Choosing the right internet service provider (ISP) is crucial for seamless connectivity at home and work. Two major players in the US internet market are Verizon and Xfinity. But which one offers the best service for your needs? Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison of Verizon vs Xfinity internet to help you make an informed decision.
Verizon vs. Xfinity Internet – Quick Comparison
| Feature | Verizon | Xfinity |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating | 3.9/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Price Range | $49.99–$84.99/mo. | $20.00–$80.00/mo. |
| Speed Range | 300–2,048 Mbps | 75–1,200 Mbps |
| Internet Type | Fiber, 5G | Cable |
| Data Cap | None | 1.2 TB |
| Contract | Month to month | 1–2 yrs., month-to-month options |
At a glance, both providers seem to offer competitive services. However, the devil is in the details, so let’s break down each aspect of their offerings.
1. Plans and Pricing
Verizon Plans and Pricing
| Package | Price | Speed (download/upload) |
|---|---|---|
| Internet 300/300 | $49.99/mo.* | 300 Mbps/300 Mbps |
| Internet 500/500 | $69.99/mo.* | 500 Mbps/500 Mbps |
| Internet 1 Gig | $89.99/mo.* | Up to 940 Mbps/up to 880 Mbps |
| Internet 2 Gig | $84.99/mo.* | Up to 2,048 Mbps/up to 2,048 Mbps |
| 5G Home Internet | $35/mo. (for Verizon Unlimited phone plan subscribers)* or $60/mo. (for nonsubscribers, w/ autopay)§ | Up to 300 Mbps |
| 5G Home Internet Plus | $45/mo. (for Verizon Unlimited phone plan subscribers)* or $80/mo. (for nonsubscribers, w/ autopay)§ | Up to 1,000 Mbps |
| LTE Home Internet | $60.00/mo.*, $35.00/mo. with Auto Pay and select 5G mobile plans. § | 25-50 Mbps |
w/ Auto Pay. Available in select areas.
§w/ Auto Pay and select 5G mobile plans. Available in select areas.
Verizon’s fiber plans, known as Fios, offer symmetrical upload and download speeds, which is a significant advantage for users who frequently upload large files or engage in video conferencing. The 5G Home Internet plans provide an alternative in areas where fiber isn’t available, offering potentially high speeds without the need for a wired connection.
2. Xfinity Plans and Pricing
| Package | Price | Speed (download/upload) |
|---|---|---|
| Connect | $20.00/mo.* | 150 Mbps/10 Mbps |
| Connect More | $35.00/mo.** | 200 Mbps/10 Mbps |
| Fast | $55.00/mo.# | 400 Mbps/10 Mbps |
| Superfast | $65.00/mo.# | 800 Mbps/20 Mbps |
| Gigabit | $75.00/mo.# | 1 Gbps/20 Mbps |
| Gigabit Extra | $80.00/mo.** | 1,200 Mbps/35 Mbps |
For 12 months. No term contract. Taxes and equipment not included. Includes $10/mo automatic payments and paperless billing discount.
No term contract. Taxes not included. Includes $10/mo automatic payments and paperless billing discount.
For 24 months. No term contract. Taxes and equipment not included. Includes $10/mo automatic payments and paperless billing discount.
Xfinity offers a wider range of plans, including more affordable options for those who don’t need extremely high speeds. However, their upload speeds are significantly lower than their download speeds, which could be a drawback for some users.
3. Internet Technology
Verizon primarily offers fiber internet through its Fios network, which provides the fastest and most reliable connection currently available. In areas where fiber isn’t available, Verizon offers 5G Home Internet and LTE Home Internet services.
Xfinity uses a cable internet infrastructure, which is widely available but doesn’t offer the same speed potential as fiber, particularly for upload speeds.
4. Speed and Performance
Verizon’s fiber plans offer symmetrical speeds, meaning upload speeds match download speeds. This is particularly beneficial for users who frequently upload large files, stream, or engage in video conferencing. Their top-tier plan offers up to 2,048 Mbps for both download and upload.
Xfinity’s cable internet provides fast download speeds, up to 1,200 Mbps on their top plan. However, upload speeds are significantly lower, ranging from 10 Mbps to 35 Mbps depending on the plan.
