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(877) 783-2597In the vast and ever-changing realm of the internet, two providers stand tall: Frontier Fiber and Xfinity. Both offer blazing-fast speeds, reliable connections, and a wide range of added benefits, but which one is right for you?
In this epic battle of the internet giants, we will compare and contrast Xfinity and Frontier Fiber to help you choose the best internet service provider for your needs.
Both Frontier Fiber and Xfinity are renowned telecommunications companies, offering high-speed fiber internet service in the populous cities of the U.S. Their symmetrical hyperfast internet speeds are available at an average monthly rate of $109.5. But despite their similar multi-gigabit capabilities and affordability, some underlying differences make one provider better than the other.
The table below is a side-by-side comparison of Frontier Fiber vs. Xfinity Internet and gives the readers an overview of the similarities and differences between the two providers.
| Features | Frontier Fiber | Xfinity Internet |
| Type of Connection | Fiber-optic | Fiber and Cable |
| Price Range | $39.99/mo. – $154.99/mo. | $20.00/mo. – $95.00/mo. |
| Speed Range | 500 Mbps – 5,000 Mbps | 75 Mbps – 6,000 Mbps |
| Availability | 29 states of the USA | 36 states of the USA |
| No. of Plans | 4 | 8 |
| Data Caps | Unlimited data | 1.2 TB |
| Contract | Not required | Not required |
| Promo Pricing | Yes | Yes |
| Bundles | Available | Available |
| Installation Fee | Free | $100.00 (one-time charge) |
| Equipment Fee | Included | $15.00/mo. – $25.00/mo. |
| Perks | $15/mo. off on YouTube TV | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Customer Rating | 3.30 out of 5 stars | 3.45 out of 5 stars |
| Best For | Heavy internet users | Budget-conscious users |
Frontier Fiber is the fiber-exclusive arm of Frontier Communications. The service debuted in 2009 after Frontier acquired Verizon’s fiber-optic cable systems in Forte Wayne, Portland, and Seattle. The initial fiber-optic internet, TV, and telephone (VoIP) offerings were under the brand of Frontier Fios. But in 2020, the name was changed to Frontier Fiber to distinguish it from Verizon Fios’ fiber-based triple-play services.
Today, the Frontier Fiber internet service is available in most metros within the 29 states it provides coverage. Frontier’s fiber-optic internet plans can offer equal upload and download speeds of up to 5,000 Mbps for a starting price of $39.99 per month. The 100 percent fiber-rich plans come with unlimited data allowance, free installation, a free WiFi 6 router, and a $15 monthly discount on the YouTube TV service.
As the nation’s first internet service provider to offer multi-gigabit internet speeds (2 Gig and 5 Gig) throughout the service area, Frontier has built a strong rapport with serious online gamers. Named as the “Best Internet Service Provider” for competitive gaming by the U.S. World News and Report, Frontier Fiber’s hyperfast internet speeds are ideal for AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) games, and seamless connectivity inside a smart home.
Xfinity, owned by Comcast Corporation, is the largest cable internet provider in the USA. Its coaxial cable internet network sprawls over 36 states, covering most cities and towns. According to the unofficial figures, Xfinity’s broadband plans are available to 122.4 million people in the country, and California, Florida, and Indiana are some of its heavily concentrated markets.
In 2015, Xfinity embarked on a new journey with the launch of its Gigabit Pro speed tiers. Xfinity internet customers in Atlanta could now get symmetrical 2 Gig speeds over the hybrid fiber-cable (HFC) network. Gradually, more multigigabit speeds were added to the Gigabit Pro service.
Currently, subscribers can receive up to 6 Gig of equal upload and download speeds on Xfinity’s HFC and fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP on demand) platforms.
Xfinity’s internet service starts at an extremely affordable monthly fee of $20. Customers can choose between 8 month-to-month plans to get the speeds that suit their budget and internet usage. The broadband speed range of Xfinity’s cable connection is from 75 Mbps down and 35 Mbps up to 1,200 Mbps down and 35 Mbps up. Customers can enjoy price guarantees for 2 years and a monthly data consumption of 1.2 terabytes (TB).
Xfinity is the second most satisfactory internet provider in the country’s southern and western regions. It has been recognized by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) for delivering above-average customer service to its nearly 30 million broadband subscribers.
