With internet speeds only increasing and many households now connecting multiple devices, fast and reliable home internet has become more critical than ever. Spectrum offers some of the fastest internet speeds available through their Ultra plan, with advertised speeds up to 500 Mbps. This is significantly faster than the average internet speed in most parts of the United States.
As of 2022, the global average internet speed is around 100 Mbit/s and is growing by 20% annually. In the US, internet speeds have increased by 18% since 2021.
In this article, I will provide an in-depth review of Spectrum’s Ultra internet package based on my experience as a customer. I will cover the reliability and consistency of the connection, the hardware and equipment needed, the pricing and fees, and the overall customer service experience. Whether you are looking to upgrade your existing internet service or are a new customer considering Spectrum for the first time, this review covers everything you need to know about the Spectrum Ultra plan to determine if it is the right high-speed internet option for your household.
Key Takeaways:
- Spectrum Ultra offers fast internet speeds up to 500 Mbps, making it ideal for households with 8-10 connected devices or data-intensive activities like 4K streaming and online gaming.
- The promotional price is $69.99/mo for the first 12 months, increasing to $99.99/mo after that. WiFi costs an additional $7/mo.
- Key features include no data caps, ability to stream HD video, fast uploading/downloading of large files, connectivity for smart home devices, and access to Spectrum WiFi hotspots.
- Drawbacks are the relatively slow 20-30 Mbps upload speeds and the 43% price increase after the first year.
- Spectrum Ultra is faster than the base 300 Mbps plan and provides good value if you need those high speeds. But fiber internet may offer faster speeds at similar prices in some areas.
- The no data cap and included modem make Spectrum Ultra more appealing than plans from some other providers.
- Overall, Spectrum Ultra is a good option for households with 8+ devices or that need very fast download speeds of up to 500 Mbps. But shop around to compare internet plans if fiber is available in your area.
What is Spectrum Internet Ultra?
Spectrum Internet Ultra is Charter’s fastest residential internet plan, offering lightning-fast download speeds up to 500 Mbps. Spectrum offers three (3) internet plans including the Spectrum Ultra plan which is the middle tier plan out of the three. The promotional price for the Spectrum Internet Ultra plan is $69.99/mo and does not require a contract. Similar to other Spectrum internet plans, the Spectrum 500 Mbps package also does not have a data cap.
PERFECT FOR: (8-10 devices) – ideal for households with 8-10 connected devices or for activities like online gaming, 4K video streaming, and video conferencing that require high bandwidth.
| Plan | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Price | Devices | Data Cap |
| Spectrum Internet 300 | 300 Mbps | 10 Mbps | $49.99/mo | 1-7 Devices | None |
| Spectrum Internet Ultra | 500 Mbps | 20 Mbps | $69.99/mo | 8-14 Devices | None |
| Spectrum Internet Gig | 1000 Mbps | 35-40 Mbps | $79.99/mo | 14+ Devices | None |
What Are The Cost of Spectrum Internet Ultra Package?
Charter Spectrum charges $20 more for the Spectrum Ultra compared to the Spectrum Internet 300 basic plan. This means you will have to pay $69.99/mo for Spectrum Ultra plus an additional $7/mo for WiFi separately if you are not using your own equipment. And this price of $69.99/mo is only for the first 12 months, after that it will increase by 43% to $99.99/mo.
| Plan | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Promotional Price | Price Increase |
| Spectrum Ultra | 500 Mbps | 20 Mbps | $69.99/mo | 0% |
| Plan | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Standard Rate | Price Increase |
| Spectrum Ultra | 500 Mbps | 20 Mbps | $99.99/mo | 43% |
Features of Spectrum Internet Ultra
No data caps is definitely one of the best features of Spectrum internet, but Spectrum internet also has other great features which we have mentioned below.
Stream HD Video
Spectrum Ultra offers several features, and one of them is the ability to stream HD video seamlessly. With this high-speed internet package, users can enjoy smooth streaming of high-definition videos without buffering or lagging. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals or households that frequently stream movies, TV shows, or other video content online.
Upload and Download Large Files
Spectrum Ultra offers high-speed, symmetrical upload and download speeds, ensuring fast transfer of large files with consistent performance and advanced security features. With ultra-fast download speeds, accelerated upload speeds, and a reliable network infrastructure, users can seamlessly access and share multimedia content, software, and documents without experiencing significant wait times or interruptions, even during peak usage hours. Additionally, the lack of data caps allows for unlimited data usage, eliminating concerns about exceeding limits when transferring large files.
Connect Smart Home Devices & Voice Assistants
Spectrum Ultra offers smooth compatibility with various smart home devices such as thermostats, lighting systems, and security cameras, allowing users to easily expand their smart home ecosystem and customize it to their preferences. Furthermore, with effortless integration with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, Spectrum Internet Ultra enables users to control their connected smart home devices using simple voice commands, increasing convenience and flexibility in home automation configurations.
Spectrum Hotspots
Every Spectrum customer gets access to over 500,000 public WiFi networks (also known as Out of Home WiFi). If you are in Spectrum’s WiFi coverage area, you can connect your device by logging into your Spectrum account.
No Data Caps
Many internet service providers (ISPs) used to impose limited data caps, but that’s not the case with Spectrum internet. You can stream videos in HD or 4K without worrying about data usage.
Free Modem
The special thing about Spectrum internet is that they provide the modem for free with every internet plan. They only charge $7 per month for renting a WiFi router, if you need one.
Drawbacks of Spectrum Internet Ultra
Along with the features of Spectrum Ultra, there are also some drawbacks which are mentioned below.
Upoad Speed
Spectrum Ultra provides customers with 20-30 Mbps upload speed, which is relatively low. Other fiber providers such as AT&T and Fios offer upload speeds ranging from 500 to 1000 Mbps. If you operate a home-based office, it is advisable to opt for Spectrum Ultra only if fiber providers are unavailable in your local area.
Price Increase
Spectrum Ultra price increases by 43% after 12 months from $69.99 per month to $99.99 per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is Spectrum Internet Ultra?
Spectrum Internet Ultra offers up to 500 Mbps download speeds at an affordable price.
What is the difference between Spectrum Internet 300 and Ultra?
Spectrum Internet 300 typically offers download speeds of up to 300 Mbps (megabits per second) for $49.99/mo for 12 months with Auto Pay, while Spectrum Ultra offers faster download speeds of up to 500 Mbps (megabits per second) for $69.99/mo for 12 months with Auto Pay.
Is Spectrum Ultra Worth It?
Spectrum Ultra is absolutely worth it for those households where more than 7 devices are used.
