Spectrum vs TDS Telecom
TDS Telecom ranks higher on our formula, 79 to 65 on each provider's best plan. TDS Telecom is cheaper over two years (from $45/mo all-in), and both top out at 2 Gbps.
Prices last checked September 2026.
Side by side
Spectrum and TDS Telecom compared
Real cost is the two-year monthly average with the promo step-up, equipment rental and installation folded in.
| Measure | Spectrum | TDS Telecom |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Cable, Fiber | Fiber, Cable, DSL |
| Fastest plan | 2 Gbps | 2 Gbps |
| Upload on fastest plan | 100 Mbps | 2 Gbps |
| Lowest advertised price | $50/mo | $45/mo |
| Lowest real cost | $65/mo | $45/mo |
| Price steps up after promo | On some plans | No |
| Data caps | None | None |
| Contracts | None required | None required |
| Equipment fee | Included | Included |
| States served | 41 | 16 |
| Our rating (best plan) | 65/100 | 79/100 |
Plans
Every plan from both
Spectrum
CableFiberOut of date — checked Sep 11, 2026- Internet500 Mbps · $50/mo · real $65
- Internet Premier1 Gbps · $70/mo · real $85
- Internet Gig+2 Gbps · $90/mo · real $105
TDS Telecom
FiberCableNot yet checked- Fiber 300300 Mbps · $45/mo · real $45
- Fiber 600600 Mbps · $60/mo · real $60
- Fiber 1 Gig1 Gbps · $75/mo · real $75
- Fiber 2 Gig2 Gbps · $100/mo · real $100
Honest assessment
Where each one wins
Spectrum
- No data caps anywhere
- No term contract
- Free modem included
- Big price jump after 12 months
- Upload capped at 35 Mbps on most tiers
- WiFi router costs extra
TDS Telecom
- Fiber in genuinely small markets
- No data caps on fiber
- Local technicians
- Mixed technology means speed depends on the address
- Pricing is mid-to-high
- Fiber build is partial in most towns
Head to head
Cities where Spectrum and TDS Telecom compete
Markets where we have both on record. Each page ranks every provider there.
Questions
Spectrum vs TDS Telecom, answered
Is Spectrum or TDS Telecom better?
TDS Telecom ranks higher on our formula, 79 to 65 on each provider's best plan. TDS Telecom is cheaper over two years (from $45/mo all-in), and both top out at 2 Gbps.
Which is cheaper, Spectrum or TDS Telecom?
TDS Telecom has the lower real cost: $45 a month averaged over two years with fees included, against $65 for Spectrum. The advertised entry prices are $50 for Spectrum and $45 for TDS Telecom.
Which is faster, Spectrum or TDS Telecom?
Spectrum sells the faster top plan, at 2 Gbps down and 100 Mbps up. TDS Telecom tops out at 2 Gbps down and 2 Gbps up. For most households upload speed matters more than the headline download figure.
Where can I get both Spectrum and TDS Telecom?
We have both on record in 5 markets, including Milwaukee, WI; Madison, WI; Green Bay, WI; Manchester, NH; Burlington, VT. Availability still varies street by street.
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