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Updated Jul 19, 2024
Updated Jul 19, 2024
Spectrum Internet is powered by hybrid fiber and cable connections. This provider offers three high-speed plans throughout 42 states with prices ranging from $49.99 to $79.99 per month and download speeds up to 1 Gbps. Spectrum’s plans are ideal for older adults with varying internet needs, from browsing and social media use, to streaming and gaming. That’s why Spectrum earned a spot on our list of the best internet plans for seniors.
There are other less expensive internet providers, such as Xfinity, with plans starting at $9.95 monthly for eligible households. However, what you save in dollars may cost you in overall performance or speed.
Our tech team tested Spectrum’s plans for this review and compared them to other popular providers. We found that Spectrum’s speeds are fairly consistent, outages are rare, and you get a solid bang for your buck. In this review, we’ll give you the inside scoop on their service, reliability, speeds, and how to get the best deal.
Pros About Spectrum
- Fast connection speeds: Spectrum’s plans offer speeds ranging from 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps (wireless speeds may vary). We’ve found that Spectrum speeds are fast and very reliable.
- Bundle options for internet, TV, and voice: If you’re a senior who enjoys the wide range of media available, you may want to bundle your internet, TV, and voice or cell phone service with Spectrum.
- Wide availability in 42 states: Spectrum is investing in its infrastructure to continue growing and providing quality internet service. They currently operate throughout 750,000 miles in 42 states.
- Easy install: Spectrum provides a free modem to start. You won’t have to buy too many additional items. You can also rent a router from Spectrum for $7 monthly or save some money and bring your own. You can opt for professional setup or choose the DIY option based on your comfort level.
- No contracts: Spectrum does not require a long-term contract, so you can cancel your plan anytime without early termination fees.
Cons About Spectrum
- No senior discount plan: Spectrum does not provide a senior-specific plan or senior discounts. Unfortunately, this is standard across the industry. We’ll discuss how to save on Spectrum plans further throughout this page.
- Limited plans available: Currently, Spectrum only has three internet plans. While this makes choosing a plan less complicated, you won’t have as much variety as with some other providers.
- Lower customer-service satisfaction: In 2024, Spectrum scored 68 on the American Customer Satisfaction Index. That represents the industry average. However, Spectrum’s scores have consistently risen over the years. Spectrum’s rating went up 6 percent from 2023 to 2024.
About Spectrum
Spectrum, owned by parent company Charter Communications, has a history of giving back to the community. One of its programs, Spectrum Housing Assist, focused on providing critical home repairs to low-income homeowners in need, including seniors. These repairs include accessibility features, such as wheelchair ramps, new walkways, grab bar installation, flooring repair, and more. These efforts show that Spectrum strives for growth and progress — not just for its services. They also work toward the well-being of the communities where they operate.
Spectrum Internet Plans At a Glance
Spectrum plans have no contracts or data caps. This is very different from some leading internet providers. For example, Xfinity by Comcast requires one- or two-year contracts with data caps of 1.2 TB; requires a one-year contract with caps data at 1 TB.
Not all Spectrum products, pricing, and services are available in all areas. Pricing and actual speeds may vary. Remember to check which plans and prices are available where you live before purchasing. Below is a breakdown of Spectrum’s three internet plans.
| Plan | Promotional prices | Speeds | Extra features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $49.99 per month with Auto Pay | Up to 300 Mbps | Free internet modem and 12-month price lock with AutoPay |
| Internet Ultra | $69.99 per month with Auto Pay | Up to 500 Mbps | Free internet modem and 2-year price lock with AutoPay |
| Internet Gig | $79.99 per month with Auto Pay | Up to 1 Gbps | Free internet modem and 2-year price lock with AutoPay; free Security Suite; antivirus software |
No contracts means more freedom with Spectrum
Spectrum offers three different internet plans. Based on our experience, we highlighted the two plans that best fit senior internet usage needs below.
4.0 of 5
See Pricing
The Best Spectrum Internet Plans for Seniors
Spectrum offers three different internet plans. Based on our experience, we’re highlighting the two plans that best fit senior internet usage needs, below.
Spectrum Internet: Best for Medium-Sized Households and Streamers
If you use the internet frequently to connect to friends and family, watch TV and movies, and listen to music, Spectrum’s Internet plan may be perfect for you. Spectrum’s basic plan is offered at an introductory rate of $49.99 monthly with Auto Pay, plus taxes and fees. It has internet speeds up to 300 Mbps (wireless speeds vary).
