AT&T vs. Spectrum: Which internet provider should you choose?
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Prices from
$55.00
per month
Speeds up to
5,000
Mbps
Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install charge may apply.
Prices from
$49.99
per month
Speeds up to
1,000
Mbps
for 12 mos with Auto Pay.
Prices from
$60.00
per month
Speeds up to
225
Mbps
Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install charge may apply.
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Deciding between AT&T vs. Spectrum internet can be a difficult choice since they are both top internet providers with competitive rates and a range of plans. We can help you select the best internet package for your home by breaking down the differences between these Wi-Fi providers. Compare Spectrum vs. AT&T by internet speed, pricing, packages, fees and other features here.
AT&T vs. Spectrum
Our provider scores, based on factors including speeds, connection type, price and customer satisfaction, show that AT&T and Spectrum are evenly matched overall. Both high-speed internet companies earned a cumulative 4 out of 5 within our comprehensive ranking of the best internet providers.
However, comparing and contrasting AT&T Fiber vs. Spectrum plans reveals variations in internet speed, pricing, and TV and internet packages. Additionally, differences in availability and technology types are a major consideration — Spectrum cable internet is available in 41 states, while AT&T Fiber is in 22.
AT&T also offers alternate technology types in many of its coverage regions, such as its fixed wireless service called AT&T Internet Air, sometimes referred to as AT&T Air. Due to distinct technology and availability differences, we scored AT&T Air separately from the brand’s hard-wired services. It scored an overall rating of 3.6 out of 5.
How is Spectrum better than AT&T?
Spectrum outpaces AT&T in the following categories:
- More availability: Spectrum Wi-Fi is accessible in 41 states and covers 29% of the U.S., according to the FCC, compared to AT&T Fiber’s 22-state coverage and 11% nationwide accessibility.
- Package deals: As a cable internet provider, Spectrum offers TV and internet bundles starting at $109.98/mo. Meanwhile, AT&T offers TV service through partner DIRECTV STREAMSM. A base package with AT&T and DIRECTV STREAM starts at $124.99/mo., but the services are billed separately.
- Introductory pricing: Spectrum’s most affordable plan is slightly cheaper than AT&T, at $49.99/mo. compared to AT&T’s $55/mo., for 400 and 300 Mbps download speeds, respectively. However, AT&T includes the modem and router in the monthly price, while Spectrum charges an additional $5/mo. for a wireless router, although you can opt out of the fee and provide your own Wi-Fi router.
- Additional considerations: Despite these positive attributes, Spectrum internet service has some cons when contending with AT&T Fiber service. Spectrum’s price hikes occur more often, and its maximum download and upload speeds are slower than AT&T’s. Other drawbacks include the previously mentioned equipment fee and a lower customer satisfaction score (according to the ACSI) than AT&T.
How is AT&T better than Spectrum?
In an AT&T vs. Spectrum showdown, AT&T benefits include:
- Faster speeds: AT&T Fiber has symmetrical, or equal, internet speeds available up to 5 GB, while Spectrum maximum download and upload speeds are 1 GB/35 Mbps.
- Fiber connection: AT&T’s fiber internet technology is a direct connection that is not shared with other homes, making it great internet for high-speed gaming. Spectrum cable internet is a shared line, leading to more speed fluctuations, which results in buffering or lag.
- Steady pricing: AT&T doesn’t have automatic price increases after one year like Spectrum does, so you will enjoy the same rate for a longer period. AT&T may still occasionally raise prices, but less frequently than with Spectrum.
- Additional considerations: When evaluating Spectrum internet vs. AT&T, it’s important to remember that most of the “wins” for AT&T relate to its fiber service. AT&T service in your area is not guaranteed to be fiber — if you are searching for rural internet, AT&T’s legacy network is more likely to be run through copper phone lines. If you’re in an area where this is the only option and have Spectrum as an alternative, the cable internet provider is generally the better option.
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. 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.
AT&T vs. Spectrum speeds
Internet speed is a primary factor when deciding between AT&T and Spectrum. Each provider offers medium speed tiers between 300 Mbps and 1 GB, but the similarities end there. AT&T offers plans with speeds up to 2 and 5 GB, whereas Spectrum maxes out at 1 GB.
Still, 1 GB internet from either provider is more than enough speed for most households. AT&T’s multi-gig internet speeds can be beneficial if you have an ultra-connected home or do high-bandwidth tasks on multiple Wi-Fi devices.
AT&T vs. Spectrum pricing
Spectrum and AT&T have nearly identical starting rates when you factor in Spectrum’s $5 monthly router rental fee. For cheap internet, $49.99–$55/mo. is the lowest rate you will find from either provider.
Overall, the main pricing difference of AT&T vs. Spectrum internet is that AT&T does not raise prices after the first year, whereas Spectrum increases its rates by $30 or more after 12 months.
