
Article Summary
Spectrum – one of the largest cable companies around – offers cable internet services in several areas of the country. Windstream – one of the biggest home phone companies – specializes in providing broadband DSL internet to rural areas. If both companies provide service in your area, you may be wondering which one you should sign up with.
We compare Spectrum and Windstream in key categories like speed, cost/value, and customer satisfaction.
Spectrum vs Windstream
Spectrum vs Windstream: Internet Speeds
Winner: Spectrum
Both Spectrum and Windstream offer fiber internet that can potentially reach speeds of up to 1,000Mbps. However, availability for fiber is limited from both companies.
When comparing speeds offered by Windstream and Spectrum, you have to consider their primary type of internet connection. Spectrum offers cable internet while Windstream offers DSL. Spectrum's base package has a top speed that is equal to WIndstream's highest-tiered internet package (excluding fiber).
Cost, Data and Value for Money
Winner: Windstream
Monthly Cost
Spectrum and Windstream don't offer the most budget-friendly internet prices on the market, but they aren't the most expensive either.
Both companies offer introductory rates locked in at 12 months after which prices will rise to standard rates. When comparing similar internet plans Windstream's offerings tend to be cheaper than Spectrum's offerings at both introductory and standard rates.
Installation and Other Fees
Both Spectrum and Windstream charge installation fees and equipment fees. Like the rates for their plans, Windstream's installation fee is cheaper than Spectrum's installation fee.
While both companies charge for installation and equipment, Spectrum and Windstream often offer deals that could save new customers from paying part or all of these additional fees.
Data Allowance
A key feature that Spectrum and Windstream share in common is that neither internet provider enforces a data cap on their internet plans. Customers of both companies don't have to worry about how much data they use and can feel free to game and stream without boundaries.
Deals
Throughout the year, Spectrum and Windstream offer deals especially designed to attract new customers. Anybody shopping for new internet service may find deals on installation and equipment available to them. This is on top of the introductory rates offered by each company.
Spectrum and Windstream may even offer prizes such as gift cards to people signing up for new service.
Availability: Spectrum vs Windstream
Winner: Spectrum
Spectrum is available in far more states than Windstream. That alone puts Spectrum over the edge in this category but there is more to the story.
Spectrum vs Windstream availability is a story of rural vs urban. Spectrum has much more presence in highly populated cities whereas Windstream is available in much more rural areas where broadband coverage has been historically scarce.
Although Spectrum wins this category in a general sense, those who can only get high-speed internet from Windstream may feel that they are the winners.
Customer Reviews: Spectrum vs Windstream
Winner: Spectrum
Neither Windstream nor Spectrum have been overwhelmed by positive reviews. This can be said of essentially all internet providers.
Where Spectrum customers aren't happy with price hikes that seem to come out of nowhere, Windstream customers seem to be displeased by inconsistent connections and poor customer service. Rural customers of Windstream especially feel that they are shortchanged by a company who knows that they are basically the only option in town.
Bundle Packages: Spectrum vs Windstream
Winner: Tie
Both Windstream and Spectrum offer bundles that include other services provided by each company. Customers can take advantage of packages that include various combinations of internet, TV, and phone.
Windstream might have a very slight edge over Spectrum when factoring price. Similar bundles between the two companies are generally cheaper from Windstream. However, with so many options available from both companies there doesn't seem to be enough of a difference to call this category for either provider.
Winner: Spectrum vs Windstream
Inconsistency with DSL is a big reason why Windstream doesn't quite match up with Spectrum in this comparison. These inconsistencies are reflected in the negative review Windstream receives.
Availability is also a reason why Spectrum is a winner. Spectrum is one of the biggest cable companies in the country and is available in more areas than its counterpart. However, Windstream customers may often find that Windstream is the only option they have for wired broadband internet service. In those cases, Windstream would probably feel like the winner.
You don't have to take our word for it. Your specific needs might dictate that any given provider is better than the other. Compare Spectrum and Windstream plans to see which is the right internet provider for you.
Spectrum Internet Plans
Windstream Internet Plans
Angelo Ilumba
Senior Writer
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