Spectrum is the second largest ISP in the US with a huge presence in 41 states. Windstream only serves rural areas in 18 states. Yet, Windstream boasts to be the largest 8-gig internet provider in the states with its new 8 Gbps fiber internet plan available to around 400,000 customers.
While Spectrum has some comparative advantages over Windstream’s DSL service, we find Windstream Internet to be the more suitable option for most people. This guide compares Windstream and Spectrum in various categories and declares the better internet provider in each category. You can decide for yourself which ISP by considering the features that matter to you. Let’s start with the biggest and most important difference between Windstream and Spectrum: internet service type.
Internet Service Type
The technology used to provide the internet service determines the speeds you get and the reliability you experience more than any other factor. For this comparison, there are three internet service types you need to know about:
DSL: Digital Subscriber Line uses telephone lines to provide broadband internet service. It’s the slowest among the different types of wired internet service (except for its predecessor dial-up internet), but is still faster and more reliable than wireless services such as satellite internet.
Cable: Cable is the most widely available type of broadband internet service available in most urban and suburban areas. It uses coaxial tables initially installed for cable TV for last-mile internet connectivity. It’s faster than DSL, but inferior to fiber in several ways.
Fiber: Fiber-to-the-premises internet service uses fiber-optic cables across 100% of the network. Fiber is considered the most suitable medium for internet service, which is why many new networks are being built with fiber instead of coaxial cables.
Spectrum primarily uses cable networks to provide internet service. It does employ fiber in its backbone networks, but individual homes connect to the network through coaxial cables.
Windstream provides DSL internet service in most areas, but it’s building new networks in many areas with fiber. It currently markets both fiber and DSL internet services. To learn which service type is offered in your area, please contact a representative at Windstream customer service.
Here are the differences these different technologies entail.
Windstream vs. Spectrum: Major Differences
Download Speeds
Windstream offers max download speeds up to 100 Mbps with DSL while its fiber product features max download speeds from 500 Mbps to 8 Gbps. On the other hand, Spectrum internet tiers start at a max download speed of 300 Mbps and go up to 1 Gbps.
Upload Speeds
Upload speeds are limited with both cable and DSL internet service, but Windstream’s fiber internet features symmetrical internet speeds. This means that your upstream bandwidth is the same as your downstream bandwidth and you upload files as fast as you can download them. Upload speeds above 20 Mbps aren’t useful for most applications, but you’ll see the difference if you work from home or create content online.
Latency
DSL and Cable both feature a low latency that’s adequate for competitive online gaming, so you’re in good hands whether you go with Windstream or Spectrum. However, Windstream’s fiber networks have higher bandwidth, which allows for lower latency and fewer latency spikes during peak usage hours.
Reliability
Speeds with DSL are less reliable the farther you’re located from the ISP’s central office. Cable is more reliable at longer distances while fiber performs the best out of all three. So Windstream Fiber is better in terms of reliability than Spectrum, which is better than Windstream DSL.
Data Caps
Both Windshield and Spectrum offer unlimited data with all internet plans. There are no data caps and no overage charges with either provider.
Contract Requirements
Neither Windstream nor Spectrum require a term contract with any interest plan. You can switch or cancel at any point without paying termination charges.
Promotional Benefits
Windstream currently has a promotion that includes a $100 Kinetic Reward Prepaid Mastercard. Spectrum currently includes an Advanced WiFi Gateway and an Unlimited Mobile line for 12 months with all internet plans. Both internet providers have promotional discounts on monthly internet fees that last 12 months.
Availability
Spectrum is widely available in urban and suburban areas in 41 states in the US, while Windstream is mostly available in rural areas.
Windstream Plans
Kinetic Internet Basic (100 Mbps)
Monthly Rate: $39.99 per month (for 12 months)
Max Speed: 100 Mbps
Notable Features: Unlimited Data, No Annual Contract, 99.9% Reliability
This plan is a decent entry-level option for basic internet needs. The price is reasonable, and 100 Mbps should be sufficient for standard internet usage. However, speeds may slower depending on location, which is a common problem with DSL Internet.
Kinetic Fiber Internet (500 Mbps)
Monthly Rate: $39.99 per month (for 12 months)
Max Speed: 500 Mbps
Notable Features: Symmetrical Speeds, Unlimited Data, No Annual Contract, 99.9% Reliability
The Kinetic Fiber Internet is a considerable upgrade to the basic plan, though it costs the same. It allows for smooth UDH streaming and fast downloads with a sold 500 Mbps symmetrical bandwidth.
Kinetic Fiber Internet GIG (1000 Mbps)
Monthly Rate: $69.99 per month (for 12 months)
Max Speed: 1000 Mbps
Notable Features: Symmetrical Speeds, Unlimited Data, No Annual Contract, 99.9% Reliability
This plan offers a substantial speed boost at a higher price point. With 1000 Mbps, users can enjoy 4K video streaming on multiple scenes without slowing the internet down for other people in your home. It’s an excellent option for larger households or those with higher internet demands.
Kinetic Fiber Internet 2 GIG (2000 Mbps)
Monthly Rate: Varies
Max Speed: 2000 Mbps
Notable Features: Symmetrical Speeds, Unlimited Data, No Annual Contract, 99.9% Reliability
The 2 GIG plan provides an impressive 2000 Mbps, catering to users with extremely high-speed requirements. Pricing varies by location so you may want to check with Windstream customer service for local rates.
Kinetic Fiber Internet 8 GIG (8000 Mbps)
Monthly Rate: Varies
Max Speed: 8000 Mbps
Notable Features: Symmetrical Speeds, Unlimited Data, No Annual Contract, 99.9% Reliability
This is a relatively new tier from Windstream available in some fiber markets. With mind-blowing 8000 Mbps symmetrical speeds, it’s internet straight out of sci-fi novels. This plan reportedly costs $299 per month, but only Windstream customer service can tell you for sure.
Spectrum Plans
Spectrum Internet (300 Mbps)
Monthly Rate: $49.99 per month (for 12 months)
Max Speed: 300 Mbps
Notable Features: Unlimited Data, Free Advanced WiFi, Free Unlimited Mobile Line
This is the starter Spectrum Internet plan with a decent speed at a reasonable price. Despite promotional benefits, there are no term contracts required.
Spectrum Internet Ultra (500 Mbps)
Monthly Rate: $69.99 per month (for 12 months)
Max Speed: 500 Mbps
Notable Features: Unlimited Data, Free Advanced WiFi, Free Unlimited Mobile Line
The Spectrum Internet Ultra plan is more suitable for households with heavier internet usage. There’s no term contract and the freebies enhance the overall package.
Spectrum Internet Gig (1 Gbps)
Monthly Rate: $89.99 per month (for 12 months)
Max Speed: 1 Gbps
Notable Features: Unlimited Data, Free Advanced WiFi, Free Unlimited Mobile Line
The Gig plan is ideal for power users and large households that require ultra-fast speeds. The promotional benefits are the same for this tier as for slower ones.
Conclusion
Windstream Internet is faster, more reliable, and includes more beneficial features than Spectrum Internet, but only in areas where it has fiber. We recommend Spectrum over Windstream’s DSL service.