Spectrum vs Verizon Fios
Verizon Fios ranks higher on our formula, 80 to 65 on each provider's best plan. It is also cheaper over two years (from $40/mo all-in) and sells the faster top plan (5 Gbps).
Prices last checked September 2026.
Side by side
Spectrum and Verizon Fios compared
Real cost is the two-year monthly average with the promo step-up, equipment rental and installation folded in.
| Measure | Spectrum | Verizon Fios |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Cable, Fiber | Fiber |
| Fastest plan | 2 Gbps | 5 Gbps |
| Upload on fastest plan | 100 Mbps | 5 Gbps |
| Lowest advertised price | $50/mo | $40/mo |
| Lowest real cost | $65/mo | $40/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 | 10 |
| Our rating (best plan) | 65/100 | 80/100 |
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
Verizon Fios
FiberChecked Sep 11, 2026- 300 Mbps300 Mbps · $40/mo · real $40
- 500 Mbps500 Mbps · $75/mo · real $75
- 1 Gig940 Mbps · $90/mo · real $90
- 2 Gig2.3 Gbps · $100/mo · real $100
- 5 Gig5 Gbps · $110/mo · real $110
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
Verizon Fios
- Symmetrical fiber
- Multi-year price guarantee available
- Router included on gig tiers
- Only 10 states
- Not available in every building it passes
- Perks are bundled into higher tiers
Head to head
Cities where Spectrum and Verizon Fios compete
Markets where we have both on record. Each page ranks every provider there.
Questions
Spectrum vs Verizon Fios, answered
Is Spectrum or Verizon Fios better?
Verizon Fios ranks higher on our formula, 80 to 65 on each provider's best plan. It is also cheaper over two years (from $40/mo all-in) and sells the faster top plan (5 Gbps).
Which is cheaper, Spectrum or Verizon Fios?
Verizon Fios has the lower real cost: $40 a month averaged over two years with fees included, against $65 for Spectrum. The advertised entry prices are $50 for Spectrum and $40 for Verizon Fios.
Which is faster, Spectrum or Verizon Fios?
Verizon Fios sells the faster top plan, at 5 Gbps down and 5 Gbps up. Spectrum tops out at 2 Gbps down and 100 Mbps up. For most households upload speed matters more than the headline download figure.
Where can I get both Spectrum and Verizon Fios?
We have both on record in 4 markets, including New York, NY; Buffalo, NY; Syracuse, NY; Albany, NY. Availability still varies street by street.
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