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Spectrum vs Verizon Fios: Side by Side Comparison

Enter your zip code below to see if Spectrum or Verizon Fios offers service in your area.

Spectrum vs Verizon Fios

Spectrum and Verizon are among the top internet providers in the U.S. offering the greatest coverage in New York, California, and Pennsylvania to name a few. Along with internet plans, they also provide bundles and deals that include phone and TV services. Both providers supply fiber internet at equipment fee rental various high speeds. For more affordable options, Spectrum offers cable internet while Verizon offers DSL internet. There are a few crucial differences between Spectrum and Verizon detailed below.

Charter Spectrum AT A GLANCE

  • Sales: (855) 347-5741
  • Support: (855) 707-7328
(855) 347-5741

$49.99-49.99/mo.

100-940 Mbps

10-35 Mbps

63%63%

Cable

8th ↓ (-1)

Verizon Fios AT A GLANCE

  • Sales: (866) 775-4717
  • Support: (800) 837-4966
(866) 775-4717

$39.99-79.99/mo.

75-940 Mbps

75-880 Mbps

73%73%

Fiber

2nd (0)

Spectrum OVERVIEW

Charter Spectrum sells residential broadband Internet, phone service, and TV. Their acquisition of Time Warner Cable expanded their cable network to become one of the biggest in the US.

Verizon Fios OVERVIEW

Verizon Fios is a fiber Internet provider. They also market TV and phone packages. Fios was among the early movers in the fiber industry.

Spectrum INTERNET DEALS †

  • $49.99 for 100 mbps Cable
    • 100 Mbps ↓ and 10 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $69.99.
    • Modem included.
    • Call (855) 347-5741 to setup service.
Show All Deals (5)
Last updated on 1/16/2020

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

Verizon Fios INTERNET DEALS †

  • $39.99 for 100 mbps Fiber
    • 100 Mbps ↓ and 100 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate.
    • Auto Pay & paper-free billing required.
    • Get Disney+ for 12 months.
    • Setup: Setup fee waived when you order online ($99.00 value).
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $15/mo or one-time $299.99
    • Call (866) 775-4717 to setup service.
  • $59.99 for 300 mbps Fiber
    • 300 Mbps ↓ and 300 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate.
    • Auto Pay & paper-free billing required.
    • Get Disney+ for 12 months.
    • Setup: Standard setup charge is waived ($99 value) when ordered online.
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $15/mo or one-time $299.99
    • Call (866) 775-4717 to setup service.
  • $79.99 for 940 mbps Fiber
    • Up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate.
    • Auto pay and & paper-free billing required.
    • Get Disney+ for 12 months & $100 Visa Prepaid Card!
    • Setup: Standard setup charge is waived ($99.00 value) when you order online.
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $0/mo or one-time $299.99
    • Call (866) 775-4717 to setup service.
Show All Deals (4)
Last updated on 1/9/2020

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

Spectrum: NO DATACAP FOUND

We have not found plans that include data caps. This doesn't mean Spectrum doesn't have data caps, just that we haven't found them when collecting their plans. Always verify plan details before purchasing.

Verizon Fios: NO DATACAP FOUND

We have not found plans that include data caps. This doesn't mean Verizon Fios doesn't have data caps, just that we haven't found them when collecting their plans. Always verify plan details before purchasing.

Spectrum's TECHNOLOGY

Charter Spectrum provides Internet to their customers via their fiber-based cable network.

Hybrid Fiber Coaxial uses fiber lines for its backbone, but switches to lower-bandwidth coaxial cables in the “last mile” between customer residences and a “optical node.”[3] The copper networks then carry the signal as data to subscriber locations.

This kind of connection is widely reffered to as “cable” due to the use of coaxial cable, which was historically used to deliver cable TV.

Verizon Fios's TECHNOLOGY

While they sold swaths of their coverage area to Frontier in 2015, Verizon Fios is still available in a handful of locations.

Unlike cable, Fiber to the Home networks carry data over future-proof fiber optic lines to a customer's doorstep. Verizon Fios service only changes over to ethernet inside your customer residence.

That said, FTTH is generally really the “gold standard” of internet services because fiber has the lowest latency and widest bandwidth capacity.

Spectrum INSTALLATION

installing the equipment required for Charter Internet service is not difficult. Charter Internet plans are "cable", meaning they will require plugging a cable WiFi gateway into the coaxial TV outlet in your home.

Self-installs can be done with self-install instructions provided by Charter. Homes without coaxial wiring or with damage to wiring will need help from a certified technician.

Professional Installation requires a fee. For subscribers unsure about installing hardware themselves, the fee is likely well worth it for peace of mind.

Verizon Fios INSTALLATION

For buildings that have had fiber wired to the building previously, customers can to self-install service. For most subscribers, scheduling a professional installation is a better option.

For customers who opt for a technician install, a Fios installer will configure equipment and wire you to the fiber network. Verizon starts by installing an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) that switches fiber signal to your home's wiring to get you internet access. If your location doesn't have fiber wiring before, the cable guy may need more time to run ethernet or coaxial cable establish service.

Spectrum COVERAGE & AVAILABILITY

Charter Spectrum Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
Customize map

Verizon Fios COVERAGE & AVAILABILITY

Verizon Fios Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
Customize map

Mergers in mind

How services will change under Charter

While many Internet, TV, and phone plans are still available under the name “Time Warner Cable,” the company was actually purchased by Charter Communications in 2016 and is in the process of switching over to the new name. For most customers, service speed and cost will remain unchanged for the time being.[1]

Buying vs Renting your modem

It’s easy to save when you don’t rent

Modem rentals are a standard offering from Internet providers. In spite of the convenience, the monthly rental fees quickly add up to the cost of simply buying a modem and router outright — and can cost subscribers hundreds of dollars in the long run.[2]

Buying your own modem and router also opens up the possibility of configuring a stronger and more secure home network than is possible with the default modem or modem/router combo rented with a plan. That being said, customers who plan to move or switch providers within a couple years might be better offer renting, since providers tend to be picky about which brands and models will work with their service.

REFERENCES AND FOOTNOTES
  1. https://www.fcc.gov/document/commission-approves-charter-twc-and-bright-house-merger ↩
  2. https://broadbandnow.com/guides/renting-vs-buying-modem-whats-best-budget ↩
  3. http://services.eng.uts.edu.au/~kumbes/ra/Access-Networks/hfc/cnethfc.htm ↩
Last updated on 1/16/2020.