Astound Broadband vs. Windstream
Whether you’re researching Astound Broadband vs. Windstream internet service at your current address, comparing internet options for potential locations, or just researching alternatives, this detailed comparison will help you understand which provider best suits you.
| Astound Broadband |
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| Price: $20.00 - $290.00 / mo. |
| Speed: 10 - 5,000 Mbps |
| Internet Type: Cable, fiber, and DSL |
Rating (Reviews): (109) |
| Windstream |
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| Price: $39.99 - $99.99 / mo. |
| Speed: 10 - 2,000 Mbps |
| Internet Type: DSL, fiber, fixed wireless, and cable |
Rating (Reviews): (87) |
Astound Broadband and Windstream compete directly in approximately 0.43% of their service areas, with Astound Broadband covering 12,865,516 people nationwide and Windstream serving 8,666,574. Astound Broadband primarily delivers internet through a cable connection; Windstream specializes in DSL connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Astound Broadband and Windstream's availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.
Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees
Astound Broadband vs. Windstream | Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Gigabit speeds available
- Offers discounted intro pricing
- Wide range of plan options
- No contracts required
Cons:
- Limited service availability
- Limited fiber availability
- Installation fees apply
Pros:
- Fast upload speeds
- Service available in rural areas
- Offers discounted intro pricing
- Wide range of plan options
Cons:
- Limited service availability
- Installation fees apply
- Contracts required for best pricing
Astound Broadband vs. Windstream | Availability
Astound Broadband and Windstream have distinct coverage footprints across the United States. Our interactive map shows exactly where each provider offers service and where they overlap, helping you understand your options.
Both Providers Available | Astound Broadband Available | Windstream Available | No Coverage
Astound Broadband currently offers internet service in 1,036 cities and 138 counties across 13 states, reaching approximately 12,865,516 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Chicago, IL; New York, NY; and Boston, MA. By comparison, Windstream serves 8,666,574 residents in 5,504 cities and 713 counties in 19 states, with a presence in population centers such as Charlotte, NC; Atlanta, GA; and Lexington, KY.
Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about Astound Broadband and Windstream at your location, use our address search tool:
Astound Broadband vs. Windstream | Speeds & Technology
Astound Broadband and Windstream utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.
Across their service areas, Astound Broadband primarily delivers internet through cable, available to 87.5% of their customers. They also offer fiber to 18.5% of their coverage area. Windstream relies on DSL technology, which comprises 96.4% of their network, with fiber available in 50.4% of their service locations.
In terms of potential speeds across the country, Astound Broadband offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,563 Mbps compared to Windstream's average speed of 807 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Astound Broadband delivers faster speeds in 95.27% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 0.00%, and slower speeds in 4.73%.
The availability of each provider's fastest technology varies significantly by location. Astound Broadband's premium Fiber service reaches 18.5% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Windstream's top-tier Fiber is available to 50.4% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.
Astound Broadband vs. Windstream | Plans & Pricing
Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Astound Broadband and Windstream, sourced directly from FCC-mandated machine-readable broadband labels to ensure transparency and accuracy. We've included both promotional and standard rates for each provider to give you a complete picture of what you'll pay over time. Plan availability and exact pricing may vary by location.
Astound Broadband Internet Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet 300 | $20.00 ($35.99 after 12 months) | 300 Mbps | 20 Mbps | Cable |
| Internet 600 | $25.00 ($45.99 after 12 months) | 600 Mbps | 20 Mbps | Cable |
| Internet 1 Gig | $40.00 ($55.99 after 12 months) | 1000 Mbps | 20 Mbps | Cable |
| Internet 1.5 Gig | $50.00 ($85.99 after 12 months) | 1500 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Internet 5 Gig | $280.00 ($290.00 after 12 months) | 5000 Mbps | 5000 Mbps | Fiber |
Note: These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas.
Windstream Internet Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinetic Internet 300 | $39.99 ($39.99 after 12 months) | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | Fiber |
| Kinetic Internet Basic | $39.99 ($39.99 after 12 months) | 50 Mbps | 10 Mbps | DSL |
| Kinetic Internet 100 | $50.00 ($50.00 after 12 months) | 100 Mbps | 20 Mbps | DSL |
| Kinetic Internet 1 Gig | $69.99 ($69.99 after 24 months) | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Kinetic Internet 2 Gig | $99.99 ($99.99 after 24 months) | 2000 Mbps | 2000 Mbps | Fiber |
Note: These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas.
