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Spectrum Review
Spectrum’s TV and internet bundles now lean on no annual contracts, app-based Cloud DVR, and streaming benefits negotiated in the Disney–Charter agreement. In many markets, TV Select includes Disney+ Basic and TV Select Plus adds ESPN+ (source). Spectrum also differentiates with owned local news channels and the national streaming feed Spectrum News+ for Spectrum customers (source; source). Total cost depends on surcharges and equipment: the Broadcast TV Surcharge rose to as much as $23.20/month in late 2024 (source), Advanced WiFi is typically $7/month after promos and the modem is included at $0/month (source), and the FCC now requires clear Broadband Facts labels at checkout that show promo and standard prices plus all fees (source). Industry satisfaction benchmarks show telecom and pay‑TV near the bottom of national indices while overall US CX quality declined again in 2024 (ACSI; Forrester), so experiences vary by market and issue resolution speed (Zendesk).
| Package | Price | Number of Channels | Popular Channels |
| Spectrum TV Select | Varies by market; see FCC Broadband Facts at checkout | Varies by market | ABC, FOX, ESPN; includes Disney+ Basic included in many markets |
| Spectrum TV Select Plus | Varies by market; see FCC Broadband Facts at checkout | Varies by market | All TV Select channels plus regional sports where available; adds ESPN+ included |
| Legacy tiers (Silver/Gold) | Legacy in many areas; check local availability | Legacy | Lineups vary; Spectrum-owned news channels where available and Spectrum News+ app access for customers (overview, News+ launch) |
*Package availability depends on location; exact channel counts and pricing now vary by market. In many areas, TV Select includes Disney+ Basic and TV Select Plus includes ESPN+ per the Disney–Charter agreement (details). Verify current pricing and fees in the FCC Broadband Facts label at checkout (learn more).
Spectrum’s Claim
On Spectrum’s site, you’ll see broad promises about great in‑home entertainment. Today that experience hinges on channel coverage plus app‑centric features and bundled streaming.
Is it true?
Since 2020, Spectrum has added differentiators that competitors often lack. Spectrum operates owned local news networks (e.g., NY1 and Spectrum News 1) and launched the national streaming channel Spectrum News+ for Spectrum customers (overview; launch). In the Los Angeles market, Spectrum carries SportsNet LA (Dodgers), which as of 2024 expanded to Fubo but remains unavailable to DIRECTV satellite households (LA Times; background; DIRECTV lineup). And under the Disney–Charter agreement, TV Select includes Disney+ Basic and TV Select Plus includes ESPN+ (agreement summary). Outside these areas and inclusions, Spectrum’s linear lineup is broadly comparable to peers. Also note that NFL Sunday Ticket is now exclusively with YouTube TV, not DIRECTV (details).
On technology, Spectrum emphasizes Cloud DVR within the Spectrum TV App, offered in two storage tiers (about 50 and 100 hours). Recordings are available across supported devices, including the Xumo Stream Box; some networks restrict fast‑forward during playback (Cloud DVR; supported devices; Xumo Stream Box). Traditional hard‑drive DVRs still exist in some areas, but capacity and tuner counts vary by model (DVR with Spectrum Guide).
The Competition
| Spectrum | Comcast Xfinity | DIRECTV | |
| Best for | Contract‑flexible bundles with no data caps | Cross‑service streaming bundles (e.g., StreamSaver) | National channel coverage via satellite or streaming |
| Price | Varies by market; see FCC Broadband Facts and checkout disclosures | Varies by market and package | Varies by delivery: via Internet (no dish) or Satellite |
| States serviced | 41 | 40 | 50 |
| ACSI Rating | Telecom TV sector scores lag broader US average; see ACSI | Sector scores vary; see ACSI | Sector scores vary; see ACSI |
| Contract options | No annual contract in most markets | No‑term and term offers depending on plan | Streaming: no annual contract; Satellite: 24‑month term typical |
| No contract option | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Free installation | ✔ | ||
| Free receiver/DVR | ✔ | ||
| Google Play Rating | — | — | — |
| App Store Rating | — | — | — |
| How it compares to Spectrum | StreamSaver bundles (Netflix + Peacock + Apple TV+) for Xfinity customers (Comcast) | DIRECTV via Internet competes without a dish; NFL Sunday Ticket now on YouTube TV (details) |
Product Overview
Spectrum TV Pros
✔ No annual contracts in most markets
✔ Included streaming on select tiers (Disney+ Basic with TV Select; ESPN+ with TV Select Plus) (source)
✔ Cloud DVR across devices and Xumo Stream Box option (Cloud DVR; Xumo)
✔ No internet data caps; modem included $0/month (source)
Spectrum TV Cons
✘ Broadcast TV Surcharge up to $23.20/month in many markets (source)
✘ Cloud DVR hour caps and possible fast‑forward limits on some networks (source)
✘ Telecom/pay‑TV satisfaction lags other sectors (US indices); experiences vary by market (ACSI; Forrester)
Standout Spectrum Features
No contracts and a 30-day money-back guarantee
Spectrum positions its TV and internet with no annual contracts, so most customers can cancel without early termination fees. Some offers advertise a 30‑day satisfaction guarantee; verify specific terms during checkout where the FCC Broadband Facts label and offer disclosures outline promo periods, standard rates, and fees (FCC labels).
