The internet has become a common sight everywhere. It is an integral aspect of our lives as a high-speed internet connection is necessary to keep us operating. That is why it is essential to choose a reliable internet service provider that gives you the kind of service you’ll need. However, the task becomes challenging with the increasing number of available options.
When it comes to the telecommunication industry, AT&T and Xfinity are two huge names. Where AT&T is known for high-speed internet without any data caps, Xfinity offers more plans and wider coverage. If you live in an area where both the services are available and are confused about which one to choose, then look no further. Our detailed overview of both ISPs can help you learn more about them.
AT&T
AT&T is one of the giants in the telecommunication world. This US-based company is not only the largest in the US but is also one of the largest ISP in the world. The company uses a combination of fiber and hybrid-fiber connections to deliver broadband internet service. Since 2020, the company has been phasing out its DSL service.
Pros:
- No data caps on most plans
- High-speed fiber internet plans
- Remarkable bundles
Cons:
- Limited fiber internet availability
- Data caps on fixed wireless internet plans
Xfinity
Xfinity is the largest cable internet provider in the US. This ISP is also the most preferred provider in the country due to its wide coverage and reliable services. The company uses a coaxial cable to provide its services in most of its service areas. The company also offers fiber internet in a few select areas.
Pros:
- Wide range of plans
- Nationwide availability
- Affordable options
Cons:
- Data caps
- Very limited availability of fiber internet
AT&T vs Xfinity
Availability
Xfinity offers its services in 40 states of the U.S. However, most of its service area gets cable internet option. Meanwhile, AT&T provides its fiber internet service in the 21 states.
Both the ISPs have a huge presence in Midwestern states such as Michigan, Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. Xfinity covers Utah, Colorado, Oregon, New Mexico, and Washington in the West. Unlike AT&T, you can also find Xfinity in the Northeast.
Plans and Pricing
AT&T
AT&T offers multiple fiber internet plans with various speeds at affordable prices. Although limited to a few areas, the provider offers the fastest internet plan in the US. However, not everyone needs such fast internet speeds, its mid-range plans are ideal for most people.
AT&T’s internet plans are much simpler than Xfinity. The provider offers six fiber internet plans, and it no longer offers DSL internet plans to new customers.
| Plan | Price | Speed | Data Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Internet Up to 75 Mbps | $55/month | Up to 75 Mbps | 1 TB |
| AT&T Internet 100 | $55/month | Up to 100 Mbps | Unlimited |
| AT&T Internet 300 | $55/month | Up to 300 Mbps | Unlimited |
| AT&T Internet 500 | $65/month | Up to 500 Mbps | Unlimited |
| AT&T 1G Internet | $80/month | Up to 1 Gbps | Unlimited |
| AT&T 2G Internet | $110/month | Up to 2 Gbps | Unlimited |
| AT&T 5G Internet | $180/month | Up to 5 Gbps | Unlimited |
| AT&T Fixed Wireless Internet | $59.99/month | Up to 25 Mbps | 350 GB |
Xfinity
Xfinity offers various plans at different prices, depending on your location. The provider’s plans and prices differ according to three regions; West, Central, and Northeast. However, you don’t have to worry about speeds. No matter wherever you are located, Xfinity offers high-speed internet plans, and compared to AT&T’s plans, Xfinity’s starter plans are much more affordable. But the price goes steeper as the speed increases. For example, Xfinity’s gigabit plan costs more than AT&T’s similar speed plan.
