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

AT&T FIBER Plans
Plan SpeedStarting Price (/mo.)
AT&T Fiber 300Mbps300 Mbps$55.00
AT&T Fiber 500Mbps500 Mbps$65.00
AT&T Fiber 1 GIG1000 Mbps$80.00
AT&T Fiber 2 GIG2000 Mbps$110.00
AT&T Fiber 5 GIG5000 Mbps$180.00
Spectrum Internet Plans
Plan SpeedStarting Price (/mo.)
Spectrum InternetUp to 300 Mbps $49.99*
Spectrum Internet UltraUp to 500 Mbps $69.99*
Spectrum Internet GigUp 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.

AT&T Featured Packages
Plan Internet SpeedTV ChannelsStarting Price (/mo.)
AT&T Internet 300 + DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT via Internet300 Mbps75$119.99
AT&T Internet 1000 + DIRECTV STREAM ENTERTAINMENT1000 Mbps75$154.99
AT&T Internet 300 + DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT via Satellite300 Mbps165$119.99
AT&T Internet 1000 + DIRECTV Entertainment1000 Mbps160$144.99

We recommend bundling AT&T FIBER with DIRECTV STREAM to get a more in-depth app experience.

Spectrum Featured Packages
Plan Internet SpeedTV ChannelsStarting Price (/mo.)
Spectrum TV Essentials + Spectrum Internet300 Mbps60$74.98
Spectrum TV Choice + Spectrum Internet300 Mbps15$79.98
Spectrum TV Select + Spectrum Internet300 Mbps125$109.98
Spectrum TV Select + Spectrum Internet Ultra500 Mbps125$129.98
Spectrum TV Select + Spectrum Internet Gig940 Mbps125$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.

AT&T vs. Spectrum: Internet Comparison
FeatureAT&T FIBERSpectrum Internet
Availability21 states44 states
Internet Connection TypeFiberCable
Internet Speeds300-5000 Mbps200-940 Mbps
Symmetrical Internet SpeedsYesNo
Data UsageUnlimitedUnlimited
Price Range (/mo.)$55.00-$180.00$49.99-$89.99
Can You Bundle?YesYes
Best Overall FeatureFiber-fast speeds, reliability, symmetrical upload/download speedsUnlimited data, no contracts, widespread availability
AT&T vs. Spectrum: TV Comparison
FeatureDIRECTVDIRECTV STREAMSpectrum TV
Availability50 states21 states44 states
TV Connection TypeSatelliteLive TV streaming service (internet-based)Cable and live TV streaming
TV Channel Count160-330+65-140+15-200+
Price Range (/mo.)$64.99-$154.99$64.99-$149.99$39.99-$59.99 and up
Can You Bundle?YesYesYes
Best Overall FeatureTons of channels, 4K picture quality, most sports of any TV serviceGreat for cord cutters, no annual contract, only requires streaming device, easy setupFREE 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

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