Spectrum Internet Review: Our Honest Take on Speeds, Plans, Prices, and Deals
Spectrum internet comes with fast speeds, no contracts, and no data caps—but price hikes and low reliability bring them down.
Compare Spectrum internet to other providers
Prices starting at
$50.00/mo.
Max download speeds up to*
1,000 Mbps
Service Type
Cable
* Speed based on wired connection. Available Internet speeds may vary by address. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed.
Prices starting at
$24.99/mo.
Max download speeds up to
1,200 Mbps
Service Type
Cable
Pricing, speed and availability not guaranteed. Subject to change.
Spectrum internet packages offer high speeds, but watch out for price hikes
| Plans | Price | Max. download speeds | Max. upload speeds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Internet Premier | $50.00/mo. for 12 mos.* | Up to 500 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) | 20 Mbps | |
| Spectrum Internet Gig | $70.00/mo. for 12 mos.^ | Up to 1 Gbps** (wireless speeds may vary) | 40 Mbps |
Data effective as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. See full disclaimer.
The Spectrum Internet Premier package is Spectrum’s entry-level offering with a maximum download speed of up to 500 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary). The entry-level package isn’t bad, especially considering Spectrum just raised its speed up from 300 Mbps without changing the price. This package can be a potential fit for a family of moderate internet users, especially if you’re working from home.
Spectrum’s top-tier Internet Gig package comes with maximum download speeds of up to 1 Gbps** (wireless speeds may vary). With Spectrum gig internet service, your internet performance won’t collapse if your household has multiple people who regularly stream 4K videos, download large files, and take lengthy video calls.
On both speed tiers, your monthly price will increase by $25 once Spectrum’s promotional rate ends after 12 months. Even though a lot of ISPs have similar fine print, we’re still not fans of the price hike. We recommend marking down your promo price end date to make sure you’re not surprised, or try negotiating with Spectrum to bring your price back down.
My previous provider was turning out to be a nightmare. They were not willing to give my any discounts on my service like they did in the past unless I changed to a different plan that I did not need or want. Spectrum offered me exactly what I needed and wanted at a wonderful startup price and I couldn't be happier. They were very easy to work with and quick on getting me set up.
Spectrum’s prices are generally on the higher end compared to other cable internet providers. For instance, Xfinity’s starter internet plans are slower than Spectrum, but its starting prices are also less than half of Spectrum’s plans.
Spectrum’s download speeds cover the expected bases for cable internet, as you’ll largely get the same range of speeds you’ll find on competitors like Cox and WOW. But unlike many providers, Spectrum lacks a budget-tier plan—its starting plan has 500Mbps maximum download speeds, while most competitors’ budget plans sport 100 to 200Mbps download speeds.
Spectrum internet is reliable enough for the average home internet user
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| Average latency | 33.40 milliseconds |
| Internet reliability approval rating | 68% approval |
| Internet speed approval rating | 73% approval |
Around 68% of the Spectrum customers we surveyed in our annual Internet Customer Satisfaction Survey were satisfied with Spectrum’s reliability. Spectrum’s a cable internet provider, and cable is never as reliable as fiber internet, so that number being middling makes sense. Spectrum has higher marks for internet speed satisfaction, with 73% of customers being satisfied with Spectrum’s provided speeds.
We also consider latency in our reliability ratings. According to our partners at HighSpeedInternet.com, Spectrum users had an average latency of around 33 milliseconds. Latency refers to how long it takes for data to physically reach your computer. The lower the latency number, the better. 33 milliseconds is a good speed (though lacking compared to fiber providers) and should be more than fast enough for regular gaming, streaming, and video calls.
Spectrum internet includes free equipment and great features
Spectrum offers some great goodies alongside their internet plans, including a $500 contract buyout and free internet equipment. Let’s break down everything that comes with Spectrum internet service.
