© Joshua Rainey Photography / Shutterstock.com
Are you looking for a new home internet plan and thinking of Comcast? Or is Xfinity the better ISP? Well, you’ll be surprised to know that there is zero difference between Comcast vs. Xfinity. These two home internet giants are one and the same company, which keeps over 30 million Americans connected to the world wide web!
The company offers advanced business network solutions under the Comcast name, but consumer internet is handled by their subsidiary, Xfinity. Comcast’s Xfinity internet service has the speed and coverage that modern households need with one of the most expansive ranges of plans for cable and fiber-optic internet. In this article, we’ll explain what you can expect from Xfinity to help you evaluate if it is the right ISP for your needs.
Comcast vs. Xfinity: Side-By-Side Comparison
| Category | Comcast | Xfinity |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Business network solutions | Consumer internet |
| Services Offered | VoIP telephony, business mobile, cybersecurity, networking, virtualization | Home internet, telephone, and cable television services |
| Speeds | Up to 10Gb | Up to 6Gb |
| Data Limit | No data caps | 1.2TB |
| IP Address | Static IP address | Dynamic IP address |
Comcast vs. Xfinity: What’s the Difference?
It may surprise you, but Comcast and Xfinity are the same company and there is virtually no difference between them. Before 2010, Xfinity’s home internet, landline, and entertainment services were offered under the Comcast brand name. Today, Xfinity is a subsidiary of the Comcast conglomerate, but it is run as a company in its own right headed by CEO Dave Brown.
Comcast Business is another subsidiary of Comcast. They offer business network solutions, but these are not available to consumers and are delivered on a customized quote basis. Comcast business offers VoIP telephony, business mobile, cybersecurity, virtualization solutions, and managed networking services for hotels and other venues.
Comcast Business Internet also has different speeds and bandwidth than Xfinity. Comcast’s business interests include television and film production, satellite television networking, live and sporting events, and business telecommunications, while Xfinity is limited to home internet, landline, and TV services.
Xfinity is wholly concerned with consumer internet, entertainment, and home security services while Comcast provides telecommunication services for businesses via Comcast Business. They also develop, manufacture, and market a range of Wi-Fi routers, streaming devices, and voice-controlled remotes under the Xfinity brand.
©Sundry Photography/Shutterstock.com
What is Comcast?
Comcast Corporation is the umbrella company that owns Xfinity internet and it is the largest ISP in the US. It is such a massive telecommunications and media company that it is often the first ISP that comes to mind when looking for a new home internet plan.
Comcast has been a longstanding cable provider and also provided broadband internet under its name. Its reputation took a knock in the early 2000s due to a combination of poor customer service, low customer satisfaction, high prices, and unexpected fees. By 2010, it was time for a change with Comcast renaming its internet service Xfinity.
About Comcast
Comcast is one of the largest telecommunications and mass media companies in the world, with a global reach through varied subsidiaries and commercial interests that include MSNBC, Sky TV, QVC, Universal Studios, and DreamWork. It is certainly one of America’s largest cable subscription and internet service providers, eclipsed only by AT&T for subscriber numbers and revenue.
Services provided by the Comcast conglomerate include:
- National and international television broadcasting
- Film production and distribution
- Live events
- Sporting events including ownership of the Philadelphia Flyers
- Venture capital investment
- Cable television
- Broadband internet
- Home Telephone
- Public Wi-Fi hotspots
- Virtual mobile networking
- Business internet and telephone services (Comcast Business)
What is Xfinity?
Xfinity is a Comcast subsidiary that delivers its home internet, telephone, and cable television services. It is a convenient and popular choice for a “triple-play” service that bundles home internet with a home phone line and cable TV. Its coverage is expansive, including over 40 states and 31 million active subscribers in Q4 of 2021.
Here is a quick summary of Xfinity’s services:
Xfinity xFi
Xfinity has its tech-related R&D department and has developed a market-leading home hub known as the Xfi. Using Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, customers can enjoy high-speed secure connectivity throughout their home, along with range extenders and a voice-based personal assistant like Alexa.
Xfi solutions can be easily integrated into an existing home network and offer features that include screen-time scheduling, Wi-Fi pausing, and xFi Advanced Security to protect against network attacks.
Mobile
Comcast Xfinity wisely uses Verizon as its carrier for its mobile network. Xfinity Mobile offers high-speed 5G connectivity and access to Xfinity WiFi hotspots as part of its competitive price plans.
Xfinity Home
Interested in a professionally installed smart home and home security solution? Xfinity Home delivers wireless monitoring of your home’s status and smart devices using Internet of Things technology. This 24/7 monitored service includes cameras for maximum reassurance that your home is secure.
