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Spectrum Internet® plans and pricing

By Joe Supan Last updated: November 28, 2023

Spectrum makes it easy to set up internet service with three simple plans. To make things more attractive, Spectrum offers free self-installation and bundling options, plus no data caps or contracts.

  • Spectrum Internet prices – Up to 300 Mbps* (wireless speeds may vary) starting at:

    $49.99/mo. for 12 mos* with Auto Pay

    Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Charter. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Standard rates apply after yr 1. Advertised price reflects $5 discount when enrolling in Auto Pay. Must maintain Auto Pay to keep discount. Taxes and fees extra in select states. Equipment may be extra; installation and additional services are extra. Pricing subject to change. Speed based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) may vary. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2023 Charter Communications. Last updated 08/10/23.

    Check with Spectrum

    or call to order: (844) 451-2720

Best Spectrum plans for your home

  • Internet
    Speeds up to
    300 Mbps
    Contract length
    12 mos.
    Connection type
    Cable
    Rating
    Average
    Plan cost
    $49.99/mo.
    for 12 mos.
    Pricing breakdown
    Check with Spectrum
    Or give us a call
  • Internet Ultra
    Speeds up to
    500 Mbps
    Contract length
    12 mos.
    Connection type
    Cable
    Rating
    Average
    Plan cost
    $69.99/mo.
    for 12 mos.
    Pricing breakdown
    Check with Spectrum
    Or give us a call
  • Internet Gig
    Speeds up to
    1000 Mbps
    Contract length
    12 mos.
    Connection type
    Cable
    Rating
    Average
    Plan cost
    $89.99/mo.
    for 12 mos.
    Pricing breakdown
    Check with Spectrum
    Or give us a call

*Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Charter. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Standard rates apply after yr 1. Advertised price reflects $5 discount when enrolling in Auto Pay. Must maintain Auto Pay to keep discount. Taxes and fees extra in select states. Equipment may be extra; installation and additional services are extra. Pricing subject to change. Speed based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) may vary. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2023 Charter Communications.

Spectrum home internet overview

As the second-largest cable internet provider, Spectrum Internet is a common internet service option for more than one-third of U.S. households. For example, New York City offers Spectrum, as well as Los Angeles and Charlotte.

What we like

  • Low equipment fees – Spectrum charges $5/mo. for router rental and provides a free modem. Other providers usually charge $10-15/mo. for the equipment.

  • No data caps – Spectrum does not have data caps, so you can binge-watch any streaming show you’d like.

  • No contracts – Spectrum doesn’t require contracts so you aren’t tied to a plan that may no longer work for you.

Things to consider

  • Higher pricing – Spectrum’s starting price of $49.99/mo. for speeds up to 300 Mbps is a bit high when compared to a provider like Xfinity, which offers 400 Mbps for $29.99/mo.

  • Slow upload speeds – Spectrum’s upload speeds of 10 to 35 Mbps are on the lower end when compared to other providers.

We scored Spectrum Internet service on a scale of 1 to 5 across four major categories. To learn more, read about our review methodology.

Spectrum logo

Spectrum internet rating

Allconnect Rating

3.62 / out of 5 stars

This score is based off of the 3 plans Spectrum has available

Rating breakdown

  • Affordability

    2.99 / 5

  • Performance

    4.22 / 5

  • Value

    3.94 / 5

  • Customer satisfaction

    3.80 / 5

How we calculated our rating

Spectrum is widely available and their plans have some unique advantages, but they aren’t for everyone. Its prices go up after the first year, so you may end up paying more than you’re expecting when you sign up — part of the reason Spectrum earned our second-lowest score for affordability of any provider. That said, you will get fast and reliable speeds for those high prices.

How we scored internet providers

We evaluate broadband providers in four categories: affordability, performance, value and customer satisfaction. Each category contains multiple sub-factors, all of which are weighted differently to impact the provider’s overall score.

We evaluate broadband providers in four categories: affordability, performance, value and customer satisfaction. Each category contains multiple sub-factors, all of which are weighted differently to impact the provider’s overall score.

