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Brightspeed vs. WOW: Which Internet Provider Is Better?

Compare internet speeds, pricing, reliability, customer reviews, and fees so you can choose the best internet provider for your home.

100% unbiased. Provider information updated regularly.
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Brightspeed Vs WOW

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4.0

Plans starting at: $29.99

Popular Package: 2 Gig

Download speeds up to: 8 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber

Call today & find the best Brightspeed internet deals
1-833-970-4123
4.0

Plans starting at: $30

Popular Package: Internet 1 Gig

Download speeds up to: 5 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber & Cable

Call today & find the best WOW internet deals
1-833-864-0259

Brightspeed Provider Information

Brightspeed is a relatively new name in the telecommunications industry, formed after Lumen Technologies sold its incumbent local exchange carrier assets in twenty states to Apollo Global Management. While the company is currently working to expand its fiber-to-the-premises footprint, much of its existing network still relies on legacy digital subscriber line (DSL) technology. This means your experience will vary significantly depending on your address. Where fiber is available, you get symmetrical upload and download speeds that are excellent for heavy data use. In areas where only DSL is offered, you will find much slower speeds that may struggle with modern household demands. Plans start at $29.99 for 200 Mbps, while their top-tier offerings reach $129.99 for 8000 Mbps. The provider is most common in rural and suburban areas across the Midwest, Southeast, and parts of the West. Brightspeed is a solid choice if you can access their fiber network, as it provides a reliable, high-speed connection without the data caps often found with other providers. However, if you are stuck with their older copper-based infrastructure, you might find the performance lacking compared to hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) or newer fiber competitors. They are best for customers who prioritize straightforward pricing and no long-term contracts, provided they verify the specific connection type available at their home before signing up. If you live in a rural area where options are limited, Brightspeed is often a dependable utility, but it is worth checking if their fiber service is actually available at your doorstep.

WOW Provider Information

WOW, formerly known as WideOpenWest, is a mid-sized cable internet provider that has spent years refining its footprint across the Midwest and Southeast. While the company has undergone various ownership shifts and strategic divestitures to focus on core markets, it remains a reliable player for those living within its specific service areas. WOW primarily delivers internet through a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network, which balances the widespread availability of traditional cable with the performance necessary for modern households. Because it relies on HFC technology, you can expect solid download speeds and consistent reliability, though upload speeds will generally be lower than what you would see from a dedicated fiber-to-the-home connection.

The provider offers a straightforward range of plans to suit different household needs. Pricing starts at $30 for 300 Mbps, scaling up to $185 for 5000 Mbps. WOW is a strong choice for budget-conscious families who want a reliable connection without the complexity of bundled services or long-term contracts. The company does well in terms of customer service transparency and simple billing, but it falls short in areas where it lacks a fiber-to-the-home presence, as it cannot compete with the symmetrical speeds offered by newer fiber providers. If you live in a neighborhood where WOW is available and you prioritize a stable, no-nonsense connection over ultra-fast upload speeds, it is a sensible option that avoids the aggressive upselling tactics found at larger national competitors.

PROS

Attractive, transparent pricing for fast fiber speeds No data caps or contracts, free premium modem with fiber plans Rapid fiber buildout in progress

Cons

Some customers on DSL will wait for fiber buildout Slower speeds for DSL service New company still building operations

PROS

Best prices for cable service Good customer satisfaction Gigabit download speeds

Cons

Limited area of coverage Slower upload speeds

Brightspeed Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
Up to $250 in Reward Cards + Save $120 in first year!
8 GigFiber InternetUp to 8,000 Mbps Only $129.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Up to $250 in Reward Cards + Save $120 in first year!
2 GigFiber InternetUp to 2,000 Mbps Only $79.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Up to $150 Reward Cards + Save $120 in first year!
1 GigFiber InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $69.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Up to $100 Reward Cards!
500 MbpsFiber InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $59.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
200 MbpsFiber InternetUp to 200 Mbps Only $29.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best Brightspeed internet deals
1-833-970-4123

WOW Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
Fiber 5 GigFiber InternetUp to 5,000 Mbps Only $185
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Visa $200 Rewards Card
Fiber 3 GigFiber InternetUp to 3,000 Mbps Only $75
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Visa $150 Rewards Card
Internet 1 GigCable InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $50
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Internet 600Cable InternetUp to 600 Mbps Only $35
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Internet 300Cable InternetUp to 300 Mbps Only $30
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best WOW internet deals
1-833-864-0259

Brightspeed FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit BrightspeedSavings.com.
Brightspeed does not impose data caps on its internet service. You can enjoy unlimited data usage without worrying about any restrictions or additional charges.
Brightspeed offers several no-cost modem options for fiber installations, including premium Wi-Fi 6-capable modems. These modems are optimized to deliver the fiber connection into your home and come with remote network support from the Brightspeed customer success team. Newer fiber installations may include the Calix Wi-Fi router and mesh Wi-Fi extenders at no additional charge.
Yes, you can choose to provide your own Wi-Fi router if it meets certain specifications, such as maximum bandwidth capability equal to your purchased internet speed, a 1 Gbps Ethernet WAN port, DHCP to obtain a WAN IP Address, the same or newer Wi-Fi technology as your connected devices, accurate auto-channel selection, and firewall support. However, by using your own router, you won't get the benefits of using a Brightspeed modem, such as built-in security features and technical support from the Fiber Customer Success Team.
Restarting your modem/router (gateway) is often the first step in troubleshooting connection problems. You can simply unplug it for 30 seconds and then plug it back in.
Brightspeed provides special programs to support low-income customers. They offer affordable internet options and participate in initiatives like the Affordable Connectivity Program to ensure that everyone has access to reliable and affordable internet service. Your customer support rep can help you set up your ACP benefit if you qualify.
Yes, Brightspeed is actively expanding its fiber infrastructure to provide high-speed internet access to more areas. They are committed to improving connectivity and delivering reliable fiber-optic internet service to customers. For specific information about the availability of fiber in your location, please contact the Brightspeed customer support team.
Call today & find the best Brightspeed internet deals
1-833-970-4123

WOW FAQ's

WOW! does not provide a static IP address for your home internet account. But WOW! does offer home business accounts that can provide you with a static IP address.
WOW! offers security on a network level, which means you don’t have to manage it yourself. Network Security helps guard your internet connection against phishing, viruses and malware.
WOW! Internet and WOW! Whole-Home Wi-Fi can be self-installed.
Yes, you can. As long as a technician has completed the outside installation or there is an existing WOW! connection, you will be able to install and activate service using your own modem.
Take our internet speed test to find your actual upload and download speed.
The eero devices that support your Whole-Home Wi-Fi provide up to 1500 square feet of coverage per device.
Call today & find the best WOW internet deals
1-833-864-0259