VoIP
Xfinity also provides VoIP home phone services that integrate beautifully with your smartphone, smart TV, and other digital devices.
Entertainment
Xfinity offers a range of cable and streaming solutions to its customers. X1 is its main platform that brings together the greatest variety of sports, news, music, and entertainment channels. They also provide streaming solutions through their Flex and Stream devices that are offered to internet-only customers.
Hotspots
Xfinity also has an expansive network of over eight million public Wi-Fi hotspots that are secure and free to use for existing Xfinity customers. Xfinity customers can access these networks using their account ID and password or a dedicated app for unlimited free Wi-Fi internet on the go.
Price Plans for Xfinity Internet-Only Services
One area where Xfinity can get a little complicated is a large number of internet-only plans offers which vary in price by location in the US. Tiered price plans span low-cost cable internet to high-speed next-generation fiber connectivity.
Xfinity has a 1.2TB data cap on their plans with additional data costing an extra $10 per 500MB each month. Most plans are contract-free and simply paid monthly. Additional charges include a $100 installation fee and a $14 optional higher fee for an xFi router.
The Pro plans that have 12 and 24-month contract periods do have an early termination fee. Expect to pay $110 to leave a 12-month contract early and $230 for a 24-month contract. Early termination fees decrease by $10 for every month you remain on the plan after the initial contract period.
Here is a comprehensive list of Xfinity’s internet plans (with introductory prices) across the US:
Northeast Division
Xfinity Performance Starter
- Download speed: 75Mbps
- Upload speed: 10Mbps
- Price: $65 per month
Performance
- Download speed: 200Mbps
- Upload speed: 10Mbps
- Price: $84 per month
Performance Pro
- Download speed: 400Mbps
- Upload speed: 10Mbps
- Price: $30 per month initially rising to $92 after contract renewal
- Contract: 1 year
Blast!
- Download speed: 800Mbps
- Upload speed: 20Mbps
- Price: $60 per month initially rising to $97 after contract renewal
Extreme Pro
- Download speed: 1Gbps
- Upload speed: 20Mbps
- Price:$70 per month initially rising to $102 after contract renewal
Gigabit Plus
- Download speed: 1.2Gbps
- Upload speed: 35Mbps
- Price: $80 per month initially rising to $107 after contract renewal
Gigabit Pro
- Download speed: 6Gbps
- Upload speed: 6Gbps
- Price: $300 per month
- Contract: 2 years
Central Division
Connect
- Download speed: 75Mbps
- Upload speed: 10Mbps
- Price: $30 per month initially rising to $49 after contract renewal
Connect More
- Download speed: 200Mbps
- Upload speed: 10Mbps
- Price: $45 per month initially rising to $69 after contract renewal
Fast
- Download speed: 400Mbps
- Upload speed: 10Mbps
- Price: $55 per month initially rising to $79 after contract renewal
- Contract: 1 year
Superfast
- Download speed: 800Mbps
- Upload speed: 20Mbps
- Price: $70 per month initially rising to $89 after contract renewal
Ultrafast
- Download speed: 1Gbps
- Upload speed: 20Mbps
- Price:$75 per month initially rising to $99 after contract renewal
Gigabit Extra
- Download speed: 1.2Gbps
- Upload speed: 35Mbps
- Price: $80 per month initially rising to $109 after contract renewal
Gigabit Pro
- Download speed: 6Gbps
- Upload speed: 6Gbps
- Price: $300 per month
- Contract: 2 years
West Division
Connect
- Download speed: 75Mbps
- Upload speed: 10Mbps
- Price: $25 per month initially rising to $50 after contract renewal
Connect More
- Download speed: 200Mbps
- Upload speed: 10Mbps
- Price: $40 per month initially rising to $60 after contract renewal
Fast
- Download speed: 400Mbps
- Upload speed: 10Mbps
- Price: $55 per month initially rising to $70 after contract renewal
- Contract: 1 year
Superfast
- Download speed: 800Mbps
- Upload speed: 20Mbps
- Price: $65 per month initially rising to $80 after contract renewal
Ultrafast
- Download speed: 1Gbps
- Upload speed: 20Mbps
- Price:$75 per month initially rising to $90 after contract renewal
Gigabit Extra
- Download speed: 1.2Gbps
- Upload speed: 35Mbps
- Price: $80 per month initially rising to $100 after contract renewal
Gigabit Pro
- Download speed: 6Gbps
- Upload speed: 6Gbps
- Price: $300 per month
- Contract: 2 years
Xfinity Internet Speeds
Xfinity offers tiered price plans with download speeds that span 75Mbps and 6Gbps. Unless you opt for fiber, there is significant asymmetry between download and upload speeds which can be as low as 10Mbps. For most home internet users the asymmetry is not a major problem, but if you intend to use services like VoIP, telecommuting, or advanced gaming, you should take a serious look at Xfinity’s fiber plans that offer more symmetrical speeds.
