Spectrum Internet: Unlimited, no-contract home Wi-Fi
Editorial note: This post may contain links to internet offers and services from which Allconnect receives a commission. Broadband partners and the associated compensation do not influence our editorial decisions. Read more about our advertising policy.
Advantage
Premier
Gig
Prices from
$70.00
per month
Speeds up to
1,000
Mbps
for 12 mos with Auto Pay.
Why trust our broadband experts
Allconnect’s team of broadband experts regularly reviews the top internet service providers in the U.S., scrutinizing each company under a rigorous scoring system to help our readers make informed internet purchases. We keep our data points accurate and up to date based on thorough research and partnership communications. Our content is not directed by partners. Visit our full methodology page and advertising disclosure to learn more.
Key takeaways
- Spectrum is a cable internet provider with a hybrid coaxial and fiber network operating in 41 states.
- With download speeds of 100–1,000 Mbps, Spectrum Internet speeds support virtually any online activity, including gaming, streaming, email, browsing, social media and content creation.
- Known for its straightforward pricing and minimal fees, Spectrum internet pricing also includes bundle discounts for internet, TV and mobile.
- Spectrum internet cost: 100 Mbps starting at $30/mo.; 500 Mbps starting at $50/mo.; 1,000 Mbps starting at $70/mo.
Spectrum overview
Spectrum, a division of Charter Communications, is available to about 30% of the U.S., making it the second-largest cable internet provider.
Spectrum is available in Alabama, Central Florida, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio and Tennessee.
Other major markets include the Dallas, Austin and Houston areas of Texas; Los Angeles and Bakersfield, California; and the Oregon coast.
Best Spectrum Internet plans and prices
| Plan | Starting price* | Download/Upload speeds |
|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Internet® Advantage | $30/mo. | 100/20 Mbps |
| Spectrum Internet® Premier | $50/mo. | 500/20 Mbps |
| Spectrum Internet® Gig | $70/mo. | 1,000/35 Mbps |
Disclaimer
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. Capable modem required for all Gig speeds. For a list of 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. ©2025 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.
- Spectrum also offers the 50 Mbps Spectrum InternetⓇ Assist plan for $25/mo. for qualifying low-income households.
Spectrum Internet pros and cons
Pros
Straightforward internet plans
No data limits or contracts.
Reduced-price internet available for lower income.
Cons
$10 router fee may apply.
Rates increase after 12 months.
Speeds may slow at busy times of day.
How we reviewed Spectrum
Spectrum scored 4 out of 5 on our provider rating scale, a higher score than more than half of the ISPs we reviewed. Spectrum ranked evenly with Xfinity, the other largest U.S. cable provider. Spectrum gained points for broad availability, fast speeds and no-contract plans. However, the provider lost points for additional fees with Spectrum Internet prices and lack of end-to-end fiber options.
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2025. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.
How to choose a Spectrum Internet plan
Use these guidelines when choosing the speed you need for your household internet when selecting a Spectrum internet plan.
- How much do you want to spend? Spectrum’s internet prices are budget-friendly, with a monthly starting price of $30 (100 Mbps), $50 (500 Mbps) or $70 (1,000 Mbps). However, keep in mind the $30/mo. increase starting in month 13.
- What do you need to do online? Evaluate what your household consistently does online to pick a complimentary speed.
- How many devices do you typically use? While Spectrum’s 500 plan can support any online activities, numerous connected devices could result in Wi-Fi lag. Households with around 20 devices should consider the 1 GB option.
- Does your home have any Wi-Fi trouble areas? If you have zones of your home that have trouble getting Wi-Fi, try getting a faster Spectrum plan or installing Wi-Fi extenders.
Spectrum Internet® Premier
Pros
Available everywhere.
$30/mo. when bundled with TV.
Cons
Connecting too many devices may cause lag.
$30/mo. price increase in month 13.
Spectrum Internet® Premier is the provider’s most popular plan, offering speeds up to 500 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload for $50/mo.
Who fits this plan?
This Spectrum internet plan is good for homes that do any type of online activity, including gaming and streaming, with around 10 connected devices.
Who doesn’t fit this plan?
Super-connected homes may want to opt for a faster Spectrum internet plan for best results with minimal buffering or lag.
Spectrum Internet® Gig
Pros
Fastest Spectrum speeds (1 GB down/35 Mbps up).
No add’l cost for router.
Cons
Price increase after 12 months.
Network congestion can temporarily affect speed.
Spectrum Internet® Gig is the provider’s fastest plan at $70/mo. and offers the most seamless online connection. While the 1,000 Mbps download speed is not necessary for the average home user, the speed can prove useful for the ultra-connected smart home.
Who fits this plan?
This Spectrum internet plan is for homes with constant internet activity and 20 or more connected devices. Additionally, the 35 Mbps upload speed can be helpful if your job or hobbies involve uploading large files, videos, email attachments or photos regularly.
Who doesn’t fit this plan?
If you have less than 20 connected devices, try the 500 Mbps Spectrum plan. That way, you are not overpaying for additional speed you don’t require.
Spectrum cable bundles
Spectrum offers internet and TV bundles at promotional rates, so expect TV prices to increase $20/mo. after the promotional period. TV service also includes Broadcast TV surcharges.
| Plan* | Starting cost | Download speed (up to) | No. of channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Internet® Premier + TV Stream | $70/mo. | 500 Mbps | 85+ |
| Spectrum Internet® Gig + TV Select Signature | $135/mo.** | 1,000 Mbps | 150+ |
Disclaimers
*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. © 2025 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.
