AT&T Fiber offers speed and value, while Xfinity provides lower starting rates and better broadband bundle deals.

CNET explores the specifics.

Which is better: AT&T vs Xfinity Internet?

Weighing AT&T vs Xfinity for your Internet needs, 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 internet 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 internet 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.

Xfinity Internet Plans

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, provided by the largest cable company in the U.S., is available in select regions across 39 states and Washington, DC—reaching roughly one-third of the nation’s population.

Its network is primarily cable-based, though it also includes a smaller fiber-optic footprint.

Xfinity’s fiber service is mainly found in parts of Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, with limited availability in states like Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee.

Meanwhile, AT&T offers home internet in 22 states, primarily across the South, Midwest, and West Coast.

In cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Memphis, Miami, and San Francisco, both Xfinity and AT&T may be available.

AT&T reports that over 21 million households currently have access to its fiber service in more than 100 metro areas. The company also plans to expand fiber access and introduce multigigabit plans by the end of 2025.

For areas without fiber coverage, AT&T offers alternatives like Internet Air and Fixed Wireless, which rely on portable modems or satellite connections for wireless internet access.

Additionally, AT&T provides a slower DSL-based option that uses copper lines combined with fiber infrastructure.

AT&T vs. Xfinity: Customer Satisfaction Scores

Internet providers often receive low customer satisfaction ratings, and it’s no surprise that most people don’t hold them in high regard. Still, AT&T and Comcast Xfinity perform relatively well compared to others.

According to the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index, AT&T earned a leading score of 80 out of 100.

Xfinity’s rating for non-fiber service dipped slightly from 68 to 67—just below the industry average of 68. However, its fiber service score improved from 73 to 75. While not exceptional, these numbers are fairly solid.

In the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study, AT&T ranked highest in the North-Central and West regions.

It also secured second place in the South, just behind Google Fiber. Although Xfinity scored lower than AT&T, it still maintained ratings above the regional averages across all three regions.

AT&T vs. Xfinity: Summary

If you’re deciding between AT&T’s DSL-based internet or its fixed wireless service and Xfinity, Xfinity typically comes out ahead in terms of speed, reliability, and overall value.

But when both AT&T Fiber and Xfinity are options in your area, AT&T Fiber tends to offer a better deal with more favorable terms. Xfinity stands out for its widespread coverage and attractive introductory rates, while AT&T Fiber generally delivers stronger performance in other key aspects.