While Spectrum has straightforward pricing on most of its plans, surprise charges and fees can pop up on your Spectrum cable bill if you’re not careful. We’ll walk you through potential costs to watch out for with your Spectrum internet and TV service.
Why is my Spectrum internet bill so high?
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Professional installation | $65.00 |
| Self-installation activation | $30.00 |
| Reconnection fee | $4.99 |
| Modem equipment rental | Included |
| Home Wi-Fi equipment (modem/Wi-Fi router) | $7.00/mo. |
| Late payment fee | $8.95 |
| Data overage fee | None |
In general, Spectrum internet won’t hit you with too many hidden fees. The biggest charge to look out for is the price hike that kicks in after your first two years of service.
That said, sure your modem is free, but we don’t love that you have to pay $7 a month for Wi-Fi service.
Competitors like Verizon Fios and Google Fiber are just giving their Wi-Fi away—just sayin’.
But again, compared to competitors like Xfinity and Cox, Spectrum isn’t trying to upsell you or surprise you with fees and other hidden costs.
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Spectrum internet price increases after promo period
Be aware that Spectrum’s prices go up after the two-year promotional period, after which your bill will increase. We recommend you set a reminder on your digital calendar for 12 or 24 months out (depending on your plan) to call and ask for a discount before your prices go up.
Spectrum internet taxes and fees
Amount: Varies by package and area
Spectrum internet is pretty light on recurring fees. If you have an internet-only plan, you’ll see the plan itself and a router rental if you opt for Spectrum’s home Wi-Fi service (or you could buy your own high-speed router). If you add TV service, you’ll see those fees as well, including the Broadcast TV Fee and various federal regulatory fees, which we’ll discuss in more detail below.
Spectrum internet installation fees
Amount: $65 or $30 one-time charge
Spectrum plans come with a one-time charge of $65.00 for professional installation or $30.00 for self-installation activation. While we don’t love being charged for DIY, at least installation isn’t too tricky.
Head over to our Spectrum Installation Guide to learn more about how to easily install your Spectrum internet service.
Spectrum internet equipment fee
Amount: Cable modem included, $7/mo. for Wi-Fi router
Spectrum doesn’t charge for its essential cable modem device. But if you want Wi-Fi (who doesn’t?) you can rent a Spectrum router for $7 per month—unless you’re on the Spectrum Internet GIG plan, which includes a Wi-Fi router for no extra cost.
And those aren’t the only ways to get home Wi-Fi. You can buy your own Wi-Fi router for around a hundred bucks, which is a great way to save cash in the long run.
Spectrum internet late payment fee
Amount: $8.95 per missed payment
If you miss paying your internet bill, Spectrum gives you a 30-day grace period to pay before incurring a late fee. The fee is $8.95—not too bad. And the grace period gives you plenty of time to correct the issue.
Spectrum internet cancellation and early termination fees
Amount: None
Since Spectrum is a contract-free provider, there are no cancellation fees or early termination fees (ETFs) to worry about. Internet service is on a month-to-month basis, and if you decide you want to try another internet service provider, all you need to do is cancel Spectrum internet and return any rented equipment.
Spectrum internet data overage fees
Amount: None
Many providers have a data cap on internet service, after which they charge overage fees for additional use. Not Spectrum internet—there’s no data limit and no overage fee. Customers are free to stream, download, and game to their heart’s content.
Why is my Spectrum TV bill so high?
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Broadcast TV service charge | Up to $23.20/mo. |
| Professional installation | $65.00 |
| Self-installation activation | $30.00 |
| Reconnection fee | $4.99 |
| Spectrum receiver | $10.99/mo. per TV |
| DVR receiver and service | $12.00/mo. |
| Apple TV 4K (rent-to-own) | $9.99/mo. for 18 mos.* |
| Apple TV 4K (purchase) | $149.00* |
| Cloud DVR (record up to 50 shows) | $4.99/mo. |
| Cloud DVR Plus (record up to 100 shows) | $9.99/mo.† |
| Late payment fee | $8.95 |
Hidden Spectrum TV fees and costs are where your bill can really start to hurt your wallet.
In general, we’re over DVR fees, especially for a DVR with as little storage as Spectrum’s.
Live TV streaming services like YouTube TV and Philo feature unlimited cloud DVR storage for free, for reference.
And don’t even get us started on broadcast TV fees. We have a whole page full of opinions on those bad boys.
The one bright spot here is that Spectrum TV service doesn’t charge early termination fees if you want to switch to a live TV streaming service or another cable TV provider.
It’s worth noting that the Spectrum channel lineup is pretty solid—just watch out for those pesky equipment fees.
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
* Limit one Apple TV 4K per account.
† Requires Apple TV 4K.
