It is always difficult to choose the best internet service provider and it also requires lots of time to get the best one. There are many factors that need to be considered such as speed, price, packages, installation cost, bundles, and so on while getting an internet connection from any ISP (Internet Service Provider).
Even though you are an experienced user of the internet still you will find it difficult to choose between two providers. If the two big names Spectrum and Windstream in the sector of internet service providers are available in your area, it gets hard for you to choose one. Both these internet service providers are popular in the United States for their great internet service as well as other perks.
To ease the difficulties of selecting any of these two providers we have compared these internet service providers. In this head to head comparison between Spectrum and Windstream, we have compared all the features and benefits of these ISPs so that you can easily subscribe to one which will be perfect for you.
Table of Contents
Comparison Between Spectrum and Windstream
So, without wasting more time let’s dig into the actual topic.
Spectrum internet Overview
Spectrum covers a large area of United States which is owned by the Charter Communications. They are in the market of US since 1993 and right now they are serving around 29 million peoples. Spectrum provides service like, TV, Internet, phone service, and wireless internet. They got so much popularity because all their internet packages come with no data caps which means you will get unlimited data.
Windstream Internet Overview
This ISP connects the rural areas of US with excellent internet service. So, if you are in the rural area then this is maybe the best option for you as an internet service provider. The best part of the Windstream is its no-contract service which means you can cut the subscription any time you want without paying any cancellation charge. Moreover, it also offers internet plans with unlimited data. So, you don’t have to worry about using data every month.
Speed and Performance
For every internet user speed is the most essential factor to check out while subscribing to any ISP. Most of us firstly see the speed of the package then the next thing we check out is the price of that package. Without a good internet speed you can’t enjoy your internet based activities such as online gaming, surfing on the web, downloading and many more.
Both these providers offer internet speed up to 1,000 Mbps which is the fastest internet speed currently. They use fiber optic cable to provide incredibly fast internet speed, but the availability of fiber type internet connection is not widely available. So, to enjoy great speed with fiber internet connection from the Spectrum and Windstream you need to be within their coverage area.
Though both Spectrum and Windstream provide similar speed, the Spectrum is a bit ahead in terms of speed than Windstream. The main reason is that Spectrum provides internet connection using cable. On the other hand Windstream provide DSL connection.
Coverage Availability
Availability is the very next thing to check out while you are comparing two best internet service, providers. It will be a waste of time and energy if you choose an internet service provider without checking whether the ISP is available in your area or not.
Spectrum has a vast coverage in the United States and they offer their internet and other services in 46 states. Because of this wide coverage, they are popular among peoples as they can get internet easily through Spectrum.
Below we have listed down few coverage areas of Spectrum cable.
- Arkansas
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Colorado
- California
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Florida
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Illinois
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Florida
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Missouri
- New Hmpshire
- New York
- New Jersey
- Utah
- Texas
- Washington
- Wyoming
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
When it comes to the availability of Windstream, they have less coverage area in compared to Spectrum cable. They provide DSL internet connection in 18 states around the US.
Below are few areas that are covered by Windstream DSL
- Arkansas
- Alabama
- Geaorgia
- Kentucky
- Iowa
- Florida
- Mississippi
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- New York
- New Mexico
- Nebraska
- Teas
- Pennsylvania
- Ohio
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
So, it is clear that in terms of availability Spectrum is the winner as it has more coverage than Windstream. One thing to keep in mind that the fiber connection for fast internet speeds from both these providers is limited according to area.
Price – Is it Worth It
Let’s come to the comparison of pricing which is another most important thing to consider.
In compared to Spectrum, Windstream offers more flexible pricing as they have wide range of internet plans to choose from. Pricing of Windstream internet plans are cheaper than Spectrum. But, one amazing thing about Spectrum is that they don’t take any rental fees for equipment.
For instance, let’s talk about the price of 100 Mbps plan of each provider. If you want to take a 100 Mbps internet plan from Spectrum, it will cost you $49.99. The same plan costs $37 on Windstream. These prices from both the providers are promotional which will be increased after 1 year.
So, as you can see in terms of price Windstream is the winner.
Installation Process
For the client’s flexibility, both these providers have two types of installation: One is Professional and the other one is self-installation. So, you can choose whether you want professional installation or self-installation.
The cost of professional installation in Spectrum varies with the plans whereas Windstream charges $35 for the professional installation process. Though Windstream offers both types of installation, the self-installation process is not applicable for their fiber-optic internet. You have to take the professional installation while subscribing to the Windstream fiber-optic internet connection.
Installation fee of Windstream is lower than the installation fee of Spectrum. If you are a new client then you may get the offer of waiving installation fee from both these providers.
Equipment & Other Fees
Spectrum and Windstream both charge fees for equipment that are required for providing the internet service. While WIndstream takes a rental fee for equipment on a monthly basis, Spectrum doesn’t take any rental fees, because the fee is included with the plan.
