Verizon vs. Spectrum: Which internet provider should you choose?
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Verizon Fios
Spectrum
Verizon 5G
Prices from
$35.00
per month
Speeds up to
300
Mbps
with a mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. With Auto Pay + Paperless billing.
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Verizon vs. Spectrum
Currently, Verizon Fios and Spectrum cover about 40% of the country, with Spectrum making up three-fourths of that coverage. Verizon Fios fiber internet offers speed and pricing advantages that Spectrum doesn’t. Both providers offer unlimited internet and Wi-Fi with no data caps. Explore all the differences in this guide of Verizon vs. Spectrum.
How is Spectrum better than Verizon?
The answer to “Is Spectrum better than Verizon?” is…it depends. Spectrum cable internet is better in availability but lacks in other areas.
- Availability: Spectrum’s 41-state availability far surpasses Verizon’s 9-state coverage area.
How is Verizon better than Spectrum?
Both Verizon and Spectrum rank among our best internet providers, but Verizon stands out with advantages such as faster speeds, fiber-optic connections and new-customer perks.
- Speed: Verizon offers faster download and upload speeds than Spectrum.
- Connection type: Verizon Fios provides a dedicated fiber-optic connection that isn’t subject to throttling during peak congestion times, unlike cable connections.
- Signup perks: Verizon almost always has new customer perks like reward cards or free streaming services. In contrast, Spectrum doesn’t typically include reward cards or streaming services with its internet-only packages.
Verizon vs. Spectrum speeds
Verizon and Spectrum high-speed internet generally offer the same fast download speeds, reaching up to 1 GB throughout most of their respective coverage areas. However, Verizon offers multi-gig internet with 2 GB speeds in select locations.
Additionally, Verizon’s fiber internet connection offers much higher upload speeds with symmetrical, or equal, upload speeds, whereas Spectrum’s fastest upload speeds reach just 35 Mbps.
While download speed is the main priority for most internet activities, fast upload speeds are useful for gaming and uploading documents, videos or images, such as in content creation or remote work scenarios.
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.
Verizon vs. Spectrum pricing
Pricing of Spectrum compared to Verizon differs slightly as Spectrum has a shorter introductory term. Initially, Spectrum’s cheapest internet plan — $30/mo. for 100 Mbps; $10/mo. for equipment — is $20 cheaper than the base Verizon plan of 300 Mbps for $49.99/mo. (equipment included).
In the long run, Verizon has a three-year price guarantee, while Spectrum rates increase by $30/mo. after 12 months. As a result, the Spectrum internet monthly cost is higher than Verizon’s after the first year.
Verizon vs. Spectrum internet plans
In terms of internet plans, Verizon compared to Spectrum differ by range of options. Verizon offers up to four internet speeds (300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 1 or 2 GB), while Spectrum has two choices (500 Mbps, 1 GB).
Both providers offer unlimited data, no contracts and no early termination fees (ETFs).
Verizon internet plans
| Plan | Starting price* | Download/Upload speeds |
|---|---|---|
| 300 Mbps | $49.99/mo. | 300/300 Mbps |
| 500 Mbps | $74.99/mo. | 500/500 Mbps |
| 1 Gig | $89.99/mo. | 940/880 Mbps |
| 2 Gig | $119.99/mo. | 1,500–2,300/1,500–2,300 Mbps |
Disclaimer
*Fios: Taxes & terms may apply. Auto Pay & paper-free billing required. 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. © 2022 Verizon.
Spectrum Internet® plans
| 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.
Verizon vs. Spectrum deals
Spectrum internet deals include a $30 monthly discount in year one and $20 off internet when you bundle with TV or Mobile phone.
Verizon deals feature up to a four-year price guarantee, free streaming packages (promotions rotate throughout the year) and up to $25 off internet when you bundle with Verizon Wireless.
Where are Spectrum and Verizon available?
Spectrum covers nearly 30% of the U.S., including major cities throughout the Midwest, Florida, Texas, the Mountain region and the West Coast. These areas are virtually untouched by Verizon Fios, whose coverage is limited to the east coast and New England regions, from Virginia to New Hampshire.
Does Verizon or Spectrum have extra fees?
Equipment fees: Verizon Wi-Fi plans include the modem and router; Spectrum charges $10 for equipment on the 500 Mbps plan but has free equipment with 1 GB package.
Installation fees: Verizon installation is $99, waived with plans of 1 GB or higher. Spectrum offers free self-installation, but with a $30 activation charge or $65 professional installation.
Can you bundle with Verizon or Spectrum?
If you need multiple services, determining “Is Verizon is better than Spectrum?” may depend on which provider offers the best bundle packages.
Verizon Fios bundles
Verizon customizable bundles let you choose from up to four internet plans, four TV plans (including YouTube TV), mobile and home phone.
Check out the following examples of internet and TV bundles you can create with Verizon. (TV plans include one connection; additional connections or upgraded DVR service is extra. Add a home phone for $30/mo.)
| Plan | Internet speed | Mobile lines | TV channels | Price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet & Mobile | 300 Mbps | One line | N/A | $100/mo. |
| Internet and YouTube TV | 1 Gig | N/A | 100+ | $162.98/mo. |
| Internet & TV | 500 Mbps | N/A | 325+ | $183.99/mo. |
| Internet, Mobile and TV | 1 Gig | 4 lines | 425+ | $294.93/mo. |
Disclaimer
*Fios: Taxes & terms may apply. Auto Pay & paper-free billing required. 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. © 2022 Verizon.
Spectrum bundles
Spectrum also has any combination of internet and TV, internet and mobile bundles or triple-play deals with internet, phone and TV.
| Plan | Internet speed | Mobile lines | TV channels | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Internet® Premier* + Mobile | 500 Mbps | 1 line | N/A | $50/mo. |
| Spectrum Internet® Premier* + Mobile + TV Select Plus | 500 Mbps | 4 lines | 160+ | $255/mo. |
| Spectrum Internet® Gig** + Mobile | 1 Gig | 2 lines | N/A | $100/mo. |
| Spectrum Internet® Gig** + Mobile + TV Stream | 1 Gig | 2 lines | 90+ | $145/mo. |
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 MOBILE UNLIMITED: Reduced speeds after 30 GB of usage per line, 5 GB for Mobile Hotspots. 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. Per line activation fee, Spectrum Internet and Auto Pay required. 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. SPECTRUM MOBILE UNLIMITED PLUS: Unlimited Plus lines charged an extra $10/month. Reduced speeds after 50 GB of usage per line, 10 GB for Mobile Hotspots. 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: 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. Per line activation fee, Spectrum Internet and Auto Pay required. Restrictions apply. ©2025 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.
Verizon vs. Spectrum FAQs
Is fiber better than cable internet?
When it comes to fiber vs. cable internet, fiber-optic service is considered better than cable due to its symmetrical speeds and stable connection that is unaffected by network congestion.
Is Verizon or Spectrum worth switching to?
Verizon and Spectrum Wi-Fi are both great options if you’re planning to switch internet providers. They offer affordable rates, good bundle deals and reliable internet service. Choosing the right provider ultimately depends on availability in your area and your budget.
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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