Which is better, Verizon or Spectrum?

Spectrum is faster and cheaper to start; Verizon is better rated, and Verizon is available to more people. Where both are offered (about 101.7 million people), Spectrum has the faster top speed for 85% of homes.

FasterSpectrumFaster for 85% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startSpectrumFrom $30 a month for 12 months, then $50, vs $49.99.

Better ratedVerizon3.8 of 5 from 802 reviews, vs 3.3 from 1,926.

Available to more peopleVerizon282.2 million people in 49 states, vs 113.4 million in 42 states.

Verizon
Price: $49.99 - $119.99 / mo.
Speed: 25 - 2,300 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (816)
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Spectrum
Price: $30.00 - $185.00 / mo.
Speed: 100 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (1,949)
View Plans

Verizon vs. Spectrum at a glance

Measure	Verizon	Spectrum
Available to	282.2 million people in 49 states	113.4 million people in 42 states
Main technology	Fixed wireless 93%, fiber 15%	Cable 97%, fiber 19%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	2,300 Mbps	1,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	5,000 Mbps down, 5,000 Mbps up	7,000 Mbps down, 7,000 Mbps up
Starting price	$49.99 a month	$30 a month for 12 months, then $50
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$1,200 (300 Mbps plan)	$960 (100 Mbps plan)
Customer rating	3.8 of 5 (802 reviews)	3.3 of 5 (1,926 reviews)
Rated for speed	4.0 of 5	3.6 of 5
Rated for price	3.5 of 5	2.9 of 5
Where both are offered	About 101.7 million people (90% of Spectrum's area); Spectrum is faster for 85% of them, the same top speed for 9.5%

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 Verizon and Spectrum are available

Verizon and Spectrum 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.

Verizon currently offers internet service in 41,951 cities and 2,829 counties across 49 states, reaching approximately 282,939,228 residents. Their service area includes major markets like New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; and Chicago, IL. By comparison, Spectrum serves 114,314,744 residents in 16,204 cities and 1,314 counties in 42 states, with a presence in population centers such as Los Angeles, CA; Dallas, TX; and New York, NY.

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

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

Verizon vs. Spectrum Speeds and Technology

Verizon and Spectrum 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, Spectrum offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,000 Mbps compared to Verizon’s average speed of 499 Mbps.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Verizon’s premium Fiber service reaches 14.7% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Spectrum’s top-tier Fiber is available to 19.2% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Verizon vs. Spectrum Plans and Prices

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Verizon and Spectrum, 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.

Verizon vs. Spectrum Customer Ratings and Reviews

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

When comparing customer satisfaction, Verizon earns an overall rating of 3.76 / 5 stars from 816 customer reviews, while Spectrum maintains a 3.27 / 5 rating from 1949 reviews. Verizon outperforms Spectrum by 0.5 points in overall satisfaction. Verizon’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.87 / 5 stars, compared to Spectrum’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 3.45 / 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.

Verizon vs. Spectrum Pros and Cons

Verizon

From 455 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Fast speeds: praised in 205 of 455 written reviews (61 call it slow). "overall speeds are fast"
• Reliable connection: praised in 189 of 455 written reviews (58 report outages). "My provider gives me reliable service"
• Good value: praised in 137 of 455 written reviews (95 call it overpriced). "the robust performance and stability make it well worth the investment"

Cons

• Bills that go up: a complaint in 30 of 455 written reviews. "It goes up every year"

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.

Verizon vs. Spectrum Top Cities

Verizon serves 41,951 cities while Spectrum is available in 16,204 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.