AT&T vs. Xfinity

Compare AT&T vs. Xfinity

Ari Howard Last updated: June 24, 2021

Our methodology

We evaluate broadband providers in four categories: affordability, performance, value and customer satisfaction.

We evaluate broadband providers in four categories: affordability, performance, value and customer satisfaction. Each category contains multiple sub-factors, all of which are weighted differently to impact the provider’s overall score.

For each sub-factor, we score all providers on a continuous scale of one to five, relative to the industry as a whole. Because the average download speed in America is currently 180 Mbps, for example, we assigned all plans with download speeds between 100 and 299 Mbps a score between three and four. Xfinity’s 200 Mbps plan received a 3.50 score for download speed, while Spectrum’s 400 Mbps plan got a 4.16.

We only considered standardized data points in our scoring system. More abstract data like consistency of service and brand reputation is still part of our analysis, but we opted to let our writers address them in the context of each review.

Learn more about our methodology

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AT&T vs. Xfinity highlights

• Xfinity has faster speeds, but you’ll pay more for gig service: Xfinity’s fastest plan comes with speeds up to 2,000 and plenty of sticker shock with a starting price of $299.99/mo.* Their more reasonable gig plan offers speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, but has a starting price $20/mo. higher than AT&T’s Fiber 1000 plan. 
• AT&T fiber offers the best value overall: With plans starting at 300 Mbps for only $5/mo. more than Xfinity’s starting plan of 25 Mbps, AT&T fiber offers a superior deal. AT&T’s DSL service, conversely, does not offer as good a value as AT&T fiber or Xfinity.
• Xfinity offers bundle discounts: One of Xfinity’s biggest selling points is that the more services you bundle, the more you save. Xfinity lets you save $10/mo. for every service you bundle together. AT&T no longer offers any bundle discounts.
• AT&T offers a higher quality service type: AT&T uses a 100% fiber optic network (where available). Xfinity, on the other hand, primarily relies on a cable network. Fiber optic technology is known for faster speeds (upload and download) and a more reliable connection overall.
• 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.

Is AT&T or Xfinity better for you?

Compared to AT&T, Xfinity internet has a lower starting price, plus higher max speeds in many areas. If you’re looking for faster 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, monthly equipment fees are lower with AT&T than Xfinity, that is unless you opt to use your own Xfinity compatible modem. 

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. Below, we compare AT&T vs. Xfinity pricing, plans and features. 

Take a look at all the research or skip right to the info you need:

AT&T vs. Xfinity internet prices

AT&T internet

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.

*Prices for 12 mos + taxes & equip fee. Price includes $5/mo. AutoPay & Paperless billing discount (within 2 bills). $10/mo. equip. fee applies.
**Prices for 12 mos + taxes & equip fee after $5/mo. AutoPay & Paperless billing discount (within 2 bills). $10/mo. equip. fee applies. Incl. 1TB data/mo.; overage chrgs apply. Prices updated 06/11/21.

Xfinity internet 

Xfinity internet is one of the largest cable 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).

*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 06/11/21.

Which internet plan should you choose?

AT&T vs. Xfinity fees, data caps and contracts  

Fees

AT&T charges an equipment fee of $10/mo., but you also have the option to buy your own equipment. Installation fees can cost $99, but you can often get it waived or opt for self-install. There is an internet activation fee of $49.

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 1 TB/mo. Exceeding your data cap can result in a $10 additional charge for each 50 GB 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 TB/mo. data cap. Northeastern states like Virginia, Maryland and New York now have a data cap of 1.2 TB/mo. as of October 2020. 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

Contracts are not necessary with AT&T internet plans, but if you do sign a one-year agreement, you’ll enjoy promotional pricing until it expires. If you do sign that agreement and decide to cancel early, you’ll incur an early termination fee of $15/mo.* for each remaining month in your contract. That’s a bill of up to $180.

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. Others, such as the Central and South regions 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 may be charged an early termination fee. The termination fee will be prorated based on the internet plan you choose.

