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AT&T vs. Spectrum in 2023
AT&T and Spectrum are two of the largest TV and internet companies in the industry. Which one is better?
Table of Contents
- Overview of AT&T vs. Spectrum
- Pros and Cons of AT&T and Spectrum
- Best AT&T and Spectrum Internet Plans
- AT&T Packages, Spectrum Packages
- What Are AT&T and Spectrum Speeds?
- What Are the Best Perks of AT&T and Spectrum?
- Is AT&T or Spectrum Better?
- FAQ
Summary
Overall, AT&T and Spectrum are two internet and TV juggernauts that both offer a variety of internet and TV plans. Some plans would work great for larger families while others are not as robust. AT&T has some great bundle options with AT&T FIBER and DIRECTV STREAM or DIRECTV, making it a great option for families who want to be online at high speeds while also getting tons of TV options. Spectrum has good deals as well, as Spectrum TV and Spectrum Internet plans are contract-free with no data caps. Either service provider will give you quality service, and whichever you choose depends on what you value most out of your entertainment experience.
The Pros and Cons of AT&T and Spectrum
AT&T and Spectrum are two major internet and TV service providers, each with their respective pros and cons.
AT&T Pros and Cons
AT&T is for people who may pay a little extra and get a whole lot more. Their fastest internet is very fast, fiber-fast, to be exact, and also comes with unlimited data. However, AT&T’s availability is limited, especially for AT&T FIBER. AT&T also offers TV options, including satellite DIRECTV and the live TV streaming service, DIRECTV STREAM.
Pros
- Fast internet speeds with AT&T FIBER (up to 5-Gig in some areas!)
- Symmetrical upload and download speeds
- Unlimited internet data
- Cloud DVR included
Cons
- Extra cost for unlimited Cloud DVR
- Limited availability
Spectrum Pros and Cons
Spectrum has fast speeds and very simple package deals. Spectrum Internet is also unlimited, meaning no data caps. They also have no contracts, meaning customers can cancel service whenever. Their plans and packages are easily customizable and are budget-friendly. Spectrum is also widely available across the country.
Pros
- Fast speeds for a good price
- National coverage
- No contracts, no data caps
- Simple bundle options
Cons
- Price jump in second year
- No plans with free installation
- Expensive Gig plan
Best AT&T FIBER and Spectrum Internet Plans
| Plan | Speed | Starting Price (/mo.) |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber 300Mbps | 300 Mbps | $55.00 |
| AT&T Fiber 500Mbps | 500 Mbps | $65.00 |
| AT&T Fiber 1 GIG | 1000 Mbps | $80.00 |
| AT&T Fiber 2 GIG | 2000 Mbps | $110.00 |
| AT&T Fiber 5 GIG | 5000 Mbps | $180.00 |
| Plan | Speed | Starting Price (/mo.) |
|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Internet | Up to 300 Mbps | $49.99* |
| Spectrum Internet Ultra | Up to 500 Mbps | $69.99* |
| Spectrum Internet Gig | Up to 1000 Mbps | $89.99* |
Best AT&T and Spectrum Packages
Why get just one service when you can package services together and ultimately save money? AT&T and Spectrum both have great packaged deals.
| Plan | Internet Speed | TV Channels | Starting Price (/mo.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Internet 300 + DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT via Internet | 300 Mbps | 75 | $119.99 |
| AT&T Internet 1000 + DIRECTV STREAM ENTERTAINMENT | 1000 Mbps | 75 | $154.99 |
| AT&T Internet 300 + DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT via Satellite | 300 Mbps | 165 | $119.99 |
| AT&T Internet 1000 + DIRECTV Entertainment | 1000 Mbps | 160 | $144.99 |
We recommend bundling AT&T FIBER with DIRECTV STREAM to get a more in-depth app experience.
| Plan | Internet Speed | TV Channels | Starting Price (/mo.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum TV Essentials + Spectrum Internet | 300 Mbps | 60 | $74.98 |
| Spectrum TV Choice + Spectrum Internet | 300 Mbps | 15 | $79.98 |
| Spectrum TV Select + Spectrum Internet | 300 Mbps | 125 | $109.98 |
| Spectrum TV Select + Spectrum Internet Ultra | 500 Mbps | 125 | $129.98 |
| Spectrum TV Select + Spectrum Internet Gig | 940 Mbps | 125 | $149.98 |
AT&T FIBER and Spectrum Internet Speeds
At 940 Mbps, you can do pretty much anything in your home. Multiple people can use the internet at the same time, whether they are streaming their favorite show on HBO Max, working from home or gaming online. If you don’t need that much speed in your home, get a lower speed for a lower cost – both providers have many options available.
