Spectrum vs AT&T comparison in 2021
Spectrum (formerly Time Warner Spectrum) and AT&T are a couple of the best internet providers that operate all over the United States.
If you're moving to a ZIP code that hosts both providers, you are probably considering adopting either Spectrum's internet service or AT&T's U-Verse. But what would prove to be a better value for your dollar?
After all, the competition between the two is fierce, and you may be struggling with choosing the right provider for you.
Well, we've gone ahead and compared and contrasted the two services to help you make an informed decision about which internet service provider is right for you.
Inside this guide, you'll find the overviews of both AT&T U-verse and Spectrum, including the coverage map, customer satisfaction, and more. Hopefully, by the end of this comparison, you'll be able to decide who the winner is in the battle of AT&T U-verse vs Spectrum.
Quick Comparison
AT&T U-verse | Spectrum | |
| Monthly Price | $65-190 | $44-139.97 |
| Contract Terms | varies | varies |
| Setup | $44 | $49.99 |
| Channels | 155-330 | 125-200+ |
| Max HD Channels | 265 | 100+ |
| DVR Storage | 200 HRs | 75 HD hours |
| Download Speeds | 5-1000 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
| Upload Speeds | 4 Mbps | 5 Mbps |
| Availability | 50 states | 50 states |
Plan Comparison
When it comes to variety AT&T U-verse offers three times the amount of plans as Spectrum - which, isn't saying much considering Spectrum offers one plan. With variety becomes price options.
AT&T U-verse Internet Plans & Prices
| Provider/Package | Download Speed | Monthly Price |
| AT&T Internet 100 | 100 Mbps | $50.00 |
| AT&T Internet 300 | 300 Mbps | $70.00 |
| AT&T Internet 1000 | 1000 Mbps | $90.00 |
AT&T U-verse plans cover a few types of consumers - the basic user, the gamer, and a small business. They've seemed to have simplified your options so you're not overwhelmed with options that range just 15 Mbps from the last.
Spectrum Internet Plans & Prices
| Provider/Package | Download Speed | Monthly Price |
| Spectrum Internet | 200 Mbps | $45.00 |
As you can see AT&T U-verse wins when it comes package variety but Spectrum has them beat with prices. If you're looking for a basic connection for a small household go with Spectrum. If you're a gamer or a small business, on the other hand, AT&T U-verse is your go-to for a more reliable connection for those activities.
Bundles Comparison
You can bundle DIRECTV's satellite TV (which includes NFL Sunday Ticket, and NFL Sunday Ticket happens to be incredibly popular) and AT&T's internet service together, or you can order the Triple Play package and receive DIRECTV TV service, complete with HD channels, AT&T Phone, and AT&T Internet.
AT&T U-verse Internet Bundle Deals
| Provider/Package | Download Speed | TV Channels | Phone Plan | Monthly Price |
| U-Family TV + Internet 300 + Unlimited Calling | 300 Mbps | 180 | Unlimited | $114.99 |
| U-Family TV + Internet 1000 + Unlimited Calling | 1000 Mbps | 180 | Unlimited | $134.99 |
| U-200 TV + Internet 300 + Unlimited Calling | 300 Mbps | 360 | Unlimited | $134.99 |
| U-200 TV + Internet 1000 + Unlimited Calling | 1000 Mbps | 360 | Unlimited | $154.99 |
| U-300 TV + Internet 300 + Unlimited Calling | 300 Mbps | 470 | Unlimited | $139.99 |
| U-300 TV + Internet 1000 + Unlimited Calling | 1000 Mbps | 470 | Unlimited | 159.99 |
Note that with AT&T phone (which used to be known as AT&T U-verse Voice, but AT&T wanted to simplify the brand and move from AT&T U-verse Voice to just AT&T Phone), you'll receive unlimited calling nationwide. Furthermore, with these packages, you'll receive up to 50Mbps download speeds, and the Wi-Fi Gateway router, as well as the monthly fees for the HD DVR plus three receivers, are included.
Spectrum Internet Bundle Deals
| Provider/Package | TV Channels | Download Speed | Monthly Price |
| Spectrum TV Select + Internet | 125 | 200 Mbps | $89.98 |
| Spectrum TV Silver + Internet | 175 | 200 Mbps | $109.98 |
| Spectrum TV Gold + Internet | 200 | 200 Mbps | $129.98 |
Of course, if you don't desire DIRECTV, you can opt for an AT&T U-verse Bundle instead. There are two types of AT&T U-verse bundles: AT&T U-verse TV (cable TV, in other words) and internet, or AT&T U-verse TV, internet, and digital home phone service. With either of these bundles, you'll be taking advantage of the family version of the U-Verse channel packages.
Overall, the prices are pretty good, especially if you consider the higher internet speed tiers, and the customer service is regarded as average by industry standards.
Speed Comparison
Internet speed is a major selling point when it comes to the internet.
In regards to Spectrum's base internet packages, it offers high-speed internet at a minimum of 200 Mbps download speed and 1 Mbps upload speed.
Charter Spectrum offers just one speed of internet which is 200 Mbps.
But it's clear, even with Spectrum's speeds of up to 100 Mbps downloads, that AT&T U-verse provides faster selections. So again, you may be more satisfied with AT&T's selection, steering you away from becoming a Spectrum customer.
Now let's take a look at how coverage compares.
Availability Comparison
When it comes to availability AT&T coverage beats out Spectrum coverage. While AT&T U-verse is available in 21 states, Spectrum is offered in 26 states.
However, AT&T coverage is strong amongst all the states it's offered in while Spectrum is offered in as little as 1% of the area in some states they "cover".
AT&T U-verse is lacking in the NorthWest and NorthEast regions of the country while Spectrum is available in areas throughout the country.
Support Comparison
From the data charts illustrated at the beginning of the comparison, we can make the assumption that the customer service ratings between the two are highly similar - AT&T U-verse sits at 64/100, whereas Spectrum has scored a 66/100.
Unfortunately, when it comes to actual speed versus advertised speed numbers, you'll be receiving slightly slower speeds for what you pay for with Spectrum in comparison to AT&T U-verse, which gets you faster actual speeds compared to advertised speeds.
Spectrum isn't the most reliable provider, especially in rural areas. You may encounter high latency issues and disconnections when utilizing Spectrum's internet. Yet, while the service can be a little shaky, the customer service is above average, sitting at 66/100 as the ACSI score.
Recap
When it comes to customer service ratings and lower-tiered speed packages, Spectrum and AT&T U-verse are close, but what makes AT&T U-verse stand out is its affordable fiber offerings. In the battle of AT&T U-verse vs Spectrum, I have to declare AT&T U-verse to be the victor here, even with its average customer service score.
An easy way to save on your monthly Internet service bill is to bundle. By bundling TV and even home phone service alongside an Internet plan, you can expect serious savings every month.
Comcast is one of AT&T's fiercest competitors. To see how it stacks up, check out our comparative guide on AT&T vs Comcast.
