Want to know which ISP is better: Verizon Fios or Spectrum? In fact, Both Verizon and Spectrum are the two most famous internet service providers in the United States, especially in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Seemingly, you may think they are similar but there are some remarkable differences between them. In this article, I have highlighted a comparison between these two popular ISPs and I think reading the whole article you can define which is better.
Verizon Fios vs Spectrum: The Best Comparison in 2023
01: History & Timeline
- Verizon Fios: The past name of Verizon was Bell Atlantic Corporation which was founded in 1984. Then it changed its name to Verizon on 30 June 2000.
And finally, in 2004, the Verizon Fios was launched in Keller, Texas. It offers data transmission over fiber optic cables. In the next year, it launched Fios TV offers over 350 channels in eight states.
- Spectrum: The past name of Spectrum was Time Warner Cable and that was launched on July 22, 1999.
In 2014, it was launched as Charter Spectrum. It offers consumer and commercial cable television, wireless service, internet, and telephone service.
02: Overall Performance
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Verizon Fios Overall Performance
Verizon Fios achieved the J.D. Power award is 2023 that’s given for the highest customer satisfaction. Verizon Fios runs on fiber optic internet. It’s mostly popular for its reliability and fast speeds including upload and download speeds.
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Spectrum Overall Performance
The spectrum runs on cable internet. It offers a massive subscriber area and is mostly popular for its free modems and its fast download speed. It doesn’t impose a data cap like the other internet service providers.
03: Installation
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Verizon Fios Installation
As Verizon Fios uses fiber-optic lines, you must require fiber-optic service at your address to install it. If the fiber-optic lines do not exist at your address, then you obviously require a professional installer who will line the service to your address.
Besides, for additional wiring inside your home or setting up equipment comfortably, it will be better to call a professional installer.
Aside from other equipment, the Verizon Fios needs Optical Network Terminal (ONT) to set up. So, self-installation is possible for people who have fiber-optic lines and Optical Network Terminal in their address.
Otherwise, you must require a professional installer to set it up properly. Keep in mind that Verizon Fios will notify you whether your address is qualified for self-installation when you will place an order for the service.
Or enjoy this video.
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Spectrum Installation
Compared to the Verizon Fios, the self-installation of the Spectrum is very simple as it uses traditional coaxial cable lines. Besides, for people who want to get basic equipment, the Spectrum might be the best option.
But you must have the cable service at your address for the self-installation. Otherwise, you have to run the lines by a professional installer. Besides, it will be better to call a professional installer for you if you’re inexperienced in connecting the equipment yourself.
04: Spectrum, Fios availability in 2023
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Verizon Fios Availability
Verizon Fios is considered the largest fiber-optic internet provider in the USA that has a great coverage area in 9 states of the United States. It’s available to over 15 million homes and businesses and most familiar in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
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Verizon Fios available states are:
- New Jersey
- Delaware
- New York
- District Of Columbia
- Maryland
- Virginia
- Massachusetts
- New JerseyRhode Island
- Pennsylvania
You can check your Verizon Fios availability.
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Where is Spectrum available?
In 2023-2022, Spectrum provides cable internet service available in 44 states and almost 102.7 million people. It’s mostly popular in Texas, California, and New York.
Spectrum available states are:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Georgia
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- California
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Colorado
- Indiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- New York
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
You can check your Spectrum availability by zip code.
05: Latest Plans and pricing in 2023
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Verizon Fios Internet Plans and Pricing
| Plan | Features | Contract |
|---|---|---|
| 200 Mbps |
|
No Contract |
| 400 Mbps |
|
No Contract |
| Gigabit Connection |
|
No Contract |
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Spectrum Internet Plans and Pricing
| Plan | Features | Contract |
|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Internet |
|
No Contract |
| Spectrum Internet Ultra |
|
No Contract |
| Gigabit ConnectionSpectrum Internet Gig |
|
No Contract |
06: Equipment Fees
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Verizon Fios Equipment Fees
| WiFi Router Rental Fee | Installation Fee | Other Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Router fee $15.00/month (No Charge with Fios Gigabit Connection) |
$99.00 (Free online order) |
The phone payment processing fee is $7.00 And the late payment fee $9.00 |
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Spectrum Equipment Fees
| WiFi Router Rental Fee | Installation Fee | Other Fees |
|---|---|---|
| $5.00/month(Waived with Gigabit plan) |
|
|
07: Customer Ratings
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Verizon Fios Customer Rating
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- Reliability: 4.1 out of 5
- Speed: 4.1 out of 5
- Equipment: 4.0 out of 5
- Support: 3.9 out of 5
- Interaction: 3.9 out of 5
- Value: 3.9 out of 5
- Overall Rating: 4.0 out of 5
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-
Spectrum Customer Rating
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- Reliability: 3.6 out of 5
- Speed: 3.6 out of 5
- Equipment: 3.7 out of 5
- Support: 3.3 out of 5
- Interaction: 3.3 out of 5
- Value: 3.2 out of 5
- Overall Rating: 3.4 out of 5
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08: TV Plans
| TV Plans | Features | Visit TV plans |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon Fios TV plans |
|
Verizon Fios TV plans |
| Spectrum TV Plans |
|
Spectrum TV Plans |
09: Pros & Cons
Verizon Fios Pros and Cons
- Fast Fiber speed for both download and upload.
