Compare Verizon to Xfinity Internet

Xfinity and Verizon are well-known and trusted internet service providers in the US. Verizon internet runs on fiber-optic technology, while Xfinity Internet uses coaxial cable technology. While Verizon Home Internet offers low minimum speeds of 300 Mbps and highs of 2,000 Mbps (2 Gbps), Xfinity offers lows of 150 Mbps and highs of 2,000 Mbps. In some regions, Xfinity Internet has data caps, while Verizon does not.

In addition, Verizon Internet users won't have to deal with reduced download and upload speeds when more users connect to the network simultaneously.

Verizon Home Internet vs Xfinity Internet
– Who’s the Strongest?

Verizon Home Internet is ideal for businesses and homeowners looking for top-notch internet solutions that deliver remarkable internet speeds and reliability. On the other hand, Xfinity Internet is perfect for users searching for an internet service doubling as phone and cable TV service. This article compares these two internet services' top features, packages, and benefits.

Key Discrepancies and Similarities Between Xfinity Internet and Verizon Internet

Xfinity Internet and Verizon Home Internet are worlds apart because they target different clientele and offer unique pricing models and value. For example, a client in a metropolitan area running a business or organization with heavy usage needs a robust internet plan from Verizon. Conversely, a homeowner or business operator in a residential or commercial environment needing a good internet service with high-quality phone and cable TV solutions bundled in cannot go wrong with Xfinity.

Availability

Xfinity is one of the United States' biggest internet providers covering 41 states, with millions of users profiting from its high-speed internet solutions. Verizon, although a big name in the US too, doesn't nearly cover as many states as Xfinity and instead targets 10 states and over 91 cities. When looking for a premium phone, fast-speed internet, and TV service in your residential or commercial area, chances are you'll be going with Xfinity.

In addition to availability, Xfinity offers a more widespread assortment of packages and plans than Verizon. With Xfinity, the power to choose an internet package customized to your budget and needs is yours. In this aspect, Xfinity is the better alternative for promotional offers and competitive pricing. Check for the latest Xfinity promotions.

Pricing and Packages

Verizon Internet has a three-model plan pricing, with a basic 300 Mbps internet plan priced at $49.99, a 500 Mbps package priced at $74.99, and the premium, best-value 1 Gig plan with a download speed of up to 940 Mbps priced at $89.99 monthly. The new addition is the 2 Gig plan, upload and download speeds of up to 2,300 Mbps, priced at $109.99 per month. Keep in mind that Verizon Home Internet pricing differs a lot depending if you are subscribed to one of the Verizon's 5G mobile plans or not. The pricing mentioned above is if you use AutoPay, but are not subscribed to any of these plans. If you do use one of the qualifying mobile plans, plus the Autopay, the pricing for Verizon Internet is as follows:

• 300 Mbps – $34.99 per month
• 500 Mbps – $59.99 per month
• 1 Gig – $74.99 per month
• 2 Gig – $94.99 per month

► Check Verizon Internet Availability

Xfinity has differently-priced internet packages suited for users with unique needs. The no-contract 300 Mbps internet package costs $35 per month for 12 months. You can get any of the other plans at a customized price, depending on your state and city of residence. Use the tools available at Xfinity's website to build your plan, Internet only, or Internet plus TV and phone, whatever works for you the best. Based on your address, you'll be able to see all the plans available in your area. You can choose from internet packages such as Connect More, Fast, Superfast, Gigabit, Gigabit Extra, and more.

For us, using an address of a zip code 21224 in Baltimore, all Xfinity Internet plans came with a discounted price for 12 months, no term contract, taxes extra, and that additional equipment fee may apply. Prices we listed in the table below as "After 24 Months" are with the $10 Autopay and Paperless discount applied.

It is interesting that Xfinity upload speeds vary a lot in different regions. The speeds listed in the table above are from a region in MD, while same plans in CA region offer upload speeds from 10 to 40 Mbps.

► Check Xfinity Internet Availability

Data Caps and Contracts

Verizon targets consumers that don't want to commit to a contract when purchasing an internet plan. Verizon does not have data caps on its internet plans. Unlike Xfinity, Verizon's internet plans don't have a monthly consumable internet data limit. You stay connected to stable and quality internet throughout the month with 99.99% reliability. All Verizon plans come with no contract required.

With Xfinity, things are not as straightforward as with Verizon when about data caps. As you can see from the screenshot below, all plans come with unlimited data included. At the same time, Xfinity itself mentions data caps on its support pages. According to that information, most data plans by Xfinity have a data cap of 1.2 TB. Then Xfinity states this:

*The 1.2 TB data plan is currently not applicable in our Northeast markets, including CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, VA, VT, WV, the District of Columbia, and parts of NC and OH.

This data limit suits homes that don't engage in heavy-data-consuming activities like gaming and streaming. Fortunately, Xfinity offers the possibility of opting for additional 50 GB data blocks for $10 monthly and unlimited data packages to suit heavy internet consumers. The 1.2 TB cap does not apply to the Unlimited data option package, xFi Complete, and Gigabit Pro. Finally, if the data cap is applicable to your Xfinity Internet plan, and you exceed it during a month, you will get an alert and will not be charged (Courtesy month). The charges apply only if you exceed it for the second time.

Xfinity plans come with optional term contract (in other words, not required).

