With more people working and learning from home, having a fast and reliable internet connection has become increasingly important. Spectrum, one of the major cable internet providers in the U.S., offers two high-speed plans – Ultra and Gig – that can support bandwidth-intensive tasks like video streaming, online gaming, and video calls. In this review, we’ll compare Spectrum’s Ultra and Gig plans to help you determine which tier may be the best fit for your household’s needs and budget.
As a long-time Spectrum customer myself, I recently had to make the choice between upgrading to Ultra or splurging for the top-tier Gig plan. After researching the specs and real-world performance of both tiers, I ultimately opted to upgrade to Gig. The blazing fast speeds and low latency have been a game-changer, especially with two remote workers and three kids learning from home in my household. While it comes at a premium price, Spectrum Gig has provided the robust connectivity we need to avoid slowdowns even during peak usage times. However, I know Ultra’s 400-500Mbps speeds are still highly capable for many households with more moderate data needs.
To help other customers make informed decisions about Spectrum’s tiers, this comparative review dives into the key factors like speed, price, reliability, and value. I’ll draw from my own experience as a Spectrum customer as well as independent research on their network performance. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing Spectrum plan or are considering Spectrum for the first time, this review aims to provide useful insights into how their Ultra and Gig plans compare.
Key Takeaways
- Spectrum offers two high-speed internet plans – Ultra and Gig. Ultra offers 400-500 Mbps speeds, while Gig provides ultra-fast 1 Gbps speeds.
- Ultra is more affordable at $69.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $99.99/mo standard rate. Gig costs $89.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $129.99/mo standard rate.
- Both plans have no data caps and no contracts. A free modem is also included.
- Ultra is suitable for moderate usage with some streaming and gaming. Gig is ideal for households with multiple heavy users and bandwidth-intensive tasks.
- Availability of Ultra and Gig varies by location. They are more widely available in urban/suburban areas where Spectrum has upgraded infrastructure.
- Upgrading from Ultra to Gig provides a major speed boost but at a higher cost. It’s worth it for homes with many connected devices and heavy usage.
- Key factors to weigh are current internet speeds/usage, number of users/devices, need for faster speeds, and budget/cost comparison.
What is Spectrum Internet Ultra?
Spectrum Internet Ultra is the middle tier of Spectrum’s three available internet plans. With Spectrum Internet Ultra, customers get 500 Mbps download speed and 20 Mbps upload speed along with a free modem, no data caps, and no contracts.
Spectrum Internet Ultra is an excellent choice for mid-sized families that have neither low nor high internet usage. With 500 Mbps, you can easily perform many online tasks at home including streaming services like Netflix, gaming, remote work, online education and much more.
What is Spectrum Internet Gig?
Spectrum Internet Gig is an ultra-fast home internet service offered by Charter Communications. Spectrum Gigabit internet’s download speeds go up to 1000 mbps (1 GBPs) and upload speeds go up to 35 Mbps.
Spectrum Internet Gig is ideal for households with multiple heavy internet users working from home, streaming music, making video calls.
Spectrum Internet Ultra Price
Spectrum Internet Ultra is an excellent Internet package for households with high internet demand and many gamers. Spectrum Internet Ultra has a download speed of 500 Mbps and a promotional price of $69.99/month for the first 12 months. After 12 months, the standard rate of $99.99/month applies.
Spectrum Internet Ultra Price First 12 Months
| Plan Tier | Download Speed | Upload Speed | First 12 Months New Customer Price |
| Spectrum Internet Ultra | 500 Mbps | 20 Mbps | $69.99/mo |
Spectrum Internet Ultra Price After 12 Months
| Plan Tier | Download Speed | Upload Speed | After 12 Months Standard Rate | Price Increase |
| Spectrum Internet Ultra | 500 Mbps | 20 Mbps | $99.99/mo | 43% |
Spectrum Internet Gig Price
Spectrum Internet GIG is Spectrum’s fastest internet plan that provides customers with download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps (1 GBPS). Its promotional price is $89.99/mo for the first 12 months, after 12 months the standard monthly price of $129.99 applies.