Spectrum add-on channels
| Service | Amount |
|---|---|
| Max™ | $15.00/mo. |
| Paramount+ with SHOWTIME® | $10.00/mo. |
| STARZ® + STARZ ENCORE® | $9.00/mo. |
| Entertainment View (70+ channels) | $15.00/mo. |
| Sports View (20+ channels) | $7.00/mo. |
| Latino View (70+ channels) | $15.00/mo. |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Spectrum’s TV plans offer 155–160+ channels, but you can add more with your choice of add-ons. Most people looking for a traditional, all-inclusive cable experience will probably want at least Entertainment View, which provides Cooking Channel and Disney XD.
But if you’re looking to cut down your cable bill, you might consider axing those channels you aren’t using.
Spectrum bundle price increases after promo period
Amount: Up to $35/mo.
Spectrum bundle prices increase by $10 to $35 per month after the promo period ends. How much of an increase you’ll see depends on which Spectrum services you bundle—cable TV prices go up $25 per month and phone prices go up $10 per month.
However, there’s no contract, so there’s nothing stopping you from calling and selecting a new promotion.
Spectrum TV taxes and fees
Amount: Vary by package and area
“Taxes and fees” is the nebulous category of additional charges you may see mentioned in the fine print of your TV package. A lot of these are regulatory fees imposed on providers by the federal government, which are then passed onto customers. These fees sometimes vary by region, but there are a few that are common across the country.
So basically all providers charge these fees—there’s really no getting around it. What catches most people off guard is that they are almost never included in the advertised price for a plan, so when you get your first bill, the number may not match your expectations.
One of the most common regulatory fees is the Broadcast TV Fee, which is up to $23.20 per month with Spectrum. Another common fee is the Regional Sports Fee, though Spectrum customers appear to be off the hook for this one.
Here’s a very thorough rundown from Spectrum on what each fee is and why you might see it.
Spectrum TV installation fee
Amount: $65 or $30 one-time charge
Whether you’re bundling your TV service with internet or going for a TV-only plan, your self-installation activation costs $30.00. Professional installation is pricier, but still reasonable, at $65.00.
Check out our Spectrum Installation Guide for more information about installing your Spectrum TV service.
Spectrum TV equipment fees
Amount: $10.99/mo. for HD TV Box, $9.99/mo. for Apple TV 4K, $4.99–$12.00/mo. for DVR service
Spectrum charges $10.99 per month for each HD TV Box (TV receiver). Alternatively, you can choose to rent-to-own an Apple TV 4K ($9.99 per month for 18 months) or buy it outright ($149.00 one-time payment). Neither device has built-in DVR storage. Instead, you’ll need to choose one of Spectrum’s cloud DVR plans.
Cloud DVR is $4.99 per month to record up to 50 shows and store them for up to 90 days. This is the only option if you choose the HD TV Box. With the Apple TV 4K, you can get Cloud DVR Plus which is $9.99 a month for up to 100 recordings that you can keep for up to one year.
If Spectrum’s physical DVR is available in your area, you can get that receiver and service for around $12.00 monthly. It’s a bit pricier, but it won’t affect your internet speeds like the Apple TV 4K will.
The Apple TV 4K uses some of your Spectrum internet bandwidth to stream your live and on-demand TV. Make sure your internet plan has speeds to support online streaming—we recommend at least Spectrum Internet® 500 Mbps if you have multiple TVs at home.
Pro tip: Because all Spectrum internet plans don’t have data caps, you won’t have to worry about data overage fees. We always love unlimited data, and Spectrum’s smart to free you from tracking data usage when hyping up its streaming TV services.
Spectrum TV premium channel fees
Amount: Up to $15.00/mo. per channel
Spectrum offers a wide variety of premium channels like Max (formerly HBO Max), Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and STARZ + STARZ ENCORE. These channels can be added to any package for an additional $7–$15 per channel, per month.
Spectrum TV late payment fee
Amount: $8.95 per missed payment
Most cable companies charge a late payment fee, and Spectrum is no exception. It does offer an unusually long grace period, though—you get thirty days after your due date to pay your bill. After that period, you’ll be assessed a late fee of $8.95.
Spectrum TV cancellation and early termination fees
Amount: None
Spectrum is a contract-free provider, meaning none of its packages require service agreements or commitments. That also means you won’t find any Spectrum fees for canceling service, so you’re free to come and go as you please.
Spectrum hidden costs FAQ
Do I have to pay more to watch Spectrum shows on the go?
If you have a Spectrum TV plan, you can watch shows on the Spectrum app for no extra charge. Download the Spectrum TV app from Google Play or the Apple App Store, and you can watch live TV from anywhere that has internet access.
How much is HBO on Spectrum?
Max™ (formerly HBO Max) costs an additional $15 per month with Spectrum TV Select.
Does Spectrum have contracts?
Spectrum doesn’t have annual contracts—you can leave your Spectrum service whenever you need to.
