy Woodall

Managing Editor, Abode Security & Smart Home

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Banner advertising latest deals from Spectrum

While Spectrum received some not-so-slap-up news coverage in the past,1 it offers up some adept prices and download speeds when compared to other internet service providers (ISPs) that cover the aforementioned locations.

To top that off, Spectrum Cyberspace plans come up with a few extra perks you lot might not notice elsewhere, like unlimited data. So is Spectrum the right internet provider for you? Let's dig into the facts and find out.

Pros

  • Spectrum has proficient prices for most speeds

  • There are no contracts

  • There are likewise no data caps

Cons

  • Spectrum might accept download speeds that may be slower than advertised

  • This net provider gives poor client service

Compare Spectrum and other internet providers in your area.

Is Spectrum Internet right for you?

Before we get into the details, allow'due south effigy out if Spectrum is the right fit for you.

One thing nosotros similar is that Spectrum is widely available across the U.s.. Utilize that null code internet finder above to see if you lot live in one of the 42 states information technology's available.

Spectrum only has iii plans to choose from, and we wish their Gig plan was a little less expensive. In comparison to Xfinity internet, our top selection, Spectrum offers iii fewer plans and the Gig cyberspace is $15 more.

We do like how Spectrum doesn't require you to sign a contract, just its internet performance could be a trivial better (this is why it didn't brand our acme five).

Spectrum prices and plans

Spectrum has a couple practiced deals, simply we'd love to meet a lower toll on its Gig plan

If y'all're looking for fast download speeds that'll proceed a family gaming and streaming over the weekend, Spectrum has you covered. It offers a few different plans with speeds ranging from upwards to 100 to 1,000 Mbps.* Each of those speeds is juicy enough to keep that buffering icon away.

Simply we're not gonna lie, we'd love to see more plans from Spectrum. That's because we love choices, and right now Spectrum doesn't offer anything in the way of slower download speeds at lower prices.

Sure, the price for its up to 100 Mbps programme* is reasonable, just what nigh solo gamers or casual spider web surfers that don't need that much speed? (Of class, more speed is better than less speed, so nosotros still recall the Spectrum Internet® plan is a deal.)

Looking for a Time Warner Cable or Charter Communications internet review?

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You lot're in the right identify. Back in 2016, Charter Communications bought both Time Warner Cable and Bright Business firm Networks. Yup, now all that Internet access provider prowess is housed under one proper name, Spectrum. And you'll notice all the juicy details virtually Spectrum cyberspace right here in our review.

Spectrum prices and plans

Data effective 03/15/22. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject area to change.

* Limited time offer; field of study to change; valid to qualified residential customers who accept not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter.

Wireless speeds may vary.

Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who take not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who accept no outstanding obligation to Charter. Spectrum Internet® Gig promotion price is $89.99/mo; standard rates apply afterward year. i. Taxes, fees and surcharges actress and subject to change during and later the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra.

^ Speed based on wired connection. Available Internet speeds may vary by accost. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem.

You lot might hear Spectrum compared to AT&T Fiber or Borderland. That's because these iii ISPs serve some of the same parts of the US.

When it comes to price, we retrieve AT&T Fiber offers the best value—and the everyman prices. AT&T Fiber is as well a cobweb connection, which tends to be more reliable than the cable connection Spectrum uses.

Simply if you lot can't get AT&T Fiber and instead accept a pick of Spectrum versus Frontier, we'd get with Spectrum. Borderland'southward prices offset out great, merely quickly skyrocket to the highest cost we've seen for a gig speed plan.

Spectrum toll comparison

Data effective 01/14/22. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.

° For the kickoff 12 months.

** Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill disbelieve (west/in ii bills). Plus taxes $ fees. Limited availability. May not exist bachelor in your area.

†† for 24 months with two-yr agreement. Actual speeds may vary. Installation, equipment fees, Cyberspace Infrastructure Surcharge, early term, taxes & other fees use. Services subject to availability and all applicable terms and conditions.