Spectrum WiFi
All of Spectrum’s internet plans include a free internet modem. But because nothing’s totally free in life, Spectrum also offers a Wi-Fi router rental for $5 per month. If you want to wirelessly connect devices to the internet, you’ll need a router to convert the signal into a Wi-Fi connection. And if you want access to Spectrum’s Advanced Wifi with your Internet Premier plan (it’s included with Internet Gig), you can tack on an additional $10 a month.
For new subscribers, Spectrum’s free modem is a nice convenience and removes one more thing you have to buy from the electronics store. But you’ll have to return the modem once you end Spectrum internet service.
If you’d like to buy your own equipment for Spectrum internet, check out our suggestions for the best Spectrum-compatible modems and wireless routers to see our hardware picks.
Image credit: CableTV.com
Spectrum WiFi hotspots
If your home ever has an internet outage right before a big video call, or if you’re out running errands and don’t want to burn through your smartphone’s mobile data cap, you can jump onto Spectrum’s WiFi hotspot network to get back online.
Spectrum internet subscribers get free access to Spectrum’s Out-of-Home WiFi nationwide, which includes Wi-Fi internet networks at local businesses. The access point network is available across 41 states in cities including San Francisco, Denver, and New York City.
Wi-Fi networks may be a pretty common perk for internet providers, but they’re incredibly useful. We recommend you keep your Spectrum account information handy to log in while you’re on-the-go.
No contracts
Once you sign the dotted line at most ISPs, it’ll usually take a giant fee or more maneuvering than an Ocean’s Eleven heist to break your contract.
Spectrum doesn’t have internet contracts, so you won’t be required to stay with the ISP for a full year. Without contracts, you’ll have the flexibility to sign up for Spectrum even if you need the internet for only a few months, and then you can cancel without any early termination fees.
If you’re locked in an internet or TV contract with another provider, Spectrum will help buyout your contract up to $500◊ through their Contract Buyout Program. To qualify for the promotion, you’ll just need to sign up for a qualifying Spectrum bundle.
Spectrum internet and TV bundles are affordable for what they offer
| Plans | Price | Max. download speeds | Channel count | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet Premier + TV Select Signature | Starting at $95.00/mo. for 24 mos.* | Up to 500 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) | 150+ channels | |
| Internet Gig + TV Select Signature | Starting at $105.00/mo. for 24 mos.^ | Up to 1000 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) | 150+ channels |
Data effective as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. See full disclaimer.
We recommend Spectrum bundles over internet-only packages because Spectrum cable TV is as affordable as or cheaper than most live TV streaming services and comes with more channels. Plus, Spectrum offers solid bundle discounts.
Check out our Spectrum TV review and Spectrum bundles page to learn more. And don’t forget that you can watch Spectrum TV on the go with the Spectrum TV app.
No data caps
Between streaming video services like Hulu and devices like smart home cameras, it’s easier than ever to use up more internet data than you’d expect.
Fortunately, Spectrum has no data caps, so your household can use the internet without having to keep an eye on Spectrum’s data meter. You get to pass on the monthly 1 TB data cap and overage fees other ISPs charge.
With Spectrum, you won’t have to worry about paying extra if you have kids streaming Paw Patrol all day, every day. That’s a doggone relief.
Parental controls
It’s nice to have some extra online protection for your family, and Spectrum delivers in this regard.
To keep your kids safe on the internet, Spectrum offers subscribers a free Security Suite application for Windows and Apple computers. With Security Suite, you can block sites based on their content, filter adult sites from search results, set computer and web browsing time limits, and track your kids’ online activity.
On Spectrum’s email service (which is different from services like Gmail and Yahoo Mail), you can block emails from specific people or websites. We still prefer using our Gmail accounts, though—Gmail’s block function works just fine for us.
Spectrum frequently offers free promotions on features and equipment, contract buyouts up to $500, and mobile bundle discounts. Check out our Spectrum Deals and Promotions page for the latest deals.
What do real Spectrum customers think about Spectrum?
