Spectrum vs. Windstream
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
Windstream Info
| Spectrum vs. Windstream Comparison |
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| Provider | Spectrum | Windstream |
| Speed | 200-940 Mbps | 25-1,000 Mbps |
| Pricing | $49.99-109.99/mo. | $27-57/mo. |
| Service Type | Cable or Fiber | DSL, Fiber, Copper, Cable or Fixed Wireless |
| Spectrum vs. Windstream FEATURE COMPARISON |
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| 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 4/21/2021†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Spectrum.
Windstream Internet Deals †
Last updated on 2/25/2021†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 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.
Good service, but quality could be better and careful disconnecting
Once set up, the service worked well, customer service needed rarely and worked fast. However, the WIFI speed was not great, which could have been the fault of my WiFi router, but their modem had no WiFi capability or it was worse tested than my router. When you disconnect, you don't get prorated statement, so watch out.
Speed is so much better now!
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.
Ok for email, and Streaming video, not any good for Steam server loses signal.
Have had Windstream for years. Ok for email and works most of the time on video streaming. Only have dual DSL. Works for streaming sometimes then crashes steam server connection. Upload is very slow, like 1.4mbps. It will download at 20mbps max.
Spectrum vs. Windstream Coverage Availability
Spectrum Coverage & Availability
Windstream Coverage & Availability
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