Frontier vs. Spectrum: Compare internet services

Frontier vs. Spectrum summary

We’ve done the research on Frontier and Spectrum so you can compare and choose the best internet, TV and home phone provider for you in one convenient spot.

Frontier Fiber internet plans range from $44.99 – $154.99/mo. and offer speeds from 500 – 5,000 Mbps. Spectrum’s plans cost $50.00 – $70.00/mo. and offer speeds from 500 – 1,000 Mbps.

If Frontier Fiber is available where you live, it’s your best option, but if you’re choosing between Frontier DSL and Spectrum, we recommend Spectrum.

Frontier vs. Spectrum Allconnect scores

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Frontier vs. Spectrum internet plans

The choice between Frontier and Spectrum internet really comes down to which connection type is available at your address. Frontier Fiber will get you the fastest speeds and best value, while Spectrum’s cable internet is a little slower and more expensive. Still, Spectrum is much faster than Frontier DSL service, which should be viewed as a last resort for most people.

Frontier Fiber internet plans

*w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Bill per month. Max speeds are wired. Location dependent. Wi-Fi, actual & average speeds vary. One-time charges apply. As of 12/05/24.

Frontier DSL plans

Frontier’s DSL internet plans use your phone line to deliver an internet connection. You’ll automatically get the fastest speeds available at your address, but speeds vary depending on location.

Spectrum internet plans

Spectrum offers up to three internet plans — Spectrum Internet® Premier and Spectrum Internet® Gig — in most areas with available speeds ranging from 500 to 1,000 Mbps. You’ll find details on Spectrum internet plans below.

*Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. 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. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2024 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.

Which internet plan should you choose?

Frontier vs. Spectrum internet pricing

In areas where Spectrum and Frontier Fiber are both available, Frontier will likely present the best prices and value. Frontier’s 500 and 1,000 Mbps plans are cheaper than Spectrum’s 500 and 1,000 Mbps, and you’ll get better service. Compared to Frontier’s DSL plan, Spectrum’s cheapest plan offers more speed for a lower price.

Spectrum’s equipment fee is only $5/mo, but Frontier includes equipment with its fiber plans. Spectrum also has pretty steep year two price increases.

Frontier vs. Spectrum internet speeds

Frontier Fiber’s speed tiers are faster than Spectrum’s and come with symmetrical upload and download speeds. You can choose from 500, 1,000, 2,000 or 5,000 Mbps, depending on where you live, with equivalent upload and download speeds.

Spectrum’s speed tiers are 500 or 1,000 Mbps, with 21 – 40 Mbps upload speeds.

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Additional things to consider

The price you see when shopping for internet is rarely the same as what shows up on your first bill. In addition to taxes, most providers charge extra fees for equipment rental, installation and data overages. Here’s how Frontier and Spectrum compare when it comes to those extra considerations.

Equipment fees

Both providers are pretty generous in this category. While you can typically expect to pay between $10 and $15/mo. to rent a modem and router from your internet provider, Spectrum only charges $5/mo. and Frontier doesn’t charge anything.

Winner: Frontier

Installation fee

Frontier charges a flat $85 fee for DSL professional installation and offers free installation for its fiber plans. Spectrum charges $24.99 for self-installation and $59.99 for professional installation.

Winner: Frontier

Data caps

You won’t have to worry about data caps on any of Spectrum’s or Frontier’s plans. All of them come with unlimited data.

Winner: Tie

Contracts

Neither Spectrum nor Frontier require you to commit to a contract when you subscribe, so you won’t have to worry about early termination fees if you move or switch providers.

Winner: Tie

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Frontier vs. Spectrum bundles

Spectrum and Frontier offer comparable TV channel packages and premium channel promotions. Because Spectrum is a cable provider, it offers cable TV to bundle with its internet plans. Spectrum bundles start at $70/mo. in most areas.

