MetroNet vs Mediacom | Detailed Comparison 2022

When shopping for fast and reliable home internet, your choice may come down to either cable or fiber provider. Because these are the most popular and reliable internet options accessible to residential consumers. However, the availability of internet service providers will always depend on where you live. If you happen to have MetroNet and Mediacom serving your neighborhood, they might even be your two best options.

If that’s the case, you must be wondering which of these two internet service providers is ideal for your home networking needs. Mediacom uses a cable network powered by fiber and is quite a household name, while MetroNet utilizes a 100% fiber-optic network, which delivers faster upload speeds and a more reliable connection. Let’s take a close look at how two of the nation’s largest fiber and cable providers stack up against each other, and help you decide!

MetroNet vs Mediacom: A Quick Comparison

MetroNet vs. Mediacom: Availability

MetroNet

MetroNet is the largest fiber internet provider in the United States with a fast-growing footprint serving 200+ communities across 14 states. The provider has been committed to delivering 100% FTTH networks from its inception in central Indiana — making it all the more worthwhile.

Top MetroNet Cities by Network Coverage

MetroNet Internet is mostly available in Midwest regions— with service most prevalent in the following cities:

Xtream Powered by Mediacom

Mediacom Communication is the 5^th largest cable internet service provider in the U.S., with services available to over 6.5 million people across 22 states. Xtream services are mostly available in the Midwest, the Eastern Seaboard, the Gulf Coast, Arizona, and California.  

The one thing that makes Xtream inimitable is its potential to deliver gigabit download speeds to over 99% of its customers. The only downside, however, is the monthly data caps — exceeding which may lead to an overage charge.

Top Mediacom Cities by Network Coverage

Mediacom Xtream network coverage is the most concentrated in the following towns and cities:

MetroNet vs Xtream Internet: Plans & Pricing

MetroNet Internet

MetroNet utilizes a 100% fiber-optic network and offers three speed tier options — 100Mbps, 500Mbps, and 1GIG. In select areas MetroNet Fiber now also delivers up to 2 Gig internet speeds. Unlike Xtream, MetroNet plans offer symmetrical upload and download speeds — a significant advantage fiber internet has over cable internet.

Perhaps the best thing that lets you take complete advantage of blazing-fast symmetrical speeds is that all MetroNet Internet plans come without any contracts or data caps. This means you don’t incur an overage fee and may quit anytime without any Early Termination Fee (ETF).

As a cherry on top, MetroNet offers also provide customers with up to $150 in contract buyout, so you can easily switch to MetroNet without worrying about paying ETF to your current provider.

MetroNet Internet Packages

Take a look at MetroNet internet plans, and if you wish to explore offers at your specific address, reach out to a MetroNet Customer Service representative at 1-844-343-1143.

Xtream Powered by Mediacom Internet

Xtream powered by Mediacom offers internet plans in unique speed tiers — ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gigabit — giving you the freedom to choose as per your needs and preferences. All these plans are competitively priced and come with a generous monthly data allowance.

With Xtream, you'll connect to the internet via a fiber-backed cable connection, which can deliver download speeds as high as 1 Gbps. In fact, Xtream internet plans are priced cheaper than MetroNet for the same max download speeds. But cable internet isn't completely perfect. Upload speeds are usually slower than what fiber delivers. As for Xtream, upload speeds typically top out at around 50 Mbps, which is good for most home usage — but the bare minimum for HD video conferencing or any heavy upstream tasks.

Xtream Internet Packages

Take a look at the most popular Mediacom internet plans available. If you wish to find out about Mediacom Internet packages for your specific address, call Mediacom Customer Service at 1-855-349-9315.

*for 1 yr. Plus installation, activation, modem rental, taxes & fees. Price includes $10/mo. discount for autopay & paperless billing.

MetroNet vs Xtream Internet: Installation & Equipment Fee

Installation Fees

When considering the additional costs, MetroNet has a definite advantage over Xtream powered by Mediacom. With MetroNet, you have to pay a relatively lower one-time installation fee of $25 only. Xtream, on the other hand, charges a one-time professional installation fee of $109.99.

On the plus side, both providers let you skip this fee. MetroNet gives you a $25 installation credit if you sign up for automatic payments. As for Mediacom, you can skip the fee by requesting a self-installation kit, but you will need to pay a $10 activation fee.

Equipment fees

MetroNet doesn't charge an additional equipment fee. The wireless router comes free with your internet plan. However, there is an unavoidable technology service fee of $9.95/mo. to cover all service calls and technician visits.

As for Xtream powered by Mediacom, the monthly equipment fee will add $13 to your monthly bill. You can easily skip this fee by using your own Xtream-compatible device.

Is MetroNet Better Or Xtream?

MetroNet and Xtream have similar speed tiers, but