Windstream vs. Spectrum Internet Providers Compared

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Windstream Vs Spectrum

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Rosslyn Elliott

Written by Rosslyn Elliott - Pub. Jul. 27, 2023 / Updated Oct. 9, 2024

You are currently comparing:

Windstream Vs Spectrum

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Plans starting at: $39.99

Popular Package: 2 Gig

Download speeds up to: 2 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber & DSL

Call today & find the best Windstream internet deals
1-833-718-3922

Plans starting at: $50

Popular Package: INTERNET GIG

Download speeds up to: 1 Gbps

Connection Types: Cable

Call today & find the best Spectrum internet deals
1-844-534-0545

Windstream Staff rating

4.2

Kinetic by Windstream offers fast, reliable fiber

Kinetic by Windstream currently serves about 1.2 million customers in 18 states [1]. Kinetic provides fiber internet with blazing-fast, symmetrical speeds that will equip you for anything you want to do online [2]. Kinetic’s fiber internet offerings regularly go to speeds  up to 2000 Mbps, which is far faster internet speed than most households need! In select areas, the speeds even rise to 8000 Mbps. Kinetic by Windstream also offers decent prices given the high speeds you will get from their fiber connection. Most customer reviews online indicate that users are pleased with their Kinetic fiber service.

PROS

Fast fiber at good prices No data caps, no contracts Kinetic is building out fiber infrastructure quickly

Cons

Fiber is less available in rural areas Extra fee for equipment rental Prices rise after promotional rates expire
Call today & find the best Windstream internet deals
1-833-718-3922

Spectrum Staff rating

4.2

Spectrum offers gigabit speeds and great bundle deals

Spectrum is one of the two largest internet service providers in the country. Like its rival Xfinity, Spectrum is a cable internet company that uses hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) technology. HFC brings you much faster speeds than old-fashioned coaxial cable internet. In select areas, Spectrum offers gigabit speeds up to 1000 Mbps. Spectrum’s promotional prices for new customers are very good, and still remain reasonable when your 12-month promotion ends. The company also offers outstanding bundling deals, with cell phone lines currently only about $30/month with your internet plan. Spectrum has two big advantages over Xfinity. Spectrum’s pricing is much simpler, and Spectrum has no data caps. That’s why we give Spectrum the edge after comparing the two biggest cable internet providers head-to-head.

PROS

Gigabit download speeds and a reputation for reliability Spectacular bundling prices for internet/cell phone/TV combos 24/7 customer service

Cons

Hybrid fiber coaxial (cable) is not as fast as the top fiber plans Slower upload speeds than fiber Not available in some rural or remote areas
Call today & find the best Spectrum internet deals
1-844-534-0545

Windstream Pricing

4.0

Pricing is simple and transparent for fiber plans from Kinetic by Windstream

Kinetic’s fiber internet prices are posted clearly for the whole world to see on their website. As soon as you click through to the state you live in, you will see prices posted, and those prices are consistent across states. We appreciate this transparency in pricing, which is not common among internet providers. Kinetic by Windstream does not set data caps or require you to sign annual contracts for internet plans. That means you will not face unexpected overage charges or early termination fees. The first tier plan starts at 34.99 for 100. Kinetic’s monthly plan prices are not as low as those offered by some other fiber providers, but many customers will be willing to pay for these symmetrical fiber upload and download speeds. There is an equipment rental fee, but you may use your own router instead. You also have the option to purchase an additional advanced internet security plan, but the purchase is not required.
Call today & find the best Windstream internet deals
1-833-718-3922

Spectrum Pricing

4.2

Spectrum offers great initial deals, but bundling may be the best deal ever

Spectrum is a major player in internet service, with 30 million broadband subscribers [1]. Spectrum offers attractive promotional pricing, especially their first-tier internet plan at $50/month for up to 500 Mbps.

