Verizon Fios vs Spectrum: What’s The Final Verdict

Whether you have moved to a new Dallas neighborhood or in the cornered homesteads of the U.S., you require a stable internet connection. However, you have multiple options. Out of all those choices, only a few stand out as reliable ones. The two main contenders in the broadband domain are cable and fiber-optic. There has been a constant tug of war between the two. But there can only be a sole victor in the end – that too depending on the type of internet needs you acquire. 

Spectrum and Verizon are the two prime internet providers that principally dominate the telecom scene in the U.S. Having covered a decent amount of city coverage, both the providers aren’t limited to internet only. Maybe you want a quality TV service or maybe you want phone, TV and internet service altogether – Both the providers have their respective standalone and bundle plans. 

Internet speeds: Cable vs. Fiber

Verizon Fios (fiber) and Spectrum (cable) are in very close competition with internet speeds. Both broadband giants have high-speed internet starter plans that ascend up to 940 Mbps.

The only difference being that the starting price tag of Verizon’s internet plans is relatively cheaper than Spectrum’s. Nevertheless, both give great value for the speed range, and the add-ons they offer with each internet-exclusive or bundled plan. 

Spectrum

• Internet speeds starting from 100 Mbps to 940 Mbps 
• Standalone cable internet plan starting from $49.99/mo.
• Cable TV service with 200+ channels
• No data caps
• Free internet modem 
• No hassling contracts 
• Nationwide calling available 

Verizon Fios 

• Fiber broadband speeds range from 100 to 940 Mbps 
• Standalone internet plan starting from $39.99/mo.
• Router rental option available 
• Free installation if ordering online 

Comparing bundles

The best value for the price invested is given through a bundle but both Spectrum and Verizon have aplenty of bundles of different price ranges. The reason why ISPs encourage subscribers to choose bundles is that they can customize wide-ranging services, add-ons such as free equipment and installation and still not lose the actual worth of the given services. 

You can head on to Spectrum TV customer service and find what available bundles they offer where you can fuse in cable TV, internet and phone services in a single plan.   

Spectrum Triple Play Select 

• Bundle price starts from $99.97/mo.
• Bundle includes internet, cable TV and home phone services
• Access to 125+ TV channels 
• Unlimited nationwide calling for subscribers 
• Download speeds that range up to 100 Mbps

Verizon Fios Gigabit + Fios TV Test Drive 

• Bundle price starts from $124.99/mo. 
• Bundles includes internet and TV, no phone service 
• No data caps for internet 
• No setup charges for online subscribers 

*Download speeds depend and vary for regions

Installation information 

The standard installation fees for both the providers vary as well. But the installation process of Spectrum, being a cable internet service, only requires plugging a Wi-Fi gateway into the coaxial port for internet. This can be done yourself without needing any external help. But if for any reason, whether safety concerns or there’s a damaged port, you can ask a professional installer by Spectrum to do it. But this won’t come free and is charged. You can view the fee once you select a plan. 

What about Verizon though? The service comes with installation charges if opted for a professional technician. While fiber-optic wires are becoming common and if there’s a gateway existing already for fiber, you can choose to install it yourself. But the go-to option is to configure the connection and its relevant equipment through a professional installer. 

Verdict 

Both the providers market and offer internet, TV and phone packages. The two also vary in internet speeds and of course, connection types, with Spectrum being cable and Verizon Fios being exclusively fiber-optic. Both are two of the biggest residential internet providers in all of the U.S. You just need to have a clear set of requirements from your end and the ISP choosing game becomes a lot easier.