All of Spectrum’s plans emphasize contract flexibility, which can suit renters and frequent movers. If you’re switching providers, note that Spectrum has run contract‑buyout promotions tied to qualifying bundles in the past, but availability and amounts vary by market and promotion window—confirm current eligibility before ordering.
Bundling perks
Spectrum’s current bundles frequently include Advanced WiFi and one Spectrum Mobile Unlimited line for 12 months at $0 as part of Spectrum One/Spectrum One Stream offers; after the promo, Advanced WiFi is typically $7/month, and the modem remains included at $0/month (Spectrum Internet). Many offers also include the Xumo Stream Box at $0 for 12 months, then $5/month if you keep it (Xumo offer).
Typical Spectrum Internet tiers are 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and up to 1 Gbps (availability varies by address), with no data caps on advertised plans (source). By contrast, some cable competitors still apply data caps while fiber and 5G fixed wireless options often don’t (Xfinity data plan; Cox data; T‑Mobile 5G Home).
Video tiers have evolved: in many markets TV Select includes Disney+ Basic and TV Select Plus includes ESPN+ through the Disney–Charter framework (details). Regional sports availability and fees depend on where you live.
Pricing, surcharges, and install options are disclosed at checkout. Typical one‑time fees include self‑install around $24.99 and professional install around $59.99 (amounts can vary by area and order channel) (source).
Widespread availability
Spectrum’s hybrid fiber‑coax network spans much of a 41‑state footprint, offering cable internet and TV in many suburbs and cities (source). Availability, packages, and fees still vary by address, so use your exact location to view current options.
Technical support
Spectrum provides extensive self‑help and device guidance for its app‑based experience, including Cloud DVR instructions and supported device lists for the Spectrum TV App. This makes self‑setup and troubleshooting more straightforward across Roku, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, Xbox, mobile, and the Xumo Stream Box (Cloud DVR guide; supported devices).
Possible Drawbacks
Spotty customer service
Independent benchmarks consistently place telecom and pay‑TV near the bottom of national satisfaction rankings. The American Customer Satisfaction Index shows sector scores trailing the US cross‑industry average, and Forrester reported another year‑over‑year decline in overall US CX quality in 2024 (ACSI; Forrester). Vendor benchmarks indicate average transactional CSAT in the low‑to‑mid‑80% range, with first‑contact resolution strongly correlated to higher satisfaction (Zendesk). In practice, your experience can vary by local operations and how quickly issues are resolved.
Upfront costs and fees add up quickly
Beyond the advertised package price, most Spectrum TV bills include a Broadcast TV Surcharge that reached up to $23.20/month in late 2024, plus any applicable regional sports fees (source). For internet, the modem is included at $0/month but Advanced WiFi service is typically $7/month after the first‑year promo in many bundles (source). Current offers often include a Xumo Stream Box at $0 for 12 months then $5/month if you keep it (source). Installation fees apply and are disclosed during checkout, with the FCC Broadband Facts label summarizing monthly and one‑time charges (FCC labels).
Mediocre Equipment
Spectrum’s focus has shifted to the Spectrum TV App with Cloud DVR rather than promoting a single flagship set‑top DVR. Cloud DVR offers about 50 or 100 hours of storage and works across supported devices, including the Xumo Stream Box; some channels may limit fast‑forward during playback (Cloud DVR; Xumo). Traditional hard‑drive DVRs still exist in some markets, but features such as simultaneous recordings and storage vary by the specific box model (DVR guide).
Spectrum FAQ
Is Charter the same as Spectrum?
Yes. Charter Communications markets its combined cable TV and internet services under the Spectrum brand following its consolidation with Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks. Charter operates one of the largest cable footprints in the United States with contract‑flexible internet and TV bundles (learn more).
The Bottom Line
If Spectrum serves your address, weigh its contract‑flexible bundles, no data caps, and included streaming on select TV tiers (Disney+ Basic with TV Select; ESPN+ with TV Select Plus) against rising TV surcharges and add‑on fees (details; fees). Sports fans should note regional specifics: in LA, Spectrum carries SportsNet LA (Dodgers) while NFL Sunday Ticket moved to YouTube TV (LA Times; NFL Sunday Ticket). To compare more options, check out our full review of the TV providers.
