A Comparison Guide Between Frontier and Spectrum
Having difficulty making a decision between Spectrum and Frontier for your home? We got Frontier vs Spectrum brief comparison. These two options, Frontier and Spectrum, are both quite popular. Come with their advantages and disadvantages.
In this blog post, we will discuss factors such as pricing, plans, customer satisfaction ratings, and other key features to assist you in selecting the suitable option for your requirements.
Frontier vs Spectrum Coverage and Availability
Charter Spectrum, one of the internet service providers in the country, offers its services in 46 states, including Hawaii. Frontier, although smaller in size, is also significant as it provides connectivity to residents in 25 states. Interestingly, there are regions, such as parts of New York, Texas, southern California, and the Midwest where both companies operate.
According to FCC data from the end of 2020, over 100 million Americans were subscribed to Spectrum home Internet services. During that period, 30 million individuals had chosen Frontier as their internet service provider.
Spectrum has a customer satisfaction rating that’s below average for internet service providers (ISPs). Meanwhile, Frontier has shown improvement from 2021 to 2022, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index.
Frontier vs Spectrum Internet
When deciding between Frontier and Spectrum for your internet choice, it ultimately depends on the type of connection at your address. Frontier Fiber offers value with its speeds. On the other hand, Spectrum’s cable internet may be a bit slower and more expensive. It is usually recommended to consider Frontier DSL as a resort option for people. In comparison, Spectrum tends to provide speeds.
Frontier Internet Plans
| Plan | Starting Price* | Download/Upload Speeds |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber 500 Mbps | $44.99/mo. | 500/500 Mbps |
| Fiber 1 Gig | $59.99/mo. | 1,000/1,000 Mbps |
| Fiber 2 Gig | $99.99/mo. | 2,000/2,000 Mbps |
| Fiber 5 Gig | $154.99/mo. | 5,000/5,000 Mbps |
| Frontier® Internet | $64.99/mo.** | Varies |
Frontier DSL Internet offers a way to connect to the internet using your phone line. It provides you with the speeds in your area, which may vary depending on your location.
Spectrum Internet Plans
Spectrum offers three internet plans: Spectrum Internet, Internet Ultra, and Internet Gig. These plans offer speeds ranging from 60 Mbps to 1000 Mbps. Below, you will find information about Spectrum’s internet plans.
| Spectrum Plan | Starting Price | Download Speed | Upload speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $49.99/mo. | 300 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) | 10 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) |
| Internet Ultra | $69.99/mo. | 500 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) | 20 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) |
| Internet Gig | $89.99/mo. | 1,000 Mbps* (wireless speeds may vary) | 35 Mbps* (wireless speeds may vary) |
Frontier vs Spectrum Plans and Pricing
Frontier Plans and Pricing
Frontier offers a range of plans. Its fiber plans tend to attract more attention compared to its DSL plans. While Frontier’s fiber availability is limited, most customers rely on DSL connections. With DSL, internet speeds can vary, whereas fiber connections offer speeds.
For instance, you can get 100 Mbps with Fiber 100, 500 Mbps with Fiber 500, 1 Gbps with Fiber 1 Gig, and so on. If you’re looking for speeds, there’s the option of Fiber 2 Gig providing 2 Gbps or Fiber 5 Gig offering a whopping speed of 5 Gbps.
- For those on Frontier Internet’s DSL connection, there’s a plan at $64.99 per month when opting for email billing and auto-pay.
- Additionally, Frontier Essentials Internet provides a DSL connection at a rate of $29.99 per month with autopay.
- If you’re considering the fiber options, setting up autopay can save you some money. For example, Fiber 100 is priced at $29.99 per month when enrolled in autopay, while Fiber 500 costs $39.99 per month under the arrangement.
- For those seeking speeds and performance capabilities, there are two options: Fiber 1 Gig at $59.99 per month with autopay and Fiber 2 Gig at $99.99 per month when opting for autopay.
- Lastly, if you require lightning internet speeds that can handle usage demands effortlessly, consider the premium offering of Fiber 5 Gig priced at $154.99 per month when enrolled in autopay.
Spectrum Plans and Pricing
The prices may vary depending on the location. Spectrum offers three plans nationwide. You have the option to choose the Internet Gig plan, which provides speeds of 1 Gbps; the Internet Ultra plan, with speeds of 500 Mbps or the Internet 50 Mbps plan.
