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(877) 783-2597Who hasn’t heard of Xfinity and AT&T? These two telecommunications giants connect millions of Americans to the internet, but they could not be more different. While Xfinity maintains the nation’s largest cable network, AT&T offers a range of internet solutions. However, both companies have a fiber network, and AT&T is well-known for its fiber service.
Although cable internet still dominates the high-speed internet market in the country due to its widespread availability, the popularity of fiber internet is unmatched, leading many providers to invest in this service. So, how does Xfinity’s fiber internet compare to the country’s greatest fiber internet service, AT&T Fiber? Let’s find out in this AT&T Fiber vs Xfinity comparison!
Pinpointing the differences can be a challenge in the AT&T vs Xfinity debate when both offer fiber internet. But a closer look reveals that their fiber internet services have several key differences which include the number of plans, coverage areas, and other terms and conditions, like annual contracts and equipment policies. The following table gives a brief comparison of their similarities and differences. However, an overview is insufficient if the purpose is to decide on a winner between Xfinity and AT&T. Hence, we will dive deeper and look at every feature in detail to help you determine the better option for your home.
| Fiber Internet Plans – AT&T vs Xfinity | ||
| Features | AT&T Fiber | Xfinity |
| Number of Plans | 5 | 1 |
| Starting Price | $55.00/mo. | $300.00/mo. |
| Internet Speed | Up to 5,000 Mbps | Up to 10,000 Mbps |
| Data Caps | None | None |
| Contracts | None | Yes |
| Coverage Area | 37% of AT&T’s footprint | 4.50% of Xfinity’s footprint |
| Equipment Charges | None | Yes |
| Installation Charges | Yes | Yes |
AT&T is a well-established name in the telecommunications market, offering a variety of services to the public. The company uses a combination of IPBB, wireless, and fiber networks to provide internet access. Its robust fiber network makes AT&T the country’s top broadband option.
Although AT&T Fiber covers 37% of the provider’s total footprint, it is the most widely available fiber internet service in the country, with the potential to serve over 15 million customers in 100 metropolitan areas. The provider offers a range of high-speed internet plans with user-friendly terms and reasonable rates, making it a solid choice for home internet.
You might already know Xfinity for its cable TV and internet services, but it also has a limited fiber footprint, covering only 4.5% of the provider’s service area. Xfinity primarily delivers broadband access in three regions: Central, West, and Northeast, and it is best known for a variety of plans, delivered via a hybrid fiber-coaxial network. Recently, the company has focused on delivering multi-gigabit speeds through its cable network and has introduced a 10G network to most of its cable customers. However, it is not related to 5G. This network primarily uses DOCSIS 4.0 capabilities to provide speeds usually associated with fiber internet.
Xfinity also offers a fiber-to-the-home service with a maximum speed of 10 Gbps. But, this plan does not appear when you enter your ZIP code on Xfinity’s website. So, you will need to contact the provider directly to inquire about its availability.
AT&T Fiber and Xfinity employ different strategies for their internet offerings. While AT&T displays its plans on its website, you need to contact Xfinity to inquire about the availability of its FTTP service. However, Xfinity does offer several hybrid fiber-coaxial plans with asymmetrical speeds and varying prices, depending on your location.
Xfinity mainly employs a hybrid fiber-coaxial network to deliver broadband access across most of its service areas. The starting prices for these plans vary between three regions, and the speeds are asymmetrical, generally reaching up to 1,200 Mbps. However, with the introduction of a 10G network with DOCSIS 4.0 capabilities, the provider aims to offer faster internet plans with higher upload speeds. It may, however, take some time to expand multi-gigabit internet plans to more locations.
On the other hand, Xfinity has announced a new speed tier for its fiber-to-the-home plan, Gigabit Pro. As a result, a select few addresses can now access symmetrical speeds of up to 10,000 Mbps, starting at $299.99. The company has frequently upgraded the speed of this plan in recent years, initially offering 3,000 Mbps in 2021, then increasing it to 6,000 Mbps by the end of 2022, and now reaching an impressive 10,000 Mbps. Gigabit Pro includes unlimited data and several other perks, but it may require a contract.
| Xfinity Fiber Internet Plan | |||
| Plans | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Price |
| Gigabit Pro | 10,000 Mbps | 10,000 Mbps | $300.00/mo. |
While the table above provides an overview of its FTTH plan, you can refer to the following table to get an idea about Xfinity’s hybrid fiber-coaxial offerings in the West region. Keep in mind that some of these plans may include data caps and contracts.
| Plans | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Price |
| Connect | 75 Mbps | 10 Mbps | $20.00/mo. |
| Connect More | 200 Mbps | 10 Mbps | $35.00/mo. |
| Fast | 400 Mbps | 10 Mbps | $55.00/mo. |
| Superfast | 800 Mbps | 15 Mbps | $70.00/mo. |
| Ultrafast | 1,000 Mbps | 20 Mbps | $80.00/mo. |
| Gigabit Extra | 1,200 Mbps | 35 Mbps | $85.00/mo. |
| Gigabit X2 | 2,000 Mbps | 200 Mbps | $120.00/mo. |
Xfinity’s plans come with a Wi-Fi gateway that can be leased for a small monthly fee. However, just like its plans, the provider also gives you a choice between its equipment. You may lease the standard xFi Gateway with tri-band technology for $15 per month and enjoy free security features, parental controls over your home’s Wi-Fi, and complete tech support.
