There is no shortage of internet providers in the telecommunication market. From local to national providers, you can find multiple connectivity options offering unique plans and special perks. When talking about the best internet providers, two names stand out because of their performance, Metronet and Spectrum. They both ensure quality internet connection and offer other services like TV and home phone. So, Metronet vs Spectrum? Which one suits your home? And how do they differ? You can find all the answers through this guide, as we’ll highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each provider.
Metronet
Metronet is a regional internet provider with headquarters in Indiana. In fact, it is currently the biggest, privately-operated fiber-optic ISP in the country, offering services in 16 states. Owned by John Cinelli, Metronet is working to extend its coverage and has recently announced a merger with Texas-based internet provider Vexus Fiber.
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Metronet is committed to deploying a 100% fiber network and offers other services like streaming TV and home phone as well. And although this provider mainly operates in smaller towns and cities, you can also find it in some large metropolitan areas. Metronet directly connects its fiber network to your home, giving you a reliable connection with more bandwidth than other providers.
Spectrum
Charter Communications markets its telecommunication services through Spectrum. This leading cable internet provider is currently the third-largest ISP in the country, offering services in 41 states and reaching approximately 32 million households. Besides home Internet, Spectrum offers a full range of services, including cable TV, home phone, and Spectrum Mobile™.
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Spectrum is a national provider with an award-winning network delivering high-quality and reliable Internet service across the country. It mainly operates in large and densely populated metropolitan areas and is scarce in rural areas due to a lack of wired infrastructure. Spectrum’s extensive hybrid fiber-coaxial network delivers fiber-like internet speeds, giving you a seamless online experience.
Pros & Cons – Metronet vs Spectrum
Spectrum
Pros
- Extensive coverage
- Free modem with every plan
- Free access to WiFi hotspots
- Unlimited data
- No contracts
Cons
- Unavailable in Remote Areas
Metronet
Pros
- No additional equipment fee for the router
- Unlimited data
- No contracts
Cons
- Restricted coverage
- No multi-gigabit plans
- Erratic customer service
Internet Service Comparison – Metronet vs Spectrum
| Features | Spectrum | Metronet |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Plans | 3 | 3 |
| Price Range | $49.99/mo. – $89.99/mo. | $39.95/mo.– $59.95/mo. |
| Speed Range | 300 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 100 Mbps – 1000 Mbps |
| Internet Type | Cable | Fiber |
| Data Caps | None | None |
| Bundle Deals | Yes | Yes |
| Contracts | None | None |
| Wide Coverage Area | Yes | No |
| Additional Fee | Yes | Yes |
Metronet and Spectrum use different internet types to deliver their broadband service. While Spectrum reaches 41 states with its hybrid fiber-coaxial cable network, Metronet has a 100% fiber network, providing coverage to over 250 communities in 16 states.
While both providers offer three internet plans with unlimited data and impose no contracts, the similarities end there. They have different pricing, speed tiers, coverage, and additional fees. Spectrum is available in large urban areas, whereas you’ll find Metronet in smaller towns and cities. Let’s overview these differences in detail.
Home Internet Plans
Spectrum
Spectrum keeps everything simple with three cable internet plans at different prices. Each internet deal includes unlimited data, a free modem, antivirus software, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Spectrum also does not compel you to sign a contract. Hence, there is also no early termination fee.
However, like many other providers, Spectrum offers internet plans at promotional rates for the first 12 months and increases your package by $30 after a year. However, Spectrum remains a popular ISP among millions of Americans as it provides free nationwide WiFi hotspots, higher speed even with the standard plan, and easy accessibility.
| Plan | Promo Price | Standard Price | Download Speed / Upload Speed | Data Caps | Contact Spectrum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $49.99/mo. for 12 mos* | $74.99/month | 300 Mbps / 10 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| Internet Ultra | $69.99/mo. for 12 mos* | $94.99/month | 500 Mbps / 20 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| Internet Gig | $89.99/mo. for 12 mos* | $115.99/month | 1000 Mbps / 35 Mbps | None | Call Now |
Metronet
In contrast, Metronet offers four internet plans with different speeds and prices. It delivers internet connectivity at relatively fair prices for a fiber internet provider. Its low-tier internet plan starting at $39.95, although $10 less than Spectrum Internet®, has a slower speed. However, Metronet’s mid-tier and gigabit plans cost $20 less than Spectrum’s. Additionally, Metronet has rolled out a multi-gigabit package recently at specific locations.