For each sub-factor, we score all providers on a continuous scale of 1 to 5, relative to the industry as a whole. Because the average download speed in America is currently 180 Mbps, for example, we assigned all plans with download speeds between 100 and 299 Mbps a score between 3 and 4. Xfinity’s 200 Mbps plan received a 3.50 score for download speed, while Spectrum’s 500 Mbps plan got a 4.16.

We only considered standardized data points in our scoring system. More abstract data like consistency of service and brand reputation is still part of our analysis, but we opted to let our writers address them in the context of each review.

Spectrum Internet plan comparison

Spectrum offers up to three plan internet plans to choose from which you’ll find in our table below. All Spectrum plans come with a free modem, unlimited data and no contract requirements — perks you may not find with most internet providers.

All customers also have access to thousands of free public Spectrum Wi-Fi hotspots across the country. For new customers looking to switch to Spectrum in the middle of their current internet contract, Spectrum will provide up to $500** to subsidize any early termination fees you may face.

*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.

**To qualify for the Contract Buyout Program, a customer must order and install a combination of qualifying Video and Internet and/or Voice services; offers not available in all areas. Spectrum’s Mobile Services are not eligible for the buyout program. 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 https://www.spectrum.com/buyout.​ 11/14/23

Expert tip: Watch for discounted pricing for Internet Ultra

Spectrum has been testing lower price points in markets they compete with Google Fiber so keep an eye out for potentially discounted pricing on its internet plans, particularly the Internet Ultra plan. These discounts are most prominent in southern metropolitan areas, such as Charlotte, Atlanta and Nashville.

You’ll get the speed you pay for

According to the latest FCC report, more than 90% of users reported their actual Spectrum Internet speeds to be within 95% or higher than their plan’s advertised speeds, even during peak usage times. Spectrum Wi-Fi speeds may be slower than your plan’s advertised speeds, but this isn’t a Spectrum thing; it’s just the nature of using a Wi-Fi connection.

The United States Median Speeds for fixed broadband in December 2022 show a download speed of 192.73 Mbps and an upload speed of 22.57 Mbps.

Spectrum’s download speed average is higher than the median at 225.33 Mbps, according to Q4 2022 Ookla® speed test intelligence data. Their upload speed average is 11.77 Mbps.

Spectrum Internet – Best for smaller households

At up to 300 Mbps*, the Spectrum Internet plan is more than equipped to handle online gaming, which can demand 3-30 Mbps, and streaming in 4K (the FCC recommends only 25 Mbps).

On paper, 300 Mbps* is ample speed, so why would we recommend this plan for just basic use and a few users? Because those are the minimum recommended speeds using a wired connection, and if you’re like most, your internet activity will rely heavily on a Wi-Fi connection. It also only gets 10 Mbps* upload speeds, so multiple people working from home or gaming might run into issues.

The Spectrum Internet plan will still offer a suitable connection for gaming and streaming over Wi-Fi, but if you’ll be doing it on multiple devices and during peak internet usage times, a faster plan will likely give you a better experience.

A connection of up to 500 Mbps* with Spectrum Internet Ultra will accommodate a family of moderate internet users or a couple of high-demand users, even over Wi-Fi and during peak usage times. That said, you’ll still only get 20 Mbps* upload speeds, so several people working from home or gaming simultaneously might need more bandwidth.

While not for everyone, a gigabit connection is great for hardcore gamers, households with multiple people streaming at once and people who work exclusively from home. With up to 35 Mbps* upload speed, it should be able to handle multiple people gaming and working from home simultaneously.

Gigabit internet is growing in popularity, but speeds of 1 Gbps are overkill for the average user. That said, if you want to all but guarantee enough speed for all, or you want an internet connection so fast you can brag about it, gigabit may be the way to go. And as new technologies like 8K and next gen gaming systems emerge, gig speeds** may be more practical for the average household. But for now, they’re likely to be more than you’ll need.

*Wireless speeds may vary

**Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Charter. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Standard rates apply after yr 1. Advertised price reflects $5 discount when enrolling in Auto Pay. Must maintain Auto Pay to keep discount. Taxes and fees extra in select states. Equipment may be extra; installation and additional services are extra. Pricing subject to change. Speed based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) may vary. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2023 Charter Communications.