- Overall Inexpensive.
- Good Customer Ratings.
- Reliable Service.
- Availability in only 9 states.
Spectrum Pros and Cons
- Requires no modem rental fee.
- Huge availability.
- Fast download speed.
- User-friendly software.
- Slow upload speed.
- Quite Expensive.
How to compare internet service providers?
Before knowing which ISP is best, you have to know whether your location is available for the service. For instance, Spectrum offers its service in 44 states while Verizon Fios offers its service in only 9 states. So, if your location is available for both these two internet service providers(Verizon Fios & Spectrum) then you may compare which meets your criteria best.
So, which is better: Verizon Fios or Spectrum?
I think, reading the whole article, now you have understood a little bit about which ISP is better. However, considering customer ratings, Plans Pricing, equipment fees, connection type, and download & upload speed, the Verizon Fios is undoubtedly better than the Spectrum.
Though Spectrum has a huge availability it’s quite expensive in some cases and its upload speed is quite less. On the other hand, aside from Verizon Fios’ limited availability, it’s a better choice overall.
Is FIOS or spectrum better in NYC?
In 2023, Spectrum received a consistent ACSI score of 73.1, compared to FIOS’s ACSI score of 64.5.
This means that Spectrum is better in terms of overall customer satisfaction.
Besides, You may read our “The 10 Best Wifi Extender For Spectrum of 2023: Buyers Guide” article.
Why is Spectrum more expensive?
Spectrum is expensive because the company charges a lot for its services. Spectrum also charges a higher rate than other providers for the same service.
Spectrum also offers a limited number of channels, which may be a deterrent for some customers. Also, its commercial uses for it are very valuable.
Overall, Spectrum is more expensive than other providers because it charges a lot for its services and offers fewer channels. Additionally, its commercial uses for its services are valuable, which may be a deterrent for some customers.
FAQs
1. Does Verizon Fios or Spectrum offer more TV channels?
There are a few key things to consider when trying to decide which company offers more TV channels – number of channels, quality of channels, and price.
Verizon Fios offers a base package of 425+ channels, which is a pretty good selection. However, they do have some premium packages that offer even more channels. Spectrum also offers a base package of 125+ channels. But, they too have some premium packages that offer more channels. So, it really just depends on what you’re looking for in terms of selection.
In terms of quality, both companies offer high-definition (HD) channels as well as standard-definition (SD) channels. So, again, it just comes down to personal preference.
2. Do Spectrum or Verizon Fios offer fiber internet plans?
Yes, both Spectrum and Verizon Fios offer fiber internet plans. Spectrum offers a variety of plans with speeds ranging from 60 Mbps to 940 Mbps, while Verizon Fios offers two main plans with speeds of 500 Mbps and 940 Mbps.
Fiber internet is one of the fastest and most reliable types of internet connection available, so you can be sure that you’re getting a good deal with either company.
3. Is Spectrum Internet as fast as Verizon Fios?
Yes, Spectrum Internet is just as fast as Verizon Fios. In fact, it’s one of the few providers that can offer speeds up to 940 Mbps in certain areas. So if you’re looking for a fast and reliable internet connection, Spectrum should be your go-to provider.
The Bottom Line
In fact, Verizon Fios and Spectrum are the two excellent internet service providers in the United States. Spectrum has a huge service in almost 44 states while Verizon Fios has only 9 states coverage. So for Verizon’s huge availability, it’s quite more expensive in some cases than the spectrum.
But if you want to choose between Verizon Fios and Spectrum, you must go with Verizon Fios. Because in the case of reliability, 100% fiber-optic is obviously better than the cable network. Besides, Verizon’s customer satisfaction ratings and affordable price plan in some cases are well enough to put Verizon Fios in the top position.
My Best Recommendation:
Best Routers for Verizon FiOS
- TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi RouterTP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router
- TP-Link WiFi 6 AX3000 Smart WiFi RouterTP-Link WiFi 6 AX3000 Smart WiFi Router
Best Routers for Spectrum
- TP-Link AX6600 WiFi 6 Tri-Band Gigabit Wireless Internet RouterTP-Link AX6600 WiFi 6 Tri-Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router
- NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi RouterNETGEAR Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router
Before leaving I would love to suggest you another related content. You can Check out the “Wireless Access Point” – A Great Comparison With Others” article.