Spectrum Net Review 2022

The nation'due south 2nd-largest cablevision net provider has decent prices, fast speeds, and no information caps or contracts. Only is that plenty to outweigh its bogus fees and poor customer service?

Spectrum

4 out of 5 stars

4

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

* Limited time offer; subject to alter; valid to qualified residential customers who take not subscribed to any services within the previous xxx days and who accept no outstanding obligation to Charter.

Wireless speeds may vary.

Limited fourth dimension offer; discipline to alter; valid to qualified residential customers who have non subscribed to whatsoever services inside the previous 30 days and who accept no outstanding obligation to Lease. Spectrum Internet® Gig promotion price is $89.99/mo; standard rates utilize after year. 1. Taxes, fees and surcharges extra and discipline to modify during and after the promotional catamenia; 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 listing of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.cyberspace/modem.

Mindy Woodall

Managing Editor, Home Security & Smart Home

Read More

Banner advertising latest deals from Spectrum

While Spectrum received some not-then-keen news coverage in the past,i information technology offers up some good prices and download speeds when compared to other internet service providers (ISPs) that cover the aforementioned locations.

To summit that off, Spectrum Net plans come with a few extra perks y'all might not find elsewhere, like unlimited information. And 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

  • There are no contracts

  • There are also no data caps

Cons

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

  • This internet provider gives poor customer service

Compare Spectrum and other internet providers in your area.

Is Spectrum Internet correct for you?

Before we get into the details, let's figure out if Spectrum is the right fit for you.

1 affair nosotros like is that Spectrum is widely bachelor across the US. Use that zip code internet finder above to encounter if you 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 elevation pick, Spectrum offers iii fewer plans and the Gig net is $15 more.

We do like how Spectrum doesn't require you to sign a contract, just its internet performance could exist a little meliorate (this is why it didn't brand our top five).

Spectrum prices and plans

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

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

Simply nosotros're not gonna prevarication, we'd dear to see more plans from Spectrum. That'due south because we honey choices, and right now Spectrum doesn't offer annihilation in the way of slower download speeds at lower prices.

Sure, the cost for its upward to 100 Mbps plan* is reasonable, but what about solo gamers or casual spider web surfers that don't demand that much speed? (Of course, more speed is better than less speed, and so we still think the Spectrum Internet® plan is a deal.)

Looking for a Fourth dimension Warner Cable or Charter Communications internet review?

Light Bulb

You're in the right identify. Back in 2016, Lease Communications bought both Fourth dimension Warner Cable and Brilliant Firm Networks. Yup, at present all that ISP prowess is housed nether 1 proper name, Spectrum. And yous'll find all the juicy details almost Spectrum internet right hither in our review.

Spectrum prices and plans

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

* Limited time offer; subject field to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous xxx days and who have no outstanding obligation to Lease.

Wireless speeds may vary.

Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous xxx days and who accept no outstanding obligation to Lease. Spectrum Internet® Gig promotion price is $89.99/mo; standard rates apply after twelvemonth. ane. Taxes, fees and surcharges extra and subject to change during and afterward the promotional flow; 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 list of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem.

You might hear Spectrum compared to AT&T Cobweb or Borderland. That'due south because these three ISPs serve some of the same parts of the US.

When it comes to toll, we think AT&T Fiber offers the best value—and the everyman prices. AT&T Fiber is also a fiber connection, which tends to be more than reliable than the cable connection Spectrum uses.

Just if you can't get AT&T Fiber and instead have a choice of Spectrum versus Frontier, we'd go with Spectrum. Frontier's prices start out great, but quickly skyrocket to the highest cost nosotros've seen for a gig speed plan.

Spectrum cost comparison

Data effective 01/xiv/22. Offers and availability vary past location and are subject to modify.

° For the first 12 months.

** Price subsequently $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes $ fees. Express availability. May non exist available in your surface area.

†† for 24 months with ii-year understanding. Bodily speeds may vary. Installation, equipment fees, Internet Infrastructure Surcharge, early term, taxes & other fees apply. Services field of study to availability and all applicative terms and atmospheric condition.