Connection Types

Xfinity Internet service plans operate on a hybrid fiber-coaxial cable network, offering higher download speeds than upload speeds. Xfinity's internet connections are asymmetrical, meaning they can download files quickly but take longer to upload a similar-sized file. Users connected to this service could run into latency and speed issues when they run bandwidth-heavy applications on multiple devices concurrently.

Verizon Home Internet runs on a 100% fiber-optic network using light pulses transmitted through glass tubes to send data, delivering super stable and reliable internet connections. The download and upload speeds provided by Verizon are symmetrical and high enough to support downloading multiple users and data-heavy applications simultaneously.

Additional Services Fees

Both of these internet service providers also have other fees and considerations worth having in mind. These can affect the amount you pay for their services and include:

• Early Termination Fee: Terminating your internet plan before contract expiry attracts an early termination fee (ETF). In some states, Xfinity comes with either a one-year or two-year contract with early termination. Depending on your contract and data package, the ETF decreases by $10 monthly until the contract is over. The details are as follows: The early termination fee for Xfinity is $110 for a 12-month contract and $230 for a 24-month contract. The longer you stay in your contract, the more the early termination fee goes down. For both 12-month and 24-month contracts, the early termination fee goes down by $10 every month.
  Verizon doesn't have a contract, so there are no worries about early termination fees.
• Data Overage Fees: While in some states, Xfinity offers no data limits for its Internet service, in some other states it gives a monthly data allowance of 1.2 terabytes. When you exhaust this amount before the end of the month, the provider will start adding 50 GB of data blocks, charged at $10 each. The good thing is that there is a thing called Courtesy month. This means the first month you exceed 1.2TB, you won't be charged for overages, no matter how much you use during that month. You'll only be subject to overage charges if you exceed 1.2TB for a second time in a 12-month period. The 12-month period begins the first time you exceed 1.2TB. In addition, if you don't exceed 1.2TB more than once in a 12-month period, you'll receive another courtesy month applicable during the following 12-month period. However, if you use more than 1.2TB two times in a 12-month period, no more courtesy months will be given. You can keep track of your courtesy month count on your Usage Meter in your account. Pretty cool, even with the data caps. Keep in mind that 1.2TB is a lot!
  Verizon has no issue with data limits.
• Modem Fees: You need a router or modem to connect to the internet through any internet service. For Verizon Home Internet, at the time of creating this page, it was No equipment charges or data caps, with a router rental included.
  For the Xfinity Internet service, it is as same as with the other fees. In some areas, all is included, and in some others, there is a fee. Plus, as Xfinity offers more than one type of equipment for its Internet service, the basic routers may be included, while the advanced ones are charged. If there are charges, the rates for the Xfinity Internet equipment are as follows: Xfinity xFi Gateway is $15/month, while xFi Gateway Complete is $25/month.

Wi-Fi Connections

Verizon Internet equipment includes next-generation Wi-Fi 6 routers to deliver superfast and highly secure wireless connections inside homes. These routers transmit data at lightning-fast speeds, offering a robust bandwidth ideal for supporting multiple devices. And with the matching download and upload speeds, you can efficiently and seamlessly share large files, video chat, and play games without worrying about latency and related issues.

You can supplement the quality and speed of your Fios Wi-Fi internet connection using the plug-and-play router with superior LTE Home and 5G Home plans. In addition, you can also use Fios Extender, which is a self-organizing network technology device designed to maximize coverage and reduce interference for more stable connections.

Similarly, Xfinity Internet equipment includes state-of-the-art Wi-Fi equipment designed to deliver excellent internet speeds with 99.99% reliability and ultra-strong security against cyber threats. Xfinity offers several Wi-Fi routers and modems supporting ultra-fast 5G internet connections.

Speaking of Wi-Fi connections, Xfinity also offers millions of wireless hotspots throughout their service area. This makes sure you’re always connected. These hotspots give you fast and convenient Wi-Fi connection. This service is free of charge for customers with eligible Xfinity Internet and Comcast Business Internet plans. The usage does not count against the data caps.

Installation

For the Verizon Home Internet service, there are no setup charges when it's ordered online. The exact wording is, "Order internet online and get your setup charge waived." Simple as that. The value of the setup described as a professional installation is $99. That is what you save when you order Verizon Internet online.

Xfinity allows self-installation, with a free kit sent to you upon request. The equipment could take up to five days to arrive. There are three different types/choices for the installation of Xfinity Internet:

• Self Install – Free
  • You select a shipping method for the Getting Started Kit
  • You activate the service yourself with the Xfinity app
• Self Install Plus – $39.99
  • A technician brings you the Getting Started Kit, and checks on your home connections
  • You activate the service yourself with the Xfinity app
• Professional Install – $100.00
  • You select a guaranteed 2-hour appointment window
  • Expert technicians available even at night and on weekends

Xfinity Internet vs Verizon Internet – Conclusion

Xfinity Internet and Verizon Home Internet have unique qualities that set them apart. Verizon fiber internet is well-known for network reliability, superior internet speeds, and excellent client support. However, its coverage area is quite limited. On the other hand, Xfinity is well-known for having broader coverage and competitive internet speeds but, according to some, doesn't do as well regarding customer service and high speeds. As a customer deciding between Xfinity Internet and Verizon Home Internet, you must consider your internet speed needs, current location, and personal preferences. At the end, you may find either of these two a perfect choice for your Internet needs.

Verizon Home Internet ––– Xfinity Internet