AT&T FIBER now offers 2-Gig and 5-Gig speeds – these are remarkable speeds that let you accomplish virtually any online activity with ease. Availability is currently limited but it is expanding across the country.
AT&T FIBER highest and lowest speed
- Highest 5000 Mbps
- Lowest 300 Mbps
Spectrum Internet highest and lowest speed
- Highest 1000 Mbps
- Lowest 300 Mbps
Extra Features
These features depend on the plan or package.
AT&T Extra Features
- Symmetrical internet speeds (equal download and upload)
- Unlimited data
- AT&T Internet Security included with internet
- HBO Max included with AT&T Fiber 1 GIG and above
- NFL Sunday Ticket included with DIRECTV CHOICE™ via Satellite and above
- Fiber internet great for working or learning from home
Spectrum Extra Features
- No contracts
- FREE Spectrum On Demand
- Up to a $500 contract buyout when you switch to Spectrum
- FREE modem
- No data caps
- Ability to customize TV plan
Conclusion: Is AT&T or Spectrum Better?
AT&T and Spectrum are both perfectly acceptable options for internet and TV service. Both providers offer high-speed internet plans and robust TV plans with the ability to package services. Both providers also come with certain special features and perks such as unlimited data and app inclusions with the ability to customize a plan to your exact preference.
These two providers are juggernauts for a reason. They both offer quality services for prices that aren’t too bad. Your decision may ultimately come down to availability at your address.
If both providers are available at your address, maybe the following tables can help your household make an inform decision.
| Feature | AT&T FIBER | Spectrum Internet |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 21 states | 44 states |
| Internet Connection Type | Fiber | Cable |
| Internet Speeds | 300-5000 Mbps | 200-940 Mbps |
| Symmetrical Internet Speeds | Yes | No |
| Data Usage | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Price Range (/mo.) | $55.00-$180.00 | $49.99-$89.99 |
| Can You Bundle? | Yes | Yes |
| Best Overall Feature | Fiber-fast speeds, reliability, symmetrical upload/download speeds | Unlimited data, no contracts, widespread availability |
| Feature | DIRECTV | DIRECTV STREAM | Spectrum TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | 50 states | 21 states | 44 states |
| TV Connection Type | Satellite | Live TV streaming service (internet-based) | Cable and live TV streaming |
| TV Channel Count | 160-330+ | 65-140+ | 15-200+ |
| Price Range (/mo.) | $64.99-$154.99 | $64.99-$149.99 | $39.99-$59.99 and up |
| Can You Bundle? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best Overall Feature | Tons of channels, 4K picture quality, most sports of any TV service | Great for cord cutters, no annual contract, only requires streaming device, easy setup | FREE Spectrum On Demand, tons of HD channels, Spectrum Originals content |
If you want more assistance for choosing an internet or TV plan, give the experts at National Broadband a call today. We help to guide you every plan and provider available at your address to save you money and get you a good deal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of Spectrum Internet only?
The cost of Spectrum Internet is $49.99 per month for 12 months.
What is the cheapest AT&T FIBER plan?
The cheapest AT&T FIBER plan is currently AT&T Fiber 300Mbps for $55.00 per month.
How many states is AT&T FIBER available in?
Currently in 21 states.
How many states is Spectrum Internet available in?
Currently in 44 states.
Can you stream Netflix with 100 Mbps of speed?
Definitely. 100 Mbps speeds will allow you to stream your favorite content in HD.
Where can I get HBO Max?
HBO Max is included with AT&T Fiber 1 GIG and DIRECTV STREAM PREMIER permanently. It can be added on to any Spectrum TV plan for $15/mo.
Are AT&T and Spectrum the same company?
No.
Written by: Hayley Abshear
Edited by: Henry St. Pierre