Like other big players in the American telecommunications industry, Xfinity allows customers to bundle their internet plans with a preferred cable TV and home phone plan. The customization of 3-in-1 bundles ensures that subscribers enjoy 360-degree connectivity at the best possible monthly rates.
Comparing Frontier Fiber vs. Xfinity’s fiber internet plans would be the same as scooping the cream of the chocolate mousse without digging right into the dessert. This is because, unlike Frontier’s straightforward fiber internet service, Xfinity’s fiber-optic internet system is a complex web.
Xfinity uses three separate models for internet transmission, and its fiber internet plans are tied to its cable internet service, the only difference being their upload speeds. On the 100 percent fiber network, the upload speed will be the same as the download speed. But on the hybrid, or fully coaxial cable network, the upload speeds will be at least 20 times slower than the download speeds.
Xfinity’s hybrid fiber-cable (HFC) internet service is accessible in most fiber-ready communities across its national footprint. However, most Xfinity Internet customers will only receive up to 1,200 Mbps of equal upload and download speeds on the HFC network. This is because the multigigabit speed capabilities of Xfinity’s fiber-optic system (the Gigabit Pro 2 Gig and 6 Gig speed tiers) are limited to 8 cities.
Residents in fiber-deprived neighborhoods get Xfinity’s asymmetric speeds of up to 1,200 Mbps (downstream) on its expansive coaxial cable network. In October 2022, Xfinity upgraded its cable internet offerings in 14 states by increasing the download speeds to 2 gigabits and upload speeds to 100 Mbps. But because these speeds require a massive deployment of DOCSIS 4.0 technology to cover Xfinity’s entire cable footprint, at the moment, the top speed tier is available to a select few cities.
Xfinity’s FTTP, HFC, and solely cable customers can enjoy 99.9 percent reliable connectivity at rates as low as $20 per month. All the Xfinity internet plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, up to 2 years of price guarantees, a free self-installation kit, up to 1.2 TB of data, and contract-free service.
| Plans | Price | Download Speed | Upload Speed (F/C) |
| Connect | $20.00/mo. | 75 Mbps | 75 Mbps/ 10 Mbps |
| Connect More | $35.00/mo. | 200 Mbps | 200 Mbps/ 10 Mbps |
| Fast | $55.00/mo. | 400 Mbps | 400 Mbps/ 20 Mbps |
| Superfast | $70.00/mo. | 800 Mbps | 800 Mbps/ 25 Mbps |
| Gigabit | $80.00/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps/ 35 Mbps |
| Gigabit Extra | $95.00/mo. | 1,200 Mbps | 1,200 Mbps/ 35 Mbps |
| Gigabit X2 | $120.00/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | 2,000 Mbps/ 100 Mbps |
| Gigabit Pro | $299.95/mo. | 6,000 Mbps | 6,000 Mbps |
Xfinity’s primary internet equipment includes a modem + router gateway known as the xFi Gateway. The DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 enabled xFi Gateways are delivered free of charge to customers who opt for self-installation. But while the shipment is free, subscribers must make a monthly payment of $15 for leasing the equipment. Xfinity’s xFi Gateway has tri-band WiFi capabilities, allowing you to receive whole-home wireless connectivity. The xFi Gateway also includes free and full access to the Xfinity mobile app, giving you the freedom to control your connection remotely.
Subscribers seeking better WiFi coverage and greater security can order the xFi Complete kit. For $25 per month, the equipment includes xFi Gateway, xFi pod, cybersecurity suite, and a promise that the gateway will be upgraded after every 3 years.
Customers can either request a professional installation or put their technical skills to good use by ordering Xfinity’s self-installation kit at home. In the case of professional installation, subscribers must pay the technician $100 for installing and activating the Xfinity internet service at their home. Please note that an expert installation will become mandatory in the case of Xfinity’s FTTP on-demand service, as a fiber pathway needs to be constructed from the central optical network terminal (ONT) box in the street to your home.
The self-installation kit is sent to your home for free because you will do all the work. Xinity’s self-installation process is quick and easy. An instruction manual is included in the box to give you step-by-step guidance on the installation process. Moreover, you can contact Xfinity’s 24/7 helpline for instant assistance regarding technical problems.