Most households with 3-5 users need download speeds of at least 100 Mbps for smooth streaming, video conferencing, and everyday internet usage. Larger households or those with heavy users (gamers, 4K streamers, or remote workers) should consider plans with speeds of 300 Mbps or more for optimal performance.
Any prices listed are the base service rates and may not include additional charges such as equipment fees, installation costs, or other service-related expenses. For a comprehensive view of all potential charges, refer to our Fees & Details section below.
Astound Broadband vs. Windstream | Customer Ratings & Reviews
Compare how real customers rate Astound Broadband and Windstream based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.
When comparing customer satisfaction, Astound Broadband earns an overall rating of 3.35 / 5 stars from 109 customer reviews, while Windstream maintains a 3.36 / 5 rating from 87 reviews. Windstream outperforms Astound Broadband by 0.01 points in overall satisfaction. Astound Broadband's best-rated service is their fixed wireless offering at 4.75 / 5 stars, compared to Windstream's highest-rated service, fiber, at 3.86 / 5 stars.
Astound Broadband Ratings & Reviews
Connection
Customer Rating
Fiber
Cable
DSL
Fixed Wireless
Astound Broadband has an overall rating of 3.35 out of 5, with a total of 109 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.
Looking deeper into Astound Broadband's ratings, their cable service (74% of reviews) averages 3.31 / 5 stars, higher than their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.
For detailed reviews, visit our Astound Broadband Internet Reviews page.
Windstream Ratings & Reviews
Connection
Customer Rating
Fiber
Cable
DSL
Fixed Wireless
Windstream has an overall rating of 3.36 out of 5, with a total of 87 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.
Looking deeper into Windstream's ratings, their DSL service (52% of reviews) averages 2.98 / 5 stars, higher than their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.
For detailed reviews, visit our Windstream Internet Reviews page.
Astound Broadband vs. Windstream | Fees & Details
Beyond advertised monthly rates, additional fees and service details significantly impact your total internet costs. The tables below outline equipment charges, installation fees, contract terms, data caps, and other important factors to consider when comparing these providers. Understanding these details helps you avoid unexpected costs and choose the plan that offers the best overall value.
Astound Broadband Service
Fee
Pro install (optional)
$79.95
Activation (new acct)
$9.99
Network access fee
~$10/mo
Equipment rental
$14.49/mo
Windstream Service
Fee
Equipment (gateway) rental
$10.99
Professional installation fee (if applicable)
$35
Activation fee
$60
When comparing internet providers, remember that advertised prices rarely tell the complete story. Equipment fees alone can add $10-15 per month to your bill, while installation charges, early termination fees, and data overage penalties can significantly increase your total cost of service. Consider these additional costs alongside monthly rates when determining which provider offers the better value for your specific needs.
Astound Broadband vs. Windstream | Top Cities
Astound Broadband serves 1,036 cities while Windstream is available in 5,504 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.
Astound Broadband Cities
- Availability: 28.29%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,500 Mbps
- Availability: 8.93%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,500 Mbps
- Availability: 25.54%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,500 Mbps
- Availability: 60.02%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,500 Mbps
- Availability: 17.74%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,504 Mbps
Overlapping Cities
- Astound Broadband Avg. Speed: 1,500 Mbps
- Windstream Avg. Speed: 888 Mbps
- Astound Broadband Avg. Speed: 1,500 Mbps
- Windstream Avg. Speed: 871 Mbps
- Astound Broadband Avg. Speed: 1,500 Mbps
- Windstream Avg. Speed: 976 Mbps
- Astound Broadband Avg. Speed: 1,500 Mbps
- Windstream Avg. Speed: 766 Mbps
- Astound Broadband Avg. Speed: 1,500 Mbps
- Windstream Avg. Speed: 127 Mbps
Windstream Cities
- Availability: 24.82%
- Avg. Download Speed: 689 Mbps
- Availability: 5.25%
- Avg. Download Speed: 992 Mbps
- Availability: 94.71%
- Avg. Download Speed: 570 Mbps
- Availability: 13.15%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,038 Mbps
- Availability: 93.13%
- Avg. Download Speed: 388 Mbps
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