This plan is perfect for seniors who use the internet to check email, use social media, and browse the web. If you’re a big movie buff or want to stay up-to-date on your favorite shows, it offers enough speed to stream on several devices simultaneously. This plan also provides enough bandwidth for uploading and downloading files and storing photos and videos.
Spectrum Internet Ultra: Best for Large Households and Heavy-Duty Internet Users
Another great option for seniors is Spectrum’s Internet Ultra plan, starting at $69.99 per month with AutoPay. This plan has speeds up to 500 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) – ideal for older adults working from home and managing large files. It is also a good option for seniors who enjoy streaming movies or TV shows in HD.
The Internet Ultra plan provides more than enough support if you connect to the internet on other devices such as a TV, cellular phones, tablets, or voice assistant devices like Alexa. It’s a good option for seniors who take care of grandchildren or have frequent visitors, as the bandwidth on this plan can also support quality gaming and streaming services.
Our team tested this package and found that speeds were pretty reliable, though they weren’t as fast as our advertised speeds. We ran several speed tests and consistently had download speeds of around 243 Mbps. That is about half our advertised speeds, which was disappointing, though we’ve had similar experiences with other internet providers, including Xfinity.
We consistently experienced download speeds of about 243 Mbps when we ran speed tests on the Internet Ultra plan_
After running our tests, we wanted to see if there was anything we could do to improve our speeds. Spectrum makes it easy to optimize your connection with their mobile app. We could run a speed test, restart our equipment, check our connection status, and chat with customer service.
The Spectrum app makes it easy to restart your equipment, check its status, and more, as seen in our tester's mobile app
After running a speed test in the app, Spectrum provided several helpful tips for improving our speeds. There were a few instances when we experienced a laggy connection while using several devices at once, so we wanted to try out these tips. We noticed slightly faster speeds when we followed these tips, though it was nothing major.
After running a speed test in the mobile app, Spectrum provides helpful tips for improving speeds
Save With Spectrum One
If you want more ways to save, Spectrum One is an excellent option. When you sign up for Spectrum Internet, you can also get a Spectrum Advanced WiFi router and a Spectrum Mobile™ Unlimited Line, all included at one price. Spectrum Advanced WiFi helps secure your home WiFi network, improve speeds, and control devices through the My Spectrum App. This bundle starts at $49.99 per month for 12 months and includes:
- Internet speeds selection ranges from 300 Mbps up to 1 Gbps (wireless speeds may vary)
- A free Advanced WiFi router with enhanced security for all of your devices (for 12 months)
- A free Mobile Unlimited line with unlimited talk, text, and data (for 12 months)
Since Spectrum’s starter internet package costs $49.99 on its own, this is a great deal. The free mobile line is a great value, though you must start paying for the line and router after 12 months.
FYI:
FYI: Along with internet, Spectrum offers cable TV packages and mobile plans. Check out our Spectrum cable TV review and Spectrum Mobile review to learn how to make the most of your service.
Does Spectrum Provide Discounts for Seniors?
During testing, we learned that Spectrum doesn’t offer senior-specific discounts or plans. However, seniors can still save by applying for Spectrum Internet Assist. Spectrum Internet Assist is a specially priced internet plan for those who qualify. If eligible, households can receive access to a unique plan with speeds up to 30 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) at a discounted price. The plan also includes a Security Suite and a free internet modem.
To qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist, one or more individuals in your home must receive assistance from one of the following programs:
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP
- Supplemental Security Income (only for those 65-plus years of age)
To apply for Spectrum Internet Assist, complete their online application form and provide all the necessary documents.
Savings Tip:
Savings Tip: Want to learn about more ways to save? Check out our guide to senior discounts.
Stuck in an old internet contract? Spectrum also offers a Contract Buyout option for specific plans. If you sign up for a qualifying plan, Spectrum will pay your previous provider’s cancellation fee of up to $500. That is a unique perk we haven’t seen from other popular providers, including Xfinity, so it earns high marks from us.
Customer Service
While Spectrum has received lower customer satisfaction ratings than some other internet providers like AT&T, our team found that Spectrum’s customer service is quick and helpful. Spectrum’s online chat feature is great for fast, efficient communication. You can easily access the chat feature in Spectrum’s mobile app. We got our questions answered professionally and courteously when using the mobile app for support. There was one instance when phone wait times were a bit long for our liking, but overall, we received great service.
Spectrum makes it easy to connect with customer support through the mobile app, as seen on our app
There is room for improvement regarding customer support during internet outages. We only experienced around two or three outages in a year, mostly due to bad weather. Sometimes, Spectrum would send a text notification about the outage within 10 minutes, but on other occasions, we didn’t receive any notifications until hours later. However, if Spectrum was expecting an outage, which was rare, we would receive a notification via the mobile app with an expected timeline for a restored connection.