Xfinity offers prepaid internet service to its customers. Instead of signing annual contracts, subscribers must pay for the monthly internet service in advance. They can cancel the service at any time by simply withholding the payment for the next month. Xfinity’s no-contract policy saves subscribers from paying early termination charges if they switch plans or providers within the first year.
Xfinity Internet plans come with a monthly data allowance of 1.2 terabytes (TB). 1,200 GB of data in a month is sufficient for most households’ internet usage. An average American home consumes around 600 GB of data in a month. Having the data twice as much means that subscribers can download large volumes of HD video files, stream movies for hours a day, play multiplayer online games, and study/ work remotely. Here is a list of all the online activities that Xfinity users can perform with their 1.2 TB data cap.
| Online Activity | Time in hours |
| Streaming videos in high-definition | 400 hours |
| Streaming music on Spotify | 8,000 hours |
| Browsing the web | 6,666 hours |
| Attending video conferences on Zoom | 888 hours |
| Downloading online games of up to 100 GB each | 12 files |
In rare circumstances when customers exceed the data cap, more data can be bought at the rate of $10 for every 50 GB of data. Or customers can pay an additional charge of $30 per month to make their plan unlimited.
Frontier Fiber offers 4 straightforward fiber-optic internet plans for a starting price of $39.99 per month. The price includes a $10 discount on AutoPay and paperless billing services. Subscribers of Frontier Fiber plans enjoy symmetrical internet speeds of up to 5 Gigs with unlimited data and no annual contracts,
All the Frontier Fiber plans include free professional installation, a free mesh router, a $15 discount every month on YouTube TV, and a 30-day free trial.
| Plan | Price | Speed | Router |
| Fiber 500 | $39.99/mo. | 500 Mbps | Amazon eero WiFi 6+ |
| Fiber 1 Gig | $59.99/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | Amazon eero WiFi Pro 6 |
| Fiber 2 Gig | $99.99/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | Amazon eero WiFi Pro 6E |
| Fiber 5 Gig | $154.99/mo. | 5,000 Mbps | TP-Link Archer AXE300 6E |
Frontier’s modem and router rental is included in the monthly internet fee. All the subscribers of Frontier Fiber’s internet plan get a cutting-edge mesh system with full-home WiFi capabilities. Depending on the speeds that you have subscribed to, you will either get an Amazon Eero router gateway or a TP-Link WiFi 6E router. The average market rates of any of these routers range from $150 to $350. And while Xfinity leases its gateways for a monthly fee, Frontier Fiber is giving them for free. The only condition is that routers must be returned within 30 business days after service cancellation. Failing to do so can result in an unreturned equipment fee of up to $150.
First-time customers of Frontier Fiber are offered free expert installation. Previously, Frontier used to charge its customers &85 for calling a technician to install their Frontier internet equipment. While this one-time charge is still applicable for service reconnection, the fee is waived for new customers. However, a mandatory $50 activation fee is applicable in both cases, new connections and reconnections.
Tech-savvy customers can order a starter kit for installing the Frontier Fiber internet at their homes. Much like Xfinity, Frontier’s self-installation kit is delivered to the doorstep for free. An instruction card gives users detailed information on setting up the equipment and activating the service by creating an account online. But before that, customers must transfer a $50 activation fee to Frontier. It takes 30 minutes or less to self-install and activate Frontier Fiber Internet. You can call the Frontier Fiber customer care number for troubleshooting technical problems that may arise during installation.
Annual contracts are not needed to enroll in the Fiber Fiber internet plans. The provider despises the policy of term agreements to such an extent that it has introduced its contract buyout program. Customers who are tied to their current provider but wish to switch to Frontier Fiber can now do so without worrying about the hefty fines. Frontier Fiber covers up to $500 of your early termination fee/ cancellation charges.
So, now you can walk away from an annoying service provider and hop on to Frontier’s fiber-fast network, debt-free. But to claim $500 in contract buyout, you must maintain good credit and present your final internet bill with the early termination fee clearly stated on it.
Frontier Fiber Internet plans come with unlimited data. Having unlimited data can enhance your gaming and streaming performances. You will be able to download movies in ultra-high definition (4K) instead of high or standard definition because there are no restrictions on the size of downloadable files. Generally, downloading a movie or show in higher resolution requires more data because the file size can be as big as 1 GB. Similarly, downloading online games with better graphics consumes more data as compared to puzzles and sandbox games.
