AT&T Internet vs. Spectrum
You’re lucky if Spectrum and AT&T are available to you — they’re two of the best internet providers overall. As great as both providers are, your choice is pretty clear depending on what you want and where you are. If you’re looking for a great deal and the fastest speed, AT&T is the top choice if you have access to their gigabit (1000 Mbps) fiber service, AT&T Fiber. Those who only have access to AT&T Internet can get faster speeds and unlimited data with Spectrum instead.
AT&T Internet Info
Spectrum Info
| AT&T Internet vs. Spectrum Comparison |
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| Provider | AT&T Internet | Spectrum |
| Speed | 25-940 Mbps | 200-1,000 Mbps |
| Pricing | $35-60/mo. | $49.99-109.99/mo. |
| Service Type | IPBB, Fiber or Fixed Wireless | Cable or Fiber |
| AT&T Internet vs. Spectrum FEATURE COMPARISON |
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| Provider | AT&T Internet | Spectrum |
| High-Speed Plans | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited Data | Select Plans | Yes |
| Contract-Free Plans | Select Plans | Yes |
| TV Service | Yes | Yes |
| Phone Service | Yes | Yes |
If you need the fastest speed that satellite internet can offer, Viasat is the best choice. Viasat offers faster speeds and higher data caps than HughesNet. But fast satellite internet comes at a price. HughesNet offers cheaper plans than Viasat, which could be a better choice if your online activity is limited to mostly email, paying bills, and streaming.
While data is limited with satellite internet, Viasat’s data caps are twice the size of HughesNet’s. However, HughesNet offers a bonus zone during 2 a.m.-8 a.m., allowing an extra 50 GB of data for all customers. Viasat has something similar called the free zone, where users can get unlimited data usage between 12 a.m.-5 a.m., 3 a.m.-6 a.m., or 3 a.m.-8 a.m. (the time depends on your plan).
AT&T Internet Internet Deals †
Last updated on 10/30/2021†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with AT&T Internet.
Spectrum Internet Deals †
Last updated on 11/16/2021†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Spectrum.
Note: We’re only comparing AT&T Fiber plans in the table above. All AT&T Internet plans have the same price and data cap, $45 per month.
Price wise, AT&T is the better choice if you’re looking for the cheapest, most valuable, or fastest internet-only plan. If you’re looking for the best deals, however, the choice comes down to what you want most from a provider.
AT&T Internet Pros
- Unlimited data with every plan
- Public Wi-Fi hotspots
- Free cybersecurity software
- Faster average download speed (for non-fiber)
- Better bundle discounts
Spectrum Pros
- AT&T Fiber is the fastest connection for a lower cost.
- Public Wi-Fi hotspots
- Free cybersecurity software
- More new customer promotions
- Lower monthly cost with 1-year contract
AT&T Internet Cons
- No fiber connection option
Spectrum Cons
- AT&T Internet has limited download speeds, reaching up to 100 Mbps, and a 1 TB data cap.
AT&T and Spectrum offer incredible perks. You can get access to thousands of public WiFi hotspots and free cybersecurity software with both providers. Still, Spectrum lacking monthly promotions gives AT&T an edge.
AT&T often switches which promotions are available to new (and sometimes existing) customers each month. Currently, for example, new AT&T customers can get a $150 VISA reward card for signing up. The reward card amount changes, but it is one of AT&T’s most popular internet-only deals.
AT&T vs Spectrum Bundles
If you’re looking to bundle, Spectrum is the clear winner. For starters, you’ll save more money bundling with Spectrum since they discount $20+ for bundle packages. AT&T no longer offers discounts when you bundle multiple services.
Each of Spectrum’s TV packages offers more channels than DirecTV (AT&T’s TV service). Sports fans and movie buffs can get a wider variety of channels with Spectrum TV Silver than DirecTV Stream Choice. You will have more options with AT&T since they offer internet, TV, home phone, wireless, and home security. Spectrum bundles are limited to internet, TV, home phone, and wireless.
Both providers are cord cutter friendly, offering mobile and streaming device apps. DirecTV takes it a step further by offering equipment-free TV bundles. Instead, you can download their streaming app on any streaming or mobile device.
AT&T vs Spectrum Extra Fees and Contracts
Neither Spectrum nor AT&T force contracts on their plans. However, AT&T gives you the option to sign a 1-year agreement for a lower monthly price. Keep in mind, if you cancel the agreement early, you may pay up to $180 in early termination fees.
Installation
Professional installation is more expensive with AT&T ($99) than it is with Spectrum ($49). You can choose to self-install, but either way, Spectrum will cost less. Self-installation costs $35 with AT&T, while Spectrum technically doesn’t charge. Instead, there’s a $9.99 “Service Activation” fee.
Data Cap
You won’t have to worry about comparing data caps if AT&T Fiber is available. All Spectrum and AT&T Fiber internet plans are data cap-free.
On the other hand, AT&T Internet plans have a 1 TB data cap. If you exceed your data limit, AT&T Internet charges $10 per 50 GB of extra data. There’s a limit to how much extra data you can use as AT&T’s maximum data overage charge is $100 per month, which is 500 GB of extra data.
AT&T vs Spectrum Customer Satisfaction
There is no surprise AT&T has a higher rating for reliability and speed. Our AT&T speed test results show an average of 510 Mbps, which is almost double our Spectrum speed test results (299 Mbps).
Keep in mind that the performance of each provider heavily depends on your location. Both providers are easy to reach via phone, online chat, email, and social media if you ever have an issue.
Fantastic team and great coverage
Absolutely fantastic! Tech came out to help install and, due to the wiring in our apt, it took a while to find the correct outlets. But he was so patient and helpful and kind, really going above and beyond to make sure things got set up so I could have the level of coverage needed to qualify for work from home. Truly amazing guy, I honestly can't speak highly enough of him. He kept trying long after I suspect most would have given up. Huge THANK YOU to AT&T for the coverage at the right price (literally half the price of the competitor in this area), and more importantly for having such an amazing guy on your team. Thank you.
Best coverage
I travel often and I definitely travel around upstate New York and everywhere I go AT&T is faster and even seems to have more coverage than the others, so I am not sure who is doing the tests, but everywhere I have been, AT&T seems to outperform (also I don’t like AT&T as a company, so trust my honest review here).
Service Review
5 Stars all the way! Front desk scheduling any time of the day or night. Tech support calls no time limits, smart and always helpful, invested in your problem all the way. Thank you all so much for your kind attitude and willingness to help us.
Excellent customer service
The rep who assisted me is excellent (Brighton/Reno store) she is smart, patient, and kind. Thank you for helping me during a difficult time.
AT&T Internet vs. Spectrum Coverage Availability
AT&T Internet Coverage & Availability
Spectrum Coverage & Availability
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