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Rob has 15+ years experience running price comparison & review websites that empower consumers to find the cheapest cell phone services, cell phone deals, home phone, and internet providers available. He has been published in Forbes, US News, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Inc.
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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 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 vs Spectrum.
Spectrum vs AT&T comparison
AT&T vs Spectrum: features comparison
AT&T |
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 |
AT&T vs Spectrum: internet deals
When it comes to variety AT&T 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 internet deals
- Download
- 300-5,000 Mbps
- Channels
- Calls
- Monthly Price
- $55-180
Pros
Flexible bundling options
Quickly expanding fiber network
DSL service available
Extensive rural availability
Cons
Data caps on some plans
Contract required for best deals
AT&T offers internet, TV & landline services with plans starting at $55.
AT&T Internet Only Plans
Package |
Internet |
TV |
Phone |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Internet 300 |
300 Mbps |
|
|
$55.00 |
|
Internet 500 |
500 Mbps |
|
|
$65.00 |
|
Internet 1000 |
1000 Mbps |
|
|
$80.00 |
|
Internet 2000 |
2000 Mbps |
|
|
$110.00 |
|
Internet 5000 |
5000 Mbps |
|
|
$180.00 |
AT&T TV Plans
Package |
Internet |
TV |
Phone |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Entertainment |
|
160 Channels |
|
$64.99 |
|
Choice |
|
185 Channels |
|
$69.99 |
|
Ultimate |
|
250 Channels |
|
$89.99 |
AT&T Triple Play Bundles
Package |
Internet |
TV |
Phone |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Internet 300 + Entertainment TV + Phone |
300 Mbps |
160 Channels |
Unlimited |
$154.98 |
|
Internet 300 + Choice TV + Phone |
300 Mbps |
185 Channels |
Unlimited |
$159.99 |
|
Internet 300 + Ultimate TV + Phone |
300 Mbps |
250 Channels |
Unlimited |
$179.99 |
AT&T internet only plans
| Package | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
AT&T Internet 300 |
300 Mbps | $55 |
AT&T Internet 500 |
500 Mbps | $65 |
AT&T Internet 1000 |
1000 Mbps | $80 |
AT&T Internet 2000 |
2000 Mbps | $110 |
AT&T Internet 5000 |
5000 Mbps | $180 |
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 deals
- Download
- 300-1,000 Mbps
- Channels
- Calls
- Monthly Price
- $50-90
Pros
Fast speeds
No contracts
No data caps
One-hour installation appointment window
Plenty of bundles
Cons
Negative customer service reputation
No fiber option
Spectrum offers internet, TV & landline services with plans starting at $50.
Spectrum Internet Only Plans
Package |
Internet |
TV |
Phone |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Internet |
300 Mbps |
|
|
$49.99 |
|
Internet Ultra |
500 Mbps |
|
|
$69.99 |
|
Internet GIG |
1000 Mbps |
|
|
$89.99 |
Spectrum TV Plans
Package |
Internet |
TV |
Phone |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TV Select |
|
125 Channels |
|
$59.99 |
Spectrum Triple Play Bundles
Package |
Internet |
TV |
Phone |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TV Select + Internet + Voice |
300 Mbps |
125 Channels |
Unlimited |
$129.97 |
|
TV Select + Internet Ultra + Voice |
500 Mbps |
125 Channels |
Unlimited |
$149.97 |
|
TV Select + Internet GIG + Voice |
1000 Mbps |
125 Channels |
Unlimited |
$169.97 |
Spectrum internet only plans
| Package | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
Spectrum Internet |
300 Mbps | $49.99 |
Spectrum Internet Ultra |
500 Mbps | $69.99 |
Spectrum Internet GIG |
1000 Mbps | $89.99 |
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 is your go-to for a more reliable connection for those activities.
AT&T vs Spectrum: bundle deals
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 bundle deals
| Package | Speed | Channels | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 Mbps | 160 | $119.99 |
|
| 300 Mbps | 185 | $124.99 |
|
| 300 Mbps | 250 | $144.99 |
AT&T triple play packages
| Package | Speed | Channels | Phone Plan | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 Mbps | 160 | Unlimited | $154.98 |
|
| 300 Mbps | 185 | Unlimited | $159.99 |
|
| 300 Mbps | 250 | Unlimited | $179.99 |
Note that with AT&T phone (which used to be known as AT&T Voice, but AT&T wanted to simplify the brand and move from AT&T 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 bundle deals
| Package | Speed | Channels | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 Mbps | 125 | $109.98 |
|
| 500 Mbps | 125 | $129.98 |
|
| 1000 Mbps | 125 | $149.98 |
Spectrum triple play packages
| Package | Speed | Channels | Phone Plan | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 Mbps | 125 | Unlimited | $129.97 |
|
| 500 Mbps | 125 | Unlimited | $149.97 |
|
| 1000 Mbps | 125 | Unlimited | $169.97 |
Of course, if you don't desire DIRECTV, you can opt for an AT&T bundle instead. There are two types of AT&T bundles: AT&T TV (cable TV, in other words) and internet, or AT&T TV, internet, and digital home phone service. With either of these bundles, you'll be taking advantage of the family version of the AT&T 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.
AT&T vs Spectrum: internet speed
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 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.
AT&T vs Spectrum: coverage
When it comes to availability AT&T coverage beats out Spectrum coverage. While AT&T 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 is lacking in the NorthWest and NorthEast regions of the country while Spectrum is available in areas throughout the country.
Internet providers in my area
AT&T vs Spectrum: customer service
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, 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.
AT&T vs Spectrum FAQs
Is Spectrum better than AT&T?
The best is different for everyone, depending on whether you're a light, medium, or heavy internet user. Spectrum only offers one plan, whereas AT&T has a selection of plans to choose from.
Is AT&T cheaper than Spectrum?
AT&T offers a few different internet plans ranging from $35 to $60 and Spectrum only offers one plan at $49.99. AT&T has a cheaper option, but compared with a like for like plan there's not a big difference in price.
Is AT&T and Spectrum the same?
No, Spectrum and AT&T are separate companies. Spectrum is the trade name used by Charter Communications and AT&T is the largest telecommunications company in the world.
Recap
When it comes to customer service ratings and lower-tiered speed packages, Spectrum and AT&T are close, but what makes AT&T stand out is its affordable fiber offerings. In the battle of AT&T vs Spectrum, I have to declare AT&T 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.
