If you’re looking to surf the web with the speeds of gale-force winds, Windstream Internet may be an option for you to consider. Our Windstream review looks at a company in business since 2006 with several high-quality internet options for just under half the states in America.
Some of the highlights include no data caps, bundling discounts, no long-term contracts, and easy-to-understand plan options. Pricing depends heavily on where you’re located within the service area, which makes the comparison to other companies a bit of a challenge. Speed-wise, even the slowest advertised plan carries 200 Mbps of download speed, which is more than enough for most casual internet users.Overall, Windstream is certainly a competitor that should make your shortlist of potential internet service providers (ISPs) if you fall within the service area.
Windstream Internet Overview
Currently, Windstream doesn’t have much for ratings from some of the major players in the oversight industry like J.D. Power and the Better Business Bureau. Part of this could be because the company went through bankruptcy and restructuring as a private company that started last year and was finally approved by a judge a few months back.
While this might sound like a red flag, the new plan significantly lowers the company’s debt and gives Windstream access to $2 billion to expand the Gig internet service to rural parts of the country. In other words, the company is using the bankruptcy as an opportunity to create a stronger product for its current customers and deliver better service to other parts of America. Specifically, it looks like the company is aiming to bring enhanced coverage to rural parts of America that are often overlooked by ISPs.
PROS
- No long-term contracts: month-to-month, cancel anytime
- Bundling deals available for customers also looking for TV and phone service
- Options available for residential, business, enterprise, or wholesale
CONS
- Variable pricing based on your location
- Service is limited to some communities across 21 different states
Windstream Internet Plans and Prices
| Plan | Download Speed | Price | Number of Devices Supported |
| Kinetic 200 | 200 Mbps | Varies | N/A |
| Kinetic 500 | 500 Mbps | Varies | N/A |
| Kinetic GIG | 1 Gig (1,000 Mbps) | Varies | N/A |
| *Data accurate as of 9/21/2020 |
Windstream Speeds and Data Caps
| Plan | Upload Speed | Download Speed | Data Cap |
| Kinetic 200 | Not listed | 200 Mbps | No Cap |
| Kinetic 500 | Not listed | 500 Mbps | No Cap |
| Kinetic GIG | Not listed | 1 Gig (1,000 Mbps) | No Cap |
| *Date effective as of 9/21/2020 |
Windstream estimated speeds
With Windstream, you’ve got three different options when it comes to speed: 200 Mbps, 500 Mbps, or the 1 Gig plan. While this is fewer options than some other providers, it’s really all you need. You’ve got a slower and more affordable option, a middle of the road option, and for those looking to increase their internet speed to the max, an option for that. Some providers offer way more flexibility, which sounds good in theory, but may be overkill with too many options.
The company doesn’t list upload speeds, but we expect them to be on par with the rest of the ISP industry leaders.
Data caps
A concern you need to consider when looking at internet providers is whether there is a cap on the amount of data you can use every month. When it comes to Windstream, all plans have no data caps and no overage charges.
Additionally, the company states it doesn’t manage network congestion by reducing the speed on higher-data-using customers (a practice known as throttling).
Our Pick for Windstream Internet Plan
- Kinetic Gig — Best for streaming, gaming, and video meetings
- Kinetic 200 — Best for everyday use like social media, research, email, and streaming
Windstream Internet Highlights
Windstream vs. Competitors
| Starting Price | Availability | Download Speeds | Connection | Contract | |
| Windstream | Varies by location | 21 states | 200-1,000 Mbps | DSL, Fiber | Month-to-month |
| AT&T | $50 | 21 states | 768 – 940 mbps | DSL, Fiber | 1 year |
| CenturyLink | $49 | 36 states | 1.5 Mbps – 940 Mbps | DSL, Fiber | None |
| Xfinity | $20 | 40 states | 25 Mbps – 940 Mbps | Cable, Fiber | 1 year |
| Spectrum | $50 | 46 states | 30 Mbps – 940 Mbps | Cable | None |
*Prices for stand-alone internet service, current as of 9/21/2020. Prices may vary by location. Contract length may vary, and it’s subject to the starting price presented above.
Is Windstream Internet Any Good?
From our Windstream Internet review, it looks like the company is certainly a contender when it comes to ISP options.
The company offers three great options that each meets a different service need. Windstream has a “slower” option for people that don’t have high-speed needs. Above that, there’s a middle-of-the-road option and a high-speed option that is on par with the fastest options on the market.
It’s also important to note that the “slowest” advertised option is still faster than the speeds you’ll get with other companies (200 Mbps). With these speeds, you can still download an entire HD movie in less than one minute.
So, overall, Windstream is certainly a good option. It would be nice to see more accessible pricing, and for the company to expand service beyond the 21 states it currently services.
Windstream FAQ
About the Authors
Jason Lee is a seasoned writer with a passion for writing about insurance, banking, and personal finance. As a Las Vegas local and area business owner for a decade, he knows the ins and outs of the city better than anyone.
