AT&T Fiber offers speed and value, while Xfinity provides lower starting rates and better broadband bundle deals.
CNET explores the specifics.
| Provider | Monthly Price | Speed Range | Connection Type | Key Details |
| AT&T | $55 | 10 – 100 Mbps | DSL | 1TB data limit, no contract required |
| Xfinity | $20 – $300 | 150 – 6,000 Mbps | Cable | Multiple plans, good customer ratings, some plans have data caps |
Which is better: AT&T or Xfinity Internet?
AT&T Fiber offers faster download and upload speeds, better service terms, and higher customer satisfaction than Xfinity. However, its pricing is slightly higher for similar speeds.
Therefore, Xfinity may be a better choice for affordable internet and discounted bundles, at least during the introductory pricing period, which usually lasts one to two years before standard pricing applies.
Xfinity’s prices and available speeds depend on your location, so the savings over AT&T Fiber will vary by area.
Some Xfinity plans may require contracts, a 1.25 terabyte data cap (with possible overage fees), and a fee for equipment rental. In contrast, AT&T Fiber offers clear service terms: free equipment, no data caps, and no contracts.
AT&T and Xfinity are top internet providers in the U.S. Recent surveys from the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power show both received higher-than-average ratings among significant ISPs.
Plans, Prices, and Speeds: AT&T vs. Xfinity
The overview covers internet plans from AT&T Fiber and Xfinity. Xfinity prices, speeds, and terms vary by location and selected plan. AT&T includes only Fiber plans.
If you’re deciding between Xfinity and AT&T’s DSL or fixed wireless services, Xfinity is the better choice.
It generally offers faster speeds and more reliable performance, especially in areas with essential connectivity. Always check the availability in your region to find the best plan suited to your needs.
| AT&T Fiber Plan | Monthly Price | Max Download Speed | Max Upload Speed | Equipment Fee | Data Cap | Contract |
| Fiber 300 | 55 | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | None | None | None |
| Fiber 500 | 65 | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | None | None | None |
| Fiber Gig | 80 | 1,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | None | None | None |
| Fiber 2 Gig | 145 | 2,000 Mbps | 2,000 Mbps | None | None | None |
| Fiber 5 Gig | 245 | 5,000 Mbps | 5,000 Mbps | None | None | None |
Xfinity Internet Plans
| Xfinity Plan | Starting Monthly Price | Max Download Speed | Max Upload Speed | Equipment Fee | Data Cap | Contract |
| Connect | $20 | 150 Mbps | 20 Mbps | $15 for gateway rental (optional) | 1.25 TB | 1 year |
| Connect More | $35 | 300 Mbps | 20 Mbps | $15 for gateway rental (optional) | 1.25 TB | None |
| Fast | $55 | 500 Mbps | 20 Mbps | $15 for gateway rental (optional) | 1.25 TB | None |
| Superfast | $60 | 800 Mbps | 20 Mbps | $15 for gateway rental (optional) | 1.25 TB | None |
| Gigabit | $75 | 1,000 Mbps | 20 Mbps | $15 for gateway rental (optional) | 1.25 TB | None |
| Gigabit Extra | $85 | 1,200 Mbps | 40 Mbps | $15 for gateway rental (optional) | 1.25 TB | None |
| Gigabit x2 | $120 | 2,000 Mbps | 200 Mbps | $15 for gateway rental (optional) | 1.25 TB | None |
| Gigabit Pro (fiber) | $300 | 10,000 Mbps | 10,000 Mbps | $25 for gateway rental | None | 2 years |
Xfinity offers similar speed tiers across its service areas, but prices can differ slightly by market.
For instance, the standard speed for Xfinity Connect is 150Mbps, with prices ranging from $20 to $30 per month, depending on your location.
Rates for all plans, except the $300-per-month 10 gigabit plan, will rise after the first year or two of service based on your location and chosen plan.
The increase may range from $20 to $50 or more once the price guarantee ends. Service terms also vary, with possible data caps, equipment fees (if you rent), and contracts depending on location and plan.
In contrast, AT&T Fiber provides consistent nationwide plans, speeds, and terms. The 300, 500, and 1,000Mbps plans are available in all areas, with many also offering 2,000 and 5,000Mbps options. There are no set price increases after 12 months.
AT&T plans do not require service contracts. However, your bill will increase after the promotional period if you have DSL or fixed wireless.
The maximum increase will be $15, making it less steep than the potential hikes with Xfinity.
