AT&T vs. Xfinity internet: Choose the right ISP

AT&T internet plans

AT&T offers two service types: fiber optic and DSL. AT&T’s fiber optic pricing and speeds are consistent throughout all of its locations; however, AT&T’s DSL’s speeds vary based on location and do not reach the same speed levels as AT&T’s fiber optic service. AT&T fiber offers some of the best valued packages compared to any major provider. 

*Prices for 12 mos + taxes. Price includes $5/mo. AutoPay & Paperless billing discount (within 2 bills).
**Prices for 12 mos + taxes after $5/mo. AutoPay & Paperless billing discount (within 2 bills). Incl. 1TB data/mo.; overage chrgs apply. Prices updated 08/25/23.

Xfinity internet plans

Xfinity internet is one of the largest cable internet providers and offers a wide range of speed plans. Although you can expect multiple internet plans to choose from no matter your location, Xfinity’s speeds and pricing changes based on the region you live in (West, Central/South or Northeast).

Xfinity internet plans: West region

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Last updated 08/25/23.

Xfinity internet plans: Central region

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Last updated 08/25/23.

Xfinity internet plans: Northeast region

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Last updated 08/25/23.

AT&T vs. Xfinity customer satisfaction

AT&T scores higher than Xfinity in customer satisfaction, but both are in the American Customer Satisfaction Index’s top five providers. 

Main differences between AT&T and Xfinity

AT&T and Xfinity differ in technology, fees, data caps, contracts and availability. AT&T Fiber is a fiber internet service, while Xfinity is primarily cable. Both providers offer different equipment fees and data caps as well.

Xfinity offers plans in the Northeast, Central/Southern and Western regions of the country. AT&T is mainly available in the Central and Southern regions of the U.S.

Fees

AT&T includes the cost of equipment, including the previous extra $10/mo. router fee, in your one monthly price. Installation fees can cost $99, but it’s currently being waived.

Xfinity charges $14/mo. for its xFi Gateway device. You also have the option with Xfinity to buy your own equipment. There is a $40 professional installation free, but you also have the option of self-installation. 

Data caps

If you have DSL service from AT&T, you’ll have a data cap of 1TB/mo. Exceeding your data cap can result in a $10 additional charge for each 50GB block needed to compensate for your overage, with a max fee of $50. AT&T Fiber customers, on the other hand, can enjoy unlimited data with any plan.

Xfinity internet plans come with a 1.2TB/mo. data cap. Exceeding your limit will result in added fees similar to AT&T’s, or you can sign up for unlimited data for an extra $30/mo.

Contracts

You won’t have to sign a contract with AT&T internet plans. Term agreements for Xfinity are less black and white. Some regions, such as the West and Northeast, may not require a contract to get the lowest pricing on select plans. The Central region may require a one or two-year contract to get the lowest monthly pricing. If you have a contract and cancel before it expires, you will be charged an early termination fee. The termination fee will be prorated based on the internet plan you choose.

Availability

If you are trying to decide between AT&T and Xfinity service at your home, you are probably in an area where both services are available. And you’re not alone, because AT&T and Xfinity are two of the largest internet providers in the U.S. 

Xfinity’s main serviceable areas: the Great Lakes areas, the Northwest and Eastern U.S.

AT&T’s main serviceable areas: the South and Northeastern U.S., most of California and select areas of Nevada.

AT&T and Xfinity coverage overlaps in many metro areas in the South, such as Atlanta, Houston, Little Rock, Miami and Nashville. Residents of select areas in the Midwest, including Chicago, Detroit and Kansas City, may also have access to AT&T and Xfinity. Coverage also overlaps in parts of California, including Fresno, Sacramento and San Francisco.

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Allconnect’s choice: AT&T

If you’re looking for the best provider for high speed internet, AT&T fiber is the one you want. If you only have AT&T’s DSL service to pick from in your area and Xfinity is also available, pick Xfinity.

• AT&T has faster speeds: Xfinity’s fastest plan comes with speeds up to 3,000 Mbps and plenty of sticker shock with a starting price of $299.99/mo.* AT&T, meanwhile, has a 4,700 Mbps plan in some areas for $250.
• AT&T fiber offers the best value overall: With plans starting at 300 Mbps, AT&T fiber offers a superior deal to Xfinity. AT&T’s DSL service, conversely, does not offer as good a value as AT&T fiber or Xfinity.
• AT&T boasts slightly higher customer satisfaction ratings: The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) scored AT&T higher than Xfinity for internet service in 2021. AT&T received a 71/100 while Xfinity came in at 67/100. However, Xfinity’s score increased seven points over the past four years, so it is making big improvements.

Compared to AT&T, Xfinity internet has a lower starting price, but if you’re looking for top speeds, AT&T Fiber is likely to be the cheaper option as their higher-tiered plans are likely to come at a lower monthly price than similar Xfinity plans. Additionally, Xfinity increases its prices after the first 12 months, which means AT&T plans are often cheaper long-term, even if its starting price is higher than Xfinity’s.

AT&T and Xfinity both have bundle options if you’re looking to simply your monthly bill.

If you are trying to decide between AT&T or Xfinity services for your home, looking at their plans side by side is a good idea. AT&T fiber is the best value overall; however, if only AT&T DSL is in your area, you will want to go with Xfinity instead.