How much does Spectrum price increase after 12 months?
After the first 12 months, Spectrum TV typically increases by $25 per month, internet by $30 per month (except for Ultra and Gig, which increases after 24 months), and phone by $10 per month.
How much is Spectrum internet after 12 months?
After 12 months, your Spectrum internet bill increases to the normal prevailing rate if you have Spectrum Internet (300 Mbps plan). If you have Internet Ultra or Internet Gig, your prices are locked in for two years.
Right now, the normal prevailing rate is $30 more per month. That raises Spectrum Internet’s starting price from $39.99 to $69.99 a month, Spectrum Internet Ultra’s starting price from $59.99 to $89.99 a month, and Spectrum Internet Gig’s starting price from $49.99 to $79.99 a month. These starting prices depend on location, however, so be sure to enter your zip to see the accurate Spectrum pricing in your area.
Does Spectrum charge for a modem?
Spectrum’s modem comes included with your internet plan, but if you want Spectrum to provide Wi-Fi service, you’ll need to pay $5 more a month. Or you can buy a Wi-Fi router instead.
Disclaimer
Spectrum Internet: For 12 months when bundled. Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Taxes, fees and surcharges extra and subject to change during and after the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra.
Spectrum Internet 500 Mbps: For 24 months when bundled. Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter.
Spectrum Internet Gig: For 24 months when bundled. Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter.
Spectrum TV Select Signature: Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Spectrum TV Select Signature promotion price is $64.99/mo; standard rates apply after yr 1. Taxes, fees, and surcharges (broadcast surcharge up to $23.20/mo) extra and subject to change during and after the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra. General Terms: TV: TV equipment required; charges may apply. Channel and HD programming availability based on level of service and location. Account credentials may be required to stream some TV content online. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. Enter your address to determine availability.
Spectrum Voice: Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. General Terms: HOME PHONE: Spectrum Voice promotion price is $14.99/mo; standard rates apply after yr 1. Unlimited calling includes calls within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands and more. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. Enter your address to determine availability.
Spectrum Internet + TV Select Signature + Voice: Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Spectrum TV® Select Signature promotion price is $64.99/mo; standard rates apply after yr. 1. Spectrum Internet® promotion price is $49.99/mo; standard rates apply after yr. 1. Spectrum Voice®: Price is $14.99/mo when bundled. Taxes, fees and surcharges (broadcast surcharge up to $21.00/mo) extra and subject to change during and after the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra. General Terms: INTERNET: Speed based on wired connection and may vary by address. Wireless speeds may vary. TV: TV equipment required; charges may apply. Channel and HD programming availability based on level of service. Account credentials may be required to stream some TV content online. HOME PHONE: Unlimited calling includes calls within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands and more. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. Enter your address to determine availability. ©2022 Charter Communications.
Spectrum Internet + TV Select Signature: Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Spectrum TV® Select Signature promotion price is $64.99/mo; standard rates apply after yr. 1. Spectrum Internet® promotion price is $49.99/mo; standard rates apply after yr. 1. Taxes, fees and surcharges (broadcast surcharge up to $21.00/mo) extra and subject to change during and after the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra. General Terms: INTERNET: Speed based on wired connection and may vary by address. Wireless speeds may vary. TV: TV equipment required; charges may apply. Channel and HD programming availability based on level of service. Account credentials may be required to stream some TV content online. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. Enter your address to determine availability. ©2022 Charter Communications.
Spectrum Internet + Voice: Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Spectrum Internet® promotion price is $49.99/mo; standard rates apply after yr. 1. Spectrum Voice®: Price is $14.99/mo when bundled. Taxes, fees and surcharges extra and subject to change during and after the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra. General Terms: INTERNET: Speed based on wired connection and may vary by address. Wireless speeds may vary. HOME PHONE: Unlimited calling includes calls within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands and more. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. Enter your address to determine availability. ©2022 Charter Communications.
Mi Plan Latino: Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Mi Plan Latino promotion price is $39.99/mo; standard rates apply after yr 1. Mi Plan Latino and Internet is $89.98/mo; standard rates apply after yr 1. Mi Plan Latino, Internet and Home Phone is $104.97/mo; standard rates apply after yr 1. Spectrum TV Select Signature and Latino View is $71.99/mo; standard rates apply after yr 1. Taxes, fees and surcharges (broadcast surcharge up to $21.00/mo) extra and subject to change during and after the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra. General Terms: INTERNET: Speed based on wired connection and may vary by address. Wireless speeds may vary. TV: TV equipment required for each TV that gets Spectrum TV Latino for an additional monthly charge. Channel and HD programming availability based on level of service. Account credentials may be required to stream some TV content online. HOME PHONE: Unlimited calling includes calls within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands and more. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. Enter your address to determine availability. ©2022 Charter Communications.