Spectrum offers unlimited data without caps

Spectrum offers a big price advantage because it has no hard data caps, unlike many other cable and DSL providers. If you’re a heavy-data-usage household (including remote workers, real-time gamers and streaming binge-watchers), having no data caps may be crucial for your budget. If you’re living by yourself and you watch a movie once a week, the absence of data caps won’t matter as much. But for a larger household, having no data caps will offer you peace of mind and a more predictable bill without overage charges.

Spectrum One, the bundle deal of the year?

In late 2022, Spectrum introduced a new bundle deal called Spectrum One that may just change your mind about your preferred internet service provider [2]. If you are an existing Spectrum customer, Spectrum will bundle their Spectrum Mobile cell phone service with your internet and charge you only about $30/month for a line with unlimited data. You can add more mobile service at the same price. Here’s another little secret: Spectrum Mobile service is currently provided by Verizon networks. So, if you have two cell phones on your bundle, you will be getting major mobile power and coverage but saving over $80/month off the price of two typical cell phone plans. We’re betting that’s enough to send many of us to Spectrum.
Call today & find the best Spectrum internet deals
1-844-534-0545

Windstream Reliability and Performance

4.5

Windstream offers multigigabit fiber speeds

Fiber internet will give you the fastest and most reliable internet connection on the market, hands down. Windstream even has an 8 Gigabit (8000 Mbps) option available to over 400,000 households [3]. The question is, who exactly needs 8 Gigs of symmetrical internet speed? Right now, 8 Gigs is excessive speed for most residential internet users. 1 Gig will more than supply all the bandwidth that most homes need. Even very large households with multiple devices all streaming or gaming simultaneously don’t usually need more than 1 Gig, thanks to the symmetrical speeds of fiber internet. For now, then, 8 Gigs may not be a speed that gets a lot of takers. But in the future, as virtual reality (VR) and assisted reality (AR) become more common, that massive bandwidth may be more useful.
Call today & find the best Windstream internet deals
1-833-718-3922

Spectrum Reliability and Performance

4.5

Spectrum internet will rise to unprecedented speeds in next few years with up to 10/6 Gbps

In 2023, Spectrum was named by Speedtest® as the fastest internet provider in the United States for providing the highest average speed to customers [3]. Spectrum’s hybrid fiber-cable technology is already supplying 1000 Mbps speeds in some areas. Either way, HFC will give you faster, more reliable internet service than anything but fiber. Spectrum customers tend to report reliable, speedy performance. You don’t get glitching or freezing or network slowdowns in most cases. You’ll be well-equipped for gaming, videoconferencing, and HD streaming. On a personal note, I have been a Spectrum customer for three years, and my experience with their service has proven to be very smooth and reliable. But there’s even more innovation coming from Spectrum that will boost HFC performance to fiber-like speeds. If you sign up for Spectrum now, you’re going to get a major bandwidth boost in the next couple of years. Here’s the technical explanation with the specs. Spectrum’s upgrade to the DOCSIS 4.0 standard over the next three years will deliver a maximum 10 Gbps download/ 6 Gbps upload, which can rival any current fiber speeds. By 2025, 85% of Spectrum’s service footprint will have speeds of 5 Gbps download/1 Gbps upload [4]. Fiber has received some great press in the last few years. But hybrid fiber/cable networks like Spectrum’s may be about to have their day in the sun too.
Call today & find the best Spectrum internet deals
1-844-534-0545

Windstream Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

4.2

Equipment fee is optional, installation is free

Kinetic charges about $10 a month to rent a Kinetic router, with free installation included. But you can also use your own router if you want to skip the fee. Just make sure that if you buy your own, though, the router is compatible. Be aware that ISPs also cannot provide tech support for customers’ personal routers. Kinetic also offers a Wi-Fi management tool for their own gateway that will allow you to change your settings without all the hassle of logging in to your router online. A Whole Home Wi-Fi tech installation comes free with all the fiber plans.
Call today & find the best Windstream internet deals
1-833-718-3922

Spectrum Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

4.3

Advanced WiFi and low equipment fees increase appeal for Spectrum

Spectrum will provide you with a free modem and either a Wave 2 router or an advanced, WiFi 6 compatible router [5]. The Charter Red-Dot Design award-winning router can support up to 200 devices simultaneously. User controls allow you to manage which devices are connected and when, and Security Shield automatically blocks online threats. You can even manage your router and your home wireless devices from the Spectrum app on your phone, with no complicated log-in. The router will automatically switch channels to optimize your internet performance.