Spectrum Internet Gig Price First 12 Months
| Plan Tier | Download Speed | Upload Speed | First 12 Months New Customer Price |
| Spectrum Internet Gig | 1,000 Mbps | 35 Mbps | $89.99/mo |
Spectrum Internet Gig Price After 12 Months
| Plan Tier | Download Speed | Upload Speed | After 12 Months Standard Rate | Price Increase |
| Spectrum Internet Gig | 1,000 Mbps | 35 Mbps | $119.99/mo | 33% |
Spectrum Internet Ultra and Gig Availability
Spectrum Internet Ultra and GIG Plans can vary by location. In general, they are more widely available in urban and suburban areas where Spectrum has upgraded their network infrastructure to support these higher speeds.
To check availability for Ultra and Gig service at your home address, you would need to visit Spectrum’s website and enter your address. This will tell you what internet plans are currently available.
Spectrum Availability by State
| Alabama | Kansas | Nebraska | Tennessee |
| Arizona | Kentucky | Nevada | Texas |
| California | Louisiana | New Hampshire | Vermont |
| Colorado | Maine | New Jersey | Virginia |
| Connecticut | Maryland | New Mexico | Washington |
| Florida | Massachusetts | New York | West Virginia |
| Georgia | Michigan | North Carolina | Wisconsin |
| Hawaii | Minnesota | Ohio | Wyoming |
| Idaho | Mississippi | Oregon | |
| Illinois | Missouri | Pennsylvania | |
| Indiana | Montana | South Carolina |
How Fast is Spectrum Internet Ultra?
Spectrum Internet Ultra offers a download speed of 500 Mbps and an upload speed of 20 Mbps, with no data caps or contracts, all at a reasonable cost.
Is Spectrum Internet Ultra Good for Gaming?
Spectrum Internet Ultra can be a good internet option for gaming due to its fast 500 Mbps download speeds, unlimited data allowance, and generally reliable network.
Here are a few key factors to consider when evaluating Spectrum Internet Ultra for gaming:
- Speeds – Spectrum Internet Ultra offers download speeds up to 400 Mbps. This high bandwidth can help reduce lag, latency and buffering issues during online gaming. The faster speeds allow for smooth streaming and multiplayer gaming.
- Reliability – Spectrum generally provides consistent and reliable speeds with its high-speed internet plans. Minimal downtime and consistent speeds are important for online gaming. However, reliability can vary by location.
- Latency – Latency (lag) can be a big factor in gaming performance. Latency depends on distance to servers, network congestion and other factors. Spectrum does not disclose average latency numbers. Testing during off-peak hours can give you a sense of real-world latency for your location.
- Data caps – Spectrum Internet Ultra currently does not have a data cap, unlike some other major broadband providers. This allows unlimited data usage, which is beneficial for high bandwidth gaming and streaming.
- WiFi coverage – Gaming over WiFi can lead to latency and interruptions if the signal is weak in certain areas. Spectrum provides a standard WiFi router but upgrading to a mesh system may improve WiFi coverage for gaming throughout a home.
- Multiplayer – Spectrum should provide generally reliable connections for multiplayer gaming. But for competitive multiplayer, an ethernet connection is recommended over WiFi when possible.
Is Spectrum Internet Ultra Good for Streaming?
- Speeds – Spectrum Ultra offers download speeds up to 500 Mbps. This high speed makes it a very good option for streaming, as you need at least 25 Mbps to stream 4K video on one device. With 500 Mbps, you can smoothly stream on multiple devices.
- Reliability – Spectrum generally provides reliable connections. However, actual speeds can vary due to factors like network congestion. For the best streaming experience, you want a consistently fast connection.
- Data caps – Spectrum Ultra does not have data caps, so you don’t have to worry about extra fees for exceeding a monthly data limit, which is useful if you stream a lot.
- Number of concurrent streams – Spectrum does not limit the number of devices that can stream at the same time. With 500 Mbps speeds, you should be able to stream on multiple TVs and devices simultaneously.
