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When shopping for a new provider, you’re likely choosing between DSL, cable, or fiber options. With such a variety of brands and plans to choose from, breaking down competing services is crucial. Kinetic by Windstream and Spectrum internet offer similar pricing and plans, but each provider offers distinct benefits. Use our guide to discover which service fits your lifestyle best.
- Symmetrical fiber speeds
- No data caps
- Good rural availability
- Unlimited data
- Contract buyouts
- Nationwide WiFi hotspots
Internet Plans
Our Picks | | |
|---|---|---|
Starting Price | $19.99/mo. – $39.99/mo. | $49.99/mo. – $89.99/mo. |
Max Download Speed | 100 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 300 Mbps – 1000 Mbps |
Data Caps | No | No |
Equipment Fee | $9.99/mo. | $5/mo. |
| Check Availability | Check Availability |
Pricing, speeds, offers, and availability vary by service address and are subject to change at any time. Additional fees, taxes, and terms may apply. As of 5/9/22.
Spectrum Internet Plans
Like Kinetic by Windstream, Spectrum internet plans range between 200-1000 Mbps. While Spectrum is a cable-only provider, they offer a much larger coverage area when compared to Windstream. Spectrum plans also tout low equipment rental fees along with unlimited data and no contractual requirements.
Kinetic by Windstream Internet Plans
With speeds up to 1000 Mbps, Kinetic internet offers DSL and fiber plans that fit a variety of usage styles. With services under $20 in select areas, symmetrical upload and download speeds for fiber users, and unlimited data paired with no contracts, Kinetic by Windstream provides an attractive offering whether you’re a seasoned user or just casually browsing.
Internet Features
Spectrum and Windstream are notably different in coverage and performance. With both networks spread across the US, it’s crucial to know the services available to you. Use our zip search above, then compare each provider’s features below.
Network Coverage
With a heavy presence in the Eastern and Central US, Kinetic by Windstream delivers coverage to both urban and rural areas. Residential service is offered in 18 states.
Network Coverage
Spectrum is one of the largest cable internet providers in the US, offering coverage to more than a third of the population and available in 41 states.
Fast Internet Speeds
A large portion of potential users can receive Kinetic by Windstream’s fiber internet. Kinetic fiber offers faster speeds (up to 1000 Mbps) than DSL.
Fast Internet Speeds
Spectrum offers gigabit-capable cable internet to almost all Spectrum coverage areas. However, cable internet has limited upload speed, maxing out at 35 Mbps.
Online Security
Ensure your online safety with Kinetic Secure. Guard your home internet with identity theft protection, content filtering, virus defense, and more.
Online Security
Spectrum’s Security Suite provides protection against malicious attacks, like worms, spyware, Trojans, and more. Up to 10 devices can use The Security Suite.
Contracts
There are no contractual requirements for any Windstream plans, but they do incentivize it through discounts and deals.
Contracts
There are no contracts for Spectrum plans. They also provide a $500 buyout from a competitors’ contract, but you’ll have to opt for an internet and tv bundle to qualify.
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Network Coverage
With a heavy presence in the Eastern and Central US, Kinetic by Windstream delivers coverage to both urban and rural areas. Residential service is offered in 18 states.
Fast Internet Speeds
A large portion of potential users can receive Kinetic by Windstream’s fiber internet. Kinetic fiber offers faster speeds (up to 1000 Mbps) than DSL.
Online Security
Ensure your online safety with Kinetic Secure. Guard your home internet with identity theft protection, content filtering, virus defense, and more.
Contracts
There are no contractual requirements for any Windstream plans, but they do incentivize it through discounts and deals.
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Network Coverage
Spectrum is one of the largest cable internet providers in the US, offering coverage to more than a third of the population and available in 41 states.
Fast Internet Speeds
Spectrum offers gigabit-capable cable internet to almost all Spectrum coverage areas. However, cable internet has limited upload speed, maxing out at 35 Mbps.
Online Security
Spectrum’s Security Suite provides protection against malicious attacks, like worms, spyware, Trojans, and more. Up to 10 devices can use The Security Suite.
Contracts
There are no contracts for Spectrum plans. They also provide a $500 buyout from a competitors’ contract, but you’ll have to opt for an internet and tv bundle to qualify.
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Internet Fees
Outside of the initial plan cost, many other variables should be considered when comparing providers. Factors like installation and rental fees, contractual expenses, and data overage charges are all important.
Installation Fees
A $35 installation fee (optional free self-installation for DSL) and a $50 activation fee are administered during an internet installation. A $65 fee is charged for phone jack installation.
Installation Fees
Spectrum provides professional installations for $49.99 but also offers a $19.99 self-installation activation fee. Users are charged a $49.99 fee for the installation of a WiFi pod.
Equipment Rentals
Windstream requires a $10/mo. fee for equipment rental.
Equipment Rentals
Spectrum does not charge for a modem and requires a $5/mo. fee for the router, and a $3/mo. fee per Spectrum WiFi pod.
Price Increases
Windstream plans are often listed at a promotional price, with cost increases seen after the one-year mark.
Price Increases
When choosing a Spectrum plan, be sure to read the fine print. Your monthly bill could increase up to $25 after the first service year ends.
Data Overages
As Windstream has no data limits on their plans, there is no risk of data overage charges.
Data Overages
With no data limits on Spectrum plans, there is no possibility of data overage charges.
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Installation Fees
A $35 installation fee (optional free self-installation for DSL) and a $50 activation fee are administered during an internet installation. A $65 fee is charged for phone jack installation.
Equipment Rentals
Windstream requires a $10/mo. fee for equipment rental.
Price Increases
Windstream plans are often listed at a promotional price, with cost increases seen after the one-year mark.
Data Overages
As Windstream has no data limits on their plans, there is no risk of data overage charges.
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Installation Fees
Spectrum provides professional installations for $49.99 but also offers a $19.99 self-installation activation fee. Users are charged a $49.99 fee for the installation of a WiFi pod.
Equipment Rentals
Spectrum does not charge for a modem and requires a $5/mo. fee for the router, and a $3/mo. fee per Spectrum WiFi pod.
Price Increases
When choosing a Spectrum plan, be sure to read the fine print. Your monthly bill could increase up to $25 after the first service year ends.
Data Overages
With no data limits on Spectrum plans, there is no possibility of data overage charges.
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Picking a Provider
Both providers offer solid plans with unlimited data and no contracts, but Spectrum cable internet offers a better option than Kinetic’s DSL internet. However, Kinetic by Windstream’s fiber internet is likely to be faster and cheaper than Spectrum’s options.
Kinetic: Best Pricing & Data Plans
For budget shoppers, Windstream internet plans start as low as $19.99/mo., firmly beating out any of Spectrum’s options. If you’re a heavy user, Kinetic fiber internet delivers up to gigabit speeds at a reasonable price, along with symmetrical upload and download speeds.
Spectrum: Best for Convenience
For convenience, Spectrum packages are the best choice. With fast download speeds and a network of free WiFi hotspots (which Windstream doesn’t have), it’s easy to stay connected wherever you go. Especially for users in rural areas, Spectrum’s cable internet handily beats Windstream’s DSL options.
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