Spectrum Net Review 2022

The nation's second-largest cable net provider has decent prices, fast speeds, and no data caps or contracts. Only is that plenty to outweigh its artificial fees and poor customer service?

Spectrum

3.5 out of 5 stars

three.v

Mindy Woodall

Managing Editor, Habitation Security & Smart Home

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The Spectrum Internet Gig plan now sports up to 1,000 Mbps* download speeds, up from a max of up to 940 Mbps.

Updated: several months ago

Charter has extended its Spectrum internet service updates in response to COVID-nineteen through June thirty, 2020. These service updates include free Spectrum internet and Wi-Fi to any households with K through 12 and/or college students, and this free internet offer now extends to households with educators besides.

The complimentary internet is for new customers only and works for plans with speeds up to 100 Mbps. Your installation fees are waived, besides. To sign up, you'll demand to telephone call Spectrum at 1-844-488-8395.

Additionally, Charter promises to not disconnect your service or accuse you lot late fees if you can't pay your neb due to financial problems caused past the coronavirus pandemic. However, nosotros recommend contacting Charter/Spectrum if y'all have trouble paying your bills to avert any mistaken late fees or disconnects.

You can read more about Charter'due south response to COVID-19, and we hope your family is staying safe.

Updated: several months ago

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Charter is offer free Spectrum internet and Wi-Fi to any households with K through 12 and/or college students. The free internet is for new customers merely and works for plans with speeds up to 100 Mbps. Oh, and your installation fees are waived.

Additionally, Charter promises to not disconnect your service or charge you belatedly fees if you can't pay your neb due to fiscal issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic. However, we recommend contacting Charter/Spectrum if you accept trouble paying your bills to avoid any mistaken late fees or disconnects.

You lot can read more about Charter's response to COVID-19, and we promise your family is staying safety.

View all updates

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

To top that off, Spectrum Internet plans come with a few extra perks yous might not find elsewhere, like unlimited data. And so is Spectrum the right cyberspace provider for you? Let's dig into the facts and discover out.

Pros

  • Spectrum has skillful prices for well-nigh speeds

  • There are no contracts

  • There are likewise no data caps

Cons

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

  • This cyberspace provider gives poor customer service

Compare Spectrum and other internet providers in your area.

Is Spectrum Internet correct for you?

Earlier we become into the details, allow's figure out if Spectrum is the right fit for you.

One thing we like is that Spectrum is widely available beyond the The states. Employ that aught code internet finder above to see if yous live in one of the 42 states it'due south bachelor.

Spectrum only has 3 plans to choose from, and nosotros wish their Gig plan was a piddling less expensive. In comparison to Xfinity internet, our top choice, Spectrum offers 3 fewer plans and the Gig cyberspace is $15 more.

We practice like how Spectrum doesn't require you to sign a contract, simply its internet performance could be a little better (this is why information technology didn't make our meridian five).

Spectrum prices and plans

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

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

Merely we're not gonna lie, nosotros'd love to encounter more than plans from Spectrum. That's because we honey choices, and right at present Spectrum doesn't offer anything in the style of slower download speeds at lower prices.

Sure, the price for its up to 100 Mbps program* is reasonable, but what almost solo gamers or casual spider web surfers that don't demand that much speed? (Of course, more speed is better than less speed, so we even so think the Spectrum Net® plan is a deal.)

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

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You're in the correct place. Back in 2016, Charter Communications bought both Time Warner Cablevision and Bright Firm Networks. Yup, now all that Internet service provider prowess is housed nether one name, Spectrum. And you'll find all the juicy details about Spectrum internet right here in our review.

Spectrum prices and plans

You might hear Spectrum compared to AT&T Cobweb or Frontier. That'southward because these three ISPs serve some of the same parts of the Usa.

When it comes to price, we recall AT&T Fiber offers the all-time value—and the lowest prices. AT&T Cobweb is too a fiber connection, which tends to be more reliable than the cable connection Spectrum uses.

