Verizon FiOS vs. Spectrum

Lauren Hannula - Managing Editor

Updated 16 September 2026

In this Guide

Internet Speeds
Cost, Data and Value for Money
Availability
Customer Reviews
Bundle Packages
Winner: Verizon vs Spectrum

Verizon FiOS and Charter Spectrum each deliver ultra-fast internet speeds, and Spectrum now reaches higher top speeds than Verizon while charging less for professional installation. However, Spectrum offers better coverage throughout the Nation and they'll pay up to $500 to get you out of your old broadband contract. Read on to find out how Verizon and Spectrum compare in value, pricing, speeds, coverage and availability, customer reviews, and bundle packages.

Verizon FiOS vs Spectrum

Provider	Speed	Cost	Coverage	Reviews	Bundles
Verizon FiOS	5	4	3	2.5	4	Go
Spectrum	5	3	2	4	2.5	Go

Verizon FiOS vs. Spectrum: Internet Speeds

Winner: Spectrum

Both Verizon and Spectrum offer customers download speeds that can reach high speeds. Spectrum goes up to 7Gbps in select markets, while Verizon reaches 940Mbps. Verizon still holds an advantage on uploads, so the right pick depends on which direction matters more to you.

Verizon's Gigabit Internet plan offers customers upload speeds of 880Mbps, while Spectrum Internet 1 Gig offers users a bandwidth of 35Mbps to upload their data. Even though that's not often mission critical for many users, it is to those who regularly need it.

More, the cable infrastructure is subject to slowing during times of network congestion—like when everyone gets home from work and goes online. Fiber networks operate on their own network, which means that your neighbor's browsing activities won't impact the quality of your internet at all. So even if you're not in need of the gig plans from either Verizon or Spectrum, your speed is going to be a lot more consistent with Verizon.

Data and Value

Winner: Verizon FiOS

Monthly Cost

Spectrum's promotional rates start at $30/month for Spectrum Internet 100, $40/month for Spectrum Internet 500, and $60/month for Spectrum Internet 1 Gig, with Spectrum Internet 2 Gig at $80/month and Spectrum Internet 7 Gig at $140/month in select markets. Those introductory prices run for 12 months, and if you're planning on staying in one location for a long period of time, you'll benefit from Verizon's contracts which lock you into a single price for the length of your contract.

Spectrum, on the other hand, will give you promotional pricing for 12 months. That price will definitely increase after the promotion expires—but they won't make you sign a contract.

Installation and Other Fees

Verizon's standard installation fee is $99, but it's pretty common for them to offer free installation promotions to new customers.

Spectrum charges $50 for professional installation, and Charter waives that fee in certain situations. You can skip the charge entirely with Spectrum's Express Connect Kit, which lets you set up service yourself for $0. Either way, Spectrum adds a $20/month service activation fee on top of your plan price.

Data Allowance

Verizon and Spectrum offer customers unlimited data with all of their plans so you can browse, stream, and download as much as you'd like and neither company will make you pay overage fees.

Deals

Both Verizon and Spectrum regularly offer deals for new customers throughout the year. Verizon will offer you a "price-guarantee" for signing a multi-year contract with them. When you sign up with Spectrum, you're often locked into their promotional pricing for 12 months without having to sign anything. So if you're not sure that you're going to stay in the same place for a long period of time, that's a huge benefit.

If you switch to Spectrum from another company, they'll pay up to $500 in early termination fees to help you get out of your current contract. Finally, both Spectrum and Verizon have been known to offer a free modem rental to new customers.

Availability: Verizon FiOS vs. Spectrum

Winner: Spectrum

Spectrum is the clear coverage and availability winner, no contest. Spectrum offers services across 46 states, to over 25 million customers. Verizon FiOS is only available in 9 states and serves about 5 million customers at this time.

Customer Reviews: Verizon FiOS vs. Spectrum

Winner: Spectrum

Verizon and Spectrum each have room for improvement when it comes to customer service. Both have their fair share of negative reviews, but the common theme between both is that they'll work extremely hard to earn your business, then they'll stop bending over backwards for you after you've been with them a while.

That said, leverage is everything. Since Spectrum doesn't make you sign a contract and Verizon does, it seems less likely that they'll get complacent when you need them to fix an issue.

Bundle Packages: Verizon FiOS vs. Spectrum

Winner: Verizon and Spectrum

Both Verizon and Spectrum offer bundle packages for internet plus home phone and/or TV. Spectrum offers more options between internet speeds and their TV bundles include premium channels. Verizon offers more "standard" channels in their TV bundles, but they'll charge you extra for premium channels.

So if you're looking for more TV channels and a better deal with faster internet—then Verizon wins this round for you. However, if you're looking for a wide selection of TV stations, movie channels, and you're willing to compromise speed for lower prices, then Spectrum is the winner.

Winner: Verizon FiOS vs. Spectrum

Spectrum

Verizon FiOS is a great option for customers who want fast internet at a great price, but not enough people have the opportunity to experience it right now. Due to the wide variety of speeds, price plans, unlimited data, variety of bundle options, lack of contractual requirements, and nationwide availability–Spectrum is the overall winner.

If you want to do some comparing on your own, take a look below to see how Spectrum's plans stack up for you.

Spectrum Internet Plans

Spectrum Mobile®	Spectrum Mobile® Unlimited Unlimited Full speeds up to 30GB Available on 1 Major 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices Unlimited mobile hotspot data Deal: Get FREE Unlimited Mobile service for 1 year with Spectrum Internet® required $30.00/mo + $20 Upfront View Plan	$30.00/mo + $20 Upfront	View Plan
Spectrum Mobile®	Spectrum Mobile® Unlimited Plus Unlimited Full speeds up to 50GB Available on 1 Major 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices Unlimited mobile hotspot data Deal: Get the first mobile service of Unlimited Plus for only $10/mo. for 1 year with Spectrum Internet® required $40.00/mo + $20 Upfront View Plan	$40.00/mo + $20 Upfront	View Plan
Spectrum Mobile®	Spectrum Mobile® Unlimited Plus Premium Unlimited 4G LTE/5G data Available on 1 Major 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices Unlimited mobile hotspot data Deal: Get the first mobile service of Unlimited Plus Premium for only $20/mo. for 1 year with Spectrum Internet® required $50.00/mo + $20 Upfront View Plan	$50.00/mo + $20 Upfront	View Plan

Lauren Hannula

Managing Editor

Lauren is WhistleOut's Managing Editor. With over 14 years of digital writing and publishing experience, she's developed a passion for breaking down overly complex topics to offer easy, affordable solutions that help make the most of the tech you already have in your pocket. Her work has appeared in industry stalwarts such as CNET, Yahoo! News, and Forbes.

Read full bio