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Compare Verizon Fios vs. Spectrum

Check out a full comparison of Spectrum vs. Fios bundles, TV packages and internet plans to find the best services for your home, or use the links below to jump right to the research that most interests you.

Is Verizon Fios or Spectrum better for you?

If Spectrum and Verizon Fios are both in your area, your best bet is likely Verizon Fios. Verizon uses fiber optic internet for its connections, which is faster and more reliable than the cable internet that Spectrum uses. Both options will get you the speeds you need for a reasonable price, but Verizon edges out Spectrum in just about every category.

Verizon Fios vs. Spectrum quick comparison

Verizon Fios overview

  • Available in nine states and the District of Columbia
  • Download speeds from 300 Mbps to up to 940 Mbps
  • Channel counts from 85+ to 425+
  • Record up to two shows at once with standard DVR, up to six shows with Multi-room DVR Enhanced Service
  • No annual contract
  • HD channels included

Spectrum overview

  • Available in 41 states
  • Triple play bundles starting at $129.97/mo.**
  • Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps* (See offer details)
  • Channel counts from 125+ to 200+
  • Record up to two shows at once with DVR
  • No contract or one-year price guarantee with select plans
  • Internet modem included

Compare Verizon Fios vs. Spectrum internet plans

The good news is that both Verizon Fios 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.

Spectrum internet packages

Verizon Fios internet packages

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 Fios 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. 

Which internet plan should you choose?

Cheapest internet plans: Verizon Fios 300 Mbps and Spectrum Internet (300 Mbps)

Verizon and Spectrum both offer packages of 300 Mbps for less than $50/mo.

Fastest internet plans: Verizon Gigabit Connection and Spectrum Internet Gig

Verizon and Spectrum offer similar Gig plans; however, we would still recommend going with Verizon due to its lower starting price and its faster upload speeds. 


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 $5/mo. for equipment. 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 Fios 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. 


Verizon Fios vs. Spectrum bundles

Spectrum offers one basic cable plan which allows for a variety of add-ons to create a package that includes your favorites shows, premium channels and sports. Although Verizon’s internet plans tend to be a better deal, Spectrum is a much more attractive option if you are looking to bundle TV since it offers a lower starting price for TV than Verizon. For instance, both Verizon and Spectrum offer a TV package with 125+ channels; however, Verizon charges $65/mo. for this plan and Spectrum only charges $59.99/mo. 

If you are looking for a bundle plan with the highest channel count, you will want to go with Verizon, since Verizon offers TV packages with as many as 425+ channels. Spectrum’s channel count only reaches 125+ channels. 

Additionally, Spectrum’s higher channel packages are also not particularly good deals so only choose to bundle with Spectrum if you are opting for the 125+ channel package. Verizon’s higher channel packages, in contrast, are much better value than its most basic TV plan.

Both providers offer streaming options as well. Watch all of your favorite programming on the go with the Spectrum TV app or the Verizon Fios TV app.


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 Fios and Spectrum service areas include:

Need specific data on where Verizon and Spectrum are available?

Find full availability info here.


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 Fios and Spectrum scored over the past three years.


Our expert’s final take Verizon Fios vs. Spectrum review

Now that you have the complete 411 on how Verizon Fios and Spectrum compare on all the details, what’s the bottom line? Which one should you choose in a head-to-head fight?
Overall, we like Verizon Fios for speed, reliability and customer satisfaction rankings. The Verizon Fios Mix & Match internet and TV packages are great in terms of value for your money. Spectrum is likely only a better option if you are looking to bundle internet and TV as cheaply as possible.

Verizon Fios vs. Spectrum FAQs

Does Verizon Fios or Spectrum have the lowest-priced internet plan?

Verizon Fios offers the cheapest internet plan with a starting price of $39.99/mo.*** for 200 Mbps whereas Spectrum costs $49.99/mo.* for up to 300 Mbps.**

Both Verizon Fios and Spectrum offer ultra fast internet plans with download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps where available. The biggest difference is Verizon Fios is on a 100% fiber optic network while Spectrum relies on coaxial cables. Due to the differences in fiber vs. cable technology, fiber maintains faster speeds even when more people are accessing the network.

Spectrum offers more channels in their TV plan (125+ channels vs. 85+ for Verizon Fios).

Yes. Both Spectrum and Verizon Fios provide internet plans without monthly data caps. However, both providers may reprioritize your data once you use a certain amount of data.

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Lisa Iscrupe

Written by:

Lisa Iscrupe

Writer, Broadband & Data Content

Lisa uses years of experience in sales and customer service for internet-TV providers to inform her writing on broadband. Her work has been referenced by CNN and other national sources. In Lisa’s Words: Ever… Read more

Robin Layton

Edited by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband Content

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