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Choosing an internet provider can be tricky since there are many features to compare and plans from which to choose. We’ve done the research to help you decide between. Xfinity vs. AT&T, two of the largest providers in the U.S. with wide availability and overlap in many major cities. If you have the opportunity to choose between them in your area, here’s how they compare.
Provider | Internet Types | Starting Price | Data Caps | Speeds (Mbps) | Contracts | Availability |
DSL, Fiber | $50/mo. | 1 TB | Up to 1000 | 1 year | Check Availability | |
Cable, Fiber | $20/mo. | 1 TB | Up to 2000 | 1 year | Check Availability |
Xfinity vs. AT&T data comparison
Data Caps
Both companies have a data cap of 1 TB. It may sound like a lot, but if you have several devices or family members streaming online games or movies, 1 TB goes quickly. If it’s available to you, AT&T’s fiber internet has no data cap.
Overage policies and fees
You’ll need to be careful about your data overages and monitor them regularly. Xfinity will automatically charge you $10 for every 50 GB of data you use after 1 TB. If you don’t want to worry about going over your limit, you can pay an extra $50 per month for unlimited data. AT&T DSL will charge you the same amount of $10 for every 50 GB in overages. You can add a $30 per month unlimited data allowance if you use a lot of data.
Data Comparison Winner
TIE
Xfinity vs. AT&T: Internet speeds
Both providers offer DSL plans with speeds up to 100 Mbps and fiber-optic plans up to 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps). So what’s the difference?
Xfinity speeds
Xfinity DSL claims 100 Mbps speeds are good for up to five devices at the same time streaming light content before any lagging (slowing down of the service) occurs. They also claim they don’t throttle speeds but some customers complain they are experiencing speed limitations.
AT&T speeds
AT&T DSL claims that they don’t throttle speeds, although they were recently fined $60 million by the FTC for doing so. Although both providers offer similar DSL and fiber speeds, Xfinity DSL service will cost you $10 less than AT&T per month.
Internet Speeds Winner
Xfinity
Xfinity vs. AT&T: availability
If relocation is a possibility, going with an internet provider who serves your current address and your future one can save you the hassle of having to pay early termination fees. Let’s compare Xfinity vs. AT&T’s coverage:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Availability Winner
Xfinity
Xfinity vs. AT&T: customer service
Customer Service Winner
AT&T
Xfinity vs. AT&T: Bundled services
You don’t have to do just internet with either Comcast or Verizon. It’s possible to bundle your internet with other options, too. In some cases, doing so also gets you access to higher internet speeds.
You may want to simplify your monthly bill and save money by bundling services like internet, TV, home phone, mobile phone, or home security. Here are AT&T and Xfinity’s most popular bundles (note that promotional prices may apply on these packages which may increase after a period of time): You don’t have to do just internet with either Comcast or Verizon. It’s possible to bundle your internet with other options, too. In some cases, doing so also gets you access to higher internet speeds.
Xfinity Bundled Services
AT&T Bundled Services
Bundled Services Winner
AT&T
Xfinity vs. AT&T: Affordability
Depending on your level of internet usage and location, pricing can vary. AT&T’s starting prices may be a bit higher than Xfinity’s, but upgrading to unlimited data usage is cheaper ($30 vs. $50) per month or free if you bundle your plan. Their bundled service prices are also generally less expensive than Xfinity’s.
Larger families with several household members can stream for less with AT&T. You may also have to worry about more expensive data overages with Xfinity.
Affordability Winner
AT&T
Frequently Asked Questions
Which internet service provider is best for residential use?
Although both companies offer service to a large portion of the country, AT&T may be the best internet service provider for residential use. They offer cheaper unlimited data plans and rank higher in ACSI customer service scores.
Which internet service provider is best for business use?
Small businesses looking to save money will find AT&T’s plans and promotions half the price of Xfinity’s plans. The entry-level business internet plan from AT&T is $50 per month, while Xfinity’s entry-level business internet plan is $100 per month.
Xfinity vs. AT&T: which is right for you?
Families with multiple internet users using several devices should consider AT&T, thanks to their less expensive unlimited data plans. If you’re a single user and prefer to go with the cheapest service, Xfinity’s starting prices are a little less than AT&T and come with a 1 TB data cap, which should be plenty for one or two users without high-bandwidth needs like online gaming and HD streaming.
We supplied the data; now, the decision is yours.
Get started by seeing which plans are available in your area.
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