Metronet vs. Spectrum Internet: Which One Is Worth Your Money?

Metronet’s fiber internet service stands out for speed and reliability, but Spectrum offers great deals on its mobile and TV bundles.

Faster speeds
Metro Net
MetroNet
4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4
$34.95–$109.95/mo
  • Icon Blank
    Up to 5,000Mbps
  • Icon Blank
    Fiber internet
  • pro
    Unlimited data
  • pro
    No contracts
Wider availability
Spectrum
Spectrum Internet®
3.9 out of 5 stars
3.9
$25.00–$70.00/mo
  • Icon Blank
    Up to 1,000Mbps
  • Icon Blank
    Cable internet
  • pro
    Unlimited data
  • pro
    No contracts
Ajay Kumar
Kelly Huh
Jun 13, 2025
Icon Time To Read9 min read

Metronet is a fiber internet service. The provider receives excellent reviews from satisfied customers who enjoy the reliable connection and affordable prices. Metronet also delivers symmetrical upload and download speeds up to 5,000Mbps, so activities like content creation and live-streaming are smooth and fast. Here's what you can expect with a Metronet plan:

  • Amazon eero wireless router included
  • 12 to 36 months of discounted prices
  • $4.95 AutoPay discount
  • No early termination fees
  • Unlimited data 

Spectrum Internet offers fast download speeds over a cable internet connection. The service is ranked as Reviews.org's best cable internet because it offers unlimited data and up to gigabit speeds. Here's what you can expect from Spectrum Internet:

Fiber internet can provide faster speeds and a more solid connection than cable internet, so in this scenario, Metronet comes out on top. However, both providers introduce price increases after the first year of service, so you may find Spectrum's price-locked mobile and TV bundles an enticing deal. 

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Metronet Internet vs. Spectrum Internet: Plans, pricing, and speed

Deals
Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card with Metronet

Order a Metronet 1 Gig, 2 Gig, or 5 Gig plan to snag a gift card.

Deals
Spectrum Internet users get a free Unlimited Mobile line for a year

Bundle Spectrum Internet and Mobile to get a free Unlimited Spectrum Mobile line for a year.

Metronet Internet plans and prices

Provider
Plan
Price
Download speed
Details
150 Mbps$34.95/mo. for 12 mos.*Up to 150 Mbps
500Mbps$44.95/mo. for 12 mos.*505.2Mbps
1Gbps$49.95/mo. for 12 mos.*943.85Mbps
2Gb$69.95/mo. for 12 mos.*2083.36Mbps
5Gb$109.95/mo for 12 mos.2083.36Mbps
* For 12 months. Offers subject to change. Standard rates apply upon expiration of any promotional periods. Non-promotional pricing subject to change. Advertised speed based on wired connection and compatible equipment.

Spectrum Internet plans and prices

Provider
Plan
Price
Download speed
Details
Internet Premier$50/mo. 1 yr price guaranteeUp to 500 Mbps
Internet GIG$70/mo. for 12 mos.Up to 1000 Mbps
Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply.
Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit spectrum.net/modem. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply.

Spectrum offers cable internet plans from 500 to 1,000Mbps for $50 to $70 a month for the first year of service. Prices can vary slightly depending on the region. There is a $10 fee for a router, or you can supply your own for free. Installation costs $65 for a professional technician or $30 if you select the self-activation option. For a full list of potential extra charges, see our Spectrum fees breakdown.

Metronet has affordable prices and multiple price tiers, ranging from 150Mbps for $35 a month to 2Gbps for $70 a month. These are introductory rates, so you can expect annual price increases for approximately $10 a month after the promo pricing ends. There’s also a $13 monthly Tech Assurance Fee.

Metronet Internet vs. Spectrum Internet: Fees for modem and installation

Service
Metronet Internet
Spectrum Internet
Modem/routerFreeFree modem $10/mo. for optional router
Self-installation kit and service activationN/A$30.00
Professional installation $75.00$65.00
Tech assure fee$12.95/mo. N/A

Metronet offers various promotional discounts that lower the price of a year of its fiber internet service. New customers also receive a free Eero wireless router. 

Spectrum offers some of the best internet deals to new customers. You can get a free unlimited mobile plan with Spectrum Mobile for one year, or bundle up with TV to lock in a discounted monthly rate for up to two years. Spectrum also offers discounted plans for qualifying households, starting at $30 per month.

Metronet Internet add-ons and perks


Sign up for any Metronet plan


Order a Metronet 1 Gig, 2 Gig, or 5 Gig plan to snag a gift card.


Spectrum Internet add-ons and perks


Sign up for a Spectrum Internet plan and get one line of Unlimited Mobile included for a full year


Sign up for a Spectrum Internet Premier and TV Stream package


Sign up for any Spectrum TV plan


Sign up for a Spectrum Internet plan and add Max and Xumo


What makes this review legit?

Our fact-based research process centers on interviews with internet customers across the country, helping us understand how internet services hold up against diverse needs and challenges.

