When it comes to choosing an internet service provider (ISP), two major players stand out: Xfinity and AT&T. With both companies offering a range of internet plans, speeds, and prices, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your needs. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll take a deep dive into Xfinity vs AT&T Internet to help you make an informed decision.
Overview of Xfinity vs AT&T Internet
Xfinity and AT&T are both well-known ISPs in the United States, providing internet services to millions of customers. Xfinity is primarily a cable internet provider, while AT&T offers both fiber and DSL internet options. The primary difference between the two lies in their coverage areas, type of internet connection, and pricing.
Xfinity Internet
As a cable provider, Xfinity offers a wide range of internet plans with varying speeds and prices. Cable internet tends to be fast and reliable, and it’s more widely available than fiber. However, the upload speeds of cable internet are usually much slower than those of fiber connections.
AT&T Internet
AT&T offers a mix of fiber, DSL, and fixed wireless internet options. Fiber internet provides excellent speeds for both uploads and downloads, making it ideal for heavy internet users. However, fiber internet is not as widely available as cable internet. DSL and fixed wireless options cater to customers in areas with limited internet infrastructure, such as rural areas.
Plans and Pricing: Xfinity vs AT&T Internet
Both Xfinity and AT&T offer a variety of plans and prices to cater to different customer needs. In this section, we’ll compare these plans and their associated costs.
Xfinity Internet Plans and Pricing
Xfinity offers several internet plans, ranging from 75 Mbps to 1,200 Mbps. The prices for these plans can vary depending on your location, but here’s a general idea of what you can expect:
Plans | Pricing |
Basic | $25.00/mo. |
Fast | $40.00/mo. |
Superfast | $60.00/mo. |
Ultrafast | $70.00/mo. |
Gigabit | $80.00/mo. |
These prices are based on a one-year contract and do not include taxes and equipment fees. Keep in mind that regional price differences may apply.
AT&T Internet Plans and Pricing
AT&T offers a range of internet plans, including fiber, DSL, and fixed wireless options. Here’s a general idea of their pricing structure:
Plans | Pricing |
Fiber 300 | $55.00/mo. |
Fiber 500 | $65.00/mo. |
Fiber Gigabit | $80.00/mo. |
DSL (25-100 MBPS) | $45.00/mo. |
Fixed Wireless (10 MBPS) | $60.00/mo. |
These prices are for a 12-month contract and do not include taxes and equipment fees.
Speed and Performance: Xfinity vs AT&T Internet
When comparing Xfinity and AT&T, it’s essential to consider their respective internet speeds and overall performance.
Xfinity Internet Speeds
Xfinity offers a range of cable internet speeds, from 75 Mbps to 1,200 Mbps. The actual speeds you’ll experience may vary depending on factors like your location, the number of devices connected to your network, and network congestion.
AT&T Internet Speeds
AT&T’s fiber internet plans offer symmetrical download and upload speeds, ranging from 300 Mbps to 940 Mbps. This means that your upload speeds will be just as fast as your download speeds, which is excellent for activities like video conferencing and live streaming. AT&T’s DSL and fixed wireless plans offer slower speeds, with DSL ranging from 25-100 Mbps and fixed wireless providing a minimum of 10 Mbps.
Data Caps: Xfinity vs AT&T Internet
Both Xfinity and AT&T impose data caps on their internet plans, which can affect your overall internet usage.
Xfinity Data Caps
Xfinity imposes a 1.2 TB data cap on all of its internet plans. If you exceed this cap, you’ll need to pay $10 for every 50 GB of additional data you use. Alternatively, you can opt for an unlimited data plan for an extra $30 per month.
AT&T Data Caps
AT&T’s fiber internet plans come with unlimited data, allowing you to enjoy fast speeds without worrying about exceeding a monthly limit. Non-fiber plans with speeds below 75 Mbps have a 1 TB monthly cap, while the fixed wireless internet plan has a 350 GB cap. If you exceed your data cap, you’ll be billed $10 for every 50 GB of additional data you use.