Is Spectrum Internet Ultra Good for Video Calls?
Spectrum Internet Ultra can be a great option for households that do a lot of video calling. With download speeds up to 500 Mbps, Ultra provides the fast, reliable connection needed for high-quality video chat services like FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom. The high bandwidth means you can make HD video calls without lag or pixelation, even with multiple people on different devices using the internet simultaneously. Ultra’s speeds allow for smooth video streaming and conferencing.
How Fast is Spectrum Internet Gig?
Spectrum Internet Gig offers a download speed of 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) and an upload speed of 35 Mbps, with no data caps or contracts, all at a reasonable cost.
Blazing Fast Speeds
Spectrum Internet Gig offers speeds up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) for downloads and up to 35 Mbps for uploads. This level of internet speed is considered extremely fast and is suitable for households with multiple users who engage in activities such as streaming high-definition video, online gaming, video conferencing, and downloading/uploading large files simultaneously. With Spectrum Internet Gig, multiple users can perform bandwidth-intensive tasks without experiencing significant slowdowns or lag.
Seamless 4K Streaming
With Spectrum Internet Gig, you should have no trouble smoothly streaming content in 4K resolution. In fact, you could likely stream multiple 4K videos simultaneously without experiencing any buffering or lag, provided your other devices and network conditions are also favorable.
Gaming with Spectrum GIG Internet
Spectrum Internet Gig offers speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps), which is extremely fast and suitable for various activities including gaming. With such high speeds, you should experience minimal latency and fast download/upload times, providing an optimal gaming experience. However, actual performance may vary depending on factors such as network congestion, distance from the server, and the quality of your gaming setup. Overall, Spectrum Internet Gig should provide a very high-quality gaming experience for most gamers.
Pros and Cons of Spectrum Internet Ultra
| Pros of Spectrum Internet Ultra | Cons of Spectrum Internet Ultra |
| Free Spectrum Out-of-Home WiFi | Price Increase After 12 Months |
| Free Advanced WiFi | Monthly WiFi Fee |
| Free Unlimited Mobile Line with Spectrum One | |
| Free Modem | |
| Free Security Suite | |
| No Contracts | |
| Unlimited Data Caps | |
| Support Multiple Device Connectivity |
Pros and Cons of Spectrum Internet Gig
| Pros of Spectrum Internet GIG | Cons of Spectrum Internet GIG |
| Free Spectrum Out-of-Home WiFi | Price Increase After 12 Months |
| Free Advanced WiFi | Need a Compatible Modem and Router to ensure optimal performance |
| Free Unlimited Mobile Line with Spectrum One | |
| Free Modem | |
| Free Security Suite | |
| No Contracts | |
| Unlimited Data Caps | |
| Support Multiple Device Connectivity |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Spectrum Ultra and Gig internet?
Spectrum Ultra offers speeds up to 400-500 Mbps, suitable for moderate internet usage, while Gig internet provides ultra-fast speeds up to 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps), ideal for heavy internet users and large households with demanding bandwidth needs. Ultra is more widely available and affordable, while Gig is faster but may be limited in availability and comes at a higher cost.
Is it worth upgrading from Ultra to Gig with Spectrum?
Deciding whether to upgrade from Ultra to Gig with Spectrum hinges on several key factors. Firstly, consider your internet usage habits; if you frequently engage in bandwidth-intensive activities like HD or 4K streaming, online gaming, or large file transfers, the faster Gig speed could noticeably enhance your experience. Additionally, if your household has numerous devices connected simultaneously, such as smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, the Gig speed may help alleviate congestion and ensure smoother performance for all devices, particularly during peak usage times. For those running home-based businesses or telecommuting, the enhanced speed can boost productivity, especially for tasks like video conferencing or cloud-based applications. However, it’s essential to weigh the cost implications, comparing the price difference between Ultra and Gig plans offered by Spectrum. Ultimately, the decision rests on your specific needs, budget, and preferences, with the potential benefits of faster speeds needing to justify the additional cost.
