Spectrum Internet Review 2022

The nation's 2nd-largest cablevision internet provider has decent prices, fast speeds, and no data caps or contracts. But is that enough 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 field to change.

* Express time offer; subject 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 non subscribed to whatsoever services inside the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Spectrum Internet® Gig promotion price is $89.99/mo; standard rates utilise subsequently yr. 1. Taxes, fees and surcharges extra and subject to change during and after the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and boosted services are extra.

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

Mindy Woodall

Managing Editor, Domicile Security & Smart Dwelling house

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Banner advertising latest deals from Spectrum

While Spectrum received some non-so-great news coverage in the past,1 it offers up some proficient prices and download speeds when compared to other internet service providers (ISPs) that embrace the same locations.

To top that off, Spectrum Cyberspace plans come with a few extra perks you lot might not find 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 expert prices for most speeds

  • At that place are no contracts

  • At that place are also no data caps

Cons

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

  • This internet provider gives poor customer service

Compare Spectrum and other cyberspace providers in your area.

Is Spectrum Internet correct for y'all?

Before nosotros get into the details, allow's effigy out if Spectrum is the right fit for yous.

One affair we like is that Spectrum is widely available beyond the US. Apply that zip lawmaking internet finder higher up to come across if you lot alive in one of the 42 states it's available.

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

We do like how Spectrum doesn't crave you to sign a contract, just its internet performance could be a picayune better (this is why it didn't make our top 5).

Spectrum prices and plans

Spectrum has a couple proficient deals, simply nosotros'd love to see a lower price on its Gig programme

If you're looking for fast download speeds that'll keep a family gaming and streaming over the weekend, Spectrum has you covered. Information technology offers a few dissimilar plans with speeds ranging from up to 100 to one,000 Mbps.* Each of those speeds is juicy enough to keep that buffering icon away.

Only nosotros're not gonna lie, we'd love to run across more plans from Spectrum. That'due south because we love choices, and correct now Spectrum doesn't offering anything in the way of slower download speeds at lower prices.

Sure, the price for its upwardly to 100 Mbps plan* is reasonable, only what most solo gamers or casual web surfers that don't demand that much speed? (Of grade, more than speed is meliorate than less speed, and so nosotros all the same recall the Spectrum Internet® plan is a deal.)

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

Light Bulb

You're in the right place. Back in 2016, Charter Communications bought both Time Warner Cable and Bright Business firm Networks. Yup, now all that ISP prowess is housed nether one name, Spectrum. And you lot'll detect all the juicy details about Spectrum internet right here in our review.

Spectrum prices and plans

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

* Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have non subscribed to any services within the previous thirty days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter.

Wireless speeds may vary.

Express fourth dimension offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have non subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Spectrum Net® Gig promotion toll is $89.99/mo; standard rates apply subsequently twelvemonth. 1. Taxes, fees and surcharges extra and subject to change during and later on the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and boosted services are extra.

^ 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.net/modem.

You might hear Spectrum compared to AT&T Fiber or Frontier. That'south because these 3 ISPs serve some of the aforementioned parts of the US.

When it comes to cost, nosotros recall AT&T Cobweb offers the all-time value—and the lowest prices. AT&T Cobweb is too a cobweb connection, which tends to be more reliable than the cablevision connection Spectrum uses.

Only if you lot can't go AT&T Fiber and instead have a option of Spectrum versus Frontier, we'd get with Spectrum. Frontier's prices start out great, merely speedily skyrocket to the highest price we've seen for a gig speed program.

Spectrum price comparison

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

° For the outset 12 months.

** Price after $five/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in ii bills). Plus taxes $ fees. Limited availability. May not be bachelor in your expanse.

†† for 24 months with 2-yr agreement. Actual speeds may vary. Installation, equipment fees, Internet Infrastructure Surcharge, early on term, taxes & other fees utilise. Services subject to availability and all applicable terms and weather.

Is Spectrum Internet available in your area?

Spectrum Internet is available in 42 states, and so chances are pretty proficient that it's available most you lot. Particularly if you alive in the northeastern US, where Spectrum is focused on connecting cities and towns to the www.

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

Of u.s. where you tin can find Spectrum, here are the top five states with the most availability:

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

If you're not sure whether Spectrum Cyberspace is available in your hometown, we can assist you lot out. But enter your cipher code below and we'll tell yous if Spectrum is in your area.