Is Spectrum Internet available in your area?

Spectrum Internet is bachelor in 42 states, and so chances are pretty good that it's available near you. Peculiarly if you live in the northeastern United states, where Spectrum is focused on connecting cities and towns to the world wide web.

A map of the US shows 42 states where Spectrum internet is available

Of the states where y'all can detect Spectrum, here are the top five states with the virtually availability:

  1. Ohio
  2. Maine
  3. New York
  4. Wisconsin
  5. North Carolina

If you're not sure whether Spectrum Cyberspace is available in your hometown, nosotros can help you out. Just enter your zip code below and we'll tell you if Spectrum is in your area.

Search for Spectrum Net plans in your area

Spectrum Internet speed

Stream in 4K or download your unabridged Steam library without worrying about data charges

We mentioned nosotros wished Spectrum offered more choices for download speeds, but what speeds information technology does offering are great for streamingThe Expanse on Amazon Prime number Video or teaming upward with your buddies in aPlayerUnknown'due south Battlegrounds match.

The upwards to 100 Mbps plan* should be hefty enough to keep parents happily streamingSchitt'southward Creek while their kiddo watchesPhineas and Ferb on Disney+. (Just maybe not in the aforementioned room.)

Only if y'all've got more than a few continued devices, similar cell phones, dwelling security systems, and smart TVs, and all the same want to binge-picketThe Groovy British Blistering Testify when you come home from work, you'll probably want to upgrade to Spectrum's upward to 200 or even up to 400 Mbps programme.*

And that Spectrum Internet Gig plan? That's perfect for a big family who loves to practice all of the in a higher place—or for serious gamers or adults who make a living working from habitation.

Spectrum download speeds and upload speeds

Data constructive 03/15/22. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.

Wireless speeds may vary.

^ Speed based on wired connection. Bachelor Internet speeds may vary past address. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem.

So what nearly all this news coverage of Spectrum'south slower-than-advertised speeds? Yep, we've heard near that besides, and it has us shaking our heads in disappointment.

In our latest analysis of the fastest internet providers in the United states of america, Spectrum ranked 14th out of the 38 total ISPs we analyzed. That puts it far below other cablevision cyberspace providers like RCN (ranked 6th), Xfinity (ranked 7th), and Optimum (ranked ninth).

Spectrum Internet speed scores2

Provider

Overall rank

Cablevision Internet service provider rank

Spectrum Internet®

14th out of 38 ISPs

7th out of 22 cable ISPs

Really quick, we want to note that Spectrum'southward weighted score of 35.6 out of 100 isn't representative of whatever download speeds you lot might run into with it. Instead, that weighted score is a combination of the average download speeds, upload speeds, and latency that Spectrum Internet customers saw in more than 1 million speed tests taken between January and December 2019.

Our highest-ranked cablevision cyberspace provider, RCN, earned 47.4 out of 100, while our lowest-ranked cable provider, Sparklight, earned 31.5 out of 100. That puts Spectrum toward the bottom of the pack when it comes to net speed from big cable ISPs. So, we expect that yous'll probable get slower speeds than what you pay for with Spectrum.

The somewhat silver lining is that Spectrum has no contracts. So if you detect your download speeds waning and client service is no help, it's easy to put a cease to your service and find someone else. Y'all won't become slapped with early termination fees either.

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Not sure if Spectrum'south download speeds are plenty for y'all? Check out our Mbps guide for more info.

Information caps

Spectrum will neither throttle your speeds nor charge you actress for your data utilize. That's the best kind of "no" we've always heard.

While most ISPs offer only ane TB of information (which is usually more than enough data for most of united states), Spectrum's unlimited information is a dream come true for anyone who uses the web for file sharing, (legally) downloading movies, or working from home.

