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AT&T vs. Spectrum Internet

Compare AT&T Internet and Spectrum internet service in 2024

13 Plans Available
AT&T internet
price range
$55 - $225/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • 25 Mbps - 5 Gbps
  • IPBB, Fiber, Fixed Wireless
  • Unlimited Data
8 Plans Available
Spectrum internet
price range
$49.99 - $79.99/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • 300 Mbps - 1 Gbps
  • Cable, Fiber
  • Unlimited Data

Learn more about AT&T Internet and Spectrum:

AT&T Internet has 13 plans:
Spectrum has 8 plans:

Learn more about AT&T Internet and Spectrum

Internet service providers like AT&T and Spectrum are paving the way for faster and more reliable speeds while maintaining affordable plans. But, speeds and pricing might not be the only deciding factors for the provider you choose. Other things like stellar customer service or bundle options may make or break your decision. To help you decide between choosing AT&T or Spectrum, we’ve outlined these providers’ strong suits, flaws, and more below.

One of the similarities that AT&T and Spectrum share is their gigabit download speeds. Fiber-optic Internet, considered the “gold standard” of wired broadband, bumps up download speeds typically measured in megabits to gigabits per second. That said, cable has proven that it can do the same, and Spectrum is a prime example.

AT&T Fiber can reach up to 5 Gbps, while Spectrum goes up to 1 Gbps (wireless speeds may vary). These download speeds allow you to stream in 4K and play online games simultaneously with minimal lag on multiple devices. Spectrum only provides cable Internet service to residential customers, whereas AT&T has IPBB, 5G, and fixed wireless plans as alternatives to fiber. These options are better suited for those who don’t care for fast speeds and don’t have power Internet users in their households.

AT&T Internet vs Spectrum: Best Deals

Internet Deals

When looking at AT&T plans and deals, you’ll notice more options than Spectrum. Spectrum offers a few plans, but if you’re on the lookout for cable service, you’re with the right provider. AT&T and Spectrum showcase different promotions for new subscribers — the former leans toward gift cards and freebies while the latter has a contract buyout program, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee. These deals usually change every month, so always check back on the provider’s current offerings.

Pros and Cons By Provider

Pros and Cons By Provider

AT&T Pros:

  • Widespread availability
  • Stellar customer service
  • Lightning-fast gigabit speeds
  • Ongoing deals and promotions

AT&T Cons:

  • Expensive installation fees
  • Data caps on non-fiber plans

Spectrum Pros:

  • Gigabit download speeds on cable connection
  • No data caps or contracts
  • Fast and reliable speeds on every plan
  • Extensive coverage

Spectrum Cons:

  • Average customer service
  • Few promotions for current subscribers

As mentioned before, both AT&T and Spectrum are capable of delivering fast gigabit download speeds, but if you want consistency in connectivity, then Spectrum takes the lead. Both providers are also widely available across the U.S., but AT&T’s fiber service has limited coverage compared to its other connection plans.

Spectrum doesn’t have the most appealing promos, especially for existing customers. Most of its deals relate to new subscribers. If you want a free streaming service subscription on top of a reward card, AT&T offers these incentives; just note that they usually come with fiber plans.

AT&T vs. Spectrum: Packages Compared

Both AT&T and Spectrum offer a variety of packages that include TV and phone services. If you want more value from your Internet plan, adding TV service is not a bad idea — unless you don’t watch cable TV. If you do, a Double Play bundle is the best option for a discount.

Each provider offers robust packages, but if you’re looking strictly at the price range, Spectrum is more affordable.

AT&T vs. Spectrum: Extra Fees and Contracts

AT&T and Spectrum don’t have contracts, which means you won’t encounter an early termination fee (ETF) for canceling your agreement early. They do, however, charge for non-return equipment fees.

Installation

Generally, you have two installation methods: self-install and professional technician. The former is the cheaper and often free option, but Spectrum charges a one-time self-installation activation fee of $30. Spectrum’s professional installation costs $65, which is cheaper than AT&T’s $99 fee.

Data Cap

AT&T doesn’t impose data caps on its fiber plans, whereas all of Spectrum’s plans don’t have data caps. If you choose AT&T’s fixed wireless plan, you should be aware of data overage fees, which vary depending on how much you exceed the monthly data allowance.

AT&T vs. Spectrum: Customer Satisfaction

When it comes to resolving customers’ issues and addressing their concerns, AT&T does a better job than Spectrum. Check out our customer reviews below for comparison.

AT&T Internet vs. Spectrum Internet Review

We asked BroadbandNow users to review AT&T Internet based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.

BroadbandNow readers submitted 3124 for AT&T Internet. AT&T Internet earned an average score of 3.39 out of 5.

We asked BroadbandNow users to review Spectrum based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.

BroadbandNow readers submitted 8685 for Spectrum. Spectrum earned an average score of 3.39 out of 5.

Frequently Asked Questions About AT&T Internet and Spectrum

  • Is AT&T or Spectrum cheaper?

    Spectrum is cheaper than AT&T, with internet plans starting at just $49.99 per month for 12 months.

  • Who has faster speeds — AT&T Internet or Spectrum?

    AT&T is faster than Spectrum, as it offers symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps.

  • Do AT&T and Spectrum have unlimited data?

    Both AT&T Internet and Spectrum have unlimited data on their plans, with one caveat being that the former’s fixed wireless plan has a data cap.

  • Do AT&T and Spectrum require a contract?

    Neither AT&T Internet nor Spectrum requires contracts.