Spectrum vs Verizon Fios: Side by Side Comparison
Spectrum and Verizon Fios are prime internet providers in the U.S. with various plans, prices, and speeds. Spectrum is a cable internet provider that also offers Double and Triple Play bundles that include their TV and phone services. Verizon Fios is a fiber-optic internet provider that delivers fast speeds. Customers who don’t live in Verizon Fios’s fiber coverage zones can opt for Spectrum’s cable internet.
Location is an important factor when it comes to finding an internet provider that offers the right plans, prices, and speeds. We note the differences between Spectrum and Verizon Fios below.
Spectrum Info
Verizon Fios Info
| Spectrum vs. Verizon Fios Comparison |
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| Provider | Spectrum | Verizon Fios |
| Speed | 200-1,000 Mbps | 200-940 Mbps |
| Pricing | $49.99-109.99/mo. | $39.99-79.99/mo. |
| Service Type | Cable or Fiber | Fiber |
| Spectrum vs. Verizon Fios FEATURE COMPARISON |
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| Provider | Spectrum | Verizon Fios |
| High-Speed Plans | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited Data | Yes | Yes |
| Contract-Free Plans | Yes | Yes |
| TV Service | Yes | Yes |
| Phone Service | Yes | No |
Spectrum Internet Deals †
Last updated on 7/6/2021†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Spectrum.
Verizon Fios Internet Deals †
Last updated on 5/14/2021†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Verizon Fios.
Spectrum vs. Verizon Fios Performance Overview
Spectrum offers cable internet in 44 states and is available to approximately 102.7 million people. As the second-largest cable provider in the U.S., Spectrum has the greatest coverage area in California, Texas, and New York. The provider offers double and triple play bundles that pair TV and/or phone services with internet service.
Verizon Fios is the largest fiber-optic internet provider by coverage area in the U.S. and is available to approximately 34.8 million people. They service 10 states on the East Coast with the greatest coverage in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Aside from standalone internet plans, Verizon Fios also offers bundle options that include their internet service, Fios TV, and Fios Digital Voice.
Spectrum Installation
Customers who opt for Spectrum can choose between professional installation or self-installation. Professional installation fees differ for each plan, ranging between $49.99-$199.99. WiFi activation is free when opting for professional installation. However, self-installation has an activation fee of $9.99, but no other setup fees. Professional installation can take anywhere between 1-3 hours. Self-installation can be done via Spectrum’s support page where a step-by-step guide is available.
Verizon Fios Installation
Professional installation and self-installation are available with Verizon Fios. Customers who order their service online may be able to waive the professional installation fee, which costs $99. Self-installation requires a kit, which Verizon Fios will mail or you have the option to pick it up at one of their Fios locations. After receiving the kit, you can follow the step-by-step instructions on either the My Verizon online account or on the My Fios app.
Spectrum Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print
Spectrum does not require an annual contract.
As a result, there are no early termination fees. Spectrum even has a contract buyout program of up to $500 when you switch to their service. Spectrum also gives you a modem for free, so there aren’t any equipment fees. Download and upload speeds for Spectrum’s internet plans range from 100-940 Mbps and 10-35 Mbps, respectively.
Verizon Fios Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print
Like Spectrum, Verizon Fios does not require an annual contract.
No contract means no early termination fees. On the other hand, Verizon Fios does implement equipment fees except for the Fios Gigabit Connection plan. The equipment rental fee for the router is $15/month. Download speeds range between 200-940 Mbps and upload speeds range between 200-800 Mbps. Speeds will vary by location.
Spectrum Data Caps
Spectrum’s internet plans include unlimited data. Because of this, there are no data overage fees to worry about. Speeds vary by location, so it’s important to check with Spectrum to see what’s available in your area.
Verizon Fios Data Caps
Verizon Fios does not implement data caps with their plans. If you’re worried about data overage fees, you won’t encounter them when you sign up for Verizon Fios. With fiber-optic internet, you can enjoy fast speeds without limiting your internet use.
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.
Customer service
We had been experiencing issues with the picture going black so we called Spectrum to try to get it rectified. A technician came by and what great service he provided. He was very friendly, professional, knowledgeable, courteous and very thorough. He checked everything and answered all of our questions. He gave us lots of useful information as well. I do not think my wife and I have ever had such great service before. Thank you.
Verizon FiOS
FiOS from Verizon is great! Whether it’s the reliable, symmetrical speeds or the redundancy when we lose power. Verizon’s fiber always still works when the power is out!
Bad billing practices
Noticed autopay of $39 was changed to $99 for this month. Was told by customer service rep that I should have read Pg 2 of my bill (sure - as if!) to see that a 2 year discount had run out 2 weeks ago. I could renew at $55 per month with a new 2 year contract but the 2 week period during this month would still be billed at $99 per month. How about an email to my account letting me know that my 2 year discount would run out the following month and what my options were? How about several of such emails? That's how an honest company would operate. I've treated them accordingly by giving them 1 star in all areas above. Consumers deserve better!
Spectrum vs. Verizon Fios Coverage Availability
Spectrum Coverage & Availability
Verizon Fios Coverage & Availability
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