AT&T vs. Spectrum

Is AT&T or Spectrum better for you?

Ari Howard Last updated: October 27, 2021

If your address is serviceable for AT&T and Spectrum, take a look at what each has to offer to determine which is the better provider for your home. Overall, AT&T fiber optic is a better deal than Spectrum. However, if AT&T DSL is available to you instead of AT&T fiber optic, your best bet is to go with Spectrum.  

AT&T vs. Spectrum ratings

We broke down the most important considerations when buying internet and ranked each internet provider based on these five factors. We considered promotional pricing, price increases, plan options, speeds, data caps, customer satisfaction ratings and more.

AT&T Fiber scored the highest overall except for affordability and number of plans (AT&T DSL has cheaper starting prices and more plan options). While Spectrum ranks well, it has a hard time competing against AT&T Fiber due to AT&T’s superior speeds and overall value.

Our methodology

We evaluate broadband providers in four categories: affordability, performance, value and customer satisfaction.

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 one to five, 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 three and four. Xfinity’s 200 Mbps plan received a 3.50 score for download speed, while Spectrum’s 400 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.

See how we review internet providers

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AT&T vs. Spectrum Internet service at a glance

AT&T fiber and DSL plans

*Prices for 12 mos + taxes & equip fee. Price includes $5/mo. AutoPay & Paperless billing discount (within 2 bills). $10/mo. equip. fee applies. Prices updated 10/21/21.
**Prices for 12 mos + taxes & equip fee after $5/mo. AutoPay & Paperless billing discount (within 2 bills). $10/mo. equip. fee applies. Incl. 1TB data/mo.; overage chrgs apply. Prices updated 10/21/21.

Spectrum Internet plans

*Wireless speeds may vary
Speed based on wired connection. Available internet speeds may vary by address. Gig cable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem.

Which internet plan should you choose?

AT&T vs. Spectrum contracts and installation

Contracts

AT&T: AT&T internet plans do not require a contract, however, if you select a plan with a term agreement, you will incur an early termination fee (up to $180) if your new service is canceled after the first 14 days of service. 

Spectrum: Spectrum Internet plans are offered month-to-month, allowing subscribers to cancel service at any time without penalty. Potential Spectrum customers can also take advantage of their $500 contract buyout from a previous provider.* Learn more about the fees you’ll see on your monthly bill with each provider. Spectrum, therefore, is a more reliable option if you want to enjoy internet service with no contracts.

*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.

Installation

AT&T: AT&T’s professional installation fee costs up to $99. However, you can get this fee waived if you opt for self-installation or if you bundle internet and TV services. 

Spectrum: Spectrum’s professional installation is $49.99. If you require professional installation, then you will save a little money going with Spectrum over AT&T. 

AT&T Fiber vs. Spectrum bundles

AT&T and Spectrum offer bundle packages with varying combinations of internet, TV and home phone services. Overall, Spectrum offers cheaper bundle options and a higher channel count but AT&T offers faster internet speeds. Here are the lowest-priced bundles from each provider:

• AT&T TV + AT&T Fiber 300

  • Starting at $94.99/mo.*
  • Speeds up to 300 Mbps
  • No monthly data cap with select bundles
  • 65+ live streaming TV channels
    

• Spectrum Double Play Select

  • Starting at $89.98/mo.*
  • Speeds up to 200 Mbps*
  • No monthly data cap
  • 125+ cable TV channels
    
    Bundled savings: $5/mo.*

*Wireless speeds may vary. For 12 months. For 12 mos. Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Wireless speeds may vary. As of 07/09/21.

AT&T vs. Spectrum TV service

AT&T does not directly offer any TV service but you can choose to bundle DIRECTV STREAM or DIRECTV to any AT&T internet plan. Just keep in mind your AT&T and DIRECTV bill will be separate. 

Spectrum, however, does offer TV service customers can bundle with their internet plan for $5/mo. off. If you are looking for the highest channel count, then bundling with Spectrum may be a better option for you. Spectrum also offers the lowest starting prices for TV service.

• DIRECTV STREAM package options: Four
• Channel range: 65+ to 140+
• Starting price range: $99.99 to $139.99/mo.*
• DVR service: Included
• DVR recordings: No limit
• DVR equipment cost: One device free, then starting at $7/mo. each*
• Contract: Two years

• Main TV package options: Three
• Channel range: 125 to 200+
• Starting price range: $44.99 to $94.99/mo.*
• DVR service: Starting at $4.99/mo.*
• DVR recordings: Up to two shows at once
• DVR equipment cost: Starting at $8.99/mo. each*
• Contract: None

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 10/21/21.

Use our Spectrum channel guide and DIRECTV STREAM channel guide to find the channel and plan you need.

AT&T vs. Spectrum customer satisfaction

Customer satisfaction is another category where AT&T consistently outshines Spectrum. Here are their most recent American Customer Satisfaction Index and 2020 Consumer Reports scores based on a scale from 1-100, for both internet and TV services. Overall, AT&T scored slightly higher for customer satisfaction than Spectrum.

Source: ACSI, Consumer Reports

AT&T and Spectrum coverage areas

Much of AT&T’s internet coverage spans 21 states, with service primarily in the southern states, areas of the Midwest and select areas of California and Nevada. Spectrum availability includes select areas of 41 states, making it the second-largest cable internet provider in the U.S. Top service areas for each provider include:

AT&T coverage

Spectrum coverage