Search for Spectrum Internet plans in your area

Spectrum Internet speed

Stream in 4K or download your entire Steam library without worrying nigh data charges

We mentioned we wished Spectrum offered more choices for download speeds, only what speeds information technology does offering are nifty for streamingThe Surface area on Amazon Prime Video or teaming upward with your buddies in aPlayerUnknown'southward Battlegrounds friction match.

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

Merely if you've got more than a few continued devices, similar cell phones, dwelling security systems, and smart TVs, and even so want to rampage-picketThe Great British Baking Show when you lot come dwelling from work, yous'll probably desire to upgrade to Spectrum's upwardly to 200 or fifty-fifty up to 400 Mbps program.*

And that Spectrum Internet Gig program? That'southward perfect for a large family who loves to do all of the above—or for serious gamers or adults who brand a living working from domicile.

Spectrum download speeds and upload speeds

Information effective 03/fifteen/22. Offers and availability vary by location and are bailiwick to change.

Wireless speeds may vary.

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

So what almost all this news coverage of Spectrum's slower-than-advertised speeds? Yes, we've heard nigh that too, and it has u.s.a. shaking our heads in disappointment.

In our latest assay of the fastest cyberspace providers in the US, Spectrum ranked 14th out of the 38 full ISPs nosotros analyzed. That puts information technology far below other cable net providers like RCN (ranked 6th), Xfinity (ranked 7th), and Optimum (ranked 9th).

Spectrum Internet speed scores2

Provider

Overall rank

Cablevision ISP rank

Spectrum Cyberspace®

14th out of 38 ISPs

seventh out of 22 cable ISPs

Really quick, we desire to notation that Spectrum's weighted score of 35.6 out of 100 isn't representative of any download speeds you might see with information technology. Instead, that weighted score is a combination of the average download speeds, upload speeds, and latency that Spectrum Internet customers saw in more than i million speed tests taken between Jan and December 2019.

Our highest-ranked cablevision cyberspace provider, RCN, earned 47.iv 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 large cablevision ISPs. So, we expect that yous'll likely get slower speeds than what you pay for with Spectrum.

The somewhat silverish lining is that Spectrum has no contracts. So if you find your download speeds waning and customer service is no help, it'south piece of cake to put a stop to your service and find someone else. You won't become slapped with early termination fees either.

Light Bulb

Not sure if Spectrum's download speeds are plenty for you? Check out our Mbps guide for more than info.

Data caps

Spectrum will neither throttle your speeds nor charge you extra for your data use. That's the best kind of "no" nosotros've ever heard.

While nearly ISPs offer only 1 TB of data (which is usually more than enough data for most of usa), Spectrum'south unlimited data 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, just you'll nevertheless pay for installation and a Wi-Fi activation fee

Nosotros similar that Spectrum offers a no-contract cyberspace option because information technology frees you upward to switch providers if you're moving homes or unsatisfied with the service. That's perfect if yous're renting, temporarily in a metropolis for work, or but don't like commitments. (We get it.)

Other options for no-contract net that may exist in your area include Frontier and Xfinity.

The only problems we accept with Spectrum are it's additional fees. Those fees are a confusing bunch, so we'll endeavor to clear them up for y'all.

Equipment

Spectrum throws in a complimentary modem with your net, which is pretty nice of them. Nigh other companies charge anywhere from $10 to $20 extra a month to rent equipment.

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

Service fees

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

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

Spectrum TV'south customer service

Spectrum's customer service improved over the last yr, but at that place's still room for more improvement

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

The American Client Satisfaction Alphabetize (ACSI) scores ISPs for customer service each yr, and the cyberspace industry averaged a score of 65 out of 100 for 2021.3 And then if you look at Spectrum'southward latest score of 63 out of 100, it may not seem that great. But that score is still a major improvement from ii years agone, 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 nonetheless expecting bigger and better things from it.

Merely if yous have no other choice merely to call client service, what can yous do? Start thing'south beginning, take a deep breath and take hold of a pen and newspaper.

  1. Employ online chat or email if y'all tin. Chat and email free you upwards to continue living your life without a cell phone attached to your ear. Both of these methods also keep a log of what was said or promised, which is perfect if y'all need to refer back to information technology for proof.
  2. Advocate for yourself. If your electric current customer service rep isn't cutting information technology, ask to speak to someone else—or their manager. It may seem disrespectful, but at the end of the day you're the customer and you deserve fair and respectful treatment!
  3. Negotiate. Spectrum doesn't accept contracts, so this tin can be a huge bargaining chip for you. Inquiry other internet providers' prices and speeds before you call or chat, and don't exist afraid to say you lot'll cancel your service if Spectrum tin can't give you what y'all're request for.