- With Spectrum Internet, you can get 300 Mbps and unlimited data for $49.99 a month for a year
- Internet Ultra: 500 Mbps, unlimited data, $39.99 to $69.99 a month for 12 months, paid automatically
- Internet Gig: 1 Gbps, unlimited data, $59.99 to $89.99 a month for 12 months, paid for itself
Types of Equipment Which Comes With Frontier and Spectrum
Equipment By Frontier
Frontier offers a Wi-Fi router called Amazon Eero 6, which can enhance Wi-Fi coverage in your home. You have the option to improve your Wi-Fi coverage by adding mesh Wi-Fi devices.
Equipment By Spectrum
When you sign up with Spectrum as your internet service provider, they provide you with a modem. However, please note that there is a cost of $5 per month for the router. If you prefer to use your equipment with Spectrum, they do not guarantee the speeds in such cases.
Frontier vs Spectrum Installation
Frontier requires an $85 setup fee, which includes a visit from their team to set up the service. On the other hand, the Spectrum sign-up fee of $30 may vary depending on your location. Additionally, Frontier provides a one-time $50 credit to offset this cost.
Frontier vs Spectrum Add-Ons
Frontier Add-Ons
Frontier offers coverage options that you can choose individually or all at once. Frontier provides a combination of home phone services and internet service, with added features like Frontier Protect® for tech support and internet safety.
Whole-home Wi-Fi
For $10 per month, you can get Whole Home Wi-Fi, which includes a Wi-Fi consultation to help determine the setup for your home. Additionally, you have the option to add up to two Wi-Fi devices to enhance your coverage.
Wi-Fi Secure
To safeguard yourself from threats, you can opt for Wi-Fi Secure for $3 per month. This choice does not offer enhanced Wi-Fi controls. Also provides additional features such as advanced parental controls and ad-free browsing.
Identity Protection
For $10 per month, you can add a security service that actively monitors your information, detects any suspicious activity, and alerts you in case of a breach. If any changes are detected in your credit report, this package will notify you. It also comes in handy if you misplace your wallet and need assistance canceling or obtaining a credit card.
Total Shield
With Total Shield, rest assured that viruses and malicious websites won’t infiltrate your devices.
It also conceals your IP address through the establishment of a VPN. The service is priced at $10 per month.
My Premium Tech Pro
Call My Premium Tech Pro for assistance with tasks such as installation, troubleshooting, and general inquiries. The service is available for $10.
Digital Voice for Free
For $25 per month, you can enjoy voice service on your phone. This add-on allows you to make distance and local calls along with handy features like caller ID, call waiting, and voicemail.
Spectrum Add-Ons
When it comes to equipment options, Spectrum doesn’t offer a variety. However, they do provide bundles that include Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Pods as extras.
Spectrum Advanced Wi-Fi
For $5 a month, Spectrum Advanced Wi-Fi can connect your home to the internet via Wi-Fi. The Spectrum Wi-Fi Pods can If you opt for Spectrum Advanced Wi-Fi for $5 per month, your home will be seamlessly connected to the internet through Wi-Fi. To expand your connectivity to devices via Wi-Fi Spectrum also offers Wi-Fi Pods. You can connect to more devices over Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi Pods
Each individual Spectrum Wi-Fi Pod is priced at $3 per month. You have the option to add up to five of these pods to your home. If you prefer assistance, experts can help set up the pods for you; alternatively, you can choose to install them yourself.
What Makes Frontier and Spectrum Different
If we talk about Frontier vs Spectrum, both may seem similar. There are differences between them. When it comes to factors like latency, speed, Wi-Fi fees, and tech support, these companies stand apart. If you’re lucky enough to have access to Frontiers fiber internet, you’ll enjoy faster speeds compared to Spectrum. Specifically, Frontiers DSL connection offers faster speeds than what Spectrum provides.
Latency
Frontier 5 gig fiber connection ensures data transmission and reception with a lower latency or lag rate than Spectrum. While Spectrum has a latency rate of 24 milliseconds, Frontier impressively maintains 8 milliseconds. It’s worth noting that those who frequently engage in gaming or video streaming activities pay attention to latency performance.