But if you lot tin can't become AT&T Fiber and instead take a pick of Spectrum versus Frontier, we'd go with Spectrum. Frontier'due south prices first out great, simply apace skyrocket to the highest toll nosotros've seen for a gig speed plan.

Spectrum price comparison

Is Spectrum Internet available in your surface area?

Spectrum Internet is available in 42 states, so chances are pretty practiced that it's available nearly you. Especially if you live in the northeastern United states, 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 the states where you tin discover Spectrum, here are the top five states with the most availability:

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

If you lot're not certain whether Spectrum Internet is available in your hometown, we can help you out. Just enter your goose egg code below and we'll tell y'all 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 nosotros wished Spectrum offered more choices for download speeds, but what speeds information technology does offer are great for streamingThe Expanse on Amazon Prime Video or teaming up with your buddies in aPlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds friction match.

The upwards to 100 Mbps plan* should exist hefty plenty to continue parents happily streamingSchitt's Creek while their kiddo watchesPhineas and Ferb on Disney+. (But maybe not in the same room.)

But if yous've got more a few connected devices, like cell phones, dwelling security systems, and smart TVs, and still want to binge-watchThe Great British Baking Show when you come dwelling house 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 plan? That's perfect for a large family who loves to do all of the to a higher place—or for serious gamers or adults who brand a living working from domicile.

Spectrum download speeds and upload speeds

So what almost all this news coverage of Spectrum's slower-than-advertised speeds? Yeah, we've heard about that also, and it has us shaking our heads in thwarting.

In our latest analysis of the fastest internet providers in the US, Spectrum ranked 14th out of the 38 full ISPs we analyzed. That puts it far beneath other cable internet providers like RCN (ranked 6th), Xfinity (ranked seventh), 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

Really quick, we want to note that Spectrum'south weighted score of 35.6 out of 100 isn't representative of whatsoever download speeds you might see with it. Instead, that weighted score is a combination of the boilerplate download speeds, upload speeds, and latency that Spectrum Cyberspace customers saw in more than 1 meg speed tests taken between January and December 2019.

Our highest-ranked cable internet provider, RCN, earned 47.4 out of 100, while our everyman-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 cablevision ISPs. And so, we expect that you'll likely get slower speeds than what you pay for with Spectrum.

The somewhat silver lining is that Spectrum has no contracts. So if y'all find your download speeds waning and customer service is no help, it'southward easy to put a end to your service and notice someone else. You won't get slapped with early on termination fees either.

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

Information caps

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

While virtually ISPs offering merely 1 TB of information (which is usually more than enough information for nearly of the states), Spectrum'south unlimited data is a dream come true for anyone who uses the web for file sharing, (legally) downloading movies, or working from abode.

Contracts, equipment, and fees

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

We like that Spectrum offers a no-contract internet option considering it frees you up to switch providers if yous're moving homes or unsatisfied with the service. That'due south perfect if y'all'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 area include Borderland and Xfinity.

The only issues we have with Spectrum are it's additional fees. Those fees are a confusing bunch, and then nosotros'll endeavour to clear them upward for y'all.

Equipment

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

Of class, yous can however bring your own modem and router combo if you prefer. If yous 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 Cyberspace Ultra plans is one of the most reasonable nosotros've seen. Merely the fee for the Spectrum Internet Gig plan is outrageous at all-time.

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

Spectrum TV's customer service

Spectrum's client service improved over the last year, just there's all the same room for more improvement

Internet service as a whole doesn't do well in the client service section. We know that'southward no alibi, only nosotros want to put the situation in perspective before we dive into how Spectrum'due south customer service performs.

The American Customer Satisfaction Alphabetize (ACSI) scores ISPs for customer service each year, and the internet manufacture averaged a score of 65 out of 100 for 2021.3 So if you look at Spectrum'southward latest score of 63 out of 100, it may not seem that bully. But that score is still a major improvement from ii 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 by couple of years, we're even so expecting bigger and better things from information technology.

But if you have no other pick but to telephone call customer service, what can yous do? First thing'due south first, accept a deep breath and grab a pen and paper.