Frontier, on the other hand, doesn’t offer TV plans itself, so you’ll have to add a TV service like DISH or DIRECTV STREAM separately. Frontier customers can also get YouTube TV fat a $10/mo. discount for one year.

• Frontier Fiber 500 + YouTube TV

  • Starting at $127.98/mo.*
  • Download speeds up to 500 Mbps
  • Unlimited data
  • 100+ channels
  • Discounted YouTube TV for one year

• Spectrum Internet + TV Select Signature

  • Starting at $125.00/mo.**
  • Download speeds up to 500 Mbps*
  • Unlimited data
  • 150+ channels
  • No contract

*Limited time offer for Frontier Internet subscribers who are first-time YouTube TV customers. Terms apply. As of 12/05/24.
^For Frontier internet customers new to YouTube TV. This YouTube TV discount is only open to participants in the United States who have activated the offer from Frontier on or after October 1. Promotional offer only available to users who are not current YouTube TV subscribers, have not been YouTube TV subscribers or participated in a YouTube TV trial before. If eligible: Frontier Internet customers will receive the standard free trial, and then a discount of $10 per month for 12 months on the standard subscription price; or Frontier Internet with current Frontier TV or Fiber TV will receive the standard free trial, and then a discount of $15 per month for 12 months on the standard subscription price offered by YouTube TV. Standard subscription price is subject to change. You will not be charged until the trial period expires. You can cancel your standard trial at no charge at any time before the trial is over. You can also cancel your YouTube TV paid membership at any time. You will continue to receive access to YouTube TV until the end of your YouTube TV billing period, but refunds and credits are not issued for partial billing periods. Offer valid for one redemption of YouTube TV discount per eligible Frontier account. Eligible participants must use the activation link provided by Frontier and complete activation through Google to claim offer. Offer requires a Google account. Promotional value of offer is non-transferable, not for resale, non-redeemable for cash, and non-refundable. Must be 18 years or older. Free trial, offers, or promotional offers available only for YouTube TV Base Plan. Equipment, installation and other service charges, taxes and fees extra. Frontier Internet account required. Offer and billing subject to Frontier Terms and Conditions. Frontier reserves the right to change or cancel the offer at any time and for any reason. YouTube Paid Service Terms of Service also apply.
**Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. Mobile devices excluded from offer. Standard rates apply after promo period or if qualifying services not maintained. Offer subject to qualifying services being ordered on the same day. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. SPECTRUM TV: TV equipment may be required, charges apply. Channel availability based on level of service and not all channels available in all markets or locations. XUMO STREAM BOX: Spectrum Internet required. Separate subscriptions are required to view content through various paid applications. Xumo Stream Box and all other Xumo product names, logos, slogans and marks are the trademarks of Xumo or its licensors. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. © 2024 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.

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Frontier vs. Spectrum customer satisfaction

Compare Frontier and Spectrum’s customer satisfaction scores from the American Customer Satisfaction Index below. Generally, customers are happier with Frontier over Spectrum but keep in mind that fiber satisfaction is usually higher since it is a better technology type than cable. However, Spectrum has higher scores than Frontier’s DSL service.

Frontier and Spectrum internet deals

Frontier offers some promotional perks for new customers. Promotional deals can change frequently, but Frontier has commonly offered new customers discounted internet or Visa® reward cards with select internet plans.

Spectrum’s Spectrum One package is a great way to save since it provides internet, advanced Wi-Fi and a free unlimited mobile line for only the price of the internet plan you choose.

Explore the best monthly internet deals from top internet providers.

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Our verdict on Spectrum and Frontier

If you live in an area with Frontier Fiber service, we think that’s the best option for most people. It offers the fastest speeds, and its price is actually a bit cheaper than Spectrum. But if you can only get Frontier DSL, Spectrum’s cable internet will be far more reliable. Frontier also has higher customer satisfaction scores than SPectrum, but it’s worth noting that fiber providers generally score higher overall because it offers faster speeds and more reliability than other internet connection types.

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