Speed
Frontier offers high-speed internet connections through its fiber network. In case fiber isn’t available in your area, Frontier also provides DSL plans with speeds ranging from 3 Mbps to 115 Mbps. However, it’s important to note that these speeds are slower compared to the Spectrum speed option of 300 Mbps.
Wi-Fi Fees
When it comes to the Wi-Fi fees of Frontier vs Spectrum, both Spectrum and Frontier may charge fees for Wi-Fi routers. Frontier charges a fee of $10 for an add-on home Wi-Fi router, whereas Spectrum charges $5 per month for a similar service. Additionally, you have the option to improve your home’s Wi-Fi coverage by adding Wi-Fi extenders from either company; keep in mind that there will be a charge for these extenders.
Free Tech Support
One notable advantage is that if you encounter any issues with your internet service, Frontier provides support to assist you. On top of that, they also offer the option of subscribing to their My Premium Tech Pro service for $10 per month. This service grants you access to assistance specifically tailored for smart home hardware, apps, and devices.
Frontier vs Spectrum: What They Have in Common
Frontier and Spectrum do not impose data caps, which is beneficial for those who enjoy streaming videos or playing games online. Additionally, both companies offer bundles of Wi-Fi extenders and enhanced security options. If you’re looking to bundle your internet, phone, and TV services, both Spectrum and Frontier provide that option. Spectrum offers flexibility when it comes to bundling services and even allows the addition of cell phone service.
Unlimited Data
Both Spectrum and Frontier offer the feature of unlimited data. This means you won’t face any restrictions on the amount of data you can download. Some other companies may limit your downloads, causing a decrease in download speed once you exceed the cap. Furthermore, ISPs might charge fees if you exceed their designated data limits.
Bundling Options
You can bundle your TV, internet, home phone, and cell phone with Spectrum. When you bundle your Spectrum services, you might be able to save money. Just $49.99 a month for a year gets you 300 Mbps of internet, free Advanced Wi-Fi, a free mobile unlimited line, and a free Xumo streaming box for a year.
If you add YouTube TV to your Fiber 500 plan from Frontier, you can save $10 a month. You can also get phone service from Frontier and make as many long-distance calls as you want.
Wi-Fi Extenders Available
There are Wi-Fi extenders for your home from both Spectrum and Frontier, so you can connect to Wi-Fi everywhere in your house. Wi-Fi Pods are the brand name for Spectrum’s Wi-Fi extenders. Each house can have up to five pods, and they cost $3 a month. Frontier’s Whole Home Wi-Fi service includes two more mesh Wi-Fi devices. It costs $10 a month to get the extra coverage.
Security Options
Spectrum offers a service called Security Shield that actively monitors your internet traffic to protect you from threats. Additionally, Spectrum offers Smart Device Protection, which effectively defends against scammers and denial-of-service attacks. With Security Shield, you can also avoid visiting websites that distribute malware or employ phishing techniques to steal your information.
Frontier vs Spectrum: Speeds and Technology
There are methods through which internet service providers can connect homes to the internet. One option is fiber, which is known for its speed. However, it’s important to note that fiber availability is limited to areas where fiber optic cables have been laid on the ground, and its implementation in these areas can be time-consuming.
Based on information from the Federal Communications Commission, Frontier provides fiber internet services in 15 states, serving one-third of their customers. For the remaining customers, Frontier relies on a copper-based DSL connection for their internet access.
In contrast, Spectrum does not offer DSL service. Only offers Spectrum fiber service to less than 1% of its customer base. Instead, 99% of Spectrum users rely on a cable connection for their internet access. It’s worth mentioning that Charter Spectrum is currently the largest cable company in the country, due in part to its acquisition of Time Warner Cable in 2016.
Spectrum’s fastest plans can achieve speeds of up to 940 Mbps, while most cable plans typically offer speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps).
Frontier vs Spectrum Ratings and Reviews From Users
Well, when it comes to the satisfaction of Spectrum and Frontier customers with their home internet service, one can refer to the American Customer Satisfaction Index. This index provides averages for businesses, including internet service providers. According to it, there is certainly some room for improvement in this regard.
Spectrum outperformed the provider in terms of customer satisfaction. According to the ASCI 2022 report, customers rated it with a satisfaction score of 63 out of 100. However, it falls one point short compared to Verizon Fios, which is ranked as the best provider, and significantly lower than Comcast, which received a score of 72.