Meanwhile, xFi Complete is appropriate for those seeking better coverage and more perks. This equipment plan offers unlimited data and a gateway upgrade after three years for just $25 a month.
| Equipment/Equipment Package | Equipment Charges |
| xFi Gateway | $15.00/mo. |
| xFi Complete | $25.00/mo. |
| xFi Pod | $119.00 |
Xfinity offers you two installation options. You can choose self-installation if you are confident in your abilities and already have an optical network terminal (ONT) installed for its fiber service at your home. Alternatively, you can pay $100 and have a professional take care of the installation process.
| Self-Installation | Pro-Installation |
| Free ($15 in some areas) | $100.00 |
While Xfinity no longer requires you to sign a contract with every cable internet plan, some of its offerings come with a 1 or 2-year term agreement. However, a 2-year commitment is necessary for its fiber internet service. Therefore, you will incur an early termination fee (ETF) if you change providers in the middle. However, Xfinity does not specify an exact sum for its ETF.
AT&T Fiber takes a straightforward approach by listing all five of its plans on its website. These plans offer some of the fastest internet speeds, ranging from 300 Mbps to 5,000 Mbps. The monthly prices for AT&T’s fiber internet plans start at $55 and go up to $250. One noteworthy update regarding AT&T’s pricing structure is that, while the fees for its low-speed tiers have remained the same, but it has recently increased the monthly subscription cost for its multi-gigabit options. This positions AT&T Fiber at the higher end of the pricing spectrum compared to other alternatives.
However, it is worth mentioning that these prices are not promotional, and taxes are included. So, you won’t have to worry about a price increase after 12 months. Additionally, each AT&T Fiber internet plan includes unlimited data, a free security suite, and a reward card, all without a contract.
| Plans | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Price |
| AT&T Internet 300 | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | $55.00/mo. |
| AT&T Internet 500 | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | $65.00/mo. |
| AT&T Internet 1000 | 1,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | $80.00/mo. |
| AT&T Internet 2000 | 2,000 Mbps | 2,000 Mbps | $150.00/mo. |
| AT&T Internet 5000 | 5,000 Mbps | 5,000 Mbps | $250.00/mo. |
Unlike Xfinity, AT&T Fiber does not charge a monthly equipment rental fee. Its fiber internet plans include a standard Wi-Fi gateway with mesh technology, ensuring complete coverage without dead zones. The advanced technology of this gateway can support AT&T’s multi-gigabit speeds, allowing you to enjoy your favorite activities and connect more devices.
| Equipment | Equipment Charges |
| Wi-Fi Gateway | None |
While self-installation can be cost-effective, AT&T Fiber does not provide this option for every address. Its availability depends on the presence of an ONT at your location. Consequently, AT&T’s fiber internet plans require professional installation. The process typically takes 4 to 6 hours to complete and requires an upfront fee of $99.
| Self-Installation | Pro-Installation |
| None (this option is not available at every address) | $99.00 |
AT&T Fiber stands out from Xfinity with its contract-free service. This means that AT&T offers greater flexibility to customers, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of its internet plans without signing any term agreements.
Both AT&T Fiber and Xfinity recognize the significance of perks in this competitive landscape and hence include attractive benefits with their services. AT&T Fiber attracts customers with a reward card worth up to $150, depending on the chosen plan. Additionally, the provider offers a speed guarantee, ensuring you receive the promised speeds. Moreover, every AT&T Fiber Internet plan comes with free equipment and a security suite.
On the other hand, Xfinity offers a 30-day test period, allowing you to try its service. Moreover, it provides a 2-year price guarantee, assuring customers that their monthly rates will not increase unexpectedly during the initial term of their contract. These perks from both providers enhance the overall customer experience and make their services more appealing.
Both providers are solid choices for gaming since they offer fiber internet, which is known for its minimal latency compared to other types of internet. But AT&T Fiber is the best choice for gaming. This may surprise some people, considering that Xfinity’s Gigabit Pro plan offers faster speeds than AT&T Fiber.
However, it is more reasonable to choose a speed tier that aligns with your gaming and home internet requirements to avoid overpaying. Therefore, even though Xfinity’s fiber service provides impressive internet speed, it is unnecessary for gaming. As a result, AT&T Fiber is the more suitable choice for gamers.
Both AT&T and Xfinity have a significant presence in the country, each serving different markets through their impressive networks. However, when it comes to fiber internet, AT&T Fiber has a broader coverage area, providing service to millions of customers in 100 metropolitan areas. Meanwhile, Xfinity primarily offers fiber internet service to households around Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Nashville, Knoxville, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Miami, and West Palm Beach.
AT&T Fiber is widely renowned for its service, satisfying millions of customers. As a result, it has secured the top position on the American Customer Satisfaction Index for fiber internet providers, boasting a score of 80, 5 points above the industry average. Meanwhile, Xfinity, with a score of 73, falls 2 points below the industry average, largely due to its limited accessibility.
| ACSI Rankings | AT&T Fiber | Xfinity | Industry Average |
| 2023 (Fiber Internet Providers Category) | 80 | 73 | 75 |
| 2022 | 69 | 66 | 64 |
In this AT&T Fiber vs. Xfinity comparison, AT&T Fiber appears to be the best choice for home internet for various reasons. It is more accessible than Xfinity’s fiber service and offers greater flexibility by giving you a choice between multiple fiber internet options. Additionally, AT&T Fiber provides more favorable terms to its customers, including unlimited data, free equipment, and a reasonable installation cost. This combination of expansive coverage, diverse offerings, excellent service, and customer-centric terms firmly places AT&T Fiber as the top choice for those seeking a reliable and well-rounded internet service provider.
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