Contracts, equipment, and fees

Spectrum comes with no contract, but you'll withal pay for installation and a Wi-Fi activation fee

Nosotros like that Spectrum offers a no-contract internet option considering it frees you up to switch providers if you're moving homes or unsatisfied with the service. That's perfect if you're renting, temporarily in a city for work, or just don't like commitments. (We get it.)

Other options for no-contract internet that may be in your expanse include Frontier and Xfinity.

The only problems nosotros have with Spectrum are information technology's boosted fees. Those fees are a confusing bunch, so we'll try to clear them up for yous.

Equipment

Spectrum throws in a free modem with your internet, which is pretty dainty of them. Near other companies charge anywhere from $10 to $xx extra a month to rent equipment.

Of form, you can nonetheless bring your ain modem and router combo if yous prefer. If you need a recommendation, we're fans of this ARRIS SURFboard modem router combo from Amazon.

Service fees

The professional installation fee for the Spectrum Internet and Spectrum Internet Ultra plans is one of the most reasonable we've seen. But the fee for the Spectrum Internet Gig programme is outrageous at best.

  • Pro installation fees: $49.99 for Spectrum Internet and Spectrum Internet Ultra plans, $199.99 for Spectrum Gig plan
  • Self installation fee: $19.99
  • Early on termination fees: No contract means no early on termination fee. Yay!

Spectrum TV'due south customer service

Spectrum'south client service improved over the last year, only there's notwithstanding room for more comeback

Internet service as a whole doesn't do well in the customer service department. We know that's no excuse, but nosotros desire to put the state of affairs in perspective before we swoop into how Spectrum's customer service performs.

The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) scores ISPs for customer service each twelvemonth, and the net industry averaged a score of 65 out of 100 for 2021.iii So if you expect at Spectrum'south latest score of 63 out of 100, information technology may non seem that great. But that score is nevertheless a major improvement from 2 years ago, when Spectrum scored a lackluster 59 out of 100.

Spectrum customer service rating3

Customer service rating

Spectrum

ACSI 2020

63 out of 100

So, while we're pleased to see Spectrum improved over the past couple of years, we're still expecting bigger and better things from it.

But if you have no other option but to call customer service, what tin you exercise? Get-go affair's first, have a deep jiff and grab a pen and newspaper.

  1. Use online conversation or email if you can. Conversation and email gratis you upward to continue living your life without a cell phone attached to your ear. Both of these methods besides keep a log of what was said or promised, which is perfect if you need to refer back to it for proof.
  2. Advocate for yourself. If your current customer service rep isn't cut it, ask to speak to someone else—or their manager. It may seem disrespectful, but at the end of the day yous're the customer and you deserve fair and respectful treatment!
  3. Negotiate. Spectrum doesn't accept contracts, and then this can be a huge bargaining flake for you. Research other cyberspace providers' prices and speeds before y'all phone call or chat, and don't be afraid to say you'll abolish your service if Spectrum can't give you what you're asking for.

Make it touch with Spectrum hither:

  • Phone: 1-855-707-7328
  • Online conversation
  • Twitter: @Ask_Spectrum
  • Facebook: @Spectrum

How does Spectrum Internet compare to the competitors?

As we mentioned before, Spectrum Cyberspace barely made our top internet access provider picks.

Although it's still a good provider for some, nosotros'll requite you lot some context of how Spectrum stacks upward against our top four internet providers.

Spectrum Internet competitor comparing

Provider

Monthly cost

Download speeds

Data cap

Larn more

Spectrum $17.99/mo. $89.99/mo. for 12 mos. ° 30 1000 Mbps Unlimited
Xfinity Internet $19.99 $79.99 ‡‡ fifty 1200 Mbps ane.two TB
Verizon Fios Home Internet $39.99 $89.99 ^^ 300 940 Mbps Unlimited
CenturyLink Internet $50 $65 °° 100 940 Mbps Unlimited
AT&T Internet $55 ** 75 100 Mbps i TB Unlimited

Data effective 11/11/21. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.

° For the first 12 months.

‡‡ For the first 12 months. Some packages require a one- or 2-year contract.