So, with Frontier Fiber’s unlimited internet plans, you can rest assured that your household will enjoy boundless connectivity for as low as $39.99 per month.
Accompanied perks often become a deciding factor for internet shoppers searching for the best home broadband plan. In the USA, where there are close to 3,000 internet service providers, the chances of two competing carriers offering the same speeds within the same price range are quite high. When stuck in that dilemma, customers look for the added benefits to gauge how much value they are getting for the money paid.
In the case of Frontier Fiber and Xfinity, the perks come in the form of price guarantees, savings, and fee waivers.
Frontier Fiber internet customers get $10 of savings on YouTube TV every month for the first year of service. This perk is handy for customers who are either already subscribed to YouTube TV or intend to bundle their Frontier Fiber internet with the YouTube TV service. Another advantage of being a Frontier Fiber customer is that in the first year, you pay the introductory rates. The promo price of Frontier Fiber plans for the first 12 months is at least $15 cheaper than the standard rates.
In contrast, Xfinity Internet plans include a free 30-day trial and 2-year price guarantees. Customers can subscribe to the plan, test the speeds, and claim a full refund if the service turns out unsatisfactory within the first 30 days. Moreover, they can rest assured that they will pay internet fees as low as $20 per month for 24 months. By that measure, Xfinity is one of the cheapest internet service providers in the industry for broadband speeds.
Online game performance depends on three things; speed, reliability, and latency. Professional gamers prefer the lightning-fast symmetrical speeds of fiber-optic internet as it allows for faster downloading and smooth live streaming of gameplay on platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming. The recommended internet speeds for the latest gaming consoles are also over 50 Mbps. So, most avid gamers will opt for an internet plan that can deliver download and upload speeds faster than 50 Mbps.
The latency and reliability of fiber-optic internet are better than that of a coaxial cable connection. The average latency of a fiber internet is 17 milliseconds (ms). Whereas, on a cable network, it takes between 40 and 60 ms for the signals to travel from the device to the data center and back. Speaking of network reliability, the design of fiber-optic cables reduces electronic interference and distortion, leading to 99.9 percent speed accuracy. Speeds are fairly consistent on a cable network, but the choice of DOCSIS gateway can make or break the deal. An unreliable internet connection and high latency cause lagging and undermine the gameplay.
Frontier’s fiber footprint is nearly two-thirds larger than Xfinity’s fiber coverage. Frontier was the first internet provider to deploy its 5 Gig fiber speeds throughout the service area. Given the fact that fiber internet is way better than cable internet for online gaming, and Frontier’s fiber plans are more accessible as compared to Xfinity’s, we have surmised that Frontier Fiber has the right speeds, latency, and reliability to enhance the game’s performance.
The Frontier Fiber Internet service is gradually expanding to more cities and towns within Frontier’s national footprint. Currently, Frontier’s 180,000 route miles of fiber-optic network covers 29 states. Around 37.14 percent of the population, or close to 16.2 million people in the US can access Frontier Fiber internet plans with average speeds reaching up to 1,037 Mbps. The availability of Frontier Fiber is widest in California, Florida, and Texas.
Frontier Fiber internet plans are accessible in the following 29 states.
| All the States where Frontier Fiber is Available | |||
| Alabama | Indiana | Nevada | South Carolina |
| Arizona | Iowa | New Mexico | South Dakota |
| California | Kansas | New York | Tennesse |
| Connecticut | Michigan | North Carolina | Texas |
| Florida | Minnesota | North Dakota | Utah |
| Georgia | Mississippi | Ohio | Virginia |
| Illinois | Nebraska | Pennsylvania | West Virginia |
| Wisconsin | |||
The citywide availability of Frontier Fiber is more than 50 percent in the following 5 cities.
| Top 5 Cities for Frontier Fiber Internet | |||
| City | State | Availability | Population Covered |
| Tampa | Florida | 86.6% | 335,185 people |
| Fort Wayne | Indiana | 79.5% | 211,449 people |
| Long Beach | California | 78.5% | 358,009 people |
| Moreno Valley | California | 64.6% | 136,694 people |
| Irving | Texas | 61.4% | 156,078 people |
Powered by the Comcast cable system, Xfinity’s service area covers 37 percent of the USA, with its internet service reaching 122.4 million people. Even though Xfinity is the largest cable internet provider in the country and offers broadband plans in 36 states, its fiber internet share is limited to just 4.5 percent of the total coverage area.