Spectrum offers low equipment fees

Spectrum equipment fees are standardized, very low, and easy to understand. Spectrum modems come free with your service, and Spectrum routers rent for $5/month. Simple, straightforward pricing, unlike the complicated equipment fee charts you have to read for other providers.

Spectrum installation fees

Spectrum’s installation fees are middle-of-the-road for the industry. Professional installation by a technician will cost you $59.99. You can self-install Spectrum too, with a $19.99 activation fee.
Call today & find the best Spectrum internet deals
1-844-534-0545

Windstream Experience & Support

4.0

Kinetic by Windstream improves its customer experience

Kinetic scored just lower than average for customer satisfaction on the 2023 J.D. Power Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study [4]. However, the five-year trend for Windstream shows a general upward trend in customer reviews and scores. It’s not completely surprising that Kinetic by Windstream would rise rapidly in the ratings since they switched their technology to 100% fiber internet. In general, fiber providers rank highest in customer satisfaction. Kinetic by Windstream also offers all the usual amenities of a major ISP for customer service. Customers can chat online with a rep or call by phone for billing or technical support. Phone hours are open six days a week for billing support and seven days a week for tech support [5]. Overall, we recommend fiber internet from Kinetic by Windstream. This provider will give you a reliable, strong, and super-fast connection.
Call today & find the best Windstream internet deals
1-833-718-3922

Spectrum Experience & Support

3.8

Spectrum Customer Service available 24/7

Spectrum provides customer service by phone or online chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Spectrum also provides an extensive online troubleshooting guide and how-to resource library. If you prefer in-person assistance, Spectrum supports brick-and-mortar stores across its coverage area. These physical locations can also be very handy when you want to exchange equipment. Your Spectrum plan will give you access to a helpful and comprehensive mobile app. The app allows you to check for outages, manage your account, and do almost anything you would do online or by phone. You can even manage your WiFi settings through the app.
Call today & find the best Spectrum internet deals
1-844-534-0545

Windstream FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit WindstreamOffers.com.
You can get Kinetic fiber internet in 18 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas.
No, Kinetic does not place data caps on their internet plans.
Yes, you can use your own router. Just check in advance with Windstream to be sure your specs are compatible with your planned service.
Windstream is a large company, and Kinetic is the brand for Windstream’s high-speed internet service. When you are talking about internet service, Windstream and Kinetic could describe “the same thing” because Kinetic is a Windstream brand.
Call today & find the best Windstream internet deals
1-833-718-3922

Spectrum FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit SpectrumOnlineOffers.com.
Spectrum home internet is a reliable and fast internet service delivering high-speed internet connectivity to residential customers. Spectrum’s service uses hybrid fiber-coaxial technology (HFC). HFC is a broadband network that combines coaxial cable and fiber-optic line to create a connection that is faster than copper cable alone.
Spectrum Advanced WiFi is a feature offered by Spectrum that provides a stable and secure connection for all devices within your home network. It incorporates WiFi 6 technology, offering faster and more reliable wireless performance.
Installing Spectrum home internet is easy and convenient. You can pick up a self-install kit from a store or have it mailed to you. The kit includes a quick step-by-step guide to help you set up your Advanced WiFi.
You can manage your Spectrum home internet account, including your WiFi network, through the My Spectrum App. The app allows you to control connected devices, manage network settings, and access parental controls from anywhere.
No, Spectrum home internet does not impose data caps, monthly limits, or overage fees. You can enjoy unlimited internet usage without any additional charges.
Call today & find the best Spectrum internet deals
1-844-534-0545