^^ w/ Auto Pay + taxes & equip. charges.

°° New customers only. Rate requires paperless billing and excludes taxes. Additional fees employ.

** Cost subsequently $five/mo Autopay & Paperless nib discount (w/in two bills). Plus taxes $ fees. Limited availability. May not be available in your area.

Our picks: The all-time Spectrum Net program

All-time budget selection for most families: Spectrum Internet

Who it'due south best for: If your family loves to stream videos or playFarming Simulator 19 together online, the Spectrum Net plan'due south up to 100 Mbps* is fast plenty to keep you continued on a budget.

Only hey, if your house is dwelling to a large family, you've got kiddos uploading YouTube videos, or a partner who works from habitation, you'll want to look into the up to 400 or 1,000 Mbps* plans instead.

Why we picked information technology: The cost Spectrum charges for its up to 100 Mbps plan* isn't the best out there, merely it's still reasonable. We also think it's the best deal of all three Spectrum plans available. And so if you're stuck on a budget but still dear to game and stream reruns of Parks and Recreation, we call up this programme is the perfect compromise.

4 out of 5 stars

four

Download speed:

Up to 200 Mbps

Data effective 01/25/2022. Offers and availability vary past location and are subject to change.

Information effective 5/17/2021. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.

Recap: Is Spectrum Net good?

Spectrum's got okay pricing and client service, merely on the plus side it pairs its fast speeds with unlimited data and no contracts

As the nation'due south 2d largest internet provider, Spectrum has to compete with big dogs like Xfinity, Verizon, and AT&T.

How does information technology stack up? Mmm, so-so if you ask united states of america.

Information technology's widely available in the United states, offers a wide range of speeds that work for streaming or gaming households, and keeps you going with unlimited data—all while avoiding contracts.

But its confusing fees and iffy customer service brand usa hesitate. Can you find meliorate than Spectrum? Yes. But are at that place worse ISPs out there? Over again, yes.

Spectrum internet prices and plans recap

  • Spectrum Cyberspace: $49.99/mo. for the kickoff 12 months, upward to 100 Mbps download speeds,* no data cap
  • Spectrum Internet Ultra: $69.99/mo. for the get-go 12 months, upward to 400 Mbps download speeds,* no data cap
  • Spectrum Internet Gig: $89.99/mo. for the first 12 months, up to one,000 Mbps download speeds,* no information cap

Data effective 12/sixteen/2021. Offers and availability vary past location and are discipline to alter.

Methodology

We inquiry and rate our internet providers based on the following criteria:

  • Prices
  • Availability
  • Speed scores
  • Customer service scores
  • Connection blazon

Afterwards comparison the criteria, we give y'all our honest stance about each provider while giving you the data y'all need to know before signing up.

Spectrum FAQs

Who owns Spectrum Internet?

Back in 2016, Lease Communications bought both Time Warner Cable and Vivid House Networks. At present, all that Isp prowess is housed under one proper name, making Charter the proud new owner of Spectrum.

How much is Spectrum Internet after 12 months?

After 12 months of service, your prices will increase past $21 for internet. Since Spectrum doesn't require a contract, your promotional toll isn't guaranteed after the beginning yr (although it's worth calling and negotiating for if y'all're an existing customer).

How do I install Spectrum Cyberspace?

If you lot already have a cable connexion and basic knowledge of modems and routers, you can fix it up yourself. It'southward straightforward enough if y'all've set-up a Wi-Fi network before, but there's a Spectrum video if you oasis't.

Sources

*Wireless speeds may vary.
°Speed based on wired connection. Available Internet speeds may vary by address. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.internet/modem.

Mindy Woodall

Written by

Mindy Woodall

Mindy has been writing nigh engineering for seven years. She covers all things smart home for Reviews.org, and keeps track of the latest robot gadgets. Mindy attended the University of Utah and her work has been featured on the likes of Parents.com, Digital Care, Hostfully, and more.

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