The Quick Answer: Is AT&T or Spectrum Better?
Spectrum® will be the best option for those who just want an easy, no frills way to stay connected. Their starting plans are affordable and offer fast, reliable speeds, so you won't have to break the bank. There are only a few plans to choose from with Spectrum, which makes your decision a lot simpler. Plus, if you're looking to bundle, Spectrum TV® offers all of the popular channels and on-demand features that you'll love.
If you're looking for a high-speed fiber connection, premium TV services, or the ultimate sports package, go with AT&T. You'll pay more for fiber internet, but your connection will be the fastest and most reliable on the block. DIRECTV also offers a wide variety of channels and packages to choose from so you can find the option that best fits your entertainment needs. If you're a diehard sports fan, you'll want to opt for NFL Sunday Ticket, which is exclusive to DIRECTV.
AT&T Fiber Internet Is Faster Than Spectrum — While AT&T DSL Is Slower
Our pick for speed: AT&T
Outright, AT&T offers download speeds up to 5 Gbps through their Internet 5000 plan, making them immensely faster than Spectrum's gigabit offering. However, Spectrum speeds start at 300 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) for a cheaper price than AT&T Fiber's base Internet 300 plan. Moreover, AT&T DSL starts as low as 100 Mbps, which gives Spectrum the upper hand in areas where they has more coverage.
Spectrum | AT&T | |
|---|---|---|
Starting price | $49.99 per month for 12 months | $55 per month |
Starting speed | 300 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) | 300 Mbps |
Connection | Cable | Fiber |
Contracts | No contracts | No contracts |
Data caps | No data cap | No data cap |
Spectrum Is More Widely Available Than AT&T
Our pick for Availability: Spectrum
Spectrum’s internet services are available in 44 states across the nation, so it’s likely that they’re available in your state. AT&T’s IPBB internet services are currently only available in 21 states, so it’s less widely available. The fastest way to find out if you live in an area that these providers service is to use our search tool.
Spectrum Offers Many More Bundle Options Than AT&T
Our pick for bundling: Spectrum
When it comes to bundling, Spectrum offers internet, TV, home phone, advanced Wi-Fi, and even mobile packages, while AT&T focuses primarily on pairing internet and home phone. Spectrum exceeds AT&T in this area, as you can create a package based on what your household needs. Want cable TV with your internet? No problem. You can customize the Spectrum TV Select® package as you see fit. Moreover, you can add by the gig or unlimited wireless plans based on what your family needs.
That said, AT&T does offer some bundling solutions, especially if you need home phone services. However, you won't get a discount anymore for bundling AT&T with DIRECTV like you would in the past. And that fact lessens AT&T's appeal overall for the household that needs multiple home services.
The Pros and Cons of Spectrum and AT&T Internet
Spectrum | AT&T | |
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Pros |
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Cons |
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The Verdict: AT&T or Spectrum?
After conducting our analysis, we’ve found that both AT&T and Spectrum are top-of-the-line internet and TV providers. Spectrum takes the cake for overall price, nationwide availability, and TV service. On the other hand, AT&T is our pick for internet speeds and fiber technology. Overall, we recommend going with Spectrum if it is available to you. Their starting plan offers plenty of speed for the average household at an affordable price. If you’re looking for a TV package with all of your favorite networks, Spectrum won’t break the bank. Plus, Spectrum has lots of extra perks like a $500 contract buyout and plans without contracts, so you’ll be getting the most bang for your buck.