Windstream Review 2023: Plans, Prices, and More
Windstream’s plans are different everywhere you go, but that could be good for you—or very bad.
| Package | Tier 1 promo price* | Tier 1 non-promo price | Download speeds up to | Data cap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Kinetic Internet by Windstream 50–400 Mbps Best for most homes |
$39.99/mo. | $55.00/mo. | 50–400 Mbps | Unlimited | View plans |
|
Kinetic Internet by Windstream 2 Gig Fastest |
$169.99/mo.** | N/A | 2,000 Mbps | Unlimited | View plans |
Is Windstream internet good?
Windstream’s Kinetic High-Speed Internet can be a joy when it offers well-priced plans backed by fiber technology. But Windstream’s plans vary wildly by location, so depending on where you live, Windstream may only have slow download speeds that will empty your wallet.
Check Windstream’s website for the speeds and prices in your area before you make any decisions.
Windstream pros and cons
Pros
- Unlimited data
- Month-to-month plans
- Affordable modem
Cons
- Shockingly high prices in some areas
- Hidden fees
- Unreliable technology
Windstream internet plans and bundles
| Package | Tier 1 promo price* | Tier 1 non-promo price | Download speeds up to | Data cap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinetic Internet by Windstream 50–400 MbpsBest for most homes | $39.99/mo. | $55.00/mo. | 50–400 Mbps | Unlimited | View plans |
| Kinetic Internet by Windstream 1 Gbps | $69.99/mo.** | $85.00/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | Unlimited | View plans |
|
Kinetic Internet by Windstream 2 Gig Fastest |
$169.99/mo.** | N/A | 1,200 Mbps | Unlimited | View plans |
Data as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*for 12 months. No data caps. No overage charges. 30-day money-back guarantee.
**With autopay for 12 months. Limited-time, non-transferable offer for residential customers that may not be combined with other promotions. Credit restrictions may apply. Subject to availability.
If you won the Windstream lottery by occupying an area where Windstream internet doesn’t cost an arm and a leg—rejoice! Windstream packages are remarkable when they’re on the lower end of its ludicrously wide range of prices.
Check to see if Windstream offers at least 100 Mbps download speeds in your area. This is a good speed for most homes, and if you can get it at Windstream’s best price, all the better.
And Windstream’s $69.99 a month gigabit plan is a huge steal if it’s available where you live—the average price for gigabit internet in the US is closer to $80 a month.
Windstream’s unpredictability means only a few people can expect to come away fans of the service. Depending on where you live, Windstream might charge $19.99 a month for 50 Mbps or as much as $59.99 a month for the same speeds.
To make sure you’re getting a good deal, we recommend checking your address on Windstream’s website, and then comparing the cost and speeds to our “How Much Does Internet Cost?” article. Our ranges and averages will give you a clear picture of how your plan compares to deals around the US.
Deals on Windstream internet
Windstream’s best deals can include price discounts, free equipment, and prepaid Visa gift cards. Check out Windstream’s plans to see current deals for your address.
Windstream internet plus TV bundles and pricing
Windstream no longer offers cable TV service, but you can bundle a YouTube TV, DIRECTV, or DIRECTV STREAM subscription with your Windstream internet plan during the checkout process.
If you’d like to add a home phone to your Windstream service, it will cost you about $25 per month. That’s a lot better deal than Windstream’s stand-alone phone plan, which is $49.99 per month. Yikes.
Windstream internet equipment
We’re often advocates for buying your own modem and router because it’s a great way to save money in the long run. But Windstream’s Kinetic Gateway is a modem and router all in one for just $5.99 per month. We say snatch this Windstream deal up if you don’t want to deal with your own Wi-Fi router or cable modem.
One of the coolest things about getting a Kinetic Gateway is that it pairs up nicely with Windstream’s app. The app, Go Kinetic, makes it easy to manage your connected devices, change your Wi-Fi password, and even restart your gateway.
You can get Go Kinetic on the Apple App Store or Google Play, depending on your smartphone type. Windstream’s users are huge fans of the app, so you should check it out if you get Windstream service.
Final take: Is Windstream worth it?
Windstream’s erratic pricing sets us on edge, but its unlimited data allowance and competitive speeds are noteworthy. If Windstream offers reasonable prices and speeds where you live, go for Windstream’s internet packages. Otherwise, don’t be afraid to look for greener pastures.
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Windstream internet FAQ
How much is Windstream internet monthly?
Windstream internet prices vary drastically by plan and location, ranging from $39.99–$169.99/mo.
Does Windstream internet require a phone line?
Most Windstream plans are DSL based, which use the phone wires in your home to send internet, so you’ll need a phone line. However, if you don’t want home phone service, it’s not required for Windstream internet.
How does Windstream internet work?
Most of Windstream’s networks have a fiber backbone to carry internet signals over long distances quickly and then use DSL lines to deliver internet from a local hub to your home.
What is Windstream Kinetic Internet?
Kinetic High-Speed Internet is a Windstream brand that refers explicitly to its fiber-backbone networks. The Kinetic internet plans are some of Windstream’s fastest packages, and they’ll get you the best bang for your buck.
Does Windstream have Wi-Fi?
Windstream offers a combo modem/Wi-Fi router that costs $5.99 per month.
Why is Windstream so slow?
Windstream’s DSL plans may have slow internet speeds depending on your area. Windstream may also be dealing with weather or network issues—contact Windstream’s customer service at +1-800-347-1991 if you’re having consistent internet speed problems.
Methodology
To find out how Windstream stacks up versus the competition, we evaluated the ISP on factors including availability, value, and download speeds. We also relied on our annual customer satisfaction survey to see how real customers felt about Windstream’s service and reliability.
For more information about our methodologies, feel free to peruse our How We Rank page.
