Spectrum Internet Review – View Plans & Pricing for 2024

I recently reviewed Xfinity Internet and a lot of my readers loved it. Some of them also wanted me to review Spectrum (which was already in my pipeline) after spending a huge time using different service packs in different locations.

Spectrum – Company Overview

Spectrum Internet is a leading high-speed broadband internet provider with wide availability across the United States. The company sells straightforward internet plans with fast internet speeds, no contracts, and unlimited data.

Pros

• No data caps or annual contracts
• Includes a free modem and antivirus software
• Straightforward pricing with minimal fees

Cons

• Spectrum One prices increase after 12 months
• Poor customer satisfaction
• Ranks below industry standard

Available Speeds: 300 to 1000 Mbps
Price Range: $49.99 to $89.99 per month
Data Cap: None
Contract Required: No
BBB Rating: C-

As one of the best cable internet providers, competitors of Spectrum include:

• Astound Broadband
• Xfinity
• Cox
• Wow!
• Mediacom Xtream
• Midco
• Sparklight
• Breezeline

What Type of Internet Is Spectrum?

Spectrum’s internet network runs on hybrid fiber-coaxial cable and uses a wired connection. Hybrid fiber-coaxial cable is a blend of copper wiring and fiber optic cables, which use light pulses to transmit data at blazing fast speeds.

This is not the same as 100% fiber internet, also known as fiber optic internet, which is extremely fast and more reliable than cable internet. Although Spectrum is a well known cable internet company, the company is slowly rolling out fiber internet in a few, very limited locations. But, currently, most of their network is made of hybrid fiber-coaxial cable. Most customers connect to Spectrum with a standard coaxial cable.

In addition to high speed internet plans, Spectrum offers TV, mobile, and home phone plans, as well as an array of bundling options to save on two or more Spectrum services.

All Spectrum Internet Plans Reviewed

Whether you are a business owner who has more than 100 users connected to the internet or a business that offers Free WiFi to their customers. You could be a gaming enthusiast who wants lag-free network latency, or maybe just someone who wants a service provider for basic internet usage at your home. Spectrum offers different packages catered to different users.

Spectrum makes things simple by offering just three basic internet plans based on maximum internet speeds. Every Spectrum internet plan includes unlimited data, a free modem, and free antivirus software. There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee on all Spectrum internet plans.

We’ll dive into the details of the three Internet plans of Spectrum Cable Internet on offer.

Plan 1: Spectrum Internet Gig Review

The Internet Gig plan boasts a download speed of up to 1 Gbps. It costs $89.99 per month and is designed to meet the heavy internet usage demands of large households with 14+ connected devices.

Speeds & Data Cap

The top-speed tier internet package rakes speed up to 1 Gbps. I've been using it for the last half year and download speeds have averaged above 900 Mbps in the WiFi mode. When I wire my desktop to the router, the device clocks over 940 Mbps consistently. The Upload speeds clocked around 35 Mbps, as spectrum promises.

The best thing about Spectrum is there are no data caps. Users can stream, download and call without being conscious of the bandwidth. This applies to all their packages.

Performance

You need a powerful device to get the most out of this internet plan. A strong 32×8 bonded modem and the latest Wi-Fi 6 router will power your home with adequate bandwidth for some intense gaming sessions and 4K TV streaming on weekends.

It can power a multitude of mobile gadgets along with home automation devices, including CCTV cameras and voice assistants.

I used my own Spectrum-compatible modem (although Spectrum doesn't charge modem rental, the device they give can mess up the performance). Also, not to mention that they charge $5/month if you want it to be a wireless setup.

Cost-to-Ownership Value

At $89.99, the Gigabit package looks costlier compared to competitors, including Fiber internet providers. Only the Cox 1 Gig package is priced above the Spectrum Gig package. But it offers more value and flexibility in the long run.

The best part about the Spectrum internet deals is there are no contracts, while the other major cable and fiber internet providers, Xfinity, Cox, AT&T, and Verizon FiOS, are contract-based. After a year, the price changes to $110, but Spectrum offers their modem with no costs, unlike other competitors.

With Cox & Xfinity, there are monthly rentals for your modem or you'll have to invest a good chunk of money to buy your modem and avoid the recurring rentals. You can learn more in the detailed comparison between Spectrum and Xfinity.