AT&T vs. Spectrum internet plans
You can find a complete list of the speeds and prices for both AT&T and Spectrum internet plans here. Besides the similar pricing structure, both companies include these benefits with their internet service:
- No-contract internet plans
- No early termination fees (ETFs)
- Unlimited internet (except for the 150 GB cap with its service through copper lines)
AT&T internet plans
The following table compares AT&T Fiber, AT&T Internet Air and AT&T Internet, including pricing, download and upload speeds. It’s important to point out that AT&T Air is a 5G internet / fixed wireless connection, and AT&T Internet is the brand name for AT&T’s copper lines.
| Plan | Starting price* | Download/Upload speeds† |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T Internet 300 | $65/mo. | 300/300 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet 500 | $75/mo. | 500/500 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet 1 Gig | $90/mo. | 1,000/1,000 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet 2 Gig | $155/mo. | 2,000/2,000 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet 5 Gig | $255/mo. | 4,700/4,700 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet AirTM (fixed wireless) | $60/mo. | Up to 225 Mbps/up to 30 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet (copper phone lines) | $60/mo. | 100/20 Mbps |
†Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds & based on wired connection to gateway. 1GIG speeds require the latest router & recommended setup. Actual customer speeds may vary and are not guaranteed. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.
Spectrum internet plans
Find Spectrum’s three internet plans and speeds in the following table. Keep in mind there’s a $5 monthly charge for a router unless you provide your own. Additionally, Spectrum offers 100 Mbps speeds in limited areas at a reduced cost.
| Plan | Starting price* | Download/Upload speeds |
|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Internet® | $49.99/mo. | 400/10 Mbps |
| Spectrum Internet® Ultra | $69.99/mo. | 600/20 Mbps |
| Spectrum Internet® Gig | $79.99/mo. | 1,000/35 Mbps |
AT&T vs. Spectrum deals
Both AT&T and Spectrum offer internet deals that vary seasonally. AT&T is more likely to offer reward cards, while Spectrum typically includes free streaming or mobile services for a limited time. Both providers have discounts for customers who bundle internet and mobile services.
Where are Spectrum and AT&T available?
Spectrum’s 41-state, 29% nationwide coverage area offers more availability than AT&T Fiber. However, while AT&T Fiber is accessible to just 11% of the country, AT&T home internet covers an area about four times that size when you factor in AT&T’s copper line and Internet Air regions.
- Spectrum’s primary markets span the East Coast, particularly New York and New England, including the western half of Connecticut.
- AT&T Fiber is primarily available in the Southeast, including Mobile, AL, New Orleans, LA and Atlanta, GA, as well as the West Coast around San Francisco and San Diego, California.
- Cities where you will find both Spectrum and AT&T include Charlotte and Raleigh, NC; Tampa, FL; Cleveland, OH; Milwaukee, WI; Los Angeles, CA; and Dallas and Fort Worth, TX.
Does AT&T or Spectrum have extra fees?
Spectrum has more add-on fees than AT&T. Neither Spectrum nor AT&T requires contracts or ETFs, and both providers offer unlimited data, meaning there are no charges for overages. Here’s a rundown of other fees from Spectrum vs. AT&T:
Spectrum fees: Spectrum charges a $30 activation fee even if you opt for self-installation and set up the internet and Wi-Fi on your own, while choosing Spectrum’s professional installation costs $65. Renting a modem and router with Spectrum is an additional $5/mo. ($7/mo. in select locations), and if you don’t return the equipment after your service ends, you could be charged up to $76.
AT&T fees: AT&T offers free installation with no activation charge, and the wireless gateway (modem and router combo) is included in the monthly price. However, AT&T can charge up to $150 for unreturned equipment if you discontinue service.
Can you bundle with AT&T or Spectrum?
Both AT&T and Spectrum internet offer various combinations that can include internet and mobile bundles or TV services.
AT&T
AT&T internet and mobile: Bundling AT&T internet and cell phone service saves you 20% on your home internet bill.
AT&T Internet and TV: AT&T does not offer a bundled TV option. Instead, it steers customers to its partnership with DIRECTV, where they can choose between streaming or satellite TV options starting at $69.99/mo. Combo prices start at $124.99/mo.
Spectrum
Spectrum internet and mobile: Spectrum offers one free mobile line for 12 months with internet plans of 400 Mbps or higher. The mobile line starts at $29.99/mo. after the first year.
Spectrum internet and TV: Spectrum has two cable TV plans starting at $64.99/mo. and Spanish-language packages starting at $24.99/mo. You can add on sports, movies or other premium packages for an additional cost. Spectrum also offers a Xumo Stream Box free for 12 months with their streaming service, which starts at $39.99/mo. You can bundle any of these options with Spectrum home internet.
AT&T vs. Spectrum FAQs
Is fiber better than cable internet?
Fiber is generally regarded as a better internet technology than cable internet because it offers faster speeds, a more secure dedicated connection and more consistent speeds throughout the day. Fiber internet is perfect for online activities like gaming, streaming on multiple devices and uploading large files.
Is AT&T better than Spectrum?
AT&T can be a better choice than Spectrum, depending on your location and the type of AT&T technology and speeds available at your address. While AT&T Fiber generally outperforms Spectrum on many key points, Spectrum also offers fast and reliable internet service in a much larger coverage area. Spectrum is especially valuable for those who prefer bundling internet and cable TV on one bill without going through a streaming or satellite provider.
Is AT&T or Spectrum worth switching to?
Switching your internet provider can be a big decision. If you’re dissatisfied with your current provider and searching for a better monthly price or a high-speed connection of 1 GB or higher, it could be worth switching to either AT&T or Spectrum.
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.
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