AT&T vs. Time Warner – Which is the better internet service provider for reliable and fast internet?
From online working to simply surfing the internet, a quality internet service provider is pretty much the necessity nowadays. You should go for one that is stable but is still affordable enough to not break your bank while at it.
AT&T and Time Warner and two quality internet service providers that have a longstanding in the market. They both come with flexible data plans that are bound to be a good fit for a wide range of people. They also go over and beyond by providing phone and TV services. How then do you pick between the two? Whichever you settle for, you should be assured of stable internet connection that will not let you down when you need it most.
Table of Contents
When to use AT&T
If you are looking for ultra-fast internet speeds that are as reliable as can be, look no further than AT&T. While it is only available in select areas, you do get fiber-optic coverage with AT&T that is nothing short of impressive.
When to use Time Warner
Time Warner is the company for you if you are looking for a company with wide availability and fast speeds to match. It has recently progressed towards a digital network system that assures you of the best internet servicing.
Features |
AT&T |
Time Warner (Winner) |
Number of data plan packages |
3+ |
3 |
Price range |
$49.99-$59.99 |
$49.99-$109.99 |
Download speeds |
5Mbps-1000Mbps |
100Mbps-940Mbps |
Contract |
Yes |
No |
Connection type |
Fiber, Fixed Wireless and DSL |
Fiber and Cable |
How we evaluate AT&T and Time Warner
It is quite vital for you to understand how we have ranked these two formidable internet service providers. As AT&T and Time Warner both have their own strengths and drawbacks, here is the set criterion to help you choose between the two:
- Download speeds- we know no one wants to get stuck with an internet service provider notorious with slow download speeds
- Customer service- it is always reassuring knowing that a company will stand by you in case you get any trouble using their products
- Connection type- you can choose from fiber optic, cable, DSL and fixed wireless options depending on your need
- Data caps- some providers have set limits as to how much data you can use on a plan
- Cost- a quality plan need not be expensive so we are always looking for what is the best value for your money
- Data plans- this tells you how flexible a company is to fit all kinds of people from those who are looking for internet at their workplace to home use
AT&T vs. Time Warner – A comparison overview
AT&T review
Designed with Fiber, DSL and wireless options, AT&T should be your go-to company for both home and business use. With AT&T, you also get covered with all-inclusive packages for your TV and phone service. If you settle for its fiber option that can deliver on up to 1000Mbps, but do keep in mind that its availability is restricted to large metropolitan regions. If you do not fall in this category, worry not because AT&T does have plans to expand its coverage to all the states in the country.
AT&T
Internet Plans |
Download Speeds up to |
Monthly
Prices |
Services
Included |
Details |
Internet
100 |
100Mbps |
$49.99 |
Internet |
|
Gig Internet
1000 |
1000Mbps |
$49.99 |
Internet |
|
AT&T internet +
AT&T TV |
1000Mbps |
$79.98 |
Internet and
TV |
|
AT&T Internet
DirecTV |
100Mbps |
$79.98 |
Internet and
TV |
As you can see, AT&T is jammed with internet deals that are flexible for all kinds of people. If you are on a tight budget, you can still get up 1000Mbps on for less than $50 on fiber optic. To top it all, you are fixed on this introductory rate for up to 1 year after which you will have to pay a regular rate of $69.99.
Do keep in mind that the installation process can cost you up to $100 but the upside is that AT&T usually runs promotions. For example, this summer it has a deal of an extra $25 coupon upon purchase of select plans.
Pros
- Strong coverage across the country
- You can get unlimited data on select plans
Cons
- Hotspot allotments are quite limited
Time Warner review
Time Warner has you covered if you are looking for high-speed and reliable internet services. With coverage of up to 44 states in the country, you are in for a solid deal with Time Warner. You get a whole load of options to choose from and the upside is that they do not come with any data caps! You no longer have to keep a watch on your streaming or online gaming because you want to be within set data limits.
Data plan |
Internet download speeds |
Price |
Connection Type |
Data cap |
Details |
Time Warner Standard Internet |
100Mbps |
$49.99 |
Cable |
Unlimited |
|
Time Warner Ultra Internet |
400Mbps |
$69.99 |
Cable |
Unlimited |
|
Time Warner Gig Internet |
940Mbps |
$109.99 |
Cable |
Unlimited |
With Time Warner, you get a whole range of internet plans to choose from. If you are looking for a powerful internet connection for your home or office, you can go for the Time Warner Internet Gig that will set you back $109.99 but you do get ultra-fast speeds of up to 940Mbps.
Time Warner has rebranded over the years but you are still guaranteed quality service. Its only drawback is that it is quite expensive compared to similar providers in the market. However, you do get a lot of bang for your buck.
Pros
- Reliable and fast speeds
- No contract basis
Cons
- Quite pricey
How does AT&T and Time Warner compare?
Download speeds
AT&T narrowly wins out here as you can get up to 1000Mbps on it compared to 940Mbps with Time Warner. Also, AT&T has a wider range of speeds to choose from as you can get a plan that even offers 5Mbps.
Data caps
Most of plans on AT&T come with data limits of 1TB. While this is a lot, it still does not beat the unlimited data usage you get with Time Warner. If you are not one to monitor your usage, you ought to go for unlimited data as it is way less stressful to use.
Cost
AT&T and Time Warner have varying costs but Time Warner easily wins out here. With AT&T, you will need to pay $99.99 for installation while you can do self-installation with Time Warner. If you are not up for it, you only need to pay $9.99 for installation which is the best deal ever!
Contract
With AT&T you can choose between the 1-year and 2-year contract for your data plan. If you want out, you will need to pay up to $180 for the remaining months. Time Warner is therefore the better option because you do not get tied down to a contract with them. You can opt out whenever you want without having to pay any penalties.
Conclusion
While AT&T and Time Warner are two giants when it comes to internet service providing you can still choose between them. Time Warner is the better option because it has wider availability and you also get stable internet on non-contractual basis. Nothing beats an internet service provider that will not tie you down with cancellation fees simply because you want out.
FAQ’s
Is AT&T widely available?
Yes. According to licensed and roaming areas, AT&T is accessible to more than 90% of American citizens.
Is Time Warner good enough for online gaming?
Yes. With speeds of up to 940Mbps you can play games with minimal lag and buffering.