Article Summary
Spectrum is a major cable TV and internet provider consistently nearing the top of the biggest cable companies in the country. WOW! or Wide Open West is also a large cable company; however, their numbers don't quite match with Spectrum's.
Size isn't everything. With that in mind, we compared both companies in other categories like internet speed, cost, and customer satisfaction to see which cable internet provider is superior.
Spectrum vs WOW!
Spectrum vs WOW!: Internet Speeds
Winner: Tie
Being cable internet companies, Spectrum and WOW! have the ability to provide fast internet speeds. Spectrum and WOW! share in common their most advertised/available internet plans with top speeds of 100Mbps. That top speed is not the only one you'll find offered by both companies. Each also offers gigabit internet (1,000Mbps) but availability is very limited. Other top speeds may also be available depending on location.
Cost, Data and Value for Money
Winner: WOW!
Monthly Cost
The advertised prices you'll find from Spectrum and WOW! when shopping for internet will be introductory rates. Spectrum tends to lock in their introductory rates for 12 months while WOW! seems to consistently lock in introductory rates for 24 months.
That being said, WOW! does beat Spectrum when it comes to their introductory rates, and while it can be difficult to find standard rates for both companies, WOW! also has Spectrum beat there.
Installation and Other Fees
Both Spectrum and WOW! charge installation fees. However, anybody thinking of switching internet providers should note that providers often offer deals to new customers that waive installation fees. WOW! and Spectrum may offer such deals throughout the year. Equipment such as modems and WiFi routers are available from both companies at an extra cost.
Data Allowance
Good news for anybody considering WOW! or Spectrum is that neither internet provider has a data cap. Customers of both companies are free to use as much data as they need. Heavy gamers and massive video streamers need not worry.
Deals
Spectrum and WOW! offer various and changing deals throughout the year. Deals typically target new customers and include introductory rates and even additional discounts on top of the introductory rates. Other deals include discounts on installation and equipment.
Customers may even find great deals on bundled services from each provider.
Availability: Spectrum vs WOW!
Winner: Spectrum
Available in several states, Spectrum has especially strong presence in the Northeast as well as in Southern California. Coverage in these heavily populated areas makes Spectrum one of the largest cable providers in the country.
You'd have to scroll down the list of biggest cable companies to find WOW! who provides cable internet to small areas of only a handful of states in the country. Spectrum is the clear winner in this category.
Customer Reviews: Spectrum vs WOW!
Winner: Spectrum
High marks in customer satisfaction are rare when it comes to internet providers. Spectrum and WOW! both suffer from negative reviews. Where Spectrum gets closer to the middle of the pack in relation to other internet providers, WOW! seems haunted by more disgruntled customers who have little positive to say about the provider.
Common complaints from WOW! customers include internet service downtime, lack of clarity in billing, and poor customer service.
Spectrum does get similar complaints but not quite at the rate of its competitor.
Bundle Packages: Spectrum vs WOW!
Winner: Tie
In addition to internet services, Spectrum and WOW! both provide TV and home phone. As is typical with cable providers, each also offers bundle packages. Spectrum and WOW! offer numerous bundles with varying combinations of each of their internet, phone, and TV services. Bundles with two of the three services are also available from both companies.
Winner: Spectrum vs WOW!
Availability is a key factor in the final analysis of this comparison between two big cable internet/TV providers. WOW! is on the list of big cable companies, but it's not quite as close to the top as Spectrum is.
While WOW! does offer more competitive prices, more customers are going to have access to Spectrum.
Additionally, WOW!'s customer satisfaction ratings factor into the equation. Low ratings in an industry that collectively known for poor customer satisfaction is concerning.
Spectrum may be the winner of this comparison, but that doesn't mean they are the right provider for you. Compare Spectrum's and WOW!'s plans to determine which provider best meets your needs.
Spectrum Internet Plans
|
#1
|
Spectrum
Internet Advantage
$40/mo
($30 plan + $10 modem)
for 1 year
+ $20 Upfront
|
|
#2
|
Spectrum
Internet Premier
$50/mo
($40 plan + $10 modem)
for 1 year
+ $20 Upfront
|
|
#3
|
Spectrum
Internet Advantage + Spectrum Unlimited Plus
$50/mo
($30 plan + $20 modem)
for 1 year
+ $20 Upfront
|
|
#4
|
Spectrum
Internet Premier + Spectrum Unlimited Plus
$60/mo
($40 plan + $20 modem)
for 1 year
+ $20 Upfront
|
|
#5
|
Spectrum
Internet Gig
$70/mo
($60 plan + $10 modem)
for 1 year
+ $20 Upfront
|
WOW! Internet Plans
|
#1
|
WOW!
Internet 300
$20/mo
with AutoPay
+ $10 Upfront
|
|
#2
|
WOW!
Internet 600
$30/mo
with AutoPay
+ $10 Upfront
|
|
#3
|
WOW!
Internet 1 Gig
$50/mo
with AutoPay
+ $10 Upfront
|
|
#4
|
WOW!
Internet 1.2 Gig
$75/mo
with AutoPay
+ $10 Upfront
|
Angelo Ilumba
Senior Writer
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