©Ken Wolter/Shutterstock.com
Here is a summary profile of Comcast’s Xfinity service:
| Comcast/Xfinity | |
|---|---|
| What it is: | Cable and fiber internet service provider (ISP) |
| Primary use: | Broadband internet access |
| Max upload speed | Up to 6Gbps |
| Max download speed | Up to 6Gbps |
| Contract | Yes – for some plans |
| Throttling | No |
| Data limits | 1.2TB cap |
| Monthly subscription | Between $65 and $300 |
| Additional fees | $100 installation; $14 monthly gateway rental |
| Equipment provided | Wi-Fi 6E xFi gateway/hub |
| Locations available: | 40 states in the US |
Comcast vs. Xfinity: Six Must-Know Facts
- Comcast is actively implementing the most advanced 10G cable networking technology DOCSIS 4.0 and achieving sustained multigigabit speeds. This technology has the potential to reach up to 50 million homes across the US.
- Depending on your region, Comcast’s broadband internet rates vary by up to $35 for an identical plan.
- In October 2022, Comcast announced an uplift in network speeds for up to 20 million subscribers. The lowest speed rose from 50 to 75 Mbps.
- T Mobile Home Internet has boldly targeted Xfinity customers with its 2023 advertising campaign slogan “Make Xfinity Your Ex”! T Mobile is also offering Xfinity customers a special introductory rate of $25 per month and paying their early termination fees through January 2023.
- Xfinity currently uses a Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) network which has a fiber backhaul but coaxes last-mile connectivity, but it is gradually rolling out its fiber to the premises (FTTP) upgrade across the country.
- Comcast Xfinity has developed a large button voice remote to help people with disabilities access its services better.
Comcast vs. Xfinity: Is Xfinity Internet Worth It?
Comcast’s Xfinity Home Internet is one of the best-known home internet brands and it will likely have coverage and plans available in your area. If you’re still undecided on Xfinity as an ISP, here are some reasons to give it a try:
Availability
As a well-established cable network, Xfinity has some of the best service coverage in the US. Its cable network extends into the Rockies and many other rural areas.
A Range of Price Points
Having options makes all the difference in getting the right internet connectivity for the right price. With Comcast, you are assured of adequate speeds for your home internet, even at the lowest prices.
Fiber and Cable Options
Xfinity is increasingly offering fiber coverage as it rolls out its upgraded network infrastructure. Though the cable speeds are respectable fiber access gets you the fastest residential plan with speeds of up to 6 Gbps.
Home Security and Home Entertainment Add-Ons
It is easy to upgrade your Xfinity internet plan to include their home entertainment and security services at a competitive price. You may also want to opt for the cellphone package too.
Latest Wi-Fi Router
The Xfi router offers future-forward Wi-Fi 6 connectivity which is just what you need for new devices and the highest standards of network security. If you want to opt out of the $14 monthly equipment charge why not read our article The 6 Best Routers For Comcast Internet or The 5 Best Routers For Xfinity Internet?
No Contracts
With Xfinity, you’re not cumbered by an onerous contract for the majority of their plans. Xfinity may run a soft credit check on you, but nothing should show up on your credit file.
Generous Data Cap
Xfinity does cap their data, but unless you’re a professional gamer it’s highly unlikely your household will swamp the 1.2TB monthly allowance!
Good Customer Satisfaction Ratings
Unlike its Comcast-branded predecessor, Xfinity internet has been riding high in customer satisfaction surveys. It currently comes out in the top third of the 2022 J.D. Power US Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study and scores 66 out of 100 in the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index.
No Cost to Switch Plans
If you want to change or upgrade your home internet plan, Xfinity makes this easy for you. Simply make the switch yourself online, call the customer service team, or pop into your local store to get help.
Comcast vs. Xfinity: Final Thoughts
Xfinity Internet is a decent option for home internet with the coverage and range of services that come with having a massive conglomerate like Comcast behind it. However, prices vary significantly depending on where you are in the United States and the fiber coverage is currently limited. For VoIP telephony, business mobile, cybersecurity, and managed networking services check out Comcast Business. If you want to compare Comcast’s Xfinity internet with other ISPs, take a look at some of these helpful comparison guides:
- T-Mobile Home Internet vs. Comcast: How Do They Compare?
- Metronet vs Comcast: How Do They Compare?
- YouTube TV vs Comcast: How Do They Compare?
