(844) 763-0450
Choose Frontier for reliable fiber-optic speeds or enjoy wide-spread availability with Spectrum
Spectrum and Frontier are popular internet providers in the US. If both providers are available near you, then our Frontier vs. Spectrum guide will help you decide the best option for your needs. Dive with us as we explore what these providers have to offer.
Frontier vs. Spectrum - Side-by-Side Comparison
| Frontier | Spectrum | |
|---|---|---|
| Connection Type | Fiber, DSL | Cable |
| Max Download Speed | Up to 7 Gbps | Up to 1 Gbps |
| Availability | 25 states | 41 states |
| Data Cap | No | No |
| Pricing Starting From | Check Plans | Check Plans |
Frontier vs. Spectrum - Plans & Pricing
Let’s check out the plans offered by both providers:
Spectrum Internet Plans
SPECTRUM INTERNET® PREMIER
- Speeds up to 500 Mbps
- Get faster speeds with a one-year price guarantee
- No data caps
- FREE modem and antivirus software
- Spectrum Advanced WiFi can be added for $10/mo
SPECTRUM INTERNET® GIG
- Speeds up to 1 Gbps
- Enjoy the ultimate performance with a one-year price guarantee
- No data caps
- FREE modem and antivirus software
- Spectrum Advanced WiFi included, now with WiFi 7 router
Frontier Internet Plans
| Frontier Fiber 200 | Frontier Fiber 500 | Frontier Fiber 1 Gig | Frontier Fiber 2 Gig | Frontier Fiber 5 Gig | Frontier Fiber 7 Gig |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200/200 Mbps | 500/500 Mbps | 1000/1000 Mbps | 2000/2000 Mbps | 5000/5000 Mbps | 7000/7000 Mbps |
| View Plans | View Plans | View Plans | View Plans | View Plans | View Plans |
Frontier offers a wide variety of plans with speeds going as high as 7 Gbps, whereas Spectrum provides a max speed of 1 Gbps only. So, in terms of speeds and variety of plans, Frontier is the clear winner.
Frontier vs. Spectrum – Bundles
Spectrum Bundles
Spectrum allows users to bundle its TV service with any of its internet plans.
Spectrum Internet® Premier + TV Select Signature
- Speeds up to 500 Mbps
- 150+ Channels with Xumo Stream Box FREE for 2 years
- TV on-the-go with the Spectrum TV App
- Store several hours of programs on your Spectrum DVR
- No contracts
Spectrum Internet® Gig + TV Select Signature + Voice
- Speeds up to 1 Gbps
- 150+ Channels with Xumo Stream Box FREE for 2 years
- TV on-the-go with the Spectrum TV App
- Thousands of On Demand titles
- FREE modem and No data caps
- Unlimited calling with up to 28 popular features
Internet Gig + TV Select Signature
- Speeds up to 1 Gbps
- 150+ TV channels with FREE HD
- Includes Disney+ Basic (with Ads), Max Basic with Ads, Paramount+ Essential and ViX Premium with Ads
- Xumo Stream Box FREE for 2 years
- Spectrum Advanced WiFi included, now with WiFi 7 router
- No contracts
Internet Gig + TV Select Plus
- Speeds up to 1 Gbps
- 160+ TV channels with FREE HD
- Includes Disney+ Basic (with Ads), Max Basic with Ads, ESPN+, Paramount+ Essential and ViX Premium with Ads
- Xumo Stream Box FREE for 2 years
- Spectrum Advanced WiFi included, now with WiFi 7 router
- No contracts
Frontier Bundles
Frontier allows its customers to bundle YouTube TV with its internet plans. It also offers a discount of $10 for some internet plans for an entire year. Let’s take a look at the bundles it offers:
| Plan Name | Speed Offered | No. of Channels | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier 500 + YouTube TV | Up to 500 Mbps | 100+ | View Plans |
| Frontier 1 Gig + YouTube TV | Up to 1000 Mbps | 100+ | View Plans |
With more choices and additional perks, Spectrum takes the edge. As a customer, you can certainly get more from Spectrum than Frontier when you’re looking to bundle services.
Frontier vs. Spectrum – Additional Fees
Equipment fee, installation fee, service activation fees – you need to check additional fees so you know what to expect in your billing. Here’s a breakdown of additional fees charged by Spectrum and Frontier:
Spectrum
- $10/mo. for Wi-Fi (free with gig plan)
- $3/mo. for Spectrum Wi-Fi Pod (if opted)
- $24.99 for self-installation & activation (one time)
- $59.99 for professional installation (one time, if opted)
- $9.99 service activation fee
- $25.00 insufficient funds fee
- $19.99 equipment upgrade fee to Internet Gig plan
Frontier
- Free equipment rental with Frontier Fiber
- $100 DSL expert installation fee
- $10.00/mo. no AutoPay fee for DSL/ Fiber
Based on this, choosing Frontier Fiber would be an optimal choice since there are no additional fees associated with it. Although you get a Wi-Fi 7 router with Spectrum, the additional charges may increase your overall bill.
Frontier vs. Spectrum – Customer Ratings
Our customer satisfaction report ranks Spectrum as one of the top providers with great pricing, availability, and customer acquisition rates. On the other hand, customers praise Frontier for the price value.
Both providers are ranked above average in terms of customer service experience and reliability, which brings this category to a tie.
Final Verdict
Generally, fiber internet fares better than cable Internet. However, in areas where fiber is not available, cable internet is the better choice.
Frontier takes the lead by offering more speeds and nominal extra fees. On the other hand, Spectrum’s extensive availability makes it a reliable option for areas where fiber internet isn’t accessible.
Ultimately, the choice between Spectrum and Frontier depends on your specific needs and location. If you prioritize speed and affordability, Frontier might be the better choice. But if you’re looking for a reliable connection in an area with limited fiber-optic availability, Spectrum is worth considering.