Spectrum vs. their Competition
Before purchasing a plan, it’s important to compare providers. Here’s a breakdown of some key differences between Spectrum and other popular internet providers:
| Provider | Number of internet plans | Plan speeds | Promotional rates per month* | Promotional rate duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | 3 | 300 Mbps – 1 Gig | $49.99 – $79.99 | 1 or 2 years, based on plan |
| Optimum | 3 | 300 Mbps – 1 Gig | $40 – $80 | 1 year |
| Xfinity | 5 | 50 Mbps – 2 Gigs | $9.95 – $120 | 1 year |
| Verizon | 3 | 300 – 2 Gigs | $24.99 – $109.99 | 1 year |
*Auto Pay, paperless billing, and other requirements may apply
If you’re shopping around for an internet service, the first thing you’ll need to consider is availability. It can vary between neighborhoods, towns, or even city blocks. Cost, speed, reliability, hidden charges, and customer service are other attributes to account for.
Pro Tip:
Pro Tip: If cost is an important factor for you, check out our picks for the cheapest internet for seniors.
When comparing providers, ask for a breakdown of fees. Taxes will be consistent, but fees may not be. You can then compare the monthly charges you can expect between providers. Also ask about current deals, data caps, installation charges, and rate increase schedules.
Spectrum Equipment and Installation
Spectrum provides a modem for free and offers an option to rent a router for $7 per month. You can also upgrade to Spectrum Advanced WiFi, which offers enhanced network security with Spectrum’s Security Shield service. We could easily manage and restart our equipment through the Spectrum mobile app. If you hit a snag, Spectrum offers 24/7 tech support via phone, similar to Cox Internet.
Once you select your equipment, you can choose professional or DIY installation. We opted for DIY installation and found the process very easy. We simply connect our modem to a cable outlet and then connect the modem to our router. Then, we opened the mobile app and followed the prompts to finish the setup and choose a WiFi password. You can also finish activation online or over the phone if you prefer.
Spectrum offers a modem free of charge, and we found that setting up our equipment was quick and simple
Though we set up our equipment for ourselves, after using the connection for a few weeks, we realized we wanted to move our router and modem to a more convenient location. We called Spectrum and set up an appointment for a technician to come out and install a new cable outlet that same week. The technician was helpful and efficient, and we appreciated the free service.
Spectrum Internet: The Bottom Line
Spectrum isn’t the most affordable provider out there. However, for about $20 to $30 more per month, you’ll receive several perks. These perks include higher connection speeds, widespread availability, and a host of customer-friendly features, such as no contracts, no data limits, and free equipment. While the provider has no plans exclusively for older adults, they have three options for seniors with varying internet needs, starting at $49.99 monthly with AutoPay. If you are a big TV and movie fan, you’ll see most of your savings when bundling Spectrum internet and TV. They offer a robust catalog of channels and entertainment options. All in all, Spectrum provides high-speed internet access to seniors at a fair price with great perks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spectrum
- How do I order Spectrum Internet service?
To sign up for Spectrum Internet service, order by phone or go to their website and enter your ZIP code. If Spectrum is available in your area, you can then choose the plan you want and proceed to check out. At that point in the process, you will be given the option of requesting professional installation or having a self-installation kit mailed to your home.
- Does Spectrum Internet have 24/7 customer service?
Yes, Spectrum offers 24/7 chat support on its website and has limited daily availability for call support if that’s more your style.
- How can I pay my Spectrum Internet bill?
Spectrum offers many ways to pay your bill. You can pay online at spectrum.net or use the My Spectrum app on your mobile phone. You can also pay by phone or through your bank’s online payment service by adding Spectrum as a payee. Lastly, you can pay at any of Spectrum’s stores. They accept checks, debit or credit cards, cash, and money orders.
- What is Security Suite?
Security Suite is an antivirus scanning software included in select Spectrum internet service plans. It provides users with a high level of protection from the most common viruses during internet use.
Citations
Pew Research. (2022). Share of those 65 and older who are tech users has grown in the past decade.
Charter Communications. (2020). Charter Communications History.
Written By:
Jeff Hoyt
Editor in Chief
Read About Our Panel of Experts
As Editor-in-Chief of the personal finance site MoneyTips.com, Jeff produced hundreds of articles on the subject of retirement, including preventing identity theft, minimizing taxes, investing successfully, preparing for retirement medical costs, protecting your credit score, and making your money last… Learn More About Jeff Hoyt