From the densely populated urban centers to the faraway rural areas, Xfinity’s extensive cable system comprises 95.50 percent of its footprint. These are the 36 states where Xfinity’s cable, hybrid fiber-cable, and fiber-to-the-premises services are available.
| All the States where Xfinity Internet is Available | |||
| Alabama | Georgia | Michigan | South Carolina |
| Arkansas | Illinois | Minnesota | Tennessee |
| Arizona | Indiana | Missouri | Texas |
| California | Kansas | Mississippi | Utah |
| Colorado | Kentucky | New Hampshire | Virginia |
| Connecticut | Louisiana | New Jersey | Vermont |
| District of Colombia | Massachusetts | New Mexico | Washington |
| Delaware | Maryland | Oregon | West Virginia |
| Florida | Maine | Pennsylvania | Wisconsin |
However, Xfinity’s fiber internet service is limited to 14 northeastern states, and its Gigabit Pro 2 Gig and 6 Gig plans are available to 18 million homes across 9 metros.
| Northeastern States where Xfinity Fiber Internet is Available | |||
| Connecticut | Maryland | New Jersey | Rhode Island |
| Delaware | Massachusetts | New York | Vermont |
| Maine | New Hampshire | Pennsylvania | Virginia |
| Washington D.C. | West Virginia | ||
Xfinity’s symmetrical 2 Gig and 6 Gig speeds on its fully fiber-optic network are accessible in the following 9 cities.
| All the Cities where Xfinity’s Gigabit Pro Fiber Internet Service is Available | |||
| Atlanta | Detriot | Jacksonville | Miami |
| Chicago | Indianapolis | Knoxville | Nashville |
| West Palm Beach | |||
Xfinity has continuously stood out as one of the top-rated internet providers in the country. In the latest Forbes Home list for the Best Internet Providers of 2023, Xfinity took the 5th spot. Xfinity was lauded for its extensive accessibility in 36 states and for its “good” customer support that is reachable via live chats, calls, and store walk-ins.
In J.D. Power’s 2022 customer satisfaction study for residential internet providers, Xfinity received above-average scores in the north-central, southern, and western regions of the country. On a 1000-point scale, Xfinity’s median score was 716.
Xfinity was also recognized as the fourth most satisfactory internet provider in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) of 2022, with a score of 66 out of 100 points. Xfinity’s informative website, automated billing, and 24/7 customer care have turned it into an award-winning internet company.
In comparison, Frontier Fiber’s customer service is below average on all indices. Frontier failed to make the cut in the Forbes Home’s 10 Best ISPs of 2023 list. Its median score in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study is 674.5 points out of 1000, which is 35 points less than the industry average in all four regions. In the ACSI rankings, it secured the 9th position with a score of 61 on a 100-point scale. Poor communication between the subscribers and the Frontier Fiber representatives was cited as the main reason for a low customer rating.
In our Frontier Fiber vs. Xfinity debacle, we analyzed the two providers based on their plans, perks, coverage area, customer service, and gaming performance. The detailed comparison reveals that Xfinity will need time to break free from its reputation as a cable internet provider. Even though its asymmetric speeds, delivered through the coaxial cable system, are accessible in most parts of its 36-state service area, the availability of fiber internet is sparse and reaches around 4.5 percent of the entire footprint. But if customers are willing to let this slide, then Xfinity’s low prices, greater variety in speed tiers, customer service excellence, and 2-year price guarantees are some of its strengths.
On the other hand, Frontier Fiber’s month-to-month plans are available in most downtowns within the 29 states it offers coverage. Customers can get equal download and upload speeds of up to 5 Gigs for a starting price of $49.99 per month. The monthly fee includes unlimited data, free installation, free equipment, a $10 discount on YouTube TV, and contract-free service. Frontier’s customer service may not be up to the mark, but its fiber network is purpose-built to turbocharge online gaming.
So now that you are aware of the strengths and weaknesses of Xfinity and Frontier Fiber, we suggest you choose between these two fiber internet providers based on your specific needs.
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