Frontier vs. Spectrum: Which Internet Provider Is Better?

• The Quick Answer: Is Frontier or Spectrum Better?
• Frontier Fiber Is Faster Than Spectrum, but Frontier DSL Is Incredibly Slow
• Spectrum Is More Widely Available Than Frontier
• Spectrum Has Fewer Fees Than Frontier
• Spectrum Beats Frontier at Bundling
• The Pros and Cons of Spectrum and Frontier Internet
• The Verdict: Frontier or Spectrum?

The Quick Answer: Is Frontier or Spectrum Better?

If you want a hassle-free, high-speed connection with cable TV, mobile, and voice options, then Spectrum® is the best option overall. Spectrum has starting speeds that are much faster than many of its competitors, so its starting plan is a great deal. That said, if you live in a network where Frontier Fiber is available, you can get faster starting speeds and consistent symmetrical speeds. Which Internet provider is right for you will depend on your household's necessities.

Frontier Fiber Is Faster Than Spectrum, but Frontier DSL Is Incredibly Slow

Our pick for speed: Spectrum

Spectrum and Frontier offer a variety of plans with different speeds and prices so that you can find the plan that best fits your budget and Internet needs. Spectrum has starting speeds at 300 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary), which is more than enough for most households, for just $49.99 per month for 12 months.

Frontier Fiber Internet starts at $49.99 per month (with Auto Pay & Paperless Bill) as well, so it is a contender. Moreover, Frontier's Fiber Internet speeds are much faster both in terms of download and upload compared to Spectrum. In specific, the Frontier Fiber 2 Gig Internet plan is one of the quickest fiber plans available, even though it comes at a premium price.

Spectrum Is More Widely Available Than Frontier

Our pick for availability: Spectrum

Spectrum is one of the most widely available Internet providers in the United States reaching over 102.7 million people across 44 states. Frontier's DSL service only reaches 30.5 million people across 25 states, and their fiber service is even more limited, with only 9.5 million people across seven states. It's clear here: Spectrum is the best in terms of availability.

Spectrum Has Fewer Fees Than Frontier

Our pick for fees: Spectrum

Spectrum's largest fee is their Internet Gig activation fee, which can cost up to $199.99 as a one-time cost. That said, Spectrum doesn't really have many fees beyond that, with no data overage charges or early terminations fees (ETFs).

On the other end of the spectrum, Frontier loves to assess fees with customers, including an $85 expert installation fee (usually waived with fiber Internet plans), up to $400 in ETFs, and $150 for not returning equipment. When you disconnect your service, they even charge you $10. Here, Spectrum clearly comes out on top.

Spectrum Beats Frontier at Bundling

Our pick for bundles and deals: Spectrum

When it comes to bundling, Spectrum really does take the cake, as they offer the ability to purchase cable TV, home phone, and even mobile phone services with your Internet. With Spectrum, you can customize your television package and Internet selection, as well as choose by the gig or unlimited wireless plans. Frontier does offer home phone services, but they encourage you to go to third-party streaming services for television. If you want to bundle, Spectrum is your company.

The Pros and Cons of Spectrum and Frontier Internet

The Verdict: Frontier or Spectrum?

If you want a highly available and reliable Internet provider with numerous bundle options, then you have to go with Spectrum. Spectrum is a full-service Internet provider that surpasses the competition in these areas. If you really need those symmetrical fiber Internet speeds, and you're fortunate enough to live in an area with access to Frontier Fiber Internet, then it could be the right option for you. That said, at the end of the day, Spectrum is cheaper, just as fast, and offers much more to the consumer.