Pros

• Stable high-speed downloads
• No contracts
• No modem rental

Cons

• Not suitable for twitch live streamers

Plan 2: Spectrum Internet Ultra (Up to 500Mbps) Review

The middle-tier Spectrum internet plan is Internet Ultra. This plan costs $69.99 per month and gives customers up to a 500 Mbps download speed. Actual speeds can vary depending on specific equipment, the number of connected devices, and your location. Small to medium households with multiple devices (8-14) can benefit most from this internet option.

👉 Is 500 mbps fast?

Speeds & Data Cap

With the internet ultra plan, the WiFi performance and download speeds were also consistent. I'd have stuck with this 500 Mbps plan if I hadn't added a gaming console and 4K TV to my home setup. The download speeds remained above 450 Mbps, and sometimes upload speeds will clock above 20 Mbps.

Performance

With an excellent tri-band router and DOCSIS 3.0 modem, you'll be able to get the most value from this router. Sometimes a couple of TVs were streaming video while I was immersed in gaming over the weekends. And there was hardly anything to complain about the speeds or performance.

Limited by the upload speeds, I could observe a slight delay during the group HD video calls only if the internet was loaded with other data-heavy activities like gaming. Standalone, I could play games, make video calls, and attend online sessions with no hassles.

Cost-to-Ownership Value

At $69.99, the spectrum ultra internet seems pricey on average compared to other cable and Fiber internet providers. But in a long run, Spectrum deals appear attractive to their customers because of the flexibility and straightforward pricing strategy. 

You can cut down on the router's monthly rental if you get your own router for Spectrum. Even if you don't have one, the $5 is lower compared to what the competitors charge for the packages with the device.

Pros

• Ideal for medium households
• Support 4K streaming and gaming
• No binding contracts

Cons

• Limited upload speeds

Plan 3: Spectrum Internet (Up to 300Mbps) Review

The most economical Spectrum internet plan is their 300 Mbps internet speed option. This plan costs $49.99 per month. It is best suited for a single or small household with 1-7 devices.

👉 Is 300 mbps fast?

Speeds & Data Cap

I started with a 300 Mbps package when I moved to my current neighborhood. The consistency of the performance is one reason I stuck to Spectrum and upgraded to their faster packages. My locality has limited reach to Fiber internet, this was one of the reliable options with flexibility and good TV bundles.

The download speeds remained above 260 Mbps consistently. I was running a couple of web portals using the connection, and I could rely on their connection with minimal downtime.

To my surprise, the upload speeds were ‌above 20 Mbps, a bit more than what Spectrum promises for this tier. Thanks to the lawsuit a few years ago, that turned out to be favorable.

Performance

Even with a gaming laptop, desktop, and a bunch of tablets and smartphones connected to the network, I could stream videos on my TV, noticing no buffers. The VOIP calls were seamless, even with browsing, music streaming, and file download activities running parallel.

Cost-to-Ownership Value

The price of $49.99 felt costlier and it feels expensive even now, with a lot of other service providers going as low as $25 for their starter packs. But over the long run, I observed there were minimal downtimes in my area. I've also enjoyed keeping my options open and not being bound to a service provider for years.

I'd suggest you try out this Spectrum plan initially if you don't have fiber availability in your neighborhood and then make your decision to switch to higher speeds or a different service provider. You don't have to pay for the modem, irrespective of the internet tier you're on.

Pros

• Ideal for smaller households, commercial halls, and lodging facilities
• No long-term contracts
• Perfect to bundle with voice and TV

Cons

• Activation fee

Spectrum Internet Availability

Although the other areas Spectrum provides coverage is something you'd be least interested in, many of us move to a different locality, and when we move there, finding a new internet provider could be time-consuming, so if you're planning to move to a different place later, then Spectrum coverage map should help you.

If you're familiar with the US map, then the above map shall be helpful. For others who are like me and don't know some states, below is a tabular representation of the states where Spectrum is currently available.

If you look at some of the highly populated cities in the USA, Spectrum offers services to some of the major ones. This is not an exhaustive list. Spectrum's coverage runs deep into several towns, villages, and counties, leaving a heavy footprint and huge patronage.

Here are the towns and cities with Spectrum availability.

Only Xfinity has come close to matching the coverage of the Spectrum and took over in recent years. Even the major Fiber internet providers like AT&T and Verizon FiOS cover close to 20 odd states.

Spectrum has a few competitors from other service providers like Optimum, Mediacom, WOW, and Vyve in different regions of the USA, but none of them can compete in their global presence apart from Xfinity.

