Verizon vs. Spectrum overview

If Spectrum and Verizon are both in your area, your best bet is likely Verizon. Verizon uses fiber optic internet for its connections, which is faster and more reliable than Spectrum’s cable internet. Both providers have no data caps, contracts and little to no equipment fees, but Verizon edges out Spectrum in every category.

†Taxes & terms may apply. Verizon mobile plan, Auto Pay & paper-free billing required. Add’l. cost without mobile plan. Subj. to credit approval & may require a deposit. Fios avail. in select areas. Wired speeds advertised. Wireless speeds may vary due to device limits, multiple users, network & other factors. See Verizon.com/yourspeed for more info. **w/ Auto Pay and paper-free billing discount + taxes & equip. charges. © 2024 Verizon

Verizon Fios vs. Spectrum plan comparison

The good news is that both Verizon fiber internet and Spectrum offer similarly priced, no-contract plans with fast starting download speeds and plans that range up to 1 Gig. However, Verizon is slightly less expensive and offers better upload speeds.

You also won’t have to worry about data caps with either provider, although you’ll find statements in your terms and conditions regarding congestion and excessive use. Although you won’t have a monthly data cap, you should be mindful of pushing your plan to its limit. Once you hit a certain data allotment, either Spectrum or Verizon will reprioritize your network traffic in order to assist with congestion. This reprioritization may feel like your speeds have slowed, much like when you hit your data allotment with a wireless plan. 

*Wireless speeds may vary. 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 12/10/24.
**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.

Offer details

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Verizon Fios vs. Spectrum deals

Verizon offers some of the best perks for new customers. While the deals can change frequently, you can usually take advantage of perks like free subscriptions, gift cards, tech and other equipment when you sign up for a Fios internet plan. Verizon also offers discounts on its fiber and 5G internet plans when paired with a Verizon mobile line.

Once you choose a Verizon service, you can also choose from a selection of Verizon myHome perks, which are discounted entertainment perks like Netflix, Max and Apple One subscriptions.

Stay up to date with the best monthly internet deals from top providers like Verizon and Spectrum.

Verizon Fios vs. Spectrum bundles

Bundling your internet services with TV or phone plans can simplify your monthly bill and sometimes save you money.

Verizon offers the best savings when you pair select services. For example, if you pair a Verizon Fios or 5G Home Internet plan with a mobile line, you can save on your internet plan. You’ll also get to choose from the discounted entertainment perks we mentioned above. 

Adding a Verizon TV plan to your internet plan won’t save you any money on your services, but Verizon’s TV plans come with perks like select premium channels and gift cards.

Bundling Spectrum Internet® and TV can save you money on your internet plan. Explore Spectrum bundles here.

Verizon Fios vs. Spectrum internet fees 

Neither Verizon nor Spectrum impose data caps or require long-term contracts so you only have to consider equipment and professional installation fees when comparing additional costs. 

Equipment compared

Verizon charges $15/mo. for a wireless router, whereas Spectrum only charges $10/mo. for Advanced WiFi, and only with its 500 Mbps plan. A Wi-Fi 7-enabled router is included with Spectrum Internet Gig. This makes Spectrum a little more competitive with Verizon.

You may rent a router with either provider, but you can also purchase your own if you’re looking to invest and avoid monthly rental fees. Check out some routers that are compatible with Verizon or Spectrum to be sure you are investing in the right equipment. 

Installation compared

Spectrum also has Verizon beat when it comes to professional installation fees. While Verizon charges a $99 setup fee, Spectrum only charges up to $59.99. 

Self-installation is available for new Spectrum customers looking for a cheaper alternative. Spectrum doesn’t recommend one method over the other. However, customers who opt for self-installation will have thorough instructions, tutorials and online resources. 

Perks compared

The final component you should consider are the perks that come with each provider. Verizon’s special offers and promotions are constantly changing, but they often include free electronic devices or credit toward one of its products. 

Spectrum doesn’t offer free stuff, but they will buy you out of a contract of up to $500 if you want to switch from your provider to Spectrum. 

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Verizon Fios vs. Spectrum availability

Verizon offers Fios internet, TV and phone services in select areas of nine states, plus the District of Columbia. Spectrum offers internet, TV and home phone services in select areas of 41 states.

Top Verizon and Spectrum service areas include:

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Verizon vs. Spectrum customer satisfaction

The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) scores internet providers based on customer evaluations on the quality of products and services. Here’s how Verizon and Spectrum scored over the past couple of years.

Final take on Verizon Fios vs. Spectrum

Now that you have the complete 411 on how Verizon and Spectrum compare on all the details, what’s the bottom line? Overall, we like Verizon for speed, reliability and customer satisfaction rankings. Verizon also offers better perks than Spectrum, and you can save on your internet plans if you pair them with a Verizon mobile line. Spectrum also offers some great bundling options with TV and Internet, which could save you money.

Verizon Fios vs. Spectrum FAQs

*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 12/10/24.
**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.