A reliable internet connection is vital, whether for streaming high-definition videos, engaging in competitive online gaming, or managing a smart home. But how can you choose the best internet service provider (ISP) for your needs?
The selection can be confusing, especially when the choice is between renowned ISPs, such as Kinetic Internet and Spectrum.
Both providers offer numerous competitive plans and benefits to their customers. With so many options available, it is crucial to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each to pick the best fit for your needs.
It brings us to the debate between Kinetic by Windstream and Spectrum Internet. In this blog, we will compare the services these companies provide and their pricing structures to help you make an informed decision.
Kinetic by Windstream
Kinetic Internet is one of the fastest-growing in the USA. As a part of Windstream Holdings, Kinetic has been a long-trusted community internet provider and offers broadband services across the country.
Kinetic offers internet service in two ways – fiber-optic cables and with DSL. They have invested a lot of money (almost $2 billion) to make their fiber internet fast and reliable. The speeds are superfast and range from 100 Mbps to an incredible 8 Gbps! Even better, their prices are affordable, starting at only $39.99/month.
Pros
- No annual contracts
- No throttling and data caps
- Static price for up to 3 years
- Free gateway rental for 12 months
- Free $100 customer reward card
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Pricing and internet speeds may vary by location
- Monthly equipment rental fee
- One-time professional installation and activation charges
Spectrum
Spectrum is one of the country’s leading internet service providers, with over 32 million customers. Spectrum is a brand of Charter Communications and was launched in 2014. The company currently serves 41 states of the country.
Spectrum provides cable and fiber-coaxial internet services. The company offers internet plans that start from 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps. When comparing the prices of Spectrum and Kinetic Internet, the prices of Spectrum are a little higher. The prices start from $49.99/month.
Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of Spectrum Internet plans.
Pros
- Free internet modem
- No data caps and contracts
- Self-installation option
- Countrywide network of Wi-Fi hotspots
Cons
- Price increases after the promo period
- Limited fiber availability
Internet Service Comparison – Kinetic vs Spectrum
It is essential to compare the features of Windstream and Spectrum Internet to ensure a seamless internet experience.
Before we go into the price and plans of Spectrum and Kinetic Internet, let’s start with an overview to grasp the differences between the two telecom providers.
| Feature | Windstream | Spectrum |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Type | DSL and Fiber | Cable and Fiber |
| Speed | Up to 8 Gbps* | Up to 1 Gbps** |
| Data Caps | Unlimited Data | Unlimited Data |
| Availability | 18 states (Midwest and East Coast) | 41 states (East Coast to West Coast) |
| Price Range | $39.99/mo. – $99.99/mo.*** ( 8 Gig price varies by area) | $49.99/mo. – $79.99/mo.***(with Auto Pay) |
| Promo Pricing | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Reviews (ACSI) | 70/100 | 64/100 |
| Bundles | Can bundle internet with cable TV and phone | Can bundle internet with cable TV and phone |
**In some areas, Spectrum has rolled out symmetrical internet speeds of up to 1 Gig on its fiber-rich network.
***Promotional prices are with AutoPay and are subject to change after 12 or 36 months of service, depending on the choice of your provider and plan.
Plans & Pricing Details – Kinetic Internet vs Spectrum
Kinetic
The company provides its DSL plans with speeds of up to 100 Mbps for basic internet connectivity.
However, gamers and high-end users can get speeds up to 8 Gbps through their fiber connection. The price starts at around $39.99 per month for basic DSL plans and increases with higher speeds offered on a fiber-rich network.
| Kinetic Internet Plans | |||
| Plans | Starting Price | Max Speed | Type |
| 100 Mbps | $50.00/mo. | 100 Mbps | DSL |
| 300 Mbps | $39.99/mo. | 300 Mbps | Fiber |
| 1 Gig | $39.99/mo. (for 3 months) | 1,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| 2 Gig | $99.99/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| 8 Gig | $299.99/mo.* | 8,000 Mbps | Fiber |
All prices quoted in the table above are with an AutoPay discount.
For a limited time, Kinetic is offering upgrades to gigabit speeds. Customers can get the Kinetic 1 Gig plan for just $39.99 a month for the first 3 months. After the promotional period, the prices will be readjusted to a regular rate of $69.99 per month (with AutoPay).
Spectrum
Spectrum’s internet service generally starts at a slightly higher price point than Kinetic’s base plans. However, promotional offers and bundled packages with TV services can make Spectrum competitive.
| Spectrum Internet Plans | |||
| Plans | Starting Price | Max Speed | Type |
| Internet | $49.99/mo. | 300 Mbps | Fiber-cable |
| Internet Ultra | $69.99/mo. | 500 Mbps | Fiber-cable |
| Internet Gig | $79.99/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | Fiber-cable |
The price of Spectrum Internet 300 is subject to change after 12 months, and the regular rates for Internet Ultra and Internet Gig apply after 24 months.
Additional Costs – Spectrum vs Windstream
Additional costs can influence a customer’s decision. The pricing structure of Kinetic Internet and Spectrum is quite reasonable compared to other competitors. However, extra costs, like installation and equipment fees, can jack up the monthly bill.
Kinetic charges a one-time professional installation fee of $35. Additionally, you must also pay an activation fee of $50 before using the internet services.
On the other hand, Spectrum provides choices for installation. You can opt for free self-installation or a professional installation service with a one-time fee of $65.
If you want to set it up yourself, you can buy the self-installation kit from the store or order it online. However, even with the self-install option, you must pay $30 as an activation fee.
TV & Internet Bundles – Spectrum vs Windstream
Both Spectrum and Windstream provide TV and Internet bundles. Spectrum offers its cable TV service, which means you will have a variety of plans to choose from. In comparison, Windstream does not have its TV service but allows you to bundle with YouTubeTV and DIRECTV.
Better Option for Gaming – Windstream or Spectrum?
If you are a gamer, choosing the best internet plan is of key importance. Both Windstream and Spectrum offer high-speed internet plans for pro-level online gaming.
However, the fiber internet plans of Kinetic have a clear advantage over Spectrum. Fiber connections provide symmetric upload and download speeds and ultra-low latency (typically 10-12 ms), crucial for lag-free gaming.
Wider Coverage Area – Windstream or Spectrum?
Spectrum has a significant advantage in terms of coverage, being available in 41 states across the US, which makes it a more accessible option for many users.
In contrast, Kinetic Internet has limited coverage in 18 states, and the availability of its hyperfast 8 Gig tier is restricted to a select few markets.
Better Customer Service – Windstream or Spectrum?
Customer satisfaction is a crucial factor when choosing an ISP. According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), Kinetic has a much higher rating (70 out of 100 points) than Spectrum (64 out of 100).
However, you will find mixed reviews on Spectrum and Kinetic Internet on other independent user rating platforms.
Final Verdict – Kinetic Internet or Spectrum?
In summary, the choice between Kinetic and Spectrum will largely depend on individual needs and the specific services available in a user’s area. Kinetic’s fiber internet is a worthy option for users who need high-speed and symmetrical internet speeds.
Spectrum, on the other hand, provides more flexibility in terms of internet and TV bundles. Additionally, its services are more widespread, so you do not have to worry about availability.