Charges, Data Limits, and Other Possible Issues
Both companies might add taxes and monthly charges. Additionally, you may have to deal with a data limit in some situations.
Additional Fees for AT&T vs. Xfinity
AT&T and Xfinity charge extra monthly if you do not sign up for autopay or paperless billing. However, avoiding these fees is simple. Just enroll in autopay and choose paperless billing. That’s it.
Equipment fees are different. AT&T includes the Wi-Fi gateway in the monthly payment, so there’s no extra charge.
Comcast Xfinity, however, adds a $15 monthly fee to rent the xFi Gateway or $25 for specific higher-speed plans, though some plans may cover this cost.
You can avoid this fee using your compatible equipment, but be aware that Comcast won’t provide technical support for your device.
AT&T vs. Xfinity Data Caps
AT&T does not apply data caps on its fiber plans, 5G home internet, or AT&T Internet Air.
However, AT&T’s DSL service has a monthly data cap of 1.5TB. If your usage exceeds this, you’ll pay $10 for each extra 50GB, with charges maxing out at $100.
You can upgrade your plan for an additional $30 per month or bundle home internet with other AT&T services to bypass the cap for unlimited data.
AT&T Fixed Wireless has a 350GB data limit. You’ll pay $10 for every extra 50GB, with a maximum charge of $200. If you accidentally leave streaming on overnight, this limit might surprise you.
Xfinity has a 1.25TB data cap on some plans, though some areas offer plans without any cap. If you exceed the cap, Xfinity charges $10 per extra 50GB, with a maximum charge of $100.
While 1.25TB covers a lot of usage, active households might use more. For example, a setup with regular remote work, 4K streaming, and other connected users could reach around 1TB monthly. Data caps become a concern if you live with multiple internet users.
AT&T vs. Xfinity contracts
AT&T’s internet services, including fiber and fixed wireless, have no required contracts. In contrast, certain Xfinity plans in specific areas may need a one- or two-year contract.
Ending or altering service before the contract ends may lead to early termination fees and loss of any introductory pricing.
AT&T vs. Xfinity installation costs
AT&T’s professional installation fee is $99, but self-install kits are sometimes available. To check if this applies to you, confirm with AT&T.
If not, it could be worth asking the sales agent about waiving the fee, as AT&T sometimes offers seasonal promotions for free installation.
For Xfinity, professional installation generally costs $100, but self-installation is an option without additional eligibility requirements.
AT&T vs. Xfinity Coverage Comparison
Xfinity Internet, offered by the nation’s largest cable provider, serves select areas in 39 states and Washington, DC, reaching about one-third of the U.S. population.
Most of its coverage is through cable internet, though a smaller fiber network also exists.
Xfinity’s fiber internet is mainly available in parts of Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, with some availability in Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee.
AT&T provides home internet plans in 22 states, covering the South, Midwest, and West Coast regions.
In some cities like Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Memphis, Miami, and San Francisco, both AT&T and Xfinity may offer service.
AT&T reports that approximately 21 million households have fiber access across more than 100 metro areas, with plans to expand fiber availability to more homes by the end of 2025, including new multigigabit plans.
AT&T offers Internet Air and Fixed Wireless options for areas without fiber, which use a portable modem or a satellite for wireless connectivity.
AT&T also provides a DSL-based service that combines copper cable with fiber infrastructure, though at much slower speeds.
AT&T vs. Xfinity: Customer Satisfaction Scores
Most people don’t have high opinions of their internet providers, so unsurprisingly, ISP customer satisfaction ratings are generally low. However, AT&T and Comcast Xfinity score relatively well.
AT&T maintained a top score of 80 out of 100 on the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index.
Xfinity’s non-fiber score dropped slightly from 68 to 67 (just under the industry average of 68), though its fiber score rose from 73 to 75. These results are decent but not outstanding.
In the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study, AT&T led in the North-Central and West regions.
It came second in the South (where Google Fiber took the lead). Xfinity’s satisfaction ratings trailed AT&T’s but stayed above the regional averages in all three areas.
AT&T vs. Xfinity: Summary
If your choices are AT&T Internet (DSL-related) or AT&T’s fixed wireless service and Xfinity, Xfinity usually wins in speed, value, and reliability.
However, if AT&T Fiber and Xfinity are available, AT&T Fiber offers better value and terms. Xfinity excels in broad availability and low initial pricing, while AT&T Fiber outperforms in most other areas.