Windstream Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
$200 rewards card
2 GigFiber InternetUp to 2,000 Mbps Only $69.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
$100 rewards card
1 GigFiber InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $39.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
300 MbpsFiber InternetUp to 300 Mbps Only $39.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
High Speed InternetDSL InternetUp to 100 Mbps Only $44.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best Windstream internet deals
1-833-718-3922

Spectrum Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
Exclusively for Spectrum Internet customers: One line of Unlimited Mobile included for a full year.
INTERNET GIGCable InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $70
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Exclusively for Spectrum Internet customers: One line of Unlimited Mobile included for a full year.
Internet PremierCable InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $50
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Call today & find the best Spectrum internet deals
1-844-534-0545

Windstream Customers Review

4.0
Pricing
4.0
4.5
Reliability & Performance
4.5
4.2
Equipment, Installation & Features
4.2
4.0
Customer Experience & Support
4.0
4.2
Overall Rating
4.2
James Chester
3.0
from Dawson, GA on March 2025
Price went from 29.99 to 102.00
FRANCES DiBenedetto
2.0
from Bloomingdale, OH on March 2025
The price here is NOT what I am billed. I pay $98.91/month.
Beverly Day
1.0
from Lexington, KY on February 2025
Horrible service, horrible connection, horrible prices, horrible customer service! Will be cancelling asap! A rip off!
Sally Sturgeon
1.5
from Mayport, PA on February 2025
Very slow
E P
3.8
from Portland Mills, PA on January 2025
I have had windstream, now Kinetic for most of 24 years, the last 15 or so consistently. The big frustration is that they keep downgrading our service. I finally got what was supposed to be permanent highest speed with automatic transitions, only to be told, once again, that I had to change... this time to fiber even though I was very clearly told that I would automatically be switched when it became available without any change in pricing. This dishonesty is my biggest issue, though the actual service is OK until they create a new program and wind up downgrading existing customer. Unfortunately, the only other provider is Comcast/Xfinity or even more expensive and poorer quality satallite service. I tried going to Comcast Xfinity but had an even worse experience with their technician. I paid $40 for a new installation, only to find out the technitian had just plugged us into our existing system. Had I cancelled before realizing this, I would have lost ALL our connections, including our phone! Luckily, there had been a delay in porting our home number over and so I was able to just cancel. However, their idea of "just dropping off the equipment at the nearest Comcast store" meant driving over an hour away. Even so, I was told I was fully responsible for both properly packing and shipping the equipment. Worse, the technitian had taken all the boxes, so I did not have proper boxes. They refused to send me them, even if I paid, but made clear that I would be responsible for any damage!. Worse, the nearest UPS store was 45 minutes away and was only open when I worked. It took a complaint to the trade commission and FCC, over 2 months of complaining to get any kind of refund and they still did not fully refund me all the fees. Other people have had good experience with Xfinity and Comcast, but their lack of integrity, poor response are permanent deal breakers for me. Windstream is far from perfect, also a bit dishonest in their pricing/polices my book, but their technicians are nice and responsive. Outages rarely occured and when they do, they are dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Call today & find the best Windstream internet deals
1-833-718-3922

Spectrum Customers Review

4.2
Pricing
4.2
4.5
Reliability & Performance
4.5
4.3
Equipment, Installation & Features
4.3
3.8
Customer Experience & Support
3.8
4.2
Overall Rating
4.2
Norman H
3.0
from Fort Worth, TX on April 2025
Customer support sucks
Candace Weatherfield
1.0
from Saint Louis, MO on April 2025
Trash
Sandra Ferguson
1.5
from Bowling Green, KY on March 2025
Prices keep going up every month!
Wanda O
2.3
from Laurinburg, NC on March 2025
I don't like it the only game in town.
Debra Robinson
1.8
from Fairfield, OH on March 2025
I pay my bill write down the confirmation code and then you tell me you never received it I paid almost 800 dollars this month
Call today & find the best Spectrum internet deals
1-844-534-0545