Spectrum One – from $49.99/mo

Right now, customers can get Spectrum One – an internet package that includes Spectrum internet, a free year of Spectrum Advanced Wifi, and a free unlimited mobile line – for the same price as one of Spectrum's internet-only plans. There's no catch; it's just a great deal that allows customers to save up to $400 for their first year with Spectrum.

While all Spectrum internet plans include a free modem, there is a $5 per month fee for Advanced WiFi, which is Spectrum's WiFi router. Customers can skip this fee by bringing their own compatible router.

Spectrum WiFi

When signing up for a Spectrum internet plan, customers can opt for Spectrum Advanced WiFi, which uses WiFi 6 technology. The benefits of Advanced Wifi include optimized routing that always delivers the fastest wireless speeds and enhanced network security with Security Shield.

Spectrum Advanced WiFi is included free for 12 mos with a Spectrum One plan. Otherwise, it costs $5 per month.

Customers who opt for Advanced WiFi can also take advantage of the My Spectrum App. The app gives customers the ability to control and manage their wifi network. It also sends alerts when a new user connects.

For large homes or houses with dead spots, Spectrum also offers WiFi extenders and mesh WiFi systems.

Installation & Additional Fees

Spectrum charges for installation. Customers can select professional installation, for a $59.99 one-time charge. Or, they can opt for a Spectrum self-installation kit, which costs $24.99.

Most ISPs charge their customers for couriers up to $25. This varied across states and regions, depending on the device availability. Their one-time installation fees are one of the lowest, if not the lowest, among the internet service providers.

Their close competitors Cox and Xfinity charge above $75 for installation. Their late payment fee of $8.95 had a grace period of 30 days which was higher than the average of 23/24 days offered by other providers.

Its reconnection fees are the lowest amongst its competitors. AT&T, Cox, and Verizon charged north of $20, while Xfinity charges a dollar more than Spectrum.

Spectrum's pricing is far more straightforward than its other competitors, when it comes to modem charges as Xfinity, COX, Mediacom, and Frontier charge rentals for their modem.

However, to make it wireless, you'll need to pay $5/month for the router which seems like a fair price compared to competitors, but I feel that buying a modem or a router offers better ROI than renting it.

Not sure as to which device to get? Well, you can check out my recommended routers for Spectrum internet. And if you live in a fairly large house with 2-3 levels and a couple of rooms + garage/garden, you're better off establishing a Spectrum mesh network.

If you are a customer of one of these service providers, you'd know about their early contract termination fee, which varies. Spectrum avoids all these pricing hassles. It even offers a contract buyout of $500 if you are switching to one of its internet and TV bundles.

Spectrum doesn't charge data overage fees like the major cable internet competitors. You'd have to credit the simple fee structure of Charter Spectrum for its strong patronage, although the activation fee can feel a little excessive at times.

Bundle Packages

Their bundle packages make more sense than their standalone internet package. if you have voice calling requirements. Their Triple Play (bundle of internet, TV, and home phone) and Double Play (Combination of two services) offer great value when you pair them with a 300 Mbps plan.

Depending on the regional availability, you can combine them with the 500Mbps package as well. Depending on your internet package, you’ll be able to save anywhere, ranging from $5 to $10 a month.

If you opt for a TV bundle, you can follow my guide and hook up the Spectrum cable box and modem on your own.

How To Sign Up for Spectrum Internet

New customers can sign up for Spectrum internet online or by phone. To sign up online, start by entering your home address into the Spectrum website. From there, you can view available Spectrum internet, TV, home, and mobile phone plans for your location. You can also customize your Spectrum service with extra equipment, additional services, and add-ons.

Once you have built your Spectrum package, you can check out and pay online. In some locations, self-installation is available. In others, professional installation is required.

If self-installation is an option for your address, you can either purchase a self-install kit at check-out or opt for professional installation. Once you sign up, you can schedule a time for a technician to visit your home and set up your new Spectrum services.

If you need support while signing up or would prefer to do so over the phone, you can call the phone line 1-855-860-9068 to speak with a Spectrum representative, who will guide you through the process.

My Spectrum App

The highly-rated My Spectrum app allows customers to get full usage out of their Spectrum account. Through the app, customers can get access to technical support, troubleshoot their services, pay bills, enroll in autopay or paperless billing, view billing statements, connect to Spectrum access points, and more. Customers with Advanced WiFi can set parental controls, protect devices with Security Shield, and set up a Spectrum WiFi profile to get free out-of-home WiFi.