To put together this review, we looked at results from our speed test, pulled data from customer satisfaction surveys, and pored over the fine print to compare prices and speeds between the two providers. To flesh out our analysis, we also interviewed Metronet Internet and Spectrum Internet customers to get their firsthand insights. We let their experiences guide our research and shape our conclusions. We also speak with ISP spokespeople and industry experts to get insights into connection types, speed capabilities, and other technical issues related to internet service.

how we review products and services

The matchup: How we rate Metronet Internet vs. Spectrum Internet

For all our internet reviews, we give a rating based on three main criteria—speed and reliability, dollar value, and customer experience—which we then average to make an overall score.

Here, we compare those ratings face to face. We then offer some analysis and context for important factors to keep in mind.

Want to know more? Read our full-length Metronet Internet and Spectrum Internet review.

Also compare Metronet to AT&T

Speed and reliability

internet speed
Metronet Internet: 4.0/5.0 | Spectrum Internet: 4.0/5.0

If you’re in its Midwestern service area, Metronet should be your top choice. Metronet comes second only to Google Fiber in our Fastest Internet Providers report. As a fiber-optic internet service, it’s more reliable than a cable service, which can be impacted by other parts of the network. It offers fast, symmetrical download and upload speeds that range from 150Mbps to 2Gbps. The symmetrical speeds on every plan means that all upload-heavy tasks are easy to handle, including Zoom calls, livestream hosting, and playing VR games.

Spectrum is a solid choice if your options are limited, especially compared to any DSL option. It offers plans with two download speed options: 500Mbps and 1Gbps. Of course, your actual speeds may vary, especially over Wi-Fi. Spectrum speed tests reveal an average of just over 216Mbps download speed.

Reviews.org speed test results revealed that the average Spectrum customer gets 140Mbps. That’s significantly slower than Metronet and fiber providers, but also slower than rival cable providers like Cox, Optimum, and Xfinity. Its speeds also aren’t symmetrical, so upload-heavy tasks may not be as quick or stable, but if you have a small or mid-sized household, the 300Mbps plan should be more than sufficient.

Dollar value

dollar value
Metronet Internet: 3.5/5.0 | Spectrum Internet: 3.8/5.0

Spectrum slightly wins out in dollar value. Like many providers, it offers significant discounted promotion rates for the first year, with plans priced at $50 to $70 a month depending on speed. After the first year, you can expect a $20 price hike on all the plans. Fortunately, there are no data caps, annual contracts, or early cancellation fees, giving you room to negotiate with retention. There are some extra fees for self-install, along with a $5 monthly fee for Wi-Fi use, though you can avoid that by using your own router. Read our guide for more ways to lower your Spectrum internet bill.

Metronet offers cheaper plans, especially for slower speeds like 150Mbps, where you can get it for as little as $35 a month. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this is promotional pricing that only lasts for 12 months, meaning there are guaranteed $10 price hikes in your future. You also have a mandatory $13 monthly Tech Assurance fee, along with a slew of optional fees. Student pricing is available, but it’s less of a discount than other providers, so in the long run, you may end up paying more.

Customer experience

customer experience
Metronet Internet: 4.0/5.0 | Spectrum Internet: 3.2/5.0

Metronet handily wins in customer service, ranking above average in HighSpeedInternet.com’s customer satisfaction survey. Interviews Reviews.org conducted with customers found generally positive feedback, with customers praising the responsive customer service support during work hours.

You’re able to get support via text, phone, and the website chat, though the chat requires you to go through a bot that guides you through an exhaustive set of troubleshooting steps before finally connecting you with a human agent. Professional installation is the only stumble, with install taking anywhere from a few days to a few weeks and requiring someone 18 years of age or older to be present for the main installation day which can take several hours.

Spectrum customer service can be mixed. The provider ranks in the middle for customer service, price, and overall satisfaction in HighSpeedInternet.com’s 2023 customer satisfaction survey. It also scores below average in the 2022-2023 ACSI Telecommunications Study.

Customer reviews are equally mixed. One Spectrum user in New York City reports positive experiences and never suffering from outages, while another in St. Cloud, Minnesota, says you should hope you never need their help. Others also report dealing with pushy agents and unreliable support via the My Spectrum app. 

Overall quality: Which internet provider should you pick?

overall quality
Metronet Internet: 3.8/5.0 | Spectrum Internet: 3.7/5.0

Between Metronet and Spectrum, the choice is clear—pick Metronet. While overall score shows only a slight advantage, a closer look reveals that Metronet provides better speeds, more reliable connectivity, and stronger customer service support. As a fiber provider, Metronet can also guarantee symmetrical speeds, making video calls and working from home easier. Plans are also reasonably priced, especially for the lower speed tiers, even accounting for promotional pricing expiration and fees.

