It is tricky to decide between the digital services available to you at your location. This can get especially tough if you are facing more than two companies, standing in competition with each other. It all comes down to what your requirements are from your ISP at the end. It depends on your usage, whether you’re an alone surfer/browser or a family, there are various options available at varying prices. Some people think it all right to compromise on the download or upload speed while some have a financial restraint that holds them back from getting a high-end plan.
If you live in an area, where both Charter Spectrum and Verizon Fios are present then here are a few highlights on their plans and packages to help you select whichever suits them best. Whatever and however much your needs are, you will certainly be able to decide on any one of them.
Here is a basic comparison of their services:
- The biggest difference is that Spectrum is a cable connection while Verizon Fios offers fiber and DSL services.
- Verizon Fios is only available in selected areas, nine states to be exact, and in the District of Columbia. Whereas, Spectrum offers a widespread presence with its availability in 44 states across the U.S.
- Both internet service providers offer the same download speeds, ranging from up to 200 Mbps to 940 Mbps.
- With Fios, you can get as low as 85 plus channels and as high as over 425 channels for their TV viewers. Spectrum on the other hand offers a channel range starting from over 125 channels to over 200 with their cable TV plans.
- They both have the same DVR recording capacity that is up to two shows at one time. You can get enhanced services but that will come at additional costs.
- There are no annual contracts with Verizon on their basic service. Spectrum offers a no-contract policy on all of its service plans regardless of their standalone or bundle nature.
- Spectrum prices range from $49.99–$109.99 per month for a 12 months tenure. Verizon’s prices have a range from $39.99–$79.99 per month for fiber internet and $69.99 per month for a DSL connection.
- There is a one-year price guarantee that comes with Spectrum but no such thing is available with Verizon.
- Since one is a fiber connection, there is no comparison of upload speed between the two. Fiber-optic connections are always faster than cable ones.
- There is an equipment fee of $15.00 per month for the router but it is waived off with their Fios Gigabit Connection. If you don’t already own a Wi-Fi router then Spectrum offers one with all its plans for $5 per month.
Let’s look at the internet plans provided by both ISPs.
Spectrum internet plans
| Package | Price per month | Download speed | Upload speed | Connection type |
| Spectrum Internet | $49.99 for 12 month | Up to 100+ Mbps) | Up to 10 Mbps | Cable |
| Spectrum Internet Ultra | $69.99 for 12 month | Up to 400 Mbps | Up to 20 Mbps | Cable |
| Spectrum Internet Gig | $109.99 for 12 month | Up to 940 Mbps | Up to 35 Mbps | Cable |
| Spectrum Internet Assist | $17.99 for qualifying persons | Up to 30 Mbps | Undisclosed | Cable |
Verizon Fios internet plans
| Package | Price per month | Download speed | Upload speed | Connection type |
| Fios Home Internet 200/200 Mbps | $39.99 | Up to 200 Mbps | Up to 200 Mbps | Fiber |
| Fios Home Internet 400/400 Mbps | $59.99 | Up to 400 Mbps | Up to 400 Mbps | Fiber |
| Fios Gigabit Connection | $79.99 | Up to 940 Mbps | Up to 880 Mbps | Fiber |
| Verizon High Speed Internet + Phone | $69.99 | Up to 15 Mbps | Not applicable | DSL |
Spectrum and Verizon both are excellent choices if you’re looking for an ISP that can provide smooth streaming for all your beloved movies, shows, and seasons. However, if you are a serious gamer who also depends on gaming for your living then investing in a fiber connection may prove more fruitful.
Having said that, it doesn’t entail in any way that Spectrum’s cable connection will not support you in all your online gaming adventures. Its Gig plan with 940 Mbps download speed is more than enough for some heavy-duty games. Moreover, if you are a big family using smart devices, you can stay connected without any throttling of speeds or any glitches in the service.
Fiber-optic may not be an option for you if it isn’t yet available in your area. You may only have DSL and cable and out of these two, you should be giving preference to a cable connection as it offers higher speed with less latency. DSL on the other hand offers a download speed that only goes as high as 15 Mbps.
There are no Wi-Fi hotspots available with Fios whereas Spectrum gives its customer free access to thousands of nationwide available Wi-Fi hotspots. You just need to have a Spectrum subscription to use fast-speed reliable internet at any of these locations.
We hope this comparison gave you some insight into both these companies and their offered services and plans. We have tried making your choices clearer to help you get the best possible digital services available. Hope this helps.