**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. Capable modem required for all Gig speeds. For a list of capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem. 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. © 2025 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.
***Includes TV Select Signature at $95/mo. (reg. $115/mo.)
Spectrum vs. other internet providers
Spectrum’s internet deals are above average compared to other internet providers.
- Spectrum vs. AT&T Internet: AT&T Fiber‘s 500 and 1,000 Mbps* plan cost $10 to $25 more than Spectrum’s similar plans. However, AT&T does not raise prices after 12 months and offers symmetrical upload and download speeds.
- Spectrum vs. CenturyLink: CenturyLink costs more than the cheapest internet plan from Spectrum. CenturyLink throttles speeds after 1 TB data usage, and Spectrum similarly manages its network during peak congestion.
- Spectrum vs. Frontier Fiber: Like Spectrum, Frontier Fiber has unlimited and no-contract internet. Frontier also offers symmetrical speeds and lower promotional and standard rates than Spectrum.
- Spectrum vs. Hughesnet: Hughesnet is a satellite internet provider with broader availability and provides options for rural internet. Spectrum has faster speeds with a more reliable connection for a lower monthly cost, but is not usually found in rural areas.
- Spectrum vs. T-Mobile 5G: T-Mobile and Spectrum both offer no contracts or data caps, but 5G internet speeds with T-Mobile max out at 415 Mbps, slower than the basic Spectrum plan.
- Spectrum vs. Verizon Fios: Verizon Fios‘s 300 and 1,000 Mbps plans sit at about the same rates as Spectrum’s promotional pricing. However, Verizon offers longer price guarantees.
*Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101. As of 03/20/25.
Spectrum customer service
- Call customer service and tech support for Spectrum Internet at 1-833-949-0036.
- Chat with a Spectrum representative here. You can also troubleshoot common Spectrum issues, like what to do if your Wi-Fi is not working, by asking questions in the search box.
- Check for Spectrum outages in your area here.
Spectrum bill pay
- Pay online: Sign in to your Spectrum account. Select “Billing,” then “Make a Payment.”
- Pay by phone: Call 1-833-267-6094.
- Pay at a retail store: Find a Spectrum store location near you. Finding a retail location is the only way to pay cash for your Spectrum service.
- Pay by mail: Send a check or money order with a copy of your statement. Sign into your Spectrum account to find the correct mailing address for your area. You can also find the address on your billing statement.
- Help with late payments: You can set up a payment plan for late payments when you log in to your Spectrum account or by calling customer service.
Spectrum Internet FAQs
How much does Spectrum Internet cost?
Spectrum Internet plans start at $30–$70/mo. An additional $10/mo. equipment fee applies with the Advantage and Premier plans but is included in the Gig plan. Post-promotional rates typically increase by $30/mo.
How do you restart a Spectrum router?
If your modem and router are separate, unplug your modem from the electrical outlet and then unplug your router. Wait 60 seconds and then plug the modem back in first, followed by the router. It may take up to two minutes for the devices to sync up and the lights to stop flashing. If your modem and router are one device, known as a gateway, reboot your Spectrum router by unplugging the box from the electrical outlet. Wait one minute and plug it back in.
Who owns Spectrum?
Spectrum is owned by Charter Communications, Inc. Charter is the second largest cable provider in the U.S., behind Xfinity.
Does Spectrum require an internet contract?
No. All Spectrum plans have no contracts or ETFs.
Does Spectrum Internet add on additional fees?
Spectrum charges $10/mo. to rent the router with the Advantage and Premier internet plans.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
More Provider Reviews
Xfinity deals and promotions 2025
What deals does Xfinity have right now? Current Xfinity deals include cheap internet with Wi-Fi, TV bundles and internet, and Xfinity Mobile deals
Spectrum deals and promotions 2025
What deals does Spectrum have right now? Spectrum internet deals include affordable gigabit internet, free streaming equipment and a multi-year pri
Xfinity vs. Optimum: Which is the better internet provider?
Xfinity vs. Optimum Xfinity Optimum Availability 40 states 21 states Max speeds* 6 GB 8 GB Starting price** $19.99/mo. $40/mo. Fees More fees
Sparklight deals and promotions 2025
Sparklight internet, formerly known as Cable One, covers 21 states, providing cable internet speeds up to 1 GB and fiber up to 6 GB in select areas
Verizon vs. Spectrum: Which internet provider should you choose?
Verizon vs. Spectrum Currently, Verizon Fios and Spectrum cover about 40% of the country, with Spectrum making up three-fourths of that coverage. V
Xfinity vs. Spectrum: Which internet provider should you choose?
Spectrum and Xfinity, the two largest cable internet providers, are available to a combined 65% of the country. Although both providers likely won’
Xfinity vs. Verizon Fios: Who has the better internet service?
Compare the pros and cons of Xfinity vs. Verizon with our expert analysis of each internet feature, from speed and pricing to the best deal options
AT&T vs. Xfinity internet: Who has the better service?
AT&T and Xfinity are two of the largest internet providers in the U.S., collectively covering nearly 70% of the country. Odds are that one or b