Spectrum comes a distant second to Metronet due to its limited fiber connectivity, but it’s not without upsides. Speeds are better than DSL plans, and cable connectivity is generally reliable. Upload speeds can vary widely, which may make certain tasks difficult. On the plus side, outages are infrequent and despite fees and price hikes, there are regular deals available.

deals badge

Metronet Internet vs. Spectrum Internet: What deals and promotions can you get?

Like most service providers, Metronet offers various promotional signup offers that can lower the price of a year of service. New customers can also get a free Eero wireless router, and certain plans offer options to bundle internet and phone services.

Spectrum offers new customers a $100 Visa Rewards Card when they pick a plan of 500Mbps or faster. The plan also comes with a 90-day free trial of Peacock Premium. You also have the option to get a free unlimited mobile plan with Spectrum Mobile for one year. 

Metro Net
$25 AutoPay Credit
Sign up for a 1Gbps service or higher, pay for at least 2 full months, and remain a customer for at least 12 months to get a $25/mo. AutoPay discount.
Spectrum
Free Unlimited Spectrum Mobile phone line
Sign up for a Spectrum Internet plan to get 12 months of a phone line for free. After the first year, the price is $30/mo.

Metronet Internet vs. Spectrum Internet: What do customers think?

Metro Net

Fast and reliable fiber service, with some caveats

On average, Metronet customers like their fiber service, praising the reliable internet and fair pricing. Customers say they’re able to stream on multiple devices while working from home or uploading content because of the symmetrical speeds.

Krisy Borboa, one customer Reviews.org spoke with says she likes the speed across multiple devices, which allows her to use one TV, three phones, and two computers at the same time. She also mentions her previous provider, Optimum, and how she was put off by the frequent price changes and poor upload speeds. “We don’t have any problems with Metronet,” says Borboa.  

Installation is a mixed bag, according to some customers, though. While Borboa didn’t have an issue with the fiber line burying process, describing it as “quick and easy,” another customer, P.J. Villaflor, had more issues. The line was cut shortly after installation, and it took several days to get fixed. Unfortunately, it wasn’t properly buried, so it required another repair after getting cut again.

Villaflor does say the issues aren’t going to deter him from Metronet. Despite the problems, he is satisfied with the service, the free Eero router, cashback for AutoPay, and even the upcoming price increases because it’s still cheaper than his old Mediacom plan.

“It provides a very cheap and reliable service. I don’t feel the need to even explore [other options] because I’m satisfied where I’m at.” —Zamero Reyez
Spectrum

Spectrum is often the best of limited options, but few like the customer service

It’s safe to say that most don’t love Spectrum’s service, but many customers consider it a necessity because it’s the only high-speed internet option in their area. One California-based customer compared it to a water company in terms of the monopoly it holds in their region.

“It’s been competent—and compulsory,” says Sean Huntley, a Spectrum customer in Glendale, California. Huntley subscribes to the top tier gigabit plan and typically registers around 400–500Mbps, which is definitely short of the advertised max speeds. Even so, Huntley says there’s plenty of bandwidth for downloading large video files, but uploads take longer.

Outages are rare, and another Spectrum customer in Los Angeles says that customer service responds quickly when there are problems. However, this seems to depend on the area. A Spectrum customer in St. Cloud experiencing daily summer outages in 2023 that took hours to fix, resulting in missed work Zoom calls. She’s now considering switching to Starlink, a satellite service.

Customers also criticize customer service for pushy sales tactics. When Sakia Anwar, a Spectrum customer in New York City, called about a service outage, she was stuck speaking with an upselling agent who tried to convince her to sign up for a cable TV plan. “I wanted to punch him in the throat,” she said after he kept persisting despite her telling him that she wasn’t interested three or four times.

“They seem to respond quickly and take care of problems pretty fast.” —Conrad Burnham

Want Metronet or Spectrum Internet? Find it in your area

Metronet offers fast speeds, reliable service, and fairly reasonable prices. And Spectrum Internet ain’t too shabby either. If you’re looking for a good internet provider, run a search with our zip check tool to see every ISP in your area.

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Look for Metronet Internet service in your area.
Ajay Kumar
Written by
Ajay has worked in tech journalism for over a decade as a reporter, analyst, and editor. He's currently contributing to Digital Trends, PCMag, Reviews.org, Bob Vila, and other publications. He started as a tech reporter at Newsweek, breaking Android news, and worked at PCMag as a Mobile Analyst, reviewing hundreds of smartphones, tablets, carriers, hotspots, and other consumer tech products. He worked at Lifewire as a Tech Commerce Editor, putting together tested best-of lists and assigning product reviews across various hardware and software categories like home networking, mobile, PCs, gaming, parental control products, and VPNs. Previously, he was Section Editor, Mobile at Digital Trends, spearheading his team's coverage of breaking news, features, reviews, roundups, deals, evergreen, how-to guides, and more. In his most recent roles, he’s worked in content marketing for a B2B SaaS company and as a PR at an AI startup. As an avid tech enthusiast and traveler, Ajay loves tinkering with the gaming PC he built, adding new smart home devices to his apartment, and scoping out ancient ruins in new countries.

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