Spectrum vs Windstream Price and Plans Comparison

Spectrum and Windstream are both very popular internet service providers in the United States. Both have millions of subscribers in the United States. Both offer high-speed internet services. But have you wondered how the Spectrum Vs Windstream stack-up looks like? This blog explores both providers in detail to see which offers better services from a customer standpoint. Read on to find out more.

The “Too Long Didn’t Read” Version

This blog focuses on both provider’s history, services, plans, prices, speeds, and extras. However, if you don’t have time to read through a detailed comparison, here is the TLDR version. Windstream is a great option if you live in a rural area or if you have access to its fiber internet service. However, the provider has a very limited coverage area for fiber.

On the other hand, Spectrum presents a solid choice of internet provider. It has a coverage area spanning 44 states and offers high-speed internet to a lot of its markets. It also has a very streamlined installation process and offers the best value in terms of customer experience. For more information on what makes the provider so great in Spectrum Vs Windstream, read on below.

An Overview of Spectrum Vs Windstream

Founded in 2006, Windstream is a DSL and fiber internet service provider based in the United States. In 2019, the provider had just over 1.05 million subscribers in the United States. It offers its high-speed internet services in 18 states, including Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, New York, Oklahoma, and Texas. The provider primarily offers high-speed DSL internet services in rural and suburban areas that fall in its coverage footprint. It also offers fiber internet, but those are limited to select markets.

Read also: Spectrum Vs AT&T

Spectrum, on the other hand, was founded much earlier, in 1993. Compared to Windstream, it has a much larger service footprint. The provider actively cable offers internet services in 44 states. In fact, it would be easier to list down the states that don’t currently have access to Spectrum internet. The provider has a massive subscriber base of over 102.7 million customers. In terms of subscribers, the provider is much bigger than Windstream, making it a popular choice across the US.

Comparing Internet Plans and Prices

For Windstream, DSL internet is a core service that it offers in almost every location it covers. However, its fiber internet plans are only available on a limited scale in select markets. DSL internet is a lot slower than many types of cable internet, especially compared to the speeds Spectrum offers. Windstream plans comparable to Spectrum speeds (i.e. 100 Mbps) start at $35.00 per month. However, it is important to note that they are still DSL plans.

By contrast, Spectrum offers a single high-speed cable internet plan in most markets. This plan usually reaches speeds of up to 100 Mbps, but this can go up to 200 Mbps in select markets. The provider’s plan offers enough bandwidth for multiple users to stream, surf, and download simultaneously. While Spectrum’s plans start at $49.99 per month, it offers a lot more value with the added price. For one thing, you get unlimited data with your internet plan, which means you don’t have to worry about overages. The price’s plan also includes the cost of equipment rental, but more on that later.

Examining Download and Upload Speeds

One of the most important factors in choosing an internet plan is the speeds you get with it. In terms of maximum download speeds, Windstream’s fiber service hits up to 1,000 Mbps. It has symmetrical upload speeds around 1,000 Mbps as well. However, the problem with the fiber plan is that it is not widely available and is limited to select markets. However, the only comparable plan to Spectrum is a DSL plan that is widely available and reaches speeds of up to 100 Mbps. But ultimately, it is still DSL and cannot be as good as a cable subscription.

Read also: Spectrum vs CenturyLink

By comparison, Spectrum offers a single plan with the same speeds in most areas. This cable plan reaches a maximum download speed of 100 Mbps, while it has an upload speed of 20 Mbps. This is important since the Windstream 100 Mbps DSL plan only has a maximum upload speed of 1 Mbps.

Equipment Fees and Rentals

In most cases, it is best to use the equipment your internet provider includes with your plan. You know for a fact that it is compatible with your internet service. In case you do run into any problems, your provider’s tech support reps will be familiar with your equipment and will be able to help you troubleshoot it. If the equipment is no longer fit for your needs, your internet provider will usually replace it as well.

Both providers offer equipment with their internet plans. However, the way they deal with the rental cost is very different. Windstream charges you an extra amount for rental, over and above the price of the plan. This can upset your monthly budget if you were planning on just paying the advertised price.

Spectrum’s approach to equipment is very different. It still charges you a rental, but that is already included in the cost of the plan. That means you don’t have to pay more than you budgeted for your internet plan.

Extras That Come With Your Plan

Both providers offer several extras with their internet plans. For example, Windstream offers a lifetime price guarantee. That means once you subscribe to the provider’s services, you can expect the same price every month for the duration of your subscription. But this is the only extra that you can get with Windstream plans.

On the other side, Spectrum goes a bit further in offering extras. It includes an internet Security Suite to help protect your network and devices from malware and viruses. It also includes free access to thousands of Wi-Fin hotspots across the country, meaning you’re never far from a Spectrum internet connection.

The Bottom Line

There is a lot to be said about comparing Spectrum Vs Windstream. However, the comparisons we made above should be enough to give you a better idea of what to expect. On almost every count, Spectrum is the clear winner. Give us a call 1-866-200-7855 to sign up for your internet plan today.

The above prices and details are accurate at the time of this writing. Prices are subject to change at any time by the provider.