Spectrum Vs Verizon FiOS

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Spectrum Vs Verizon FiOS

Spectrum, the 2nd largest cable provider in the US and Verizon, the 2nd largest telecom company in the US, compete across the northeastern part of the US for internet subscribers. 

Spectrum ranks fourth in the ‘2022 internet service provider rating’ and covers more states with its cable internet, although uploads are significantly lower than downloads.

Verizon ranks second in the ‘2022 internet service provider rating,’ and it offers FiOS fiber optic internet service and offers users exceptionally fast download and upload speeds with an invigorating lack of complicated pricing. 

Spectrum does not require a pact, nor do users have a data cap or need to pay to use the router.

This allows users to enjoy internet speed without cost concerns. On the other hand, Verizon offers similar features in its top-tier plans. 

Spectrum Vs. Verizon FiOS: Accessibility

Spectrum Vs Verizon FiOS

Spectrum Vs Verizon FiOS – Accessibility

Charter Spectrum’s Internet is available across forty-four US States, making it one of the USA’s furthest-reaching internet cable providers. 

Some of the main metro areas where Spectrum is available to include:

  • Birmingham (Alabama),
  • Dallas (Texas),
  • Denver (Colorado),
  • Los Angeles (California),
  • New York City (New York),
  • Philadelphia (Pennsylvania),
  • San Francisco (California)
  • Tampa (Florida).

Verizon FiOS Internet is available across nine US States, making it one of the smallest internet cable providers in the USA in terms of range.

Some of the main metro areas where FiOS is available to include:

  • Albany (New York),
  • Ellicott City (Maryland),
  • Medford (Massachusetts),
  • New York City (New York),
  • Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania),
  • Providence (Rhode Island),
  • Staten Island (New York)
  • Syracuse (New York).  

When it comes to accessibility of services across US states, Charter Spectrum easily dwarfs Verizon. However, Verizon has a greater concentration in areas where it’s available. 

Spectrum Vs Verizon FiOS: Approval Rating

Spectrum Vs Verizon FiOS

Spectrum Vs Verizon FiOS – Approval Rating

Both Spectrum and Verizon FiOS rank above average when it comes to approval ratings.

Spectrum is in the lower half of the twelve largest ISPs in the US, exchanging places throughout each segment with rivals Optimum and Xfinity.

Verizon, on the other hand, ranks second for overall satisfaction. It also ranks second when it comes to price, reliability and speed satisfaction.

According to reports, about 43% of Verizon FiOS clients interviewed said they were ‘very satisfied with their WiFi’s stability. On the other hand, Charter Spectrum saw a slightly lesser satisfaction rating coming in at 41%.

Verizon also ranks better when it comes to speed satisfaction, with about 90% of its clients satisfied with speeds compared to Spectrum’s 87%, which isn’t bad. 

Spectrum Vs Verizon FiOS: Charges

Spectrum Vs Verizon FiOS

Spectrum Vs Verizon FiOS – Charges

Neither Spectrum nor Verizon FiOS enforce data caps or require users to sign long-term contracts.

So you only have to consider equipment and installation charges when comparing extra costs between both internet providers.

Equipment 

Spectrum charges a meager $5 per month for a router, while Verizon FiOS charges $15 per month. This means Charter Spectrum is the clear winner.

You can rent a router from your ISP or buy your own if you’re looking to avoid the monthly leasing charges.

If you check shopping platforms such as Amazon, you can find wireless routers compatible with both Spectrum and Verizon FiOS.  

Installation 

Spectrum also beats Verizon when it comes to installation charges.

While Verizon charges an installation fee of $99, Spectrum charges $49.99. Spectrum also offers self-installation to customers looking to save some cash.

Spectrum doesn’t recommend one installation method over the other because customers who opt for self-installation have numerous online resources and tutorials at their disposal. 

Perks

The final thing you should consider is the perks that each ISP offers.

Spectrum doesn’t offer free goodies, but they will buy you out of an existing contract to a tune of $500 if you want to switch from your current ISP to Spectrum.

On the other hand, Verizon has promos and special offers, although they change from time to time. But they often include credit for one of their products and free devices. 

Spectrum Vs Verizon FiOS: Pricing and Speeds

Both Spectrum and Verizon FiOS offer good internet deals, particularly for their intro packages.

For instance, you’ll get better speeds with the Verizon FiOS Home Internet 200 plan compared to Spectrum Internet Standard (200Mbps) because FiOS has better upload speeds.

Why the difference, you might ask? Verizon FiOS is an optical fiber internet plan compared to Spectrum, a cable internet plan for the most part.

That said, let’s look at the table below to see the differences in pricing and speeds. 

Verizon FiOS Plans and PricingPrice Max Download SpeedMax Upload SpeedType
FiOS 300$40.00/Mo300Mbps300MbpsFiber
FiOS 500$65.00/Mo500Mbps500MbpsFiber
FiOS Gigabit$90.00/Mo1000Mbps1000MbpsFiber
Spectrum Internet Plans and PricingPrice Max Download SpeedMax Upload SpeedType
Spectrum Internet$50.00/Mo200 Mbps10 MbpsCable
Spectrum Internet Ultra$70.00/Mo400 Mbps20 MbpsCable
Spectrum Interent Gig$90.00/Mo940 Mbps35 MbpsCable

Final Thought

To sum it all up, if you’re torn between Spectrum and Verizon FiOS, it’s not hard to see why because both are impressive.

However, Verizon FiOS is the clear winner based on connection dependability and steadiness of both upload and download speeds. 

See Also

Verizon FIOS vs Optimum

Optimum Internet vs Spectrum

How to Setup a Spectrum Router

How to Connect WiFi Extender to Verizon Router

Best Modem Router Combo