Expert tip: AT&T fiber has simpler pricing than Xfinity

With no data caps, contracts and less expensive equipment fees, AT&T fiber offers a better deal.

AT&T vs. Xfinity bundles

Both AT&T and Xfinity have several popular TV and internet bundles. Xfinity has a variety of Double, Triple and Quad Play bundles which include phone and home security. In total, Xfinity offers four different cable TV plans, which range between 10 and 250+ channels. Pricing for Xfinity bundle deals range from $49.99/mo. to $149.99/mo. 

You can also expect at least $10/mo. off your bill when you bundle. For every Xfinity service you bundle together, you will receive an additional $10/mo. off your bundle (for a total of $30/mo. off). You can also expect a free Peacock streaming subscription when you select any bundle package (a $4.99/mo. value) and a free 4K streaming device, known as Xfinity Flex. 
AT&T also offers Double and Triple Play deals, and you can choose between AT&T TV and DIRECTV in select areas. AT&T offers a total of eight cable TV plans (four from AT&T TV and four from DIRECTV), which range between 65 and 250+ channels. Pricing for AT&T bundle deals range from $104.99/mo. to $154.99/mo.

Expert tip: Xfinity offers better perks and discounts when bundling, but AT&T’s internet service is superior

AT&T does not offer as many perks or discounts for its bundle packages and its TV packages are not as impressive. However, you still get AT&T’s superior internet service, which may be more important to many households.

Popular AT&T and Xfinity bundles side by side

Here’s a look at two comparable internet and TV bundles from AT&T and Xfinity. What makes these two plans so popular? They both have fast internet speeds to support a household of devices and have extended basic cable with popular channels, such as Animal Planet, Disney and HGTV. While AT&T offers faster internet speeds, its channel count is less impressive and it’s more expensive overall.

Additional bundles with varying internet speeds and channel counts are available from both providers and can vary by location.

• AT&T Fiber 300 + AT&T TV

  • Starting at $104.99/mo.*
  • Speeds up to 300 Mbps
  • No internet data cap with AT&T Fiber
  • 65+ live streaming TV channels
  • No long-term contract required
    
    Bundled savings: $0/mo.*

• Xfinity Standard Double Play

  • Starting at $69.99/mo.*
  • Speeds up to 200 Mbps
  • Data cap varies by location
  • 125+ cable TV channels
  • Contract options vary
    
    Bundled savings: $10/mo.*

*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. As of 06/11/21.

AT&T TV vs. Xfinity TV

AT&T TV offers more channels and TV package options than Xfinity. Plus, DIRECTV is part of the AT&T family, giving you more AT&T internet and TV bundle possibilities.

Xfinity has fewer TV plan options than AT&T, but they do have some cheaper alternatives. Available Xfinity TV packages vary by location, and some packages may only be available with an Xfinity bundle. 

AT&T TV vs. Xfinity TV packages and pricing

*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. As of 06/11/21.

Expert tip: Xfinity offers a better value for cable TV

Xfinity offers a high channel count with much lower starting prices than AT&T TV or DIRECTV. If you are simply looking for the highest channel count, however, then DIRECTV is your best bet. AT&T TV is overall the worst deal, but you don’t have to sign any long-term contracts like you do with DIRECTV and many of Xfinity’s cable TV plans.

AT&T vs. Xfinity customer service and satisfaction

The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and Consumer Reports evaluates internet providers based on feedback from real customers and gives them an overall customer satisfaction score out of 100. Factors for determining a provider’s score include service quality, ease of understanding a bill and customer service experiences. 

Overall, AT&T scored slightly higher than Xfinity on the ACSI and Consumer Reports for customer satisfaction. on customer satisfaction for the ACSI and Consumer Reports. AT&T performed even better with J.D. Power, another reviewing website, that rated AT&T number in overall satisfaction in every region it provided service.

AT&T vs. Xfinity ratings

AT&T Fiber vs. Xfinity 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.

Learn more about AT&T and Xfinity availability near you.

AT&T vs. Xfinity FAQs

*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. As of 06/11/21.