Is Spectrum Internet available in your area?

Spectrum Cyberspace is bachelor in 42 states, and so chances are pretty good that it's available about y'all. Particularly if y'all live in the northeastern US, 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 usa where you can notice Spectrum, hither are the top five states with the most availability:

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

If you're non certain whether Spectrum Internet is bachelor in your hometown, we can help you out. Only enter your zip code below and we'll tell you if Spectrum is in your area.

Search for Spectrum Internet plans in your area

Spectrum Net speed

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

We mentioned we wished Spectrum offered more choices for download speeds, simply what speeds it does offering are cracking for streamingThe Expanse on Amazon Prime Video or teaming upward with your buddies in aPlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds match.

The up to 100 Mbps plan* should exist hefty enough to keep parents happily streamingSchitt'due south Creek while their kiddo watchesPhineas and Ferb on Disney+. (Just maybe non in the aforementioned room.)

But if you've got more than a few continued devices, similar jail cell phones, domicile security systems, and smart TVs, and still want to rampage-watchThe Bully British Blistering Show when yous come home from work, you'll probably want to upgrade to Spectrum's upwards to 200 or even up to 400 Mbps plan.*

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

Spectrum download speeds and upload speeds

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

Wireless speeds may vary.

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

And then what about all this news coverage of Spectrum'due south slower-than-advertised speeds? Yeah, we've heard about that too, and information technology has u.s.a. shaking our heads in disappointment.

In our latest analysis of the fastest net providers in the U.s., Spectrum ranked 14th out of the 38 full ISPs nosotros analyzed. That puts it far beneath other cablevision internet providers like RCN (ranked 6th), Xfinity (ranked 7th), and Optimum (ranked 9th).

Spectrum Internet speed scores2

Provider

Overall rank

Cablevision ISP rank

Spectrum Internet®

14th out of 38 ISPs

7th out of 22 cable ISPs

Actually quick, we want to notation that Spectrum's weighted score of 35.6 out of 100 isn't representative of any download speeds you might come across 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 1 million speed tests taken betwixt January and Dec 2019.

Our highest-ranked cable internet 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 information technology comes to internet speed from large cable ISPs. Then, we expect that yous'll likely become slower speeds than what you pay for with Spectrum.

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

Light Bulb

Non sure if Spectrum'due south download speeds are enough for you? Check out our Mbps guide for more info.

Data caps

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

While almost ISPs offer only ane TB of information (which is commonly more than enough data for most of us), Spectrum'due south 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 still pay for installation and a Wi-Fi activation fee

We like that Spectrum offers a no-contract internet option because it frees you upwardly to switch providers if yous're moving homes or unsatisfied with the service. That'south perfect if you're renting, temporarily in a city for work, or just don't similar commitments. (We go it.)

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

The only problems nosotros have with Spectrum are it's additional fees. Those fees are a confusing agglomeration, then we'll try to clear them up for you.

Equipment

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

Of course, you can all the same bring your own modem and router combo if you adopt. If you need a recommendation, we're fans of this ARRIS SURFboard modem router philharmonic from Amazon.

Service fees

The professional installation fee for the Spectrum Internet and Spectrum Net Ultra plans is 1 of the most reasonable we've seen. But the fee for the Spectrum Cyberspace Gig plan is outrageous at best.

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

Spectrum Television set'southward customer service

Spectrum's customer service improved over the last year, simply at that place's still room for more than improvement

Internet service as a whole doesn't do well in the customer service section. We know that's no alibi, simply nosotros want to put the state of affairs in perspective earlier we dive into how Spectrum's client service performs.

The American Client Satisfaction Alphabetize (ACSI) scores ISPs for customer service each year, and the internet industry averaged a score of 65 out of 100 for 2021.three So if you lot look at Spectrum'south latest score of 63 out of 100, information technology may not seem that great. But that score is still a major improvement from two years ago, when Spectrum scored a lackluster 59 out of 100.

Spectrum client 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 withal expecting bigger and better things from information technology.

But if you have no other choice but to telephone call client service, what tin you exercise? First affair's first, take a deep breath and grab a pen and newspaper.

