Additional Costs – Xfinity vs Google Fiber
Add-on costs are the hidden costs of an internet service. They are added to the advertised monthly fee and often become the main reason for service switches and cancellations.
Let’s look at the additional costs of Google Fiber and Xfinity Internet to see which provider becomes more expensive in the long run.
Equipment
Google Fiber’s multi-gigabit internet plans come with a Wi-Fi 6E router and 2 mesh extenders. Subscribers of Google Fiber 1 Gig get a Nest Wi-Fi Pro with Wi-Fi 6E to support gigabit speeds. However, customers must bear in mind that the leased equipment must be returned within 60 days if they decide to cancel the service.
In contrast, Xfinity customers are required to pay for the equipment. They can choose the xFi Gateway, which costs $15 each month, or xFi Complete for wall-to-wall coverage, at $20 per month.
Installation
Google Fiber customers can enroll in any plan and avail of a free professional installation service. However, the delivery of a free self-installation kit is limited to Google Fiber 1 Gig subscribers.
Xfinity charges $100 for professional installation. Customers can bypass this expense by ordering a free self-installation kit. Shipping charges of up to $29.95 are applicable.
Early Termination Fee
Google Fiber customers are not required to sign an annual contract. So, they can switch to a new internet provider or cancel the service anytime without the hassle of an early termination fee (ETF).
But in the case of Xfinity Internet, some plans have annual contracts. So, if customers cancel the service within the first 12 months, an ETF is added to their last bill.
TV & Internet Bundles – Xfinity vs Google Fiber
Both Xfinity and Google Fiber customers can combine their internet plans with live TV packages to streamline their billing. But with Xfinity’s mega savings of up to $80 per month, the internet and TV bundle deals become sweeter.
Xfinity
Xfinity Internet and cable TV packages can be bundled for combined savings of up to $80 per month. For as low as $71.70, customers can watch over 185 TV channels, including popular networks like ABC, NBC, TBS, and Nat Geo Wild.