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Windstream vs. Ziply

Whether you’re researching Windstream vs. Ziply 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.

Windstream
Price: $19.99 - $79.99 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 2,000 Mbps
Internet Type: DSL, fiber, fixed wireless, and cable
Rating (Reviews): (92)

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Ziply
Price: $35.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 10,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber, fixed wireless, and DSL
Rating (Reviews): (65)

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Windstream and Ziply compete directly in approximately 0.00% of their service areas, with Windstream covering 8,678,961 people nationwide and Ziply serving 3,854,165. Windstream primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; Ziply specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Windstream and Ziply’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees

Windstream vs. Ziply | Pros & Cons

Windstream Logo

Pros:

  • Gigabit speeds available
  • 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

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Ziply Logo

Pros:

  • Multi-gig speeds available
  • Offers discounted intro pricing
  • Wide range of plan options
  • Customers praise connection speeds

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Installation fees apply
  • Contracts required for best pricing

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Windstream vs. Ziply | Availability

Windstream and Ziply 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 | Windstream Available | Ziply Available | No Coverage

Windstream currently offers internet service in 5,467 cities and 710 counties across 19 states, reaching approximately 8,678,961 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Charlotte, NC; Atlanta, GA; and Lexington, KY. By comparison, Ziply serves 3,854,165 residents in 712 cities and 74 counties in 5 states, with a presence in population centers such as Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; and Spokane, WA.

Windstream has particularly strong coverage nationwide, where they serve 0 cities and 0 zip codes. Their Rural Coverage Ratio of 51 indicates they offers a balanced distribution of coverage across urban and rural areas..

Ziply is prominent in the Pacific Northwest with service to 712 cities and 500 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 17, Ziply focuses heavily on urban areas, with limited service available in rural communities.

Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about Windstream and Ziply at your location, use our address search tool:

Windstream vs. Ziply | Speeds & Technology

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

Across their service areas, Windstream primarily delivers internet through DSL, available to 0.0% of their customers. They also offer fiber to less than 1% of their coverage area. Ziply relies on fiber technology, which comprises 0.0% of their network, with DSL available in less than 1% of their service locations.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Ziply offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 4,361 Mbps compared to Windstream’s average speed of 1,069 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Ziply delivers faster speeds in 0.00% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 0.00%, and slower speeds in 0.00%.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Windstream’s premium Fiber service reaches 53.8% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Ziply’s top-tier Fiber is available to 78.1% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Windstream vs. Ziply | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Windstream and Ziply, 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.

Windstream Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Fiber 100 Mbps$19.99100 MbpsNot listedFiber
Fiber 300 Mbps$34.99300 MbpsNot listedFiber
Fiber 1 Gig$39.991000 MbpsNot listedFiber
Fiber 2 Gig$59.992000 MbpsNot listedFiber
Fiber Max 2 Gig$79.992000 MbpsNot listedFiber

Sourced from pricing published on Windstream's official website, last verified June 2026. These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.

Windstream Plans

Ziply Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Fiber 100/100$35.00100 Mbps100 MbpsFiber

Sourced from pricing published on Ziply's official website, last verified June 2026. These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.

Ziply Plans

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.

Windstream vs. Ziply | Customer Ratings & Reviews

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

When comparing customer satisfaction, Windstream earns an overall rating of 3.36 / 5 stars from 97 customer reviews, while Ziply maintains a 3.87 / 5 rating from 70 reviews. Ziply outperforms Windstream by 0.5 points in overall satisfaction. Windstream’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.90 / 5 stars, compared to Ziply’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 4.08 / 5 stars.

Windstream Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.90 of 5 stars

(39)

Cable

Cable: 3.00 of 5 stars

(2)

DSL

DSL: 3.00 of 5 stars

(52)

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 3.00 of 5 stars

(4)

Windstream has an overall rating of 3.36 out of 5, with a total of 97 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 (54% of reviews) averages 3.00 / 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.

Ziply Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 4.08 of 5 stars

(59)

DSL

DSL: 2.70 of 5 stars

(10)

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 3.00 of 5 stars

(1)

Ziply has an overall rating of 3.87 out of 5, with a total of 70 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them slightly higher than other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Ziply’s ratings, their Fiber service (84% of reviews) averages 4.08 / 5 stars, lower 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 Ziply Internet Reviews page.

Windstream vs. Ziply | 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.

Windstream Service

Fee

Not Provided by Windstream

Ziply Service

Fee

Not Provided by Ziply

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.

Windstream vs. Ziply | Top Cities

Windstream serves 5,467 cities while Ziply is available in 712 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

Windstream Cities

Charlotte, NC
  • Availability: 24.94%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 990 Mbps
Atlanta, GA
  • Availability: 5.26%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,234 Mbps
Lexington, KY
  • Availability: 94.07%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 630 Mbps
Cleveland, OH
  • Availability: 13.12%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,521 Mbps
Lincoln, NE
  • Availability: 92.63%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 441 Mbps

Overlapping Cities

Ziply Cities

Seattle, WA
  • Availability: 26.51%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 5,702 Mbps
Portland, OR
  • Availability: 29.35%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 5,831 Mbps
Spokane, WA
  • Availability: 92.32%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 125 Mbps
Everett, WA
  • Availability: 96.79%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 5,849 Mbps
Beaverton, OR
  • Availability: 90.08%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 5,871 Mbps