Unlike Spectrum, Metronet’s promotional periods vary depending on the plans. While its first two internet packages come with a 1-year promotional period, its gigabit and multi-gigabit plans come with 6-month and 2-year introductory periods, respectively. All Metronet internet plans offer unlimited data and do not require a contract.
| Plan | Monthly Promotional Price | Standard Price | Download Speed / Upload Speed | Data Caps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Mb | $39.95/mo. | $49.95/month(after a year) | 100 Mbps / 100 Mbps | None |
| 500 Mb | $49.95/mo. | $59.95/month(after a year)$69.95/month(after 2 years) | 500 Mbps / 500 Mbps | None |
| 1 Gig | $59.95/mo. | $69.95/month (after 6 months)$89.95/month(after 2 years) | 1000 Mbps / 1000 Mbps | None |
| 2 Gig | $109.95/mo. | $119.95/mo. (after 2 years) | 2000 Mbps | None |
Internet Speed
Although both Metronet and Spectrum offer internet speeds up to 1000 Mbps, Spectrum’s starting speed is higher. Their different technologies also impact their upload speeds. While Spectrum’s internet plans deliver asymmetrical uploads and downloads, Metronet provides a seamless online experience with symmetrical speeds. These symmetrical speeds are extremely valuable for streamers as they let you download and upload at the same lightning-fast rate.
However, most of our daily operations rely on download speeds, and Spectrum has plenty of those. With internet plans offering download speeds ranging from 300 Mbps to 1000 Mbps, Spectrum supports your daily internet activities ranging from working from home to professional gaming.
Type of Internet
Spectrum and Metronet deliver broadband services in two different ways. While Spectrum uses hybrid fiber-coaxial cable connections for its internet service, Metronet is an entirely fiber-optic network. Thus, they differ in performance, upload speeds, and availability.
Internet type significantly affects the availability because fiber internet is relatively new and requires an infrastructure from scratch, an expensive and time-consuming process. Meanwhile, cable internet providers are widely available since they use the same cable network as television.
Data Caps
The biggest perk of choosing Spectrum or Metronet is the unlimited data which frees you from paying an overage fee for data caps. Instead, you can use the internet as much as you want without having to monitor your data consumption or face any penalty. You can even perform various online activities like streaming, gaming, or attending Zoom meetings at once.
Bundle Deals
Nearly all providers offer bundle deals to provide some sort of convenience, whether it is saving some money or avoiding dealing with various providers. Spectrum and Metronet also offer bundles, and here is how they differ.
While Spectrum offers double-play and triple-play bundles, Metronet only allows you to combine its internet with home phone service, which costs only $4.95. Unfortunately, its TV service is only reserved for businesses. Let’s take a look at Metronet Bundles.
| Bundle | Monthly Price | Internet Speed | Home Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Mb + Phone | $44.90/month | 100 Mbps | Crystal clear calls with extra features |
| 500 Mb + Phone | $54.90/month | 500 Mbps | Crystal clear calls with extra features |
| 1 Gig + WholeHome WiFi + Phone | $74.90/month | 1000 Mbps | Crystal clear calls with extra features |
On the other hand, Spectrum lets you customize your bundles by combining any Spectrum Internet® plan with TV Select and Voice packages. But, keep in mind that the provider does not offer exclusive discounts with these packages. Nevertheless, Spectrum’s bundles are an excellent choice for entertainment enthusiasts, giving you 125+ HD cable channels and crystal-clear phone calls with more than 28 features under one bill. Plus, Spectrum offers premium add-ons and various add-on tiers.
| Package | Internet Speed | TV Channels | Home Phone | Starting Price | Contact Spectrum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet + TV Select + Voice | 300 Mbps | 125+ | Unlimited calling with 28 features | $129.97/mo. for 12 mos* | Call Now |
| Internet Ultra + TV Select | 500 Mbps | 125+ | – | $129.98/mo. for 12 mos* | Call Now |
Customer Service
Internet service providers rarely get good reviews for their customer service, but it gives us an idea of where they stand. Spectrum managed to maintain the same score of 63 in this year’s report by the American Customer Satisfaction Index. And although it is 2 points below the industry average, it is a significant improvement from 59, a score some years ago. Spectrum also earned 725/1000 in the Southern region of J.D. Power’s study for 2021, which further gives us insight into this provider’s positive progress.
