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

USA Today

6 days ago

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:
Cons:
Read our full Spectrum Internet overview.
AT&T Internet pros and cons
In an AT&T vs. Spectrum showdown, AT&T benefits include:
Pros:
Cons:
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 GB 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:
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.
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, AL, New Orleans, LA and Atlanta, GA, 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, NC; Tampa, FL; Cleveland, OH; Milwaukee, WI; Los Angeles, CA; and Dallas and Fort Worth, TX.
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:
AT&T fees:
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:
Spectrum:
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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
Our team of editors independently makes all recommendations. When you buy a product or subscribe to a service through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication.