Frontier vs Xfinity

Looking for a new internet connection will always leave you with multiple options. The process can become more challenging if you choose between two big names, Frontier and Xfinity. And while Xfinity may seem like an obvious choice to many people, Frontier fiber internet is a game changer.

You can’t go wrong with both providers as they are known for their excellent service. So, how do you choose the best internet provider for your home? The answer is simple! You find the relevant details about each provider to determine whether they suit your connectivity needs. This Frontier vs Xfinity comparison will help you in your selection process. But before getting into the finer details, let’s begin with a brief introduction of each provider.

Frontier

Frontier Communications is one of the leading internet service providers in the US. Frontier began as a rural internet service provider but today serves millions of Americans with broadband through two different connection types. The most popular connection, however, is its fiber internet since it offers lower prices, faster speeds, and other benefits.

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These days, Frontier is accessible in 25 states and is renowned for its low prices and accommodating conditions. The main drawback of Frontier is its mediocre DSL connection. But the good news is that it is working to extend its fiber network.

Pros

• No data caps
• Affordable plans
• No equipment fee
• Excellent fiber service

Cons

• Slow DSL service
• Contracts for acquiring bonuses

Xfinity

Comcast Cable Communications, a division of Comcast Corporation, uses Xfinity as a brand for its internet, cable TV, and home phone service. Based in Philadelphia, Xfinity is the largest cable internet provider in the US and the most preferred connectivity choice. The company reached 31 million residential customers last year and currently serves 39 states.

Xfinity provides broadband service via the same coaxial cable it employed for TV service. Hence, the large availability. Besides cable internet, Xfinity provides fiber internet to a relatively small number of clients.

Pros

• Wide range of plans
• Broad availability
• Good customer service

Cons

• Some plans have data caps
• Some plans require contracts
• Steep price hikes

Internet Service Comparison – Frontier vs Xfinity

America’s largest internet service providers, Frontier and Xfinity, employ various connection methods to deliver internet access. Both companies provide fiber internet services with fast speeds and convenient packages.

However, Frontier provides affordability, and Xfinity lets you have faster speeds. Additionally, Frontier offers unlimited data with every plan, unlike Xfinity, which provides some internet plans with data restrictions. Overall, Frontier FiberOptic is a fantastic option for your home internet, but its limited availability makes it difficult to access it in every area of Frontier’s service.

This Frontier vs Xfinity comparative guide will give you all the necessary details.

Internet Plans

Choosing the best solution for your house might become difficult because both suppliers provide a wide range of programs. For you to be able to make a more informed decision, we have compared their internet options below.

Frontier

Frontier does not overwhelm you with choices. Instead, depending on your region, you may choose from a couple of DSL and three straightforward fiber internet plans. All Frontier internet plans come with unlimited data and a price lock guarantee with different durations, which attests to its reliability. As a result, you don’t have to worry about unprecedented price hikes.

Between its slow DSL and fast fiber internet service, the latter is a much more ideal home internet option due to consistent speeds, affordable costs, and reliable technology. But not everyone can access its fiber internet plans. Nevertheless, Frontier’s fiber footprint is much larger than Xfinity’s fiber service.

Xfinity

In contrast, Xfinity offers a variety of internet options that also vary based on where you live. Northeast, West, and Central are the three areas into which Xfinity splits its packages. You will still have the choice of speedier Xfinity plans even though the speeds, prices, and conditions may differ.

A deeper look reveals that Xfinity’s beginning plans are less expensive than Frontier’s. However, its cost structure goes steeper as the internet speed increases. In addition, Xfinity raises the cost of its plans each year.

The good news is that Xfinity no longer has data restrictions on its plans. Every plan comes with unlimited data, except the first two plans in the Central and West regions. Overall, Xfinity’s cable internet plans are a great alternative if Frontier fiber internet is inaccessible in your area.

Additional Fee

Internet services are often riddled with additional fees and hidden costs, and very few providers are upfront about them. Before choosing an internet plan by either Xfinity or Frontier, here are all the additional fees you should consider.

Equipment Fee

Frontier is a clear winner here, as it does not charge a monthly rental fee, making it a reasonable choice for home internet. On the other hand, you have to pay $14 each month to Xfinity for its xFi Gateway. But Xfinity also allows you to use your own equipment, so you can avoid this fee by using a compatible alternative.