In contrast, these major customer service reviewers do not cover Metronet. Therefore, we rely on the Better Business Bureau to evaluate its customer service. Metronet gained 1.31 out of 5 in its ranking, which is better than Spectrum’s score of 1.07.
Contract
Metronet and Spectrum employ a customer-friendly approach of not imposing an annual term agreement. Thus, freeing you from the harsh early termination fee associated with them.
Spectrum takes this to another level. The company not only offers contract-free internet plans, but it also provides a contract buyout offer to new customers. However, it is only available to customers who opt for Spectrum bundles.
Coverage Area
Limited availability is the main issue for fiber internet providers. Metronet has a far less coverage area than Spectrum. However, it has recently expanded its service area by merging with Vexus Fiber. Metronet currently covers 16 states and is available to over 250 communities. And although its headquarter is in Indiana, you can find this provider in the following states as well.
| Colorado | Florida |
| Illinois | Indiana |
| Iowa | Kentucky |
| Louisiana | North Carolina |
| Michigan | Minnesota |
| Missouri | New Mexico |
| Ohio | Texas |
| Virginia | Wisconsin |
In contrast, you can find Spectrum more easily, unless you live in Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Iowa, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, and Washington, DC.
Spectrum covers 32 million households in 41 states. This wide availability makes it a national internet service provider.
Additional Fee
Metronet and Spectrum both offer their services with some additional costs. Here is a breakdown of their installation and equipment fees.
Equipment Fee
Spectrum does not charge a monthly equipment rental fee for its modem, but its WiFi router costs $5 a month. But you can also skip this fee y purchasing your router. You also have to pay $3 per unit for Spectrum WiFi Pod.
On the other hand, Metronet includes its wireless router on your monthly bill and does not charge an additional monthly fee. But it offers a wireless extender, WholeHome WiFi, for $10 a month if you need to boost your WiFi signals.
| Provider | Equipment Fee |
|---|---|
| Spectrum | Modem – FreeWi-Fi router – $5/monthWi-Fi Pod – $3/unit per month |
| Metronet | Router – FreeWholeHome Wi-Fi (optional) – $10/month |
Installation Fee
Spectrum allows you to opt for either self-installation or professional installation options. However, the provider requires a one-time amount for both since it includes a one-time activation fee of $30.00 with self-installation.
On the other hand, while Metronet offers free installation, it charges a monthly technology service fee of $10. This fee covers all the extra services like technician visits, service calls, and more, but it adds $120 yearly to your internet bill.
| Provider | Equipment Fee |
|---|---|
| Spectrum | Self-installation – $30.00 for service activation | Pro-installation – $65.00 |
| Metronet | Installation – Free – Technology Service Fee – $10.00/month |
Internet for Gamers
Gaming is not just about getting the highest internet speeds but rather an internet connection with low latency. Your high-speed internet can become useless if it has a high latency rate. Usually, fiber-optic is the most coveted internet for gaming because it has the lowest latency, but its availability is the most significant disadvantage. Therefore, gamers opt for cable internet as it is the next best internet for gaming.
The ideal latency for gaming is below 40 ms, and both Metronet and Spectrum have that. Plus, they offer high-speed plans with unlimited data, making it easy to download and upgrade games. However, Spectrum trumps Metronet in terms of availability, as you can easily find it in more locations.
Conclusion
Reliable home internet is an essential requirement to function in our fast-paced life. We have compared two outstanding local and national providers, Metronet vs Spectrum, so you can get a fairer idea about your options. Metronet is an excellent internet option with a 100% fiber network and reliable performance, but we recommend Spectrum due to its wide availability and remarkable performance.
FAQs