Make it affect with Spectrum hither:

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

How does Spectrum Cyberspace compare to the competitors?

As we mentioned earlier, Spectrum Internet barely made our top internet access provider picks.

Although information technology's still a good provider for some, we'll requite you some context of how Spectrum stacks up against our top iv net providers.

Spectrum Net competitor comparison

Provider

Monthly cost

Download speeds

Data cap

Acquire more

Spectrum $17.99/mo. $89.99/mo. for 12 mos. ° xxx chiliad Mbps Unlimited
Xfinity Internet $19.99 $79.99 ‡‡ 50 1200 Mbps 1.two TB
Verizon Fios Home Internet $39.99 $89.99 ^^ 300 940 Mbps Unlimited
CenturyLink Internet $fifty $65 °° 100 940 Mbps Unlimited
AT&T Internet $55 ** 75 100 Mbps i TB Unlimited

Data effective 11/eleven/21. Offers and availability vary past location and are subject field to change.

° For the commencement 12 months.

‡‡ For the starting time 12 months. Some packages require a ane- or 2-year contract.

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

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

** Toll subsequently $5/mo Autopay & Paperless beak disbelieve (west/in 2 bills). Plus taxes $ fees. Limited availability. May not exist available in your area.

Our picks: The all-time Spectrum Cyberspace program

All-time budget choice for about families: Spectrum Internet

Who information technology'southward all-time for: If your family unit loves to stream videos or playFarming Simulator nineteen together online, the Spectrum Internet program's upward to 100 Mbps* is fast plenty to keep you lot connected on a budget.

But hey, if your house is home to a big family, yous've got kiddos uploading YouTube videos, or a partner who works from habitation, you lot'll want to look into the upwardly to 400 or 1,000 Mbps* plans instead.

Why we picked it: The toll Spectrum charges for its up to 100 Mbps plan* isn't the all-time out there, but it's withal reasonable. Nosotros likewise call up it's the all-time deal of all three Spectrum plans available. Then if you're stuck on a upkeep merely all the same love to game and stream reruns of Parks and Recreation, nosotros recall this plan is the perfect compromise.

4 out of 5 stars

4

Download speed:

Upwardly 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 proficient?

Spectrum'southward got okay pricing and customer service, but on the plus side it pairs its fast speeds with unlimited data and no contracts

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

How does it stack up? Mmm, and then-so if y'all ask us.

It'due south widely available in the United States, offers a broad range of speeds that work for streaming or gaming households, and keeps you going with unlimited information—all while avoiding contracts.

Simply its confusing fees and iffy client service make us hesitate. Can you find better than Spectrum? Yes. But are in that location worse ISPs out at that place? Once more, yes.

Spectrum net prices and plans recap

  • Spectrum Internet: $49.99/mo. for the first 12 months, upward to 100 Mbps download speeds,* no data cap
  • Spectrum Net Ultra: $69.99/mo. for the kickoff 12 months, up to 400 Mbps download speeds,* no information cap
  • Spectrum Net Gig: $89.99/mo. for the first 12 months, upwardly to 1,000 Mbps download speeds,* no data cap

Data effective 12/xvi/2021. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject field to modify.

Methodology

We research and charge per unit our internet providers based on the following criteria:

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

After comparing the criteria, we give you our honest opinion almost each provider while giving you the information you need to know before signing up.

Spectrum FAQs

Who owns Spectrum Cyberspace?

Back in 2016, Lease Communications bought both Fourth dimension Warner Cable and Bright Firm Networks. At present, all that ISP prowess is housed under one name, making Lease the proud new owner of Spectrum.

How much is Spectrum Internet after 12 months?

After 12 months of service, your prices will increase by $21 for internet. Since Spectrum doesn't require a contract, your promotional price isn't guaranteed later the first year (although it's worth calling and negotiating for if you're an existing customer).

How exercise I install Spectrum Net?

If yous already have a cable connection and basic knowledge of modems and routers, you can set it upwards yourself. It'southward straightforward enough if you lot've set-up a Wi-Fi network before, merely there's a Spectrum video if you haven't.

Sources

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

Mindy Woodall

Written by

Mindy Woodall

Mindy has been writing near applied science for 7 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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