Spectrum logo

Compare Spectrum Internet prices and plans

Spectrum offers high-speed internet, customizable TV packages, home phone with unlimited nationwide calling and mobile phone plans.

Order online
or call us today: (844) 451-2720

Equipment, installation, data caps and contracts

Overall, Spectrum equipment and installation costs are very reasonable. Here’s what you can expect to pay on top of your plan’s base pricing:

  • Equipment: Spectrum charges $5/mo. for router rental — the modem is free — whereas most providers charge around $10-15/mo. You also have the option of purchasing your own Spectrum-compatible modem and router.
  • Installation: You’ll pay up to $24.99 for self-installation on all Spectrum Internet plans. In some areas, professional installation is available at a cost of up to $59.99. To avoid the higher fee, learn how to self-install Spectrum internet.
  • Data caps: None of Spectrum’s plans have data caps, so you won’t have to worry about limiting your internet usage.
  • Contracts: There are no contracts on any Spectrum Internet plans.

Spectrum internet vs. other top providers

Spectrum probably isn’t the only option in your area. Take some time to compare Spectrum Internet services and prices to other providers to find the best one for your needs.

*Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Charter. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Standard rates apply after yr 1. Advertised price reflects $5 discount when enrolling in Auto Pay. Must maintain Auto Pay to keep discount. Taxes and fees extra in select states. Equipment may be extra; installation and additional services are extra. Pricing subject to change. Speed based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) may vary. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2023 Charter Communications.

If you’d like more in-depth comparisons of Spectrum vs. other providers, click any of the links below:

In most cases, the choice between Spectrum Internet and other providers is pretty simple. If you can get fiber internet, do it. If there’s only DSL available, Spectrum’s cable internet service is almost always better. 

It essentially just comes down to the technology. Fiber internet is faster and more reliable than cable, which is usually much faster than DSL. And the price difference isn’t that significant between the different network types. Sometimes fiber is even cheaper than DSL, as is the case with Verizon Fios and some of Frontier and Windstream’s DSL plans.

Spectrum TV

Spectrum’s base TV plan, Choice 15, starts at $29.99/mo. and includes 15 channels that you can pick from 65 channels. You can change your selection every 30 days. You can also add more channels with the sports, entertainment and Latino add-on packages for an additional $7-39.99/mo.

Learn more about Spectrum TV

Spectrum Customer satisfaction

The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) gave Spectrum a score of 64/100 in 2023, the same as last year’s score. This puts them in the middle of the pack, behind AT&T, Xfinity and Sparklight.

J.D. Power also gave Spectrum Internet average satisfaction ratings. Their rankings fared best in the South region, where they scored relatively high marks for Performance and Reliability, Customer Service and Overall Satisfaction, ranking behind only AT&T and Xfinity.

In general, complaints about Spectrum center around billing. Many customers don’t expect the $25/mo. price increase in year two, or the $22/mo. broadcast TV surcharge. If you’re not aware of these fees going in, your bill could end up being almost twice as much as you expected. 

FAQs

Who owns Spectrum?

Charter Communications purchased Spectrum in 2016.

One way to lower your Spectrum internet bill may be to use your own router, which can save you $5 or more off your monthly bill. You can also contact Spectrum customer service to see if any discounts are available, or consider these ways to lower your monthly internet bill.

Cable internet can experience slowed speeds during peak usage times. Additionally, using a Wi-Fi connection and connecting multiple devices can result in slower speeds. If your speeds are slower than you expect, contact Spectrum tech support to troubleshoot the issue.

Spectrum offers step-by-step self-installation, which is a great way to save money. You will need to decide beforehand if you want to use their equipment or purchase your own.

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Joe Supan

Written by:

Joe Supan

Principal Writer, Broadband Content

Joe is a senior writer for CNET covering home technology and broadband. Prior to joining CNET, Joe led MYMOVE’s moving coverage and reported on broadband policy, the digital divide, and privacy issues for the br… Read more

Robin Layton

Edited by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband Content

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