Which is better, Spectrum or Frontier?

Frontier is faster where you can get it, but Spectrum reaches 3.7 times as many people, so at most addresses Spectrum is the one on offer (and it is cheaper to start). Where both are offered (about 17.6 million people), Frontier has the faster top speed for 87% of homes.

FasterFrontierTop speed 7,000 Mbps vs 1,000 Mbps; faster for 87% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startSpectrumFrom $30 a month for 12 months, then $50, vs $44.99.

Better ratedToo close to callRated about the same by their customers.

Available to more peopleSpectrum113.4 million people in 42 states, vs 30.4 million in 26 states.

Spectrum
Price: $30.00 - $185.00 / mo.
Speed: 100 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (1857)
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Frontier
Price: $44.99 - $124.99 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 7,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber and DSL
Rating (Reviews): (165)
View Plans

Spectrum vs. Frontier at a glance

Measure	Spectrum	Frontier
Available to	113.4 million people in 42 states	30.4 million people in 26 states
Main technology	Cable 97%, fiber 19%	Fiber 77%, DSL 46%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	1,000 Mbps	7,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	7,000 Mbps down, 7,000 Mbps up	7,000 Mbps down, 7,000 Mbps up
Starting price	$30 a month for 12 months, then $50	$44.99 a month
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$960 (100 Mbps plan)	$1,080 (500 Mbps plan)
Customer rating	3.3 of 5 (1,926 reviews)	3.4 of 5 (172 reviews)
Rated for speed	3.6 of 5	3.6 of 5
Rated for price	2.9 of 5	3.3 of 5
Where both are offered	About 17.6 million people (58% of Frontier's area); Frontier is faster for 87% of them, the same top speed for 0.4%

Coverage and top speeds: FCC filings; plans and prices: our pricing table; ratings: verified customer reviews on ISP Reports. Check your address for what is offered at your home.

Where Spectrum and Frontier are available

Spectrum and Frontier 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.

Spectrum currently offers internet service in 16,204 cities and 1,314 counties across 42 states, reaching approximately 114,314,744 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Los Angeles, CA; Dallas, TX; and New York, NY. By comparison, Frontier serves 31,112,669 residents in 9,909 cities and 843 counties in 26 states, with a presence in population centers such as Los Angeles, CA; Riverside, CA; and Tampa, FL.

Each provider’s own page has its full coverage map, county by county: Spectrum coverage map and Frontier coverage map.

Availability changes from one street to the next. Check your address to see whether Spectrum, Frontier or both are offered at your home.

Spectrum vs. Frontier Speeds and Technology

Spectrum and Frontier utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Frontier offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 5,021 Mbps compared to Spectrum’s average speed of 1,000 Mbps.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Spectrum’s premium Fiber service reaches 19.2% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Frontier’s top-tier Fiber is available to 75.8% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Spectrum vs. Frontier Plans and Prices

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Spectrum and Frontier, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table.

Provider representatives can send plan or pricing updates through our contact page; verified changes publish shortly after review.

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.

Spectrum vs. Frontier Customer Ratings and Reviews

Compare how real customers rate Spectrum and Frontier based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

When comparing customer satisfaction, Spectrum earns an overall rating of 3.27 / 5 stars from 1938 customer reviews, while Frontier maintains a 3.34 / 5 rating from 174 reviews. Frontier outperforms Spectrum by 0.1 points in overall satisfaction. Spectrum’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.45 / 5 stars, compared to Frontier’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 3.68 / 5 stars.

Fees vary by plan and location. The fees shown apply to most plans; check with the provider for costs specific to your plan.

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.

Spectrum vs. Frontier Pros and Cons

Spectrum

From 1,190 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Fast speeds: praised in 354 of 1,190 written reviews (225 call it slow). "the connections are fast"
• Easy installation: praised in 62 of 1,190 written reviews (38 had install trouble). "the initial setup was easy"

Cons

• Expensive for what you get: a complaint in 316 of 1,190 written reviews (251 call it good value). "not satisfied paying so much for intermittent service"
• Bills that go up: a complaint in 296 of 1,190 written reviews; its starting price rises from $30 to $50 after 12 months. "When the price went up I called and asked if we qualify for any discounts"
• Equipment problems: a complaint in 71 of 1,190 written reviews (28 praise the equipment). "they sent the router multiple times, but it never showed up"
• Slow uploads: 35 Mbps up on its 1,000 Mbps plan.

Frontier

From 113 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Reliable connection: praised in 38 of 113 written reviews (24 report outages). "Very reliable internet which is great"
• Fast speeds: praised in 35 of 113 written reviews (27 call it slow). "fast internet is in every corner of the house"
• Good value: praised in 21 of 113 written reviews (17 call it overpriced). "It is also very affordable"

Cons

• Poor customer service: a complaint in 30 of 113 written reviews (20 praise the service). "Customer service not the best"
• Bills that go up: a complaint in 19 of 113 written reviews. "then it goes up to 80 for the second year and 100 after that"
• Equipment problems: a complaint in 6 of 113 written reviews (3 praise the equipment). "the Wi-Fi is quite weak, and sometimes isn't detected by our devices"

Spectrum vs. Frontier Top Cities

Spectrum serves 16,204 cities while Frontier is available in 9,909 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.