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Choosing the right internet provider isn’t just about finding the lowest price—it’s about getting the speed, coverage, and reliability your household needs. Spectrum’s cable network delivers wide-reaching availability and consistent performance in cities and suburbs across the country. Kinetic by Windstream, on the other hand, offers both DSL and ultra-fast fiber plans in select areas, often at prices that beat the competition. In this guide, we’ll compare their speeds, pricing, coverage, and features so you can quickly see which provider is the better fit for you.
- Symmetrical fiber speeds
- No data caps
- Good rural availability
- Unlimited data
- Contract buyouts
- Nationwide WiFi hotspots
Internet Plans
Our Picks | | |
|---|---|---|
Starting Price | $19.99/mo. – $39.99/mo. | $30/mo. |
Max Download Speed | 100 Mbps – 2000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps |
Data Caps | No | No |
Equipment Fee | Up to $10.99/mo. | Up to $10/mo. |
| Check Availability | Check Availability |
Pricing, speeds, offers, and availability vary by service address and are subject to change at any time. Additional fees, taxes, and terms may apply. As of 8/19/25.
Spectrum Internet Plans
Spectrum internet plans range from 100 to 1 Gbps, and it is a cable-only provider that serves 41 states compared to Kinetic’s 18. Spectrum plans also tout low equipment rental fees along with unlimited data and no contractual requirements.
Kinetic by Windstream Internet Plans
Kinetic internet offers DSL and fiber plans for a range of needs, with fiber speeds up to 2 Gbps. Starting at under $20/month in some areas, Kinetic by Windstream offers symmetrical fiber speeds, unlimited data, and no contracts—appealing to both heavy users and casual browsers.
Internet Features
Spectrum and Windstream are notably different in service areas and types of internet connections. With both networks spread across the US with some overlap, it’s helpful to know what’s available to you. Use our zip search above, then compare each provider’s features below.
Network Coverage
With a heavy presence in the Eastern and Central US, Kinetic by Windstream delivers coverage to both urban and rural areas in 18 states.
Network Coverage
Spectrum is one of the largest cable internet and TV providers in the US, offering coverage to more than a third of the population and available in 41 states.
Fast Internet Speeds
A large portion of potential users can receive Kinetic by Windstream’s fiber internet. Kinetic fiber offers faster speeds (up to 1000 Mbps) than DSL.
Fast Internet Speeds
Spectrum offers gigabit-capable cable internet to almost all Spectrum coverage areas. However, cable internet has limited upload speed, maxing out at 35 Mbps.
Online Security
Ensure your online safety with Kinetic Secure. Guard your home internet with identity theft protection, content filtering, virus defense, and more.
Online Security
Spectrum’s Security Suite provides protection against malicious attacks, like worms, spyware, Trojans, and more. Up to 10 devices can use The Security Suite.
Contracts
There are no contractual requirements for any Windstream plans, but they do incentivize purchasing through discounts and deals.
Contracts
There are no contracts for Spectrum plans. They also provide a $500 buyout from a competitor’s contract, but you’ll have to opt for an internet and TV bundle to qualify.
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Network Coverage
With a heavy presence in the Eastern and Central US, Kinetic by Windstream delivers coverage to both urban and rural areas in 18 states.
Fast Internet Speeds
A large portion of potential users can receive Kinetic by Windstream’s fiber internet. Kinetic fiber offers faster speeds (up to 1000 Mbps) than DSL.
Online Security
Ensure your online safety with Kinetic Secure. Guard your home internet with identity theft protection, content filtering, virus defense, and more.
Contracts
There are no contractual requirements for any Windstream plans, but they do incentivize purchasing through discounts and deals.
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Network Coverage
Spectrum is one of the largest cable internet and TV providers in the US, offering coverage to more than a third of the population and available in 41 states.
Fast Internet Speeds
Spectrum offers gigabit-capable cable internet to almost all Spectrum coverage areas. However, cable internet has limited upload speed, maxing out at 35 Mbps.
Online Security
Spectrum’s Security Suite provides protection against malicious attacks, like worms, spyware, Trojans, and more. Up to 10 devices can use The Security Suite.
Contracts
There are no contracts for Spectrum plans. They also provide a $500 buyout from a competitor’s contract, but you’ll have to opt for an internet and TV bundle to qualify.
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Internet Fees
Outside of the initial plan cost, you should consider many other variables when comparing providers. Factors like installation and rental fees, contractual expenses, and data overage charges are all important.
Installation Fees
Depending on the plan, Kinetic may offer free self-installation as well as professional installation. However, you may have to pay a $50 activation fee during installation. Phone jack installation costs $65.
Installation Fees
Spectrum offers professional installation for $65 or a self-installation activation for $30.
Equipment Rentals
Windstream charges $10.99/month for equipment rental.
Equipment Rentals
Spectrum does not charge for a modem, but its advanced WiFi router costs $10/month.
Price Increases
Windstream’s prices typically apply for a 12–24 month promotional period, after which rates increase.
