How does AT&T compare to Xfinity internet?
In a comparison of top-rated internet service providers (ISPs), Xfinity and AT&T are two heavyweights. Comcast’s Xfinity cable internet has the largest subscriber base of any ISP in the U.S. AT&T has a smaller footprint, but it is the most extensive fiber-optic internet network in the country. Both are well-known and highly-rated ISPs, but which might be the best fit for you?
- Who AT&T and Xfinity internet are for
- Comparison of internet services
- What others say about AT&T and Xfinity internet
- How do AT&T and Xfinity internet packages compare?
Who AT&T and Xfinity internet are for
AT&T Fiber is an excellent choice for households where the highest speeds are required, such as those where several devices will be streaming video, online gaming, or engaging in video calls simultaneously. Also, AT&T offers copper internet plans, but the speeds are much lower. Copper internet service is primarily available in rural areas and provides an option for those who can’t get fiber internet service.
Xfinity is also an option for people who stream videos, play games online, or work at home. With Xfinity, you can get speeds up to 3000 Mbps, though you’ll pay a premium price of $300/month for this speed.
However, Xfinity’s other plans are suited for those who may do a lot of downloading of data, such as video streaming, but who don’t send a lot of data. The reason? Outside of the premium 3000 Mbps plan, which is the company’s only fiber offering, other Xfinity packages have upload speeds that fell well below the download speed. For example, the 1000 Mbps download plan only offers up to 35 Mbps upload speed. So if you do a lot of video conferencing or use a voice over IP (VoIP) phone system, these upload speeds may not be sufficient.
Comparison of internet services
Though the plan structuring is quite different, the two providers offer similar services. The difference in Comcast vs. AT&T internet comes down to a view of three different services: copper (AT&T), cable (Xfinity), and fiber (both).
AT&T’s Fiber download speeds range from 300 Mbps to 5000 Mbps with a price of $55 to $250. Regardless of which plan you choose, the maximum upload speeds will always approximately match the download speed. These prices are consistent across all coverage zones, primarily the mid-west, south, and west coast, and none of the plans require an annual contract.
On the copper internet side of AT&T’s internet offerings, download speeds range from 25 Mbps to 100 Mbps, depending on the location, for a price of $55 the first year.
Comcast breaks its plans into three regions: West, Central, and Northeast. There are slight differences in the plans offered among these three regions. Maximum download speeds in all three areas range from 100 Mbps to 3000 Mbps. In the West and Central division, the price range for these plans is $20 to $300 per month. However, in the Northeast division, the 300 Mbps plan starts at $49.99/month instead of $20. All of these plans are for cable internet, except for the 3000 Mbps option, which is a fiber connection.*
What others say about AT&T and Xfinity internet
Both providers ranked among the top three ISPs for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Associates. What do other experts have to say about AT&T and Xfinity?
AT&T reviews
AT&T tops the residential ISP customer satisfaction rankings in the North Central region with a score of 732 out of 1,000, according to J.D. Power and Associates.
The same report has AT&T with the highest ratings in the South region with a score of 758. These scores show that a large segment of AT&T’s subscriber base is satisfied with the service received.
Xfinity reviews
The American Customer Satisfaction Index ranks Xfinity second in terms of customer satisfaction, closely trailing only Verizon Fios and AT&T, who share first place.
Also, Xfinity has earned praise for its high-speed 3000 Mbps fiber service from CNET while acknowledging its limited availability.
How do AT&T and Xfinity internet packages compare?
When it comes to comparing AT&T vs. Xfinity internet pricing, things can get a little murky due to the difference in plans and pricing Xfinity offers in its different coverage regions. However, here’s a look at some of the plans that are currently available from both ISPs.*
*Pricing varies by location and availability. Speeds may vary. All prices subject to change; for current pricing and availability visit our internet service page. Prices as of 2/2/22.
Disclosure | Updater articles are based on our own data and research, independent from partner relationships. We are not compensated by partners for information and opinions presented here. Our Editorial Terms of Service can be found here.
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