Windstream Review 2021: Plans, Prices, and More

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 also offers shady DSL internet with prices that will leave a bad taste in your mouth.

Call Windstream’s customer service to check the Windstream speeds and prices in your area before you make any decisions.

You’ll also want to find out if there are any other providers in your area that offer a better deal—especially if you live in an expensive or slow Windstream region. Enter your zip code below to see all your internet options.

Jump to: 

• Internet packages and pricing
• Internet deals
• Internet + TV bundle packages and pricing
• Equipment
• Our final take on Windstream
• FAQ

Windstream pros and cons

Best Windstream packages

Data as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*for 12 months

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.

High Speed Internet 200 Mbps comes with plenty of download speed to support most homes, and its unlimited data allowance is a sweet bonus. Should you want to upgrade to Kinetic Gig, paying anything less than $80 per month is a sweet deal for gig speeds.

Windstream internet plans and bundles

Windstream’s unpredictability means only a few people can expect to come away fans of the service.

For example, we found that one home in Lincoln, Nebraska had access to an affordable Windstream 100 Mbps plan. About eight miles over, another home could get only 4 Mbps—slower than most 4G phones—and Windstream charges the same as the 100 Mbps plan for it. We call foul.

Fair warning, Windstream needs every Washington it can get right now. It filed for bankruptcy back in 2019, and it’s trying to get out of the hole by August 2020. It’s still operating, though, so you can get one of the internet packages below—if you want to.

Data as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*for 12 months

Deals on Windstream internet

• Up to $30/mo. for 50 Mbps download speeds
• Up to $50/mo. for 100 Mbps download speeds
• Up to $60/mo. for 200–500 Mbps download speeds
• Up to $80/mo. for 1,000 Mbps download speeds

If you have competing internet service providers (ISPs) in your area, they may offer better prices. Check out your options by entering your zip code below.

Windstream internet plus TV bundles and pricing

Data as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*for 12 months

Windstream offers three streaming TV packages for internet subscribers: Kinetic TV Local (additional $20/mo.), Kinetic TV Select ($75/mo.), and Kinetic TV Preferred ($85/mo.). Kinetic TV Local is surprisingly affordable for a local network package, while Kinetic TV Select and Kinetic TV Preferred have a decent selection of basic cable channels (but no premium cable channels).

To stream Kinetic TV, you can buy a streaming device from Windstream for $74.99, rent the set-top box for $5.00 per month, or download the service’s app on your own streaming device for free. Kinetic TV is available on smartphones, tablets, and set-top boxes like the Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and Android TV. Alternatively, you can bundle a YouTube TV or DIRECTV 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 $20 per month. That’s a lot better deal than Windstream’s stand-alone phone plan, which is $44.99 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.

To see if there are more internet providers near you, enter your zip code below. We don’t record your zip code or send it to anyone else, so your info is safe.

Windstream internet FAQ

How much is Windstream internet monthly?

Windstream internet prices vary drastically by plan and location, ranging from $27.00 to $90.00 per month.

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.