Contracts: Xfinity vs AT&T Internet
When signing up for an internet plan, it’s important to consider the contract terms and any associated fees.
Xfinity Contracts
Xfinity offers both annual term agreements and no-contract options for most of its plans. If you choose a no-contract plan, you’ll need to pay $10 more per month. Gigabit and Gigabit Pro plans come with two-year contracts, while most other plans have one-year contracts.
AT&T Contracts
AT&T does not require an annual contract when you sign up for its internet service. Instead, its plans run on a month-to-month basis, allowing you to cancel at any time without incurring a penalty fee.
Installation: Xfinity vs AT&T Internet
Both Xfinity and AT&T offer options for professional installation and self-installation, depending on your preferences and needs.
Xfinity Installation
Xfinity provides a self-installation kit for $15, which can be mailed to your home or picked up for free at an Xfinity retail location. This option is ideal for customers who feel comfortable setting up their own internet connection.
AT&T Installation
AT&T’s professional installation costs $99, but this fee is often waived if you order your service online. If you’re ordering over the phone, you may be able to negotiate with customer service to have the installation fee waived.
Availability: Xfinity vs AT&T Internet
Both Xfinity and AT&T have extensive coverage areas in the United States, but their availability varies depending on your location.
Xfinity Availability
Xfinity has a significant presence on the East Coast, South, and Midwest, potentially reaching around 130 million people. To determine if Xfinity is available in your area, you can enter your zip code into the Xfinity availability tool.
AT&T Availability
AT&T provides internet service to approximately 148 million people, primarily in California, Texas, the South, and the Midwest. To check if AT&T is available in your area, you can use the AT&T availability tool.
Customer Ratings: Xfinity vs AT&T Internet
Customer satisfaction is an essential factor to consider when choosing an internet service provider. Both Xfinity and AT&T have received similar ratings in customer satisfaction surveys, with each scoring a 3.7 out of 5. Xfinity scored higher for speed and reliability, while AT&T received higher ratings for customer service and price.
TV and Internet Bundles: Xfinity vs AT&T Internet
Bundling your internet and TV services can save you money and simplify your billing. Both Xfinity and AT&T offer bundle options to cater to various needs and preferences.
Xfinity TV and Internet Bundles
Xfinity offers a variety of bundle packages, with the Popular TV plan being a popular choice due to its balance between price and value. This plan includes over 125 channels and can be combined with any of Xfinity’s internet plans. Triple-play bundles, which include internet, TV, and landline phone service, are also available.
AT&T TV and Internet Bundles
AT&T offers bundle packages with DIRECTV. While there are no specific deals for bundling, you can order both services separately and manage them under one account. Triple-play bundles, including internet, TV, and landline phone service, are also available.
Mobile Phone Plan Bundles: Xfinity vs AT&T Internet
Both Xfinity and AT&T offer options for bundling internet packages with mobile phone plans, providing additional savings and convenience.
Xfinity Mobile Bundles
Xfinity Mobile is an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) that offers discounts and incentives for internet customers who sign up for a mobile phone plan. Depending on current promotions, you may be eligible for discounts on your monthly bill, VISA prepaid gift cards, or discounts on new phones.
AT&T Mobile Bundles
AT&T is known for its extensive wireless offerings, including nationwide 5G service. While you can order a mobile phone plan separately from an internet package, there are no specific bundle discounts available.
Final Verdict: Xfinity vs AT&T Internet
In the battle of Xfinity vs AT&T internet, the best choice depends on your specific needs and location. AT&T is an excellent option for those seeking fast speeds, fair prices, and the advantages of fiber-optic internet. On the other hand, Xfinity provides reliable cable internet with a wider coverage area and a variety of plan options.
By considering the factors discussed in this comprehensive comparison, you can make an informed decision about which internet service provider best meets your needs.