Frontier has historically ranked poorly among ISPs. In 2022, it experienced growth among all ISPs. This is news! Nevertheless, the Frontier score of 61/100 still falls three points below the industry average. Two points behind Spectrum. While there is progress, there is still work to be done.
How Spectrum and Frontier Compare
Spectrum provides coverage in states compared to Frontier, although Frontier falls short of reaching states. Additionally, Frontier’s service quality may vary by state. This is because Frontier’s internet speeds depend on the connections in an area.
While Frontier does offer high-speed internet and fiber service in some locations, it doesn’t have fiber connectivity everywhere. Relies on DSL instead. The speeds provided by Frontier can range anywhere from 3 Mbps to 115 Mbps. On the other hand, Spectrum offers plans with internet speeds ranging from 300 Mbps up to 500 Mbps and even 1 Gbps, surpassing what Frontier provides with its DSL offerings.
Is Frontier or Spectrum Right for You or Your Business?
When it comes to deciding between Frontier and Spectrum, considering what services are available in your area can be helpful. It’s worth noting that Spectrum charges a fee for Wi-Fi, which can increase the cost.
They offer a 1 Gbps plan that utilizes a combination of fiber and coaxial connections. On the other hand, Frontier provides residential fiber service in some areas. Both Spectrum and Frontier offer fiber connections for businesses, which are more commonly used by businesses than homes.
For Use At Home
Frontier: If you have access to fiber service in your area, choosing Frontier could be an option. However, if DSL is the choice in your area, it may not be the best option, as Frontiers DSL tends to be slower compared to Spectrums.
Spectrum: While Spectrum offers speeds, they do not provide fiber service for homes. Their prices are generally lower than those of Frontier. Keep in mind that you will need to pay for a Wi-Fi router each month.
For Work
Frontier: Frontier offers a range of business solutions for both small and large chains. Their fiber network has expanded to cover 25 states. They assist with network management and cloud storage services. If you have a business, you can select from three fiber connection options: 500 Mbps, 1 Gbps, or 2 Gbps. The prices for these plans start at $64.99 per month with auto-pay for the 500 Mbps plan $89.99 per month with auto-pay for the 1 Gbps plan and $129.99 per month for the 2 Gbps plan.
Spectrum: Similarly, Spectrum caters to both large and small businesses by offering various options. The small business plans include speeds of up to 300 Mbps at a base cost of $64.99 per month. If you opt for the Spectrum Business Pro plan at $69.99 per month for 12 months, you can also get Spectrum Business Voice and Mobile services along with the speed package.
For an enhanced experience with internet backup and advanced Wi-Fi features added to the Business Pro plan, you can choose the Spectrum Business Premier plan for $97.97 per month for 12 months.
Additionally, Spectrum provides enterprise solutions such as fiber connections and connectivity options specifically designed for companies employing over 400 individuals. These enterprise plans also include security features and network services as part of their service offerings.
FAQs
Q: Spectrum or Frontier? Who can you trust more?
When it comes to choosing between Spectrum and Frontier, the question of trustworthiness arises. Spectrum’s cable connection is known for its stability and reliability, making it a reliable choice compared to Frontier’s DSL connection. While Frontier does offer speeds with its fiber connection in certain states, the coverage area can vary significantly from state to state.
Q: Spectrum or Frontier? Which is faster?
Frontier’s fastest DSL speed is 115 Mbps, whereas Spectrum offers speeds of, up to 1000 Mbps. Spectrum cable connections can reach a maximum of 1 Gbps. On the other hand, Frontiers fiber connection can achieve speeds of up to 2 Gbps or 5 Gbps, but this service is only available in select states for residential homes.
Q: Which provider is better for gaming? Frontier or Spectrum?
When it comes to gaming, Spectrum’s cable connection outperforms Frontier’s DSL connection. Although Frontier does offer fiber service, its performance is still relatively basic. However, if you opt for the Frontier fiber plan with speeds of 2 Gbps or 5 Gbps their fiber service surpasses that of Spectrum.
Q: Should I switch from Spectrum to Frontier?
It depends on your needs. If you are currently using Frontier DSL with the plan at 115 Mbps, switching to Spectrum with their plan at 300 Mbps could be a worthwhile consideration. However, if you already have access to Frontier Fiber and enjoy its download speeds that surpass what Spectrum offers, there may not be a need for an upgrade. In such a case, switching providers might not make sense.
