Spectrum Vs AT&T – Internet and Cable Review
AT&T and Spectrum are renowned names in the Internet and cable TV industry. Charter Spectrum serves millions of customers across 43 states whereas AT&T is the largest telecom company in the entire world, offering its Internet plans in all 50 states.
Since the two of them are the leading providers, so many people are wondering which one’s best or better. Let’s walk you through this Spectrum Vs AT&T comparison to find that out.
Spectrum vs AT&T Comparison
The main difference between Spectrum and AT&T both offer commendable services and plans. Both offer gigabit Internet plans with 940 Mbps speed and above however, AT&T’s service is available in more cities.
Spectrum’s basic Internet plan starts with 100 Mbps download speed and it’s widely available in most areas. It’s an excellent package for most homes. AT&T offers two types of Internet services – AT&T internet And Fiber. The former is a DSL hybrid and it doesn’t really top the 100 Mbps speed provided by Charter.
Spectrum and AT&T Internet Plans
Charter’s Internet is delivered over a cable network. As stated earlier, AT&T features DSL and fiber optic plans. The Internet plans of both providers differ based on availability, pricing, and speed.
Spectrum Internet Plans
These are the Internet Plans offered by the provider:
Plan | Features | Pricing/mo |
Internet Assist | 30 Mbps | $19.99 |
Spectrum Internet | 100 to 200 Mbps | $49.99 |
Internet Ultra | 400 Mbps | $69.99 |
Internet Gig | 1 Gbps | $89.99 |
AT&T Internet Plans
Plan | Features | Pricing |
Internet 25 | 25 Mbps VSDL Connection | $49.99 per month |
Internet 50 | 50 Mbps VDSL Connection | $49.99 per month |
Internet 100 | 100 Mbps VDSL Connection | $49.99 per month |
GigaPower Internet 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps fiber Connection | $49.99 per month |
Price Comparison
When prices are compared, AT&T Internet plans are cheaper. To get the lowest price, you will have to bundle the services though. However, bundling the services doesn’t lower the price of the Charter’s Internet plan.
If you wish to subscribe to an Internet-only plan, Charter offers a good bargain with decent speed. For anyone who needs 1000 Mbps of download speed, settling for an AT&T Gig Internet plan is the right thing to do because of not just the price but the availability of the plan. You can also Enjoy Spectrum WiFi services.
Renting equipment with AT&T requires paying a monthly fee whereas Spectrum doesn’t cost extra for that. Rather, it offers a FREE modem with all its Internet plans.
Internet Speed and Data Caps
Spectrum’s lowest speed (Internet Assist 30 Mbps) is faster than that of AT&T (Internet 25 with 25 Mbps). AT&T’s fastest speed plans are available in more locations than Spectrum’s.
In short, both providers have Internet speeds for all types of users. One has to figure out what speed they would like to settle for. This could be a turnoff but AT&T applies 1 TB data caps on most Internet plans. Charter doesn’t. All their plans have unlimited data. This means you can continue streaming, playing HD games, and enjoying other online activities without worrying about losing speed.
Read also: Spectrum vs Windstream
Contracts
AT&T doesn’t have a contract. But there is an early termination fee of up to $180 if you cancel a new service after 30 days.
Spectrum’s Internet plans are offered month to month. Subscribers can cancel at any time without worrying about the penalty. The provider also has a $500 contract buyout offer from your previous provider.
Spectrum and AT&T TV Service
Spectrum offers three TV plans – Select, Silver, and Gold. AT&T offers TV services paired with DirectTV as well as AT&T TV and covers all 50 states. AT&T offers a wider variety of packages.
Here’s a quick comparison of the primary TV services of both providers:
AT&T | Spectrum | |
Number of Options | Four AT&T TV packages | Three packages |
Channel range | 60 to 125+ | 125 to 200+ |
Starting price | $59.99 per month | $49.99 per month |
DVR Service | Available | Available |
Contract | 2 years | None |
Spectrum Cable Plans
The basic plan i.e. select package is for casual viewers who would like to enjoy lifestyle entertainment, sports, and local networks. The silver package is for modern viewers who prefer local, sports, entertainment channels, and some premium networks too like HBO and Showtime. The gold package is for the avid cable lovers who like everything starting from local networks, sports, lifestyle, history, premium channels, and more.
Check out the provider’s three TV plans and their pricing:
Package | Channels | Starting Pricing |
TV Select | 125+ | $59.99 per month |
Silver | 175+ | $74.99 per month |
Gold | 200+ | $94.99 per month |
AT&T Cable Plans
AT&T TV plans feature Live TV and on-demand. Its entertainment package features 65+ channels, 3 months of Showtime, STARZ, and EPIX and, of course, top channels like HGTV, TNT, ESPN, and others. The choice package is one of their best-selling packages. It features 90+ channels which also includes regional sports networks. Apart from 3 months of Showtime, Cinemax, STARZ, and EPIX, you would also get 12 months of HBO.
Read also: Cincinnati Bell Vs Spectrum
The Xtra package is the ultimate heaven for sports lovers. It features 120+ channels offering everything from Choice including 20+ channels such as National geographic wild, Gold, LMN, and others. It also comes with 12 months of HBO, and 3 months of STARZ, Showtime, Cinemax, and EXPIX.
Package | Channels | Starting Pricing |
Entertainment | 65+ | $59.99 per month |
Choice | 90+ | $64.99 per month |
Xtra | 120+ | $74.99 per month |
Spectrum and AT&T Bundles
Both providers let you bundle TV and Internet services. You can also add voice service for a complete home entertainment package and save money. These are the most affordable bundles by both providers:
Spectrum | AT&T | |
Bundle Name | Double Play Select | AT&TV and AT&T Internet 100 |
Pricing | $89.98 per month | $89.98 per month |
Internet Speed | 200 Mbps of download speed | 100 Mbps of download speed |
Number of Channels | 125+ channels | 155+ channels with DirecTV Select |
Customer Satisfaction
AT&T has a better customer satisfaction rate than Spectrum. The main reason for the low score was the merger between Time Warner Cable and Bright House Network customers which lead to many billing disputes. However, their installation and modem support services are top-notch.
Read also: Optimum vs. Spectrum
Which One Takes the Lead?
FAQs
Check out some frequently asked questions about both services:
Is AT&T or Spectrum Internet Faster?
Is Spectrum cheaper than AT&T?
The above prices and details are accurate at the time of this writing. Prices are subject to change at any time by the provider.