Spectrum vs Frontier [Features Breakdown]

Frontier’s fiber internet plans cost less and deliver faster download speeds than Spectrum. However, if Frontier Fiber isn’t available in your area, Spectrum is better than Frontier’s outdated DSL network. 

Spectrum’s internet plans have high prices outside promotional periods, but it provides faster download speeds than Frontier DSL. Spectrum also earned the Editor’s Choice award for top traditional TV service.

Both companies need more standout customer service. In CableTV.com’s Internet Customer Satisfaction Survey, Frontier ranked 16th overall, with fewer than 70% of customers delighted with its support.

Spectrum ranked 11th, though only half its customers felt the price matched the service.

Overall, Frontier Fiber is a better choice than Spectrum. But if Frontier Fiber isn’t available, Spectrum offers better internet performance.

Are you still deciding between Spectrum and Frontier? Read on for a complete comparison of both providers.

Spectrum vs. Frontier: Plans and Prices for Internet

Spectrum and Frontier offer different internet services but share some fundamental similarities. Here’s a look at what to know about their internet plans.

Frontier Internet Plans

Spectrum Internet Plans

Frontier offers both an older DSL network and a newer fiber internet network. Frontier’s fiber internet plans provide download speeds up to 7,000 Mbps, from $29.99 to $299.99 monthly.

Whenever possible, choose fiber internet for the best performance over cable or DSL. Fiber provides fast upload speeds and low latency.

The Frontier Fiber 500 plan is a top choice, delivering speeds up to 500 Mbps at $44.99 monthly for the first year.

Frontier’s fiber plans generally offer better value than Spectrum’s cable plans, thanks to fiber’s more excellent reliability and equal upload and download speeds.

However, in areas with Spectrum’s lower-priced options, Spectrum might be a better fit.

These price comparisons won’t be relevant if you’re outside Frontier’s fiber area. DSL users typically prefer Spectrum’s cable plans over Frontier’s DSL.

Spectrum provides reliable download speeds with uniform plan options across locations.

For most homes, we suggest Spectrum Internet Premier. It provides 500 Mbps download speeds at $50.00 monthly for 12 months, offering a great price and sufficient bandwidth for family needs.

Frontier vs. Spectrum: Customer Satisfaction

CableTV.com’s annual Internet Customer Satisfaction Survey gathered responses from over 7,000 Internet users across the U.S. to gauge their opinions on various providers.

Like other DSL/fiber providers, Frontier’s results were affected by its outdated DSL network. The provider ranked 16th in overall satisfaction, placing it in a similar category to EarthLink, Xfinity, and Windstream. 

While Frontier customers did not strongly dislike the service, it rarely generated much enthusiasm.

• Overall Satisfaction: 64% of Frontier users said they were pleased with their internet service.

• Value for Price: 60% of Frontier users believed the internet quality matched its cost.

• Customer Service: 67% found dealing with Frontier’s customer support team very easy.

Similarly, Frontier’s fiber internet users expressed minimal complaints about their service.

How do actual Frontier internet customers feel about Frontier?

The fiber internet is quick and dependable. I experienced a service issue once, but a technician came the next day to resolve it. 

The connection dropped again later. Another technician arrived quickly and investigated further to find the cause. The team stayed friendly, skilled, and professional throughout. Highly recommend!

Frontier Internet customer in Texas

Spectrum ranked 11th out of 25 internet providers in our survey. Many customers were unhappy with the provider’s pricing, though it still received fair ratings for customer service.

• Value Perception: Only 52% of Spectrum customers felt their internet service was worth the cost.

• Pricing Satisfaction: 51% thought Spectrum’s prices were reasonable compared to other providers.

• Reliability Satisfaction: 68% of customers were satisfied with Spectrum’s reliability.

• Speed Satisfaction: 73% were highly pleased with the internet speeds.

However, Spectrum ranked 19th in average latency, placing it in the mid-range among cable internet providers.

What do actual Spectrum internet users say about Spectrum?

I enjoy the internet service. I rarely face issues with it. I don’t like the cost.

Spectrum Internet user in South Carolina

How dependable is the internet from Spectrum or Frontier?

Frontier received average scores in our internet speed study, placing 18th for reliability and speed satisfaction.

Yet, its fiber network stood out—latency data from HighSpeedInternet.com showed Frontier’s fiber internet latency at 12.2 milliseconds, ranking it 4th among all providers.