Data Caps
If you are a heavy internet user, you don’t have to worry about data caps with a subscription of these two providers. No data cap is one of the best features of both Spectrum and Windstream. You can enjoy unlimited data for your everyday internet activities.
Since both companies offer unlimited data with each internet plan, so there it’s a tie in this section.
Spectrum vs Windstream: Promotional Deals
Windstream and Spectrum offer promotional deals every year to get new clients. These deals come with a promotional price which is less than the regular prices. You can save money if you go with the promotional deals as they waive installation and equipment fees.
Moreover, both the companies also offer various types of gift cards to promote their new services to the people.
While subscribing to the promotional deals you need to check the agreement carefully, because, after a certain period of time the price of the plan will get back to its regular price. Normally, the time period is from 6 months to 1 year.
Comparing Contract Terms
Spectrum and Windstream both doesn’t require any contract while subscribing which is one of the best features offered. This means you have all the right to cancel your subscription at any time and that is also without paying any hefty cancellation charge.
Customer Support Rating
When it comes to the customer satisfaction both providers got the average rating from users as well as few renowned internet evaluation platforms of United States.
Spectrum got 59 out of 100 rating from the American Consumer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) in 2019. On the other hand, WIndstream scored 57 according to the ACSI in 2019. As you can see there are no major differences between these two providers. But, you can expect a little better customer service from Spectrum in compared to Windstream.
Comparing Internet Plans
Internet Plans of Spectrum
Below we have listed down the internet plans of Spectrum.
Spectrum Internet
- 100 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speed
- No data cap
- Cable connection
- No Contract
- $49.99 per month
Spectrum Ultra
- 400 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload speed
- No data cap
- Cable connection
- No Contract
- $69.99 per month
Spectrum Gig
- 940 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload speed
- No data cap
- Cable connection
- No Contract
- $109.99 per month
Internet Plans of Windstream
Windstream offers internet at a cheaper rate than Spetrum. All the plans of Windstream are listed below.
Internet 25 Mbps
- 25 Mbps – 36 Mbps speed expected
- No data cap
- Cable or Fiber both connection available
- No Contract
- $27 per month
Internet 100 Mbps
- 73 Mbps – 125 Mbps speed expected
- No data cap
- Fiber connection
- No Contract
- $37 per month
Internet 200 Mbps
- 126 Mbps – 250 Mbps speed expected
- No data cap
- Fiber connection
- No Contract
- $42 per month
High Speed Internet 500 Mbps
- 451 Mbps – 799 Mbps speed expected
- No data cap
- Fiber connection
- No Contract
- $47 per month
High Speed Internet 1,000 Mbps
- 800 Mbps – 1,000 Mbps speed expected
- No data cap
- Fiber connection
- No Contract
- $57 per month
Pros & Cons of Spectrum and Windstream
Spectrum
Pros
- High Internet Speed
- Widely available
- Unlimited Data Cap
Cons
- Download speed may vary based on location
Windstream
Pros
- Affordable Internet plans
- Fast speed with fiber connection
- No Data Cap
Cons
- Customer service is not very great
- Price increases after one year
3 Best Similar Service Providers
Rather than Spectrum and Windstream there are also few more internet service providers who offer great internet services. Following are the 3 best similar internet service, providers
Century Link
If you are looking for a good DSL internet connection for better internet service, CenturyLink is the one you should go for. It offers great flexibility in terms of choosing internet packs and internet plans starts from 15 Mbps speed. They also offer gig internet plans with fiber connection to provide you with fast internet service.
Viasat
Viasat is one of the best satellite internet service providers in the United States. It is best for rural areas where there are no other options available. Though it has coverage in the rural areas, it doesn’t provide the best speeds.
AT&T
AT&T is not only best for internet services but also best for TV services. So, if you are in search of a service provider which can fulfil all your requirements including internet, TV service, and phone service then AT&T is a perfect choice.
Few Faqs of Spectrum and Windstream
Is Spectrum costlier than Windstream?
In terms of internet plans Spectrum is costlier than Windstream. For, example a 100 Mbps internet plan cost $49.99 in Spectrum whereas in Windstream it costs only $37. But, Spectrum doesn’t require any extra charge for equipment which is a plus.
Which one is faster for internet? Windstream or Spectrum?
Normally, DSL connection of Windstream is slower than the cable connection of Spectrum. One amazing thing about both these providers is that they provide fiber connection that ensures super-fast internet speed. The unfortunate thing about fiber connection is that they are not available in all areas.
Do Windstream and Spectrum offers unlimited data caps?
Yes, all the plans from these providers come with unlimited data caps. So, you don’t have to worry about using the limitless internet.
Bottom Line:
Both the providers are best in some specific categories which is why it is very difficult to choose anyone. It completely depends on the need and area of yours which one to go with. In this article, we have covered all the essential features and plans for a good comparison to provide the help you choose the best internet service, provider.