Price Increases
Like Kinetic by Windstream, Spectrum offers special introductory or promotional pricing. Your monthly bill will likely increase after the first year ends.
Data Overages
As Windstream has no data limits on its plans, there is no risk of data overage charges.
Data Overages
With no data limits on Spectrum plans, you will not be charged for data overages.
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Installation Fees
Depending on the plan, Kinetic may offer free self-installation as well as professional installation. However, you may have to pay a $50 activation fee during installation. Phone jack installation costs $65.
Equipment Rentals
Windstream charges $10.99/month for equipment rental.
Price Increases
Windstream’s prices typically apply for a 12–24 month promotional period, after which rates increase.
Data Overages
As Windstream has no data limits on its plans, there is no risk of data overage charges.
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Installation Fees
Spectrum offers professional installation for $65 or a self-installation activation for $30.
Equipment Rentals
Spectrum does not charge for a modem, but its advanced WiFi router costs $10/month.
Price Increases
Like Kinetic by Windstream, Spectrum offers special introductory or promotional pricing. Your monthly bill will likely increase after the first year ends.
Data Overages
With no data limits on Spectrum plans, you will not be charged for data overages.
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Picking a Provider
Both providers offer solid plans with unlimited data and no contracts, but Spectrum cable internet is a better option than Kinetic’s DSL internet. However, Kinetic by Windstream’s fiber internet is likely to be faster and cheaper than Spectrum’s cable interent options.
Kinetic: Best Pricing & Data Plans
For budget shoppers, Windstream internet plans start as low as $19.99/mo., firmly beating out any of Spectrum’s options. If you’re a heavy user, Kinetic fiber internet delivers up to gigabit speeds at a reasonable price, along with symmetrical upload and download speeds.
Spectrum: Best for Convenience
For convenience, Spectrum packages are the best choice, featuring fast download speeds. Stay connected on the go with Spectrum’s nationwide WiFi hotspots. Especially for users in rural areas, Spectrum’s cable internet handily beats Windstream’s DSL options.
Kinetic vs. Spectrum: Which Internet Provider Should You Choose?
| Best If You Want… | Choose Kinetic by Windstream | Choose Spectrum |
| Lowest starting price | ✅ As low as $19.99/mo. | ❌ Higher starting price |
| Fastest uploads | ✅ Symmetrical fiber speeds up to 2 Gbps | ❌ Max 35 Mbps uploads |
| Widest coverage | ❌ 18 states | ✅ 41 states |
| More rural availability | ✅ Strong rural presence | ❌ Primarily urban/suburban |
| Best If You Want⦠| Lowest starting price |
| Choose Kinetic by Windstream | â As low as $19.99/mo. |
| Choose Spectrum | â Higher starting price |
| Best If You Want⦠| Fastest uploads |
| Choose Kinetic by Windstream | â Symmetrical fiber speeds up to 2 Gbps |
| Choose Spectrum | â Max 35 Mbps uploads |
| Best If You Want⦠| Widest coverage |
| Choose Kinetic by Windstream | â 18 states |
| Choose Spectrum | â 41 states |
| Best If You Want⦠| More rural availability |
| Choose Kinetic by Windstream | â Strong rural presence |
| Choose Spectrum | â Primarily urban/suburban |
Kinetic by Windstream vs. Spectrum – Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, Kinetic by Windstream or Spectrum internet?
Kinetic’s fiber internet plans can reach up to 2 Gbps with symmetrical upload and download speeds, making them faster for uploads than Spectrum’s cable plans, which offer up to 1 Gbps download and 35 Mbps upload. However, Spectrum internet speeds are more widely available.
Which has better coverage, Kinetic by Windstream or Spectrum?
Spectrum covers 41 states and reaches over a third of the U.S. population, making it the better choice for overall availability. Kinetic serves 18 states, with stronger coverage in rural areas of the Eastern and Central U.S.
Do Kinetic by Windstream or Spectrum internet plans have data caps?
No. Both Kinetic by Windstream and Spectrum offer unlimited data on all plans, so there are no data caps or overage fees.
Which is cheaper, Kinetic by Windstream or Spectrum internet?
Kinetic offers the lowest starting price, with plans as low as $19.99/month in some areas. Spectrum’s plans start at $49.99/month but often include perks like nationwide WiFi hotspots.
Do Kinetic by Windstream or Spectrum require contracts?
No. Neither provider requires a contract. Spectrum also offers up to $500 to buy out an existing contract if you switch and sign up for an internet + TV bundle.
Which is better for rural areas, Kinetic by Windstream or Spectrum internet?
Kinetic is often better for rural internet customers because of its DSL and expanding fiber coverage in less-populated areas. Spectrum is more common in urban and suburban markets.
What extra features do Kinetic by Windstream and Spectrum internet plans include?
Kinetic offers Kinetic Secure for online safety, including identity theft protection, content filtering, and virus defense. Spectrum provides a Security Suite for up to 10 devices and access to nationwide WiFi hotspots.
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