Windstream
available in 
Price: $39.99–$169.99/mo.*
Speeds: 100–2,000 Mbps
Data cap: No data caps
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◊ Provider star ratings are based on user reviews and our independent customer satisfaction survey.
Data effective 02/06/2023. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*For the first 12 months. No data caps. No overage charges. 30 day money back guarantee.
Our Windstream internet review
Windstream offers a wide range of plans and prices, with reasonably-priced gigabit fiber in many locations. It reaches a wide and ever-growing area by making use of DSL, cable, and fixed wireless networks, but its service really shines in areas where Windstream has expanded its fiber-optic network.
Pros
- Wide range of plans
- Coverage in rural areas
- Affordable fiber plan
Cons
- Limited fiber availability
- Monthly equipment fees
Jump to: Plans and pricing | Speed and data caps | Fees | Installation, equipment, and contracts | Customer ratings | Windstream vs. the competition | Bottom line | Faq
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Compare Windstream internet plans and pricing
| Package | Price | Speed | Type | View on Windstream site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinetic Internet by Windstream 100 | $39.99/mo.* | Up to 100 Mbps | DSL | Shop Plans |
| Kinetic Internet by Windstream 500 | $39.99/mo.* | Up to 500 Mbps | Fiber | Shop Plans |
| Kinetic Internet by Windstream 1 Gig | $69.99/mo.** | 1,000 Mbps | Fiber | Shop Plans |
| Kinetic Internet by Windstream 2 Gig | $169.99/mo.** | 2,000 Mbps | Fiber | Shop Plans |
Data effective 02/06/2023. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*For the first 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.
Windstream’s speeds: What’s best for you?
Windstream’s options depend heavily on location, especially in rural areas where only certain types of network are available. The relatively low cost of Windstream’s fiber option means it’s likely the best value if it’s available in your area. Slower plans can nearly cut your bill in half, but make sure the plan you choose has enough speed to meet your household needs.
How fast are your Windstream speeds?
Click below for a quick speed test and find out.
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Windstream’s data caps
Windstream has no data caps, and we think that’s great. No provider with a wired network needs data caps in this day and age, so hopefully more companies follow Windstream’s lead.
Our favorite plan: Kinetic Internet by Windstream 1 Gig. It’s one of the least expensive gigabit plans you can get and Windstream is continually expanding its reach.
Windstream only has two price tiers, which simplifies choices considerably. If you’re not going with the fiber plan, make sure you know how much speed you’re getting. Windstream’s budget plan is a good value for 500 Mbps.
If you can only get 100 Mbps in your area, there might be a better option with another provider.
Windstream ongoing deals and promotions + bundles
Get a $200 Kinetic Visa® Prepaid Card when you sign up for a qualifying high-speed internet plan.
Windstream internet fees
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Data effective 10/4/2022. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Windstream has a few substantial fees that you should be aware of. There’s an extra $65 fee to install a new phone jack for DSL (if you don’t want to use an existing one). One fee you don’t have to worry about is an early termination fee, which is where sneaky providers get ya.
Windstream internet installation, equipment, and contracts
Windstream is one of the best providers when it comes to the nitty gritty details, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected surprises when making the switch.
Windstream installation and equipment
Windstream offers professional installation at an affordable price, though you can also opt to self-install if you’re signing up for a DSL plan. Windstream’s monthly fee for equipment rental is pretty standard, though more providers are offering free equipment these days.
Windstream internet contracts
Windstream doesn’t require any long-term contracts, which is how it should be. By eliminating contracts and data caps, Windstream has also removed some of the biggest frustrations that customers have to deal with.
How Windstream compares to the competition
| Provider | Plan price range | Speeds (range) | User rating* | Order online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windstream | $39.99–$169.99/mo.†# | 100–2,000 Mbps | 3.5 | View Windstream Plans |
| Spectrum | $49.99–$89.99/mo.‡ | 300–1,000 Mbps | 3.7 | View Spectrum Plans |
| Cox | $49.99–$109.99/mo.§ | 100 Mbps–1000 Mbps | 3.6 | View Cox Plans |
Data effective 02/06/2023. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*According to our annual customer satisfaction survey.
† For the first 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.
‡ For the first 12 months. Wireless speeds may vary.
§ for 12 months with 1-yr. term agreement.
Windstream has lower prices overall than most of its big competitors. Combined with its lack of data caps or contracts, Windstream beats most big competitors hands-down when it comes to cost and fees. The biggest advantage that big cable networks like Spectrum and Cox have is more consistent plan offerings across their networks. Of course, big cable networks can’t reach as deep into rural areas as Windstream’s more piecemeal approach, and slow internet is definitely better than no internet.
Read our full reviews of Windstream vs its main internet competitors
Is Windstream internet right for you?
Windstream offers affordable internet service without the contracts and data caps that make finding an internet provider such a frustrating experience. Windstream’s gigabit fiber plan is an especially good value, if you can get it in your area.
Shop Windstream InternetFAQ about Windstream
Can you use your own modem or router with Windstream?
Windstream doesn’t maintain a list of compatible modems, so we suggest renting equipment directly from Windstream to avoid compatibility issues. You can, however, connect a separate router to your Windstream equipment if you need more from your Wi-Fi network than the rental equipment can provide. For example, adding a long-range router or mesh system to your equipment can help you connect to the internet, even in huge buildings.
Methodology
Our HighSpeedInternet.com editorial team bases our analyses on customer input from our annual customer satisfaction survey, results from our speed test tool, and proprietary internet provider data on speeds and pricing. To strengthen our research, we look closely at provider contracts to get hard-to-find information on price hikes, data caps, and extra fees, and we keep tabs on the latest news reports and online reviews. When applicable, we also rely on our personal experiences testing these services.