In our 2024 Internet Customer Satisfaction Survey, Spectrum held its own against more than 20 other competitors, earned multiple top-10 finishes, and regularly finished above competitors like Xfinity and Optimum.
But internet costs are a sore subject for many, and not all Spectrum customers felt that they were getting their money’s worth. That mixed judgment aligns with our review of Spectrum internet prices, which can be higher than average.
That said, only you can decide if the fast speeds and free modem—plus lack of annual contracts and data caps—make up that value for you.
I haven't had any major issues with Spectrum, our Wi-Fi is always working correctly. They noticed something that needed fixing and called to make an appointment to come check it out at our convenience.
Spectrum internet FAQ
What is the lowest price for Spectrum internet?
Spectrum Internet Premier is Spectrum’s cheapest internet plan at $50.00/mo.. You’ll get maximum download and upload speeds of up to 500 Mbps and up to 10 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary).
Can I just have internet with Spectrum?
Spectrum offers standalone internet service packages for between $50.00–$70.00/mo. for the first 12 months.
What is the cost of Spectrum Internet after 12 months?
After 12 months, Spectrum increases your Spectrum Internet Premier or Internet Gig bill by $25 per month.
What kind of internet is Spectrum?
Spectrum is a cable internet provider with download speeds of up to 1 Gbps** (wireless speeds may vary).
How much does Spectrum Wi-Fi cost?
Spectrum offers its Wi-Fi router for $5 per month. This is cheaper than most other providers, who charge between $10 and $15 per month for internet equipment.
Are Spectrum internet plans unlimited?
Every Spectrum internet plan comes offers unlimited data (no data caps). Spectrum internet plans also don’t require contracts, so you’re free to leave Spectrum service without facing a monetary penalty.
I’m having a Spectrum internet problem. What should I do?
Check out our Spectrum troubleshooting guide for quick fixes to everyday problems you might encounter with Spectrum internet.
Is Spectrum internet better than AT&T?
We think AT&T fiber internet is better than Spectrum internet thanks to faster speeds and lower prices. Fiber’s reliability also makes AT&T the winner, along with equal download and upload speeds, fewer outages, and no second-year price hike.
Why you should trust us
Our experts spent more than a month diving deep beyond the prices and speeds for Spectrum internet. First, we conducted original research by talking to hundreds of real Spectrum internet customers (including one of the writers of this page) and evaluating data from sources including speed test data from our partners at HighSpeedInternet.com and CableTV.com’s annual Internet Customer Satisfaction Survey.
Then, we calculated how Spectrum’s results compared to the competition by analyzing factors including price, value, and reliability. After weighing this data against more than 30 major internet providers, we tabulated Spectrum’s final scores for bang for your buck, reliability, features, and customer satisfaction based on these formulas.
To learn more about our methodology, check out our How We Rank page.
Disclaimer
* For 12 months when bundled. Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Taxes, fees and surcharges extra and subject to change during and after the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra.
^Spectrum Internet Gig: For 12 months when bundled. Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter.
†Spectrum Internet Premier + TV Select Signature: Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Spectrum TV® Select Premier promotion price is $65/mo; standard rates apply after yr. 1. Spectrum Internet® Premier promotion price is $50/mo; standard rates apply after yr. 1. Taxes, fees and surcharges extra and subject to change during and after the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra. General Terms: INTERNET: Speed based on wired connection and may vary by address. Wireless speeds may vary. TV: TV equipment required; charges may apply. Channel and HD programming availability based on level of service. Account credentials may be required to stream some TV content online. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. Enter your address to determine availability. ©2022 Charter Communications.
◊To qualify for the Contract Buyout Program, a customer must order and install a qualifying Triple Play or limited Double Play promotion; offers not available in all areas. Offer available to qualifying customers only who have no outstanding obligations to Charter. Payment amount will be determined by the Early Termination Fee on the final bill from the previous provider, not to exceed $500. For Contract Buyout qualifications, go to Spectrum.com/buyout.
**Speed based on wired connection. Available Internet speeds may vary by address. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem.
