AT&T vs. Spectrum: Which internet provider should you choose?

• Spectrum offers wider availability, covering 41 states, while AT&T Fiber is available in 21 states.
• AT&T Fiber provides faster symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps, whereas Spectrum's maximum speed is 1 Gbps.
• Spectrum's introductory prices are often lower, but AT&T's pricing tends to be more stable without first-year price hikes.
• AT&T includes equipment and installation for free, while Spectrum charges fees for router rental and activation.

Both AT&T and Spectrum offer a variety of internet plans at relatively affordable prices. Deciding between AT&T vs. Spectrum can be difficult since they're both reputable home internet providers. That said, if you live in an ultra-connected home and need a high-speed internet connection, AT&T may be a better bet since there are more fiber internet options available. But on the other hand, Spectrum is more widely available, offering coverage in 41 states. AT&T Fiber plans are only available in 21.

Here are the main differences between AT&T Internet and Spectrum Internet, as well as a closer look into each provider's plans, prices, fees and other considerations to help you decide which provider to go with.

AT&T vs. Spectrum: A guide

AT&T Fiber vs. Spectrum plans vary mostly in internet speed, pricing and bundling options. Spectrum cable internet is available in 41 states, while AT&T fiber coverage is limited to only 21 states. AT&T does offer other plans with greater availability, but AT&T Fiber might not be a guaranteed option depending on where you live.

Spectrum Internet pros and cons

Spectrum outpaces AT&T in the following categories:

Pros:

• Availability: Spectrum WiFi is accessible in 41 states and covers 29% of the U.S., according to the FCC, compared to AT&T Fiber’s 21-state coverage and 11% nationwide accessibility.
• Package deals: As a cable internet provider, Spectrum offers TV and internet bundles aslow as $75 a month. AT&T offers TV service through partner DIRECTV STREAM, with packages starting at $124.99 a month. The services are billed separately.
• Introductory pricing: Spectrum’s most affordable plan is much cheaper than AT&T's, at$30 a month compared to AT&T’s $55 a month for 100 and 300 Mbps download speeds,respectively.*

*Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. See offer details. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101

Cons:

• Price increases: Spectrum’s price hikes occur more often than AT&T, and its maximum download and upload speeds are slower than AT&T’s.
• Equipment fee: Spectrum charges an additional $10 a month for a wireless router, although you can opt out of the fee and provide your own Wi-Fi router.
• Customer satisfaction: Spectrum got a slightly lower customer satisfaction score (according to the ACSI) than AT&T.

Read our full Spectrum Internet overview.

AT&T Internet pros and cons

In an AT&T vs. Spectrum showdown, AT&T benefits include:

Pros:

• Faster speeds: AT&T Fiber has symmetrical, or equal, internet speeds available up to 5GB,* 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 notshared with other homes, making it great internet for high-speed gaming. Spectrum cableinternet is a shared line, leading to more speed fluctuations, which results in buffering orlag.
• Steady pricing: AT&T doesn’t have automatic price increases after one year likeSpectrum does, so you will enjoy the same rate for a longer period. AT&T may stilloccasionally raise prices, but less frequently than with Spectrum.

Cons:

• Availability: 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.
• Price: AT&T Fiber prices tend to be more expensive than most of Spectrum's offerings.
• Bundle: AT&T does not directly offer a TV bundle. Instead, the offer is through a partnership with DIRECTV and you are billed separately for the two services.

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.

Read our full AT&T Internet overview.

AT&T vs. Spectrum speeds

AT&T Fiber plans offer equal download and upload speeds. Upload speeds impact how quickly you can upload attachments, videos and pictures. If you are a content creator or need to upload large files frequently, then fast upload speeds will be an important factor in your internet plan.

Both AT&T and Spectrum offer medium-speed tiers, but Spectrum doesn't offer anything over 1 GB. AT&T fiber plans on the other hand go up to speeds of 5 GB, or 5,000 Mbps.

Still, 1 Gbps 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 similar starting rates for plans with download speeds of under 1 GB, give or take $5 to $10. Spectrum does have a $10 monthly router rental fee. 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 usually increases its rates 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 AT&T’s 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.

Disclaimer: *Plus taxes (w/ eligible Autopay & Paperless bill). Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. See offer details below. One time install chrg may apply. Ltd. avail/areas. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101. In no case does AT&T guarantee particular minimum speeds for AT&T Internet Air services.

Spectrum Internet plans

Find Spectrum’s three internet plans and speeds in the following table. Keep in mind there’s a $10 monthly charge for a router with Advantage and Premier unless you provide your own.

To qualify for the Spectrum Assist plan, you must meet certain income-related qualifications, like being enrolled in SSI.

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, Alabama, New Orleans, Louisiana and Atlanta, Georgia, 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, North Carolina; Tampa, Florida; Cleveland, Ohio; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Los Angeles, California; and Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas.

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.
• Spectrum’s professional installation costs $65.
• Renting a modem and router with Spectrum is an additional $10 a month, and if you don’t return the equipment after your service ends, you could be charged up to $76.

AT&T fees:

• Free installation with no activation charge, and the wireless gateway (modem and router combo) is included in the monthly price.
• 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 TV bundles or mobile services.

AT&T:

• AT&T internet and mobile: Bundling AT&T internet and cell phone service savesyou 20% on your home internet bill.
• AT&T Internet and TV: AT&T does not offer a bundled TV option. Instead, itsteers customers to its partnership with DIRECTV.

Spectrum:

• Spectrum Internet and TV: Spectrum has three cable TV plans and Spanish-language packages. You can add on sports, movies or other premium packages for an additional cost.
• Spectrum also offers a Xumo Stream Box at no extra charge for 12 months when you bundle with other services.

Frequently asked questions

Is fiber better than cable internet?

If you want high-speed, reliable internet with a high bandwidth, then fiber is a safer bet than cable. This is because fiber has equal download and upload speeds, and also runs on a fiber-optic network. This leads to a faster connection than cable.

Is AT&T better than Spectrum?

Whether AT&T is better than Spectrum depends on your internet use, the number of devices in your home and which provider is available in your area. Both AT&T and Spectrum are top internet providers.

Is AT&T or Spectrum worth switching to?

Both AT&T and Spectrum are good internet providers, with AT&T offering more fiber plan options. Spectrum is more widely available.

Contributing: Lisa Iscrupe, Hannah Whatley, Allconnect