Xfinity Internet Plans & Prices in Northeast
| Plan | Price | Speed | Data Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance Starter | $65.00/month | 50 Mbps | None |
| Performance Pro | $39.99/month | 300 Mbps | None |
| Blast! | $59.99/month | 400 Mbps | None |
| Extreme Pro | $69.99/month | 800 Mbps | None |
| Gigabit | $79.99/month | 1200 Mbps | None |
| Gigabit Pro | $299.99/month | 2000 Mbps | None |
Xfinity Internet Plans & Prices in Central Region
| Plan | Price | Speed | Data Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connect | $25.00/month | 50 Mbps | 1.2 TB |
| Connect More | $40.00/month | 100 Mbps | 1.2 TB |
| Fast | $50.00/month | 300 Mbps | 1.2 TB |
| Superfast | $50.00/month | 600 Mbps | 1.2 TB |
| Ultrafast | $60.00/month | 900 Mbps | 1.2 TB |
| Gigabit Extra | $70.00/month | 1200 Mbps | 1.2 TB |
| Gigabit X3 | $299.95/month | 3000 Mbps | 1.2 TB |
Xfinity Internet Plans & Prices in West
| Plan | Price | Speed | Data Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connect | $19.99/month | 50 Mbps | 1.2 TB |
| Connect More | $39.99/month | 100 Mbps | 1.2 TB |
| Fast | $49.99/month | 300 Mbps | 1.2 TB |
| Superfast | $59.99/month | 600 Mbps | 1.2 TB |
| Ultrafast | $69.99/month | 900 Mbps | 1.2 TB |
| Gigabit | $79.99/month | 1200 Mbps | 1.2 TB |
Speed
Although both the providers offer the fastest internet plans, overall AT&T offers higher speeds with unlimited data. AT&T provides speeds ranging from 75 Mbps up to 5000 Mbps. You can get symmetrical download and upload speeds with AT&T fiber internet plans.
On the other hand, Xfinity offers higher download speeds in some areas. You can get speeds up to 3000 Mbps in certain areas. The unfortunate thing about AT&T is that it lacks a fiber-optic network and experiences slow speeds during rush hours.
Data Caps
Xfinity enforces data caps on all of its plans. However, the provider has delayed the data caps for another year in the Northeast region. This means that people in the Northeast can enjoy Xfinity’s plans with unlimited data. For regions with data caps, Xfinity charges an extra $10 for every 50 GB of data after you exceed your set data limit. You can avoid this fee by paying $30 for unlimited data for the rest of the month.
On the other hand, AT&T doesn’t enforce data caps on any of its fiber internet plans. But if you live in rural areas and are subscribed to AT&T fixed wireless internet, you have to pay attention to the data usage. AT&T enforces data caps on its fixed wireless internet plan.
Contracts
AT&T is one of the no-contract internet providers. Hence, you can cancel its service at any given moment without worrying about an ETF.
Xfinity, on the other hand, gives you two options. You can either go for the contact option or the no-contract option. However, you need to pay an extra $10 for the latter choice. All the Xfinity plans come with a 1-year contract except for Gigabit and Gigabit Pro, which have a 2-year contract.
Bundles
Both providers offer remarkable bundle deals. Some of the popular bundle deals of each provider are listed below: Xfinity Bundles in Northeast
| Plan | Promotional Price | Internet Speed | Data Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard + More | $89.99/month | 300 Mbps | 125+ |
| 400 Mbps Internet + Your Fios TV | $129.99/month | 1200 Mbps | 185+ |
AT&T Bundles:
| Plan | Promotional Price | Internet Speed | Data Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV Entertainment All Included + AT&T Internet | $129.99/month | 100 Mbps | 165+ |
| DIRECTV Premier All-Included Package + AT&T Internet | $204.99/month | 100 Mbps | 330+ |
Customer Service
The customer service of all the major internet providers in the US is debatable. People are never satisfied with it. However, according to ACSI’s latest report, AT&T managed to rank in 1st place with a score of 71. Meanwhile, Xfinity scored 67 and ranked 3rd. Looking at the statistics, we can safely assume that both providers have decent customer service.
Conclusion:
Overall, AT&T is a much more reliable internet provider with a better performance. However, Xfinity is also an ideal option with its cheap internet plans. The choice depends on your requirements. AT&T is an ideal option for those who prefer fiber internet service, fast speeds, and uninterrupted connectivity. Xfinity is also an ideal high-speed internet option with wide coverage.