  1. Use online chat or email if you can. Chat and email complimentary you up to go along 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 you lot need to refer back to information technology for proof.
  2. Advocate for yourself. If your current client service rep isn't cutting it, enquire to speak to someone else—or their manager. Information technology may seem disrespectful, but at the stop of the day you lot're the customer and you deserve off-white and respectful treatment!
  3. Negotiate. Spectrum doesn't have contracts, and then this tin be a huge bargaining flake for you. Research other cyberspace providers' prices and speeds before y'all call or conversation, and don't be afraid to say you lot'll cancel your service if Spectrum can't give you what you're asking for.

Go in touch with Spectrum here:

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

How does Spectrum Internet compare to the competitors?

As we mentioned before, Spectrum Internet barely made our top isp picks.

Although it'due south still a good provider for some, we'll give you some context of how Spectrum stacks upward against our summit 4 internet providers.

Spectrum Internet competitor comparison

Provider

Monthly price

Download speeds

Data cap

Learn more

Spectrum $17.99/mo. $89.99/mo. for 12 mos. ° 30 1000 Mbps Unlimited
Xfinity Internet $xix.99 $79.99 ‡‡ 50 1200 Mbps 1.2 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 1 TB Unlimited

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

° For the first 12 months.

‡‡ For the first 12 months. Some packages require a 1- or 2-year contract.

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

°° New customers merely. Charge per unit requires paperless billing and excludes taxes. Boosted fees apply.

** Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in ii bills). Plus taxes $ fees. Limited availability. May not be bachelor in your surface area.

Our picks: The all-time Spectrum Internet plan

All-time budget pick for well-nigh families: Spectrum Cyberspace

Who it'due south best for: If your family unit loves to stream videos or playFarming Simulator 19 together online, the Spectrum Cyberspace plan's upward to 100 Mbps* is fast enough to keep you continued on a upkeep.

Only hey, if your business firm is home to a large family, you lot've got kiddos uploading YouTube videos, or a partner who works from home, you'll desire to look into the up to 400 or one,000 Mbps* plans instead.

Why we picked it: The price Spectrum charges for its upwardly to 100 Mbps plan* isn't the best out at that place, but it's still reasonable. We besides think it'due south the best deal of all three Spectrum plans bachelor. And so if you lot're stuck on a budget merely nevertheless dearest to game and stream reruns of Parks and Recreation, we remember this programme is the perfect compromise.

4 out of 5 stars

4

Download speed:

Up to 200 Mbps

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

Data effective 5/17/2021. Offers and availability vary past location and are subject to modify.

Recap: Is Spectrum Internet practiced?

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

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

How does it stack up? Mmm, so-so if you lot inquire the states.

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

But its confusing fees and iffy customer service make usa hesitate. Tin can you find amend than Spectrum? Yes. Just are there worse ISPs out there? Again, aye.

Spectrum internet prices and plans epitomize

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

Data effective 12/16/2021. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject area to change.

Methodology

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

  • Prices
  • Availability
  • Speed scores
  • Client service scores
  • Connection type

After comparing the criteria, we give you our honest opinion most each provider while giving you lot the information you demand to know earlier signing up.

Spectrum FAQs

Who owns Spectrum Internet?

Back in 2016, Charter Communications bought both Time Warner Cablevision and Vivid House Networks. Now, all that ISP prowess is housed under 1 proper name, making Lease the proud new owner of Spectrum.

How much is Spectrum Internet subsequently 12 months?

After 12 months of service, your prices volition increase by $21 for internet. Since Spectrum doesn't crave a contract, your promotional toll isn't guaranteed afterwards the get-go yr (although it'south worth calling and negotiating for if you're an existing customer).

How do I install Spectrum Internet?

If you already take a cable connexion and basic cognition of modems and routers, y'all can set information technology up yourself. It's straightforward enough if you've fix-upwardly a Wi-Fi network before, but there's a Spectrum video if yous haven't.

Sources

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

Mindy Woodall

Written by

Mindy Woodall

Mindy has been writing about technology for seven years. She covers all things smart home for Reviews.org, and keeps runway 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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