5. Data Caps
Verizon doesn’t impose data caps on any of its internet plans, allowing for unlimited usage without worrying about overage charges or throttling.
Xfinity, on the other hand, has a 1.2 TB data cap on all plans. While this is sufficient for most users, heavy internet users might find this limiting. Customers can opt for unlimited data for an additional $25-$30 per month.
6. Contracts and Fees
Verizon offers all its plans on a month-to-month basis, providing flexibility for customers who don’t want to commit to long-term contracts.
Xfinity typically requires 1-2 year contracts, with early termination fees applying if you cancel before the contract ends. They do offer month-to-month options, but these come at a higher monthly cost.
7. Installation and Equipment
Verizon charges a $99 installation fee, which is often waived when you order online. Their router is included in the monthly fee for fiber plans, saving customers additional equipment rental costs.
Xfinity offers free self-installation kits or professional installation for $99. They charge $14/month for equipment rental, but customers have the option to use their own compatible equipment.
8. Customer Satisfaction
Based on customer satisfaction surveys, both Verizon and Xfinity score well:
| Category | Verizon | Xfinity |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 3.9/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Speed | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Price | 3.6/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Reliability | 4.0/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Customer Service | 3.9/5 | 3.7/5 |
Verizon slightly edges out Xfinity in reliability and customer service, while both providers score equally well in speed ratings.
9. Availability
Xfinity has a much larger coverage area, available to approximately 130 million people across 41 states. Verizon’s Fios service is more limited, available to about 59 million people in 10 East Coast states. However, Verizon’s 5G Home Internet service is expanding its coverage area.
10. Bundling Options
Both providers offer bundling options with TV services:
Verizon:
- 300 Mbps Internet + Your Fios TV: $99.99/mo for 300 Mbps internet and 125+ channels
- Fios Gigabit Connection + More Fios TV: $163.99/mo for up to 940 Mbps internet and 300+ channels
Xfinity:
- Connect Internet + Choice TV: $40.00/mo for 150 Mbps internet and 10+ channels
- Super Fast Internet + Popular TV: $149.60/mo for 800 Mbps internet and 125+ channels
11. Special Deals and Promotions
As of the time of writing, Verizon is offering a $100 Verizon gift card plus either Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses or $400 toward Samsung home appliances at The Home Depot® when you sign up for a Fios 1 Gig or 2 Gig plan.
Xfinity is offering a deal where customers can get one line with unlimited data and get one FREE for a year when pairing 150Mbps internet with Xfinity Mobile.
Pros and Cons
Verizon Pros:
- Fast upload speeds
- Extremely reliable fiber connection
- Affordable prices on most fiber plans
- No data caps
- No long-term contracts
Verizon Cons:
- Relatively high price for gigabit plan
- Limited fiber availability
- Risk of disconnects on 5G Home plan
Xfinity Pros:
- Good speeds for the price
- Wide availability
- Cheap internet options
Xfinity Cons:
- Data caps on all packages
- Slow upload speeds
- Long-term contracts on most plans
Final Verdict
Choosing between Verizon and Xfinity largely depends on your specific needs and location.
Verizon is the clear winner if you have access to their Fios fiber network. The symmetrical speeds, lack of data caps, and no-contract plans make it an excellent choice for heavy internet users, remote workers, and those who frequently upload large files or engage in video conferencing.
However, Xfinity’s wider availability and range of plans make it a solid choice for many consumers. If you’re looking for affordable internet and don’t need extremely fast upload speeds, Xfinity could be the better option. Their bundling options with TV services are also attractive for those looking for a one-stop solution for their entertainment needs.
Both providers offer competitive speeds and reliable service, as evidenced by their high customer satisfaction scores. If you’re in an area served by both, it’s worth comparing the specific plans available to you and considering factors like your usage patterns, budget, and whether you’re willing to commit to a long-term contract.
Remember to always check the latest offers and promotions, as these can significantly impact the value proposition of each provider. Whichever you choose, both Verizon and Xfinity are capable of delivering high-speed internet to keep you connected in today’s digital world.