Meanwhile, 73% of Spectrum users reported high satisfaction with their internet speeds. However, Spectrum ranked 19th in average latency, a middle position compared to other cable internet providers.

Frontier vs. Spectrum Customer Service Reviews: What Are People Saying?

Frontier’s DSL network has significantly strained its customer service team, as noted in several surveys.

In the 2024 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), Frontier Fiber scored 76, while its DSL services reached only 59.

Spectrum, meanwhile, held an average position in both ACSI and J.D. Power rankings, trailing behind competitors like Xfinity.

Interestingly, according to J.D. Power, Frontier outperformed Spectrum in areas where it provides fiber internet.

Can You Get Frontier or Spectrum Internet in Your Area?

Frontier provides fiber internet plans in select states, including Florida, California, Texas, and Indiana. Many ISPs need consistent fiber coverage, leaving some Frontier users with only DSL service spanning 23 states.

On the other hand, Spectrum is accessible in 41 states. Unlike Frontier, Spectrum’s cable network provides similar speeds across its coverage areas.

Spectrum vs. Frontier: Specifications and Features

Internet plans involve more than just price and download speed. Here’s another crucial detail about Spectrum and Frontier’s internet options.

Does Frontier or Spectrum offer good internet deals?

Frontier Fiber Internet Deals

Frontier’s top offers often come with Visa gift cards, multiple-year price guarantees, discounted streaming subscriptions, and bundled mesh Wi-Fi equipment.

However, new customer bonuses are limited if Frontier DSL is only available in your area.

See our internet deals guide for more information on the latest discounts.

Spectrum Internet Deals

Spectrum covers up to $500 in early termination fees, sometimes including Visa gift cards for signing up online.

In some locations, Spectrum also offers two-year price guarantees. However, Spectrum’s deals are fewer than those of other fiber or cable internet providers.

Check our Spectrum deals guide for updates on current Spectrum internet offers.

Frontier provides some free equipment.

Frontier Equipment

Frontier offers subscribers a free Wi-Fi router and modem, adding convenience and saving on equipment costs. Including a free router/modem means users don’t have to buy additional devices when setting up a new network. 

People setting up internet in a new home or for the first time may find it helpful. A free router or modem might not deliver top speeds or advanced features, but it meets basic internet needs without extra costs.

Frontier’s approach to providing equipment at no extra cost gives it an advantage, especially for users who prefer an easy setup without additional rentals or purchases. 

Customers can start browsing, streaming, and connecting devices immediately without worrying about compatibility issues or added fees.

Frontier’s strategy here aligns with the preferences of many subscribers who appreciate hassle-free access to necessary equipment.

Spectrum Equipment

Spectrum, unlike Frontier, includes a free modem but requires customers to pay a monthly rental fee for a Wi-Fi router.

New Spectrum internet subscribers can expect to receive a modem at no extra charge, but if they need Wi-Fi, the router costs an additional $5.00 per month. 

This option provides flexibility for users who already own their router and want to avoid the extra fee.

Spectrum’s “bring your router” approach allows customers to use their preferred Wi-Fi device, which can be beneficial if they need specific features, speeds or coverage areas.

For users looking to save on long-term costs, using a personal router can help avoid rental fees over time. This setup also enables customers to customize their network according to their needs and preferences. 

Spectrum’s flexibility here is valuable for users seeking control over their equipment choice, and those who want to check out top-rated Wi-Fi routers can refer to helpful guides for finding the best options.

Spectrum clearly states its fees.

Frontier price increases

We’d prefer more transparency from Frontier on pricing. Frontier’s DSL plans have flat-rate prices without contracts.

However, its fiber plans (except for Fiber 2 Gig) require a one-year contract with early termination fees to get professional installation.

Frontier doesn’t fully disclose costs after the price guarantee period. Customers online report price hikes of about $10, depending on location.

If you’re considering Frontier Fiber, check for any price increases and the exact amount before signing.

Spectrum price increases

Spectrum adds a $25 increase once the 12-month promotional period ends. While we don’t love this practice, Spectrum’s plans come without contracts.

After the promotional rate, Spectrum’s regular prices mean you’ll pay over $50 monthly. For larger households needing higher bandwidth, monthly costs can approach $100 once the promo period ends.