The My Spectrum app is available to download for free from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Simply download it on your device and log in to your Spectrum account to gain access to the app's full suite of features.

How To Cancel Spectrum Service

It's easy to cancel your Spectrum service at any time. All of Spectrum's internet, cable TV, mobile phone, and home phone plans have no contracts, so you are always free to cancel or change services without having to pay any cancellation fees.

To cancel, you must call Spectrum at 1-833-949-0036 or request cancellation from a customer service agent through the website's live chat feature. Alternatively, you can visit a Spectrum location in person to cancel your services.

If you want to cancel your Spectrum internet, phone, or cable TV plan because you are moving, then you may want to first see if there is an option to transfer your Spectrum services over to your new address. You can call Spectrum at 1-855-363-4902 to inquire about moving transfer services and find out if your current services are available at your new location.

Customer Support

If you need assistance with your Spectrum internet, TV, or phone service, there are many ways to get the help you need.

Spectrum's support page is packed full of useful information about popular topics. This is a great resource for getting quick, thorough answers to any questions about your Spectrum service that you may have.

If answers to your questions cannot be found online, then you can reach Spectrum customer service by either calling or chatting with them. Spectrum offers 24/7 customer support.

You can always access a customer service professional through the live chat option on the Spectrum website.

Or, you can contact Spectrum customer service by dialing the phone number 1-833-949-0036 to speak with an expert directly.

User Reviews

While there is room for improvement in customer service and technical support, the latest customer satisfaction survey was surprising. While its major competitors struggled to maintain the points from the last year, there was a total industry drop of 1.5% in satisfaction, but Spectrum increased its performance and customer satisfaction from the previous year and kept it at 63/100.

We noted customers giving good feedback to support technicians for helping them make informed decisions about the requirements and usage. The reason that leads to the increase in customer satisfaction is the limited downtime. While there were temporary blips in services, Spectrum avoided prolonged outages that some of the major Fiber providers suffered in patches last year.

Here's what existing users have to say about Spectrum internet services:

The Representative paid attention to our request and offered a detailed explanation of Spectrum Internet plans. She waited with patience and allowed sufficient time for us to reach our decision. Her knowledge and patience were admirable. She was calm and polite at all times.

Nathan D Avirel

Spectrum is one of the few internet service providers in my area that actually works. I've been using their bundle package in my home for over a year and have had no problems, which is amazing considering where I live, the weather, and so on.

Emily T Lockhart

Pricing is reasonable but I felt a little high. I've been a member for over three years and the prices have only gone up once. They provide adequate equipment at best. I haven't faced too much downtime, and when it occurs, the service gets restored within hours.

Hazel A Scott

I have no issues with the internet provider, they are the only and primary supplier of the internet in a small lake town in the back woods of Michigan. The connection is fast and consistent but they can work on their customer service.

Carter J Taylor

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Spectrum Right for Me?

With a spectrum of affordable internet plans to choose from, fast internet speeds, and coast-to-coast availability, Spectrum Internet ranks as one of the best cable internet companies. Spectrum's easy-to-understand internet plans with no contracts and no data cap are quite a bargain. However, it is important to compare Spectrum Internet with other major internet providers in your area to ensure you get the best speeds for your budget.

Spectrum offers great internet deals – especially with their Spectrum One bundle – and their maximum internet speeds are faster than many other cable internet providers. However, they do not offer blazingly fast fiber internet in the vast majority of locations at this time.

Fiber internet is much faster than cable internet when it comes to the fastest download speeds and upload speeds. It's also more reliable than traditional cable internet. If you are in the market for home internet, then you should choose fiber over cable.

Fiber is truly the future standard of home connectivity; but, it isn't available everywhere, yet. Most fiber internet providers focus on serving big cities. Outside of major metropolitan areas in the United States, fiber options are sparse. So, if fiber internet is not available where you live right now, Spectrum's hybrid fiber-coaxial cable internet is a great option for your home.

Selecting the perfect internet service provider for your lifestyle isn't an easy task. It's a decision that requires thoughtful consideration and comparison. Fortunately, we have undertaken the necessary research on your behalf to empower you with the information you need to make a well-informed, confident choice.

Be sure to check out our comprehensive cable internet and fiber internet guides to explore the pros and cons of all the best internet providers in your region before settling on the perfect match for your home.