
Verizon FiOS and Charter Spectrum each deliver ultra-fast internet speeds but Verizon boasts slightly better prices and their installation fees are lower, too. However, Spectrum offers better coverage throughout the Nation and they'll pay up to $500 to get you out of your old broadband contract. Read on to find out how Verizon and Spectrum compare in value, pricing, speeds, coverage and availability, customer reviews, and bundle packages.
Verizon FiOS vs Spectrum
Verizon FiOS vs. Spectrum: Internet Speeds
Winner: Verizon FiOS
Both Verizon and Spectrum offer customers download speeds that can reach high speeds. Spectrum goes up to 1Gbps, while Verizon reaches 940Mbps. But Verizon wins the speed test because their upload speeds are way faster than Spectrum's.
Verizon's Gigabit Internet plan offers customers upload speeds of 880Mbps, while Spectrum's Gig Internet plan offers users a bandwidth of 35Mbps to upload their data. Even though that's not often mission critical for many users, it is to those who regularly need it.
More, the cable infrastructure is subject to slowing during times of network congestion—like when everyone gets home from work and goes online. Fiber networks operate on their own network, which means that your neighbor's browsing activities won't impact the quality of your internet at all. So even if you're not in need of the gig plans from either Verizon or Spectrum, your speed is going to be a lot more consistent with Verizon.
Data and Value
Winner: Verizon FiOS
Monthly Cost
Verizon's monthly rates are better than Spectrum's across the board–but not by much. Even though Spectrum's prices aren't that far off from Verizon's, those small cost differences absolutely add up over time. More, if you're planning on staying in one location for a long period of time, you'll benefit from Verizon's contracts which lock you into a single price for the length of your contract.
Spectrum, on the other hand, will give you promotional pricing for 12 months. That price will definitely increase after the promotion expires—but they won't make you sign a contract.
Installation and Other Fees
Verizon's standard installation fee is $99, but it's pretty common for them to offer free installation promotions to new customers.
Spectrum's installation fees range between $49.99 and $199.99 depending on the plan you choose. If you're going with their standard internet speeds, then you'll pay $49.99—and it's less if you bundle your internet with another service. However, if you're signing up for their Gig Internet plan, then they'll charge you a one-time fee of $199. Spectrum also offers the option for you to self-install for free.
Data Allowance
Verizon and Spectrum offer customers unlimited data with all of their plans so you can browse, stream, and download as much as you'd like and neither company will make you pay overage fees.
Deals
Both Verizon and Spectrum regularly offer deals for new customers throughout the year. Verizon will offer you a "price-guarantee" for signing a multi-year contract with them. When you sign up with Spectrum, you're often locked into their promotional pricing for 12 months without having to sign anything. So if you're not sure that you're going to stay in the same place for a long period of time, that's a huge benefit.
If you switch to Spectrum from another company, they'll pay up to $500 in early termination fees to help you get out of your current contract. Finally, both Spectrum and Verizon have been known to offer a free modem rental to new customers.
Availability: Verizon FiOS vs. Spectrum
Winner: Spectrum
Spectrum is the clear coverage and availability winner, no contest. Spectrum offers services across 46 states, to over 25 million customers. Verizon FiOS is only available in 9 states and serves about 5 million customers at this time.
Customer Reviews: Verizon FiOS vs. Spectrum
Winner: Spectrum
Verizon and Spectrum each have room for improvement when it comes to customer service. Both have their fair share of negative reviews, but the common theme between both is that they'll work extremely hard to earn your business, then they'll stop bending over backwards for you after you've been with them a while.
That said, leverage is everything. Since Spectrum doesn't make you sign a contract and Verizon does, it seems less likely that they'll get complacent when you need them to fix an issue.
Bundle Packages: Verizon FiOS vs. Spectrum
Winner: Verizon and Spectrum
Both Verizon and Spectrum offer bundle packages for internet plus home phone and/or TV. Spectrum offers more options between internet speeds and their TV bundles include premium channels. Verizon offers more "standard" channels in their TV bundles, but they'll charge you extra for premium channels.
So if you're looking for more TV channels and a better deal with faster internet—then Verizon wins this round for you. However, if you're looking for a wide selection of TV stations, movie channels, and you're willing to compromise speed for lower prices, then Spectrum is the winner.
Winner: Verizon FiOS vs. Spectrum
Verizon FiOS is a great option for customers who want fast internet at a great price, but not enough people have the opportunity to experience it right now. Due to the wide variety of speeds, price plans, unlimited data, variety of bundle options, lack of contractual requirements, and nationwide availability–Spectrum is the overall winner.
If you want to do some comparing on your own, take a look below to see how Spectrum's plans stack up for you.
Spectrum Internet Plans
Lauren Hannula
Managing Editor
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