Installation Fee

Frontier’s customer-friendly terms also include a free installation process. Hence, you don’t have to pay a hefty upfront fee to this provider for installing your service. Its DSL service, on the other hand, requires an activation fee.

Xfinity gives you two installation options. You can pay a technician to install your service or do it yourself through a free self-install kit.

Internet Speed

Internet speed is a critical element of an internet plan. It impacts how quickly you can do activities online and determines how many tasks your network can manage simultaneously. Therefore, many people require more than the standard minimum speed unless they live alone.

Frontier Fiber and Xfinity offer excellent speeds, but Frontier is more reliable due to its latest technology. The provider has symmetrical download and upload speeds up to 2000 Mbps, perfect for gaming and streaming professionals. On the other hand, Xfinity delivers a higher speed with its fiber internet plan, but unfortunately, it has an extremely limited market.

Since Xfinity mainly offers cable internet plans, its asymmetrical speeds often slow down during rush hours. But it is still a much better option than Frontier’s slow DSL network if fiber is unavailable.

Bundle Deals

Want to consolidate your services under one bill? Bundling is your best solution. Many internet providers offer multiple services to stay competitive in the saturated market. They understand their customers’ entertainment and connectivity requirements and hence provide them with affordable bundles. So, Frontier vs Xfinity? Who has the best bundle deals for TV, internet, and phone?  

Frontier

Frontier no longer offers its TV service. Instead, it offers internet and TV bundles by partnering with a satellite TV provider, DISH TV. These packages include all local channels and free premiums for the first three months, including SHOWTIME, STARZ, and DISH Movie Pack.

Frontier customers can mix and match the packages according to their preferences and get the choice to add regional and sports channels. Therefore, these Frontier bundles are a complete package for entertainment enthusiasts, allowing them to enjoy the high-speed internet of their choice, favorite shows, and unlimited calls under one bill. And while Frontier does not force you into contracts, DISH TV requires a two-year term agreement.

Xfinity

We all know bundling is the easiest way to lower your monthly expenses, and Xfinity simplifies it. Its internet, cable TV, and home phone bundles allow you to save some cash every month. However, Xfinity does not provide fiber internet bundles; it only permits consumers to bundle its cable internet plans with other services.

Xfinity’s bundles provide outstanding features like discounted prices and free Peacock Premium. Here are some of the best Xfinity bundles.

Coverage Area

Due to its reliance on the coaxial cable network, Xfinity has a significantly wider service area. This supplier is available in 39 states. However, it primarily provides cable internet access to its clients, leaving just a small portion of people using its sole fiber internet package. This cable provider has the best availability in the Northeast and covers surrounding areas of Chicago, Indianapolis, Nashville, Memphis, Detroit, Houston, and more.

In comparison, Frontier has a smaller footprint as it serves only 25 states, out of which its fiber internet is available in 11 states. The best thing about Frontier is that you can find its DSL service in rural areas where Xfinity is inaccessible. While its fiber internet is widely available in parts of Florida, California, Texas, and Indiana, its DSL network covers the Southwest, Northeast, and Southeast.

Customer Service

Customer service indicates the performance of a provider. Unfortunately, American internet service providers frequently get low ratings as their customers are rarely satisfied with their service.

Comparatively, major customer service reviewers rank Xfinity higher than Frontier. In fact, it is the fourth-best ISP in 2022, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, with a score of 66. Xfinity also ranks higher in J.D. Power’s Study.

On the other hand, despite scoring five points lower than Xfinity in ACSI’s report, Frontier continues to show significant improvement from the past few years. With a four-point increase since last year, Frontier scored 61 this year. The company promises to work more to boost its customer service.

Conclusion

A comparative breakdown always helps in making wise decisions. Contrary to what certain commercials may lead you to believe, selecting the best internet provider is not an easy undertaking. You must weigh all of your alternatives and ensure that your chosen internet plan aligns with your household’s connectivity requirements. Frontier and Xfinity are common household names, which makes the selection process more complicated. We have put up this Frontier vs Xfinity comparison guide to assist you in making a smart choice.  

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