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Spectrum vs. Windstream

A Side-by-Side Comparison of Spectrum and Windstream Internet Service in 2021

Spectrum and Windstream are two internet providers that deliver value in ways that give consumers flexibility and power: high-speed internet with no contracts and zero data cap restrictions. While Spectrum is primarily a cable internet provider with its largest service footprint in California, Texas, and New York, Windstream is known for its DSL services and have their greatest presence in Georgia, Texas, and Illinois. Both providers offer fiber-backed internet options provided you live in one of their limited coverage zones. Spectrum and Windstream both offer a wide range of plans and prices, but there are a few key differences that we cover below.

Spectrum Info

(844) 901-2981

$49.99-109.99/mo.

Windstream Info

$27-57/mo.

Spectrum vs. Windstream Comparison Charter Spectrum Windstream
Provider Spectrum Windstream
Speed 100-940 Mbps 25-1,000 Mbps
Pricing $49.99-109.99/mo. $27-57/mo.
Service Type Cable or Fiber DSL, Fiber, Copper, Fixed Wireless, or Cable
Spectrum vs. Windstream Feature Comparison Charter Spectrum Windstream
Provider Spectrum Windstream
High-Speed Plans Yes Yes
Unlimited Data Yes Yes
Contract-Free Plans Yes Yes
TV Service Yes Yes
Phone Service Yes Yes

Spectrum Internet Deals †

Last updated on 1/11/2021
  • $49.99 for 100 Mbps Cable
    • 100 Mbps ↓ and 10 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $74.99.
    • Spectrum prices their plans regionally. We do our best to collect these regions and zip codes, but always verify pricing via phone or online in your specific zip code.
    • Setup: $9.99 (Includes self-installation activation.)
    • Modem included.
    • Call (855) 347-5741 to setup service.
  • $69.99 for 400 Mbps Cable
    • 400 Mbps ↓ and 20 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $94.99.
    • Spectrum prices their plans regionally. We do our best to collect these regions and zip codes, but always verify pricing via phone or online in your specific zip code.
    • Setup: $9.99 (Includes self-installation activation.)
    • Modem included.
    • Call (855) 347-5741 to setup service.
  • $109.99 for 940 Mbps Cable
    • 940 Mbps ↓ and 35 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $134.99.
    • Spectrum prices their plans regionally. We do our best to collect these regions and zip codes, but always verify pricing via phone or online in your specific zip code.
    • In-Home WiFi included.
    • Setup: $199.99 (Includes professional installation. WiFi activation is free.)
    • Modem included.
    • Call (855) 347-5741 to setup service.
Show All Deals (7)

†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Spectrum.

Windstream Internet Deals †

Last updated on 9/2/2020
  • $27 for 50 Mbps Fiber
    • Expected speeds ranging from 37Mbps - 72Mbps w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $45.00.
    • Pricing may vary depending on exact location.
    • $100 Credit (Online Only)
    • Setup: $50.00 (Includes internet activation. Professional installation is free.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $9.99/mo
    • Call to setup service.
  • $37 for 200 Mbps Fiber
    • Expected speeds ranging from 126Mbps - 250Mbps w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $55.00.
    • Pricing may vary depending on exact location.
    • $100 Credit (Online Only)
    • Setup: $50.00 (Includes internet activation. Professional installation is free.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $9.99/mo
    • Call to setup service.
  • $37 for 25 Mbps DSL
    • Expected speeds ranging from 25Mbps - 36Mbps w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $45.00.
    • Plan speed and pricing vary depending on exact location.
    • $100 Credit (Online Only)
    • Setup: $50.00 (Includes internet activation. Professional installation is free.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $5.99/mo
    • Call to setup service.
  • $47 for 500 Mbps Fiber
    • Expected speeds ranging from 451Mbps - 799Mbps w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $65.00.
    • Pricing may vary depending on exact location.
    • $100 Credit (Online Only)
    • Setup: $50.00 (Includes internet activation. Professional installation is free.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $9.99/mo
    • Call to setup service.
  • $57 for 1,000 Mbps Fiber
    • Expected speeds ranging from 800Mbps - 1000Mbps w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $75.00.
    • Pricing may vary depending on exact location.
    • $100 Credit (Online Only)
    • Setup: $50.00 (Includes internet activation. Professional installation is free.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $9.99/mo
    • Call to setup service.
Show All Deals (5)

†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Windstream.

Spectrum vs. Windstream Performance Overview

As the second largest residential cable provider in the U.S., Spectrum is known for their reliable, high-speed cable services and contract-free options. With no data cap restrictions, Spectrum customers are offered unlimited data across all plans. Spectrum’s internet-only pricing structure is standardized across the board with one basic plan starting at $44.99 with speeds up to 100 Mbps, regardless of location. Prices will vary if you decide to bundle your internet with phone and/or TV services.