  1. Use online chat or email if you tin can. Chat and email free y'all up to continue living your life without a cell phone fastened to your ear. Both of these methods as well keep a log of what was said or promised, which is perfect if y'all need to refer back to it for proof.
  2. Advocate for yourself. If your electric current client service rep isn't cut it, ask to speak to someone else—or their manager. It may seem disrespectful, simply at the end of the solar day yous're the client and you deserve fair and respectful handling!
  3. Negotiate. Spectrum doesn't have contracts, then this can be a huge bargaining chip for you. Inquiry other internet providers' prices and speeds before yous call or chat, and don't exist afraid to say yous'll abolish your service if Spectrum tin't requite you what you're asking for.

Get in touch with Spectrum here:

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

How does Spectrum Internet compare to the competitors?

As we mentioned earlier, Spectrum Internet barely fabricated our height internet service provider picks.

Although it's still a adept provider for some, nosotros'll give you some context of how Spectrum stacks up confronting our top four cyberspace providers.

Spectrum Internet competitor comparison

Provider

Monthly price

Download speeds

Data cap

Learn more than

Spectrum $69.99/mo. for 12 mos. $89.99/mo. for 12 mos. 400 1000 Mbps Unlimited
Xfinity Internet $nineteen.99 $94.99 fifty 1200 Mbps one.ii TB
Verizon Fios Home Internet $39.99 $89.99 300 940 Mbps Non Available
CenturyLink Internet $l $65 100 940 Mbps Unlimited
AT&T Internet $55 75 100 Mbps one TB Unlimited

Our picks: The best Spectrum Internet plan

Best budget choice for nigh families: Spectrum Internet

Who it's best for: If your family loves to stream videos or playFarming Simulator 19 together online, the Spectrum Internet plan's upwards to 100 Mbps* is fast plenty to keep you connected on a upkeep.

Just hey, if your house is domicile to a large family, you've got kiddos uploading YouTube videos, or a partner who works from dwelling house, y'all'll desire to look into the upwards to 400 or 1,000 Mbps* plans instead.

Why nosotros picked information technology: The price Spectrum charges for its up to 100 Mbps plan* isn't the best out in that location, but it's still reasonable. Nosotros besides think it'southward the best deal of all 3 Spectrum plans available. So if you're stuck on a budget simply nevertheless love to game and stream reruns of Parks and Recreation, nosotros retrieve this plan is the perfect compromise.

3.5 out of 5 stars

three.5

Download speed:

Up to 200 Mbps

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

Data effective v/17/2021. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.

Recap: Is Spectrum Internet adept?

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 2nd largest cyberspace provider, Spectrum has to compete with big dogs like Xfinity, Verizon, and AT&T.

How does it stack up? Mmm, and so-so if you ask usa.

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

But its confusing fees and iffy customer service make united states hesitate. Can you observe better than Spectrum? Yes. Simply are there worse ISPs out in that location? Again, yep.

Spectrum internet prices and plans recap

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

Information constructive 12/16/2021. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to modify.

Methodology

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

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

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

Spectrum FAQs

Who owns Spectrum Internet?

Back in 2016, Charter Communications bought both Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks. Now, all that ISP prowess is housed under one proper noun, making Lease the proud new possessor of Spectrum.

How much is Spectrum Net after 12 months?

Subsequently 12 months of service, your prices will increment by $21 for cyberspace. Since Spectrum doesn't require a contract, your promotional price isn't guaranteed after the beginning twelvemonth (although it'due south worth calling and negotiating for if yous're an existing customer).

How do I install Spectrum Net?

If yous already accept a cable connection and basic cognition of modems and routers, you tin set it up yourself. Information technology's straightforward enough if you've set-upwards a Wi-Fi network earlier, but in that location'southward 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.cyberspace/modem.

Mindy Woodall

Written past

Mindy Woodall

Mindy has been writing about technology for 7 years. She covers all things smart domicile 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 Intendance, Hostfully, and more.

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