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Spectrum vs. Kinetic Internet

Compare Spectrum and Kinetic by Windstream Internet Services in 2025.

5 Plans Available
Spectrum internet
price range
$50 - $70/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • Download speeds up to: 1 Gbps
  • Cable, Fiber
  • Unlimited Data
7 Plans Available
Kinetic internet
price range
$24.99 - $99.99/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • Download speeds up to: 2 Gbps
  • DSL, Fiber, Copper, Cable
  • $11 a month equipment fees
  • Unlimited Data

Learn more about Spectrum and Kinetic:

Learn more about Spectrum and Kinetic

Spectrum and Kinetic are Internet service providers that deliver fast download speeds perfect for gaming, streaming, or working. They don’t require contracts and instead opt for month-to-month plans. They also have no data caps. While both providers service more than half of the U.S., they have a larger presence in several core states.

Spectrum plans have one connection type – cable – with three different speeds (wireless speeds may vary). Cable Internet has more coverage. Pricing for its Internet-only plans starts at $30 a month for 12 months. If you want to save money while taking advantage of multiple services, bundle your Internet plan with Spectrum TV® Select and phone services.

Kinetic offers various plans that use DSL, fixed wireless, cable, and fiber connections. Plans and pricing vary by location, but Kinetic’s internet plans start at $24.99 per month. Similar to Spectrum, Kinetic offers bundles if you want more than one type of service.

Spectrum vs Kinetic: Best Deals

Internet Deals

Spectrum typically offers a free Peacock Premium subscription with eligible Internet plans. Like other streaming services, Peacock has original shows you can’t find anywhere else.

Kinetic deals, on the other hand, include some type of online credit that’s applied to the first month’s bill. If you live in an area that has fiber availability, you might qualify for their three-month gig speed upgrade promotion.

Pros and Cons By Provider

Pros and Cons By Provider

Spectrum Pros

  • Gigabit download speeds
  • Free modem
  • Quick speeds at every plan level
  • Unlimited data
  • Expansive availability
  • No contracts

Spectrum Cons

  • Slow upload speeds
  • Few promotions for existing customers

Kinetic Pros

  • Gigabit fiber speeds
  • Unlimited data
  • Affordable prices
  • Extensive rural availability
  • Free self-installation kit
  • Month-to-month plans

Kinetic Cons

  • Plan availability based on location
  • Spotty customer service

Spectrum Internet® is available in most states with quick download speeds (wireless speeds may vary) regardless of which plan you get. Plans include a free modem for new customers, meaning no hidden fees. While there are plenty of reason to switch to Spectrum, they don’t have many incentives for existing customers.

Kinetic offers a wide variety of affordable plans with unlimited data. Available plans vary based on location, but Kinetic makes a point of extending its services in rural areas. Although their customer service isn’t always top-notch, you can bypass the need for a technician and opt for the free self-installation kit.

Spectrum vs. Kinetic: Packages Compared

You can package your Spectrum Internet plan with a new mobile plan and get unlimited data for a fixed price a month per phone line. Internet and TV packages are also available, but you might have to sign a contract for the TV service.

Kinetic partners with several different TV providers, such as DISH, DIRECTV, and YouTube TV. It also has its own Kinetic TV service. Depending on how robust you want your bundle to be, whether you want more channels or networks, pricing will be higher.

Spectrum vs. Kinetic: Extra Fees and Contracts

Neither Spectrum nor Kinetic requires a contract. However, the promotions they offer during initial signup will disappear after a year. Kinetic does have an $11 per month equipment fee and Spectrum charges $5 per month for a modem lease when enabled with WiFi.

Installation

Spectrum offers professional installation for a one-time fee of $65. However, if you have your own equipment and want to self-install, you only need to pay $30.

Kinetic’s professional installation fee is $35, and the activation fee is $50. You can avoid these fees if you order online or speak to a service representative over the phone.

Data Cap

Spectrum Internet plans have unlimited data. Kinetic also doesn’t have a data cap on its Internet plans.

Spectrum vs. Kinetic: Customer Satisfaction

Both Spectrum and Kinetic are in the middle of the pack when it comes to customer service, according to our customer reviews and the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) ratings. Both companies seem to struggle with responding to customer complaints quickly and long wait times on the phone. However, they have great reputations for reestablishing connections in a timely manner.

Spectrum vs. Kinetic Internet Review

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

BroadbandNow readers submitted 8935 for Spectrum. Spectrum earned an average score of 3.38 out of 5.

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

BroadbandNow readers submitted 1651 for Kinetic. Kinetic earned an average score of 3.06 out of 5.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spectrum and Kinetic

  • Is Spectrum or Kinetic cheaper?

    Kinetic is more affordable than Spectrum, with its cheapest internet plan costing only $24.99 per month.

  • Who has faster speeds — Spectrum or Kinetic?

    Kinetic is faster than Spectrum, offering speeds up to 2 Gbps.

  • Do Spectrum and Kinetic have unlimited data?

    Both Kinetic and Spectrum offer unlimited data.

  • Do Spectrum and Kinetic require a contract?

    Neither Spectrum nor Kinetic requires a contract.