Compare Spectrum vs. Windstream
Compare Spectrum and Windstream internet and TV services to see how they stack up.
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Is Spectrum or Windstream the provider for you?
Considering Spectrum or Windstream internet for your home? Compare provider features like pricing, internet speeds and more to get the right service for your home. Take a look at our breakdowns of both providers.

Spectrum vs. Windstream quick comparison

- Available in 46 states
- Bundles starting at $89.98/mo.*
- Speeds from 100 Mbps to 940 Mbps
- TV channel range of 125-200+ channels
- Record up to two shows at once
- No contact required
- Modem rental included

- Available in 18 states
- Bundles starting at $90/mo.*
- Speeds from 25 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps
- TV channel range of 155-250+ channels
- Record up to five shows at once with DIRECTV
- No-contract internet plans available
*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 11/05/20.


Spectrum vs. Windstream availability
Spectrum is available in more than twice as many states as Windstream and offered in more major metropolitan areas nationwide. Windstream serviceability covers a mix of rural and more densely populated areas primarily in the South and Midwest.
Some of the primary cities Spectrum and Windstream are available include Birmingham, AL, Twin Cities area of MN, Lincoln, NE, Syracuse, NY and Charlotte, NC. Spectrum and Windstream are also available throughout Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio and central Texas.
Spectrum nationwide availability- 33%
Windstream nationwide availability- 3%
Source: FCC
Which internet providers and plans are available in your area? Click “Check availability” below to see if Spectrum, Windstream or other internet providers are available in your ZIP code.
Spectrum vs. Windstream internet

- $49.99/mo.* starting price
- 100 Mbps starting speeds
- 940 Mbps max speeds
- No data caps
- 500,000+ hotspots nationwide

- $37.00/mo.* starting price
- 25 Mbps starting speeds
- 1,000 Mbps max speeds
- No data caps
- No Wi-Fi hotspots
*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 11/05/20.
Starting internet speeds from Spectrum or Windstream will mostly depend on where you’re located even though the starting price tends to remain the same. Spectrum speeds start out at 100 to 200 Mbps, while Windstream’s range all the way from 25 to 200 Mbps. A gig-speed internet service option is also available from both providers, although availability varies.
Spectrum vs. Windstream cheapest internet plans
Since the starting speeds of either provider vary so greatly from region to region, you won’t have much say in what speeds you’ll get with the most basic internet plan. Price point, installation options and equipment included will be the biggest points of comparison between Spectrum and Windstream’s cheapest plans.
*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 11/05/20.
Windstream’s cheapest internet plan is half the price of Spectrum’s cheapest plan, but Spectrum generally offers higher speeds with its lowest plans. When you consider cost per Mbps, Spectrum is likely to offer the better deal with its cheapest internet plan.
Spectrum vs. Windstream fastest internet plans
.*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 11/05/20.
Spectrum and Windstream both offer gig speed internet options in some areas. However, if gig-speeds from both providers are available to your home, you’ll save about $40/mo.* with Windstream internet. Windstream also uses a fiber optic connection to provide these higher speeds, which is known for reliability as well as speed.
Spectrum vs. Windstream bundles
Spectrum and Windstream have similar bundle offerings, making it easy to compare monthly savings.
*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 11/05/20.
Although bundling is convenient, it won’t always save you money. Spectrum, however, has more packages that will allow you to save each month.
For more information on bundles from Spectrum or Windstream in your area, click below to see available packages.
Spectrum vs. Windstream TV
Spectrum offers three main cable TV packages and Windstream lets you bundle with your choice of five DIRECTV packages. You’ll have a greater TV selection with DIRECTV, but the service requires a two-year contract and satellite installation, something you wouldn’t have to worry about with Spectrum.
Spectrum vs. Windstream TV packages and pricing

- Packages starting at $44.99/mo.*
- 125-200+ channels
- Free self-installation available
- DVR service starting at $12.99/mo.* and $6.99/mo.* for DVR/HD box rental
- Record up to two shows at once
- No contract required

- Packages starting at $64.99/mo.*
- 160-330+ channels
- Free professional installation available
- DVR device included, $7/mo.* for each additional receiver
- Record up to five shows at once
- Two-year contract required
*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 11/05/20.
Spectrum vs. Windstream customer satisfaction
According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), Spectrum internet ranks slightly higher in customer satisfaction than Windstream. In 2020, Spectrum received a 63/100 and Windstream received a 61/100. Although Spectrum scored slightly higher than Windstream, both internet providers ranked below the average customer satisfaction rating (65/100).
Spectrum | Windstream | Average internet service provider rating | |
2018 | 60 | 56 | 62 |
2019 | 59 | 57 | 62 |
2020 | 63 | 61 | 65 |
Spectrum vs. Windstream FAQs
Is Spectrum internet cable or DSL?
Spectrum internet uses a cable network. Unlike with DSL, you do not need a phone line to get internet with Spectrum.
What internet speeds does Spectrum offer?
Spectrum internet speeds start at up to 100 Mbps. In select areas, starting speeds may be up to 200 Mbps, with higher tiers offering speeds up to 400 Mbps and 940 Mbps.
Is Spectrum or Windstream better for internet?
In areas where only Windstream DSL is available, Spectrum is likely to offer faster speeds and a more reliable connection. In areas where Windstream’s fiber optic service is available, Windstream may have plans with faster speeds and lower pricing than Spectrum.
Does Windstream have free anti-virus?
Windstream includes McAfee Multi-Access with select Windstream packages. This software offers anti-virus and anti-spyware protection on up to three devices. If the service is not included with your Windstream package, you can add it for an additional monthly fee.
Last updated 11/05/20.
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Written by:
Joe SupanSenior Writer, Wireless & Streaming Content
Joe oversees all things wireless and streaming for Allconnect. His work has been referenced by McAfee, Fox network and more. He has utilized thousands of data points to build a library of metrics to help users n… Read more
Edited by:
Robin LaytonEditor, Broadband & Wireless Content
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