Are you a texter, or do you prefer calls? Either way, you will need a reliable cell phone plan. Both AT&T and Xfinity Mobile offer impressive options for making unlimited calls or texting your friends. They even provide sufficient monthly data to access the internet on your smartphone.
But which carrier has a better network, pricing, and promotions? This AT&T vs Xfinity Mobile comparison explores these details so you can figure out the best carrier and plan for your needs.
AT&T Wireless
You may already know AT&T as a top wireless carrier, but did you know that it is also the oldest mobile network operator (MNO) in the country? Located in Dallas, TX, AT&T has a fascinating history. The company introduced its first commercial cellular telephone service in 1983, four decades ago!
Since then, AT&T has gone through numerous changes with the advancement of technology. Today, AT&T is a nationwide 4G and 5G wireless service provider with more than 280 million subscribers.
Pros
- Excellent 4G LTE network covering 74.6% of the US
- Fast and reliable 5G network
- Excellent variety of unlimited plans
Cons
- Expensive mobile phone plans
- Fewer perks and promotional deals
Xfinity Mobile
In comparison, Xfinity Mobile, launched in 2017 by Comcast, is a relatively new wireless service in the market. Within these few years, it has gained a loyal customer base for affordable cell phone plans. But the most likable thing about Xfinity Mobile is its high availability, allowing it to compete with large-scale MNOs like AT&T and more.
The carrier relies on Verizon’s nationwide 4G LTE and 5G network to serve its customers. However, only Xfinity Internet customers can subscribe to its wireless plans.
Pros
- Affordable wireless plans
- Flexible fixed plan for casual data users
- Nationwide availability
Cons
- Only Xfinity Internet users can subscribe to this service
Wireless Service Comparison – AT&T vs Xfinity Mobile
| Features | AT&T Wireless | Xfinity Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Plans | 3 | 3 |
| Fixed Data Plans | 2 | 1 |
| Monthly Price (for 1 line) | $50.00/mo. – $85.99/mo. | $15.00/mo. – $65.00/mo. |
| Monthly Price (for 2 lines) | $45.00/mo. – $75.99/mo. | $15.00/mo. – $50.00/mo. |
| Maximum Hotspot Data | 60 GB | 15 GB |
| Type of Operator | MNO | MVNO |
| 4G Coverage | 74.6% of the US | 71.5% of the US |
| 5G Coverage | 41.4% of the US | 14.7% of the US |
| Discounts/Promotions | Available | Available |
| Contact Provider | Call Now | Call Now |
Both AT&T and Xfinity Mobile plans have similar features, like hotspot data, multi-line discounts, and fewer perks. However, they are quite different from each other.
While AT&T is mainly known for its nationwide wireless service, Xfinity is primarily a cable internet provider that has recently entered the mobile market. The carrier depends on Verizon’s network, and while its plans are more affordable, they are only available to its internet customers.
AT&T vs Xfinity Mobile Cost
Both AT&T Wireless and Xfinity Mobile offer a good range of mobile plans. Xfinity is comparatively more affordable. However, AT&T has more variety, giving you more options for unlimited and fixed data plans.
Unlimited Plans
You get three unlimited mobile options from both carriers at different price points.
AT&T Wireless
AT&T’s unlimited data plans are more expensive than Xfinity’s, but they also have higher data limits for both mobile hotspots and high-speed data. AT&T gives heavy data users three unlimited options, from the Unlimited Starter at $65.99 per month to Unlimited Premium at $85.99 per month, when you order one line.
These plans offer unlimited high-speed data, mobile hotspots ranging from 5 to 60 GB, 5G access, and an advanced security suite. However, keep in mind that while AT&T promotes these plans as unlimited, you might face temporary data deprioritization on the first two plans after using a certain amount of data.
| AT&T Wireless Unlimited Plans | |||
| Features | Unlimited Starter SL | Unlimited Extra EL | Unlimited Premium PL |
| Price for a single-line | $65.99/mo. | $75.99/mo. | $85.99/mo. |
| Price for 2 lines | $60.99/line per month | $65.99/line per month | $75.99/line per month |
| Unlimited Talk & Text | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| High-Speed Data | Slow speeds during network congestion | After 75 GB, data speeds may slow down during network congestion | Unlimited |
| Unlimited talk, text & high-speed data in 20 Latin American countries | ╳ | ╳ | ✔ |
| 5G Access | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Hotspot Data | 5 GB | 30 GB | 60 GB |
| Mobile Security | AT&T ActiveArmorSM security | AT&T ActiveArmorSM advanced security | AT&T ActiveArmorSM advanced security |
| Streaming Quality | SD | SD | 4K UHD |
**Taxes and additional charges may apply.
Xfinity Mobile
In contrast, Xfinity Mobile’s unlimited options are more cost-effective. However, they have lower thresholds for mobile hotspots and high-speed data. Like AT&T, Xfinity customers also get to choose between three unlimited tiers, starting from $45 Unlimited Intro to $65 Unlimited Premium for one line.
Like AT&T Wireless, all Xfinity Mobile plans include unrestricted calls, texts, and 5G access. However, they restrict your high-speed data usage. You only get up to 50 GB of high-speed data and up to 15 GB of mobile hotspots.
| Xfinity Mobile Unlimited Plans | |||
| Features | Unlimited Intro | Unlimited Plus | Unlimited Premium |
| Price for a single-line | $45.00/mo. | $55.00/mo. | $65.00/mo. |
| Price for 2 lines | $30.00/line per month | $40.00/line per month | $50.00/line per month |
| Unlimited Talk & Text | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 5G Access | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| High-Speed Data Per Line | Speeds are reduced after 20 GB of usage | Speeds are reduced after 30 GB of usage | Speeds are reduced after 50 GB of usage |
| Hotspot Data | Unlimited at 3G speeds | 5 GB | 15 GB |
| Streaming Quality | SD | HD 720 resolution | HD 720 resolution |
Data Plans
Casual data users can opt for a lower mobile data plan to save some cash. AT&T gives you two mobile data options, while Xfinity lets you customize its package according to your usage.
AT&T Wireless
AT&T’s data plans, starting from $50, are more expensive than Xfinity. These plans provide the same features, including unlimited talk and text, 5G access, and mobile security. You can only use a mobile hotspot feature with a 4 GB plan, but it will consume the allotted high-speed data.
| AT&T Wireless Fixed Plans | ||
| Features | 4 GB | Value Plus VL |
| Price for a single-line | $50.00/mo. | $50.99/mo. |
| Price for 2-line | $45.00/line per month | $50.99/line per month |
| Unlimited Talk & Text | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unlimited Texting from the U.S. to over 200+ Countries | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unlimited talk, text, and data in the US, Canada, and Mexico. | ✘ | ✔ |
| High-Speed Data | 4 GB per line | Unlimited |
| 5G Access | ✔ | ✔ |
| Mobile Hotspot | ✔ | ✘ |
| AT&T ActiveArmorSM mobile security | ✔ | ✔ |
| Streaming | SD | SD |
| Qualified for AT&T Signature Program | ✔ | ✘ |
Xfinity Mobile
In comparison, Xfinity only offers one affordable data plan – By the Gig, which gives you a choice between three data amounts. If you only use your mobile data for casual web browsing, you can choose 1 GB for $15. But if your usage is slightly higher, you can opt for 3 GB of data for $30 or 10 GB for $60 per month.
This flexible plan includes all the essentials and supports HD streaming and data sharing across various lines. Moreover, it gives you a higher-quality connection even during network congestion. However, you can only add up to 20 GB of extra data on one line in a month. After that, Xfinity will throttle your speeds.
| Xfinity Mobile Fixed Plan | |
| Features | By the Gig |
| Price for 1 GB of data | $15.00/mo. |
| Price for 3 GB of data | $30.00/mo. |
| Price for 10 GB of data | $60.00/mo. |
| Unlimited Talk & Text | ✔ |
| 5G Access | ✔ |
| 4G LTE | ✔ |
| High-Speed Data | 1, 3, or 10 GB (Extra $15 for each additional 1 GB of data after exceeding the limit) |
| Monthly High-Speed Data Allowance | Speeds are reduced after 20 GB of data usage in a month |
| Streaming Quality | HD |
Xfinity Mobile vs AT&T Coverage
Since Xfinity Mobile is an MVNO, it relies on one of the top mobile network operators, Verizon. Hence, its 4G LTE coverage is similar to AT&T, covering more than 70% of the US. However, AT&T Wireless has higher availability in many areas.
On the other hand, AT&T leads in 5G coverage, covering 41.4% of the country. In comparison, Verizon only covers 14.7% of the country. In short, AT&T’s overall coverage is better than Xfinity Mobile. Moreover, it is also more accessible since Xfinity’s mobile service is exclusive to its internet customers.
Can I switch from AT&T to Xfinity Mobile?
Yes, you can switch to Xfinity Mobile at any time without having to upgrade your phone. However, there is one restriction! You have to subscribe to one of Xfinity’s Internet plans to access its mobile service. If you are already its customer, here is how you can switch from AT&T to Xfinity Mobile.
- Go through Xfinity Mobile’s offerings and choose the most suitable plan for your requirements.
- Collect all your account information from AT&T and note all the details of your current device, including its IMEI, if you wish to bring your own phone.
- Make sure to unlock your phone with AT&T, but don’t cancel your service at this point.
- Backup all the important information on your device
- Visit Xfinity’s website or its nearest retail store to shop for your chosen plan.
- Once your Xfinity plan is active, contact AT&T to cancel the service.
Is it worth switching to Xfinity Mobile from AT&T?
Xfinity Mobile is an affordable service with three impressive unlimited mobile plans and a flexible data package. Its nationwide coverage, shockingly low prices, and sufficient high-speed data range make it a considerable choice for many people. The only problem is that only Xfinity Internet customers are eligible for this service.
On the other hand, AT&T has the best wireless service in the country. You might have to pay a higher monthly amount, but in return, you get a reliable mobile service with faster speeds and higher caps on priority and hotspot data.
We have explored almost every detail in this AT&T vs Xfinity Mobile comparison, but the final choice is yours! If you have the budget, go for AT&T Wireless. Otherwise, Xfinity Mobile is also an excellent choice with incredible features.