Windstream offers a variety of broadband network options including DSL, cable, fiber, copper, and fixed wireless. Their pricing and speed entirely depends on your location, requiring lots of due diligence from the consumer to know exactly what they’re getting. However, if you’re lucky enough to live within their fiber coverage area, their pricing is incredibly reasonable for the speed. Windstream’s rural availability is also worth noting, as internet services are harder to come by in those areas. Like Spectrum, Windstream also offers a variety of TV and phone services.

Spectrum Installation

Spectrum’s professional installation costs a one-time fee of $49.99, while self-installation costs $9.99.

If you have your own equipment (router and modem) and the technical knowhow, you can bypass the professional installation fee and opt to self-install. There is also a one-time Wi-Fi activation fee of $9.99.

Windstream Installation

Windstream customers can either opt for professional installation or free self-installation.

Professional installation is a one-time charge of $35 and an activation fee of $50. What’s neat about Windstream’s installation pricing is that the fees for installation and activation can be waived if you order online. In fact, most promotions allow service representatives over the phone to waive these fees—don’t forget to ask!

Spectrum
Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

Spectrum is one of the few internet providers that is a contract-free provider.

Spectrum customers are free to change or cancel service at any time with no penalty fees. However, in lieu of contracts, Spectrum offers promotional rates that are guaranteed to go up after the first year. This increase can be in the ballpark of 10-40%. Spectrum includes a complimentary modem with select internet plans but charges a leasing fee of around $10/month for most plans.

Windstream
Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

Windstream does not require its users to sign up for a 1-year contract in most of its promotions—but they certainly incentivize it.

Windstream consumers can redeem great deals like three free months of internet service and one free month of modem rental by committing to a 1-year contract. While Windstream itself does not enforce contracts with their internet plans, their TV service provider, Dish Network, does. Keep this in mind if you’re considering adding TV service to your internet plan. Like Spectrum, their monthly rate is promotional and will increase after the first 12 months of service. Modem rental per month averages between $9.99-11.99 for all plans.

Spectrum Data Caps

All Spectrum internet plans have the benefit of no data cap.

Windstream Data Caps

Windstream does not employ data caps with their internet plans.

Service Review

5.00 Stars

on October 29, 2019

Charter Spectrum

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.

Featured Review IP Not Verified La Habra, California
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Outage fixed

4.00 Stars

on December 26, 2020

Charter Spectrum

My internet went out, I called to report it and a technician was out here about 30 mins later and fixed the issue! I just wanted to say thank you, for getting to us quickly and having good technician, that knew what he was doing and fixed it so quickly!

IP Not Verified
Was this review helpful? 

Speed is so much better now!

5.00 Stars

on August 30, 2018

Windstream

5 years ago, we struggled with connecting to the internet with Windstream. 3 years ago, Windstream ran fiber to Mount Vernon and upgraded to bonded DSL and we immediately jumped to 25Mbps. They are now running fiber closer to our home which will result in speeds jumping to 50Mbps.

Featured Review IP Verified Heavener, Oklahoma
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Service is adequate

2.00 Stars

on January 16, 2021

Windstream

Have had Windstream for quite a few years. It is average. I am looking for something else.

IP Verified Mooresville, North Carolina
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Spectrum vs. Windstream Coverage Availability

Spectrum Coverage & Availability

Charter Spectrum Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
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Windstream Coverage & Availability

Windstream Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Spectrum & Windstream Internet Services

  • Is Spectrum cheaper than Windstream?

    Spectrum’s lowest-priced internet-only plan starts at $44.99, which is more expensive than Windstream’s starting at $26. However, Spectrum’s highest-priced internet-only plan is cheaper than Windstream’s. That being said, pricing and coverage availability depends on your location.

  • Who has faster speeds? Spectrum or Windstream?

    On average, Spectrum’s cable-based internet is faster than Windstream’s DSL internet. However, both providers offer fiber-backed networks with speeds up to 1000 Mbps that put DSL and cable to shame. The only dilemma is that those coverage areas are limited and not the norm.

  • Do Spectrum and Windstream have unlimited data?

    Both internet providers offer unlimited data plans.

  • Do Spectrum and Windstream require a contract?

    Spectrum does not require a contract as it is a contract-free provider. Windstream generally does not require a contract, but incentivizes you to commit to a 1-year plan by providing additional value with extra months of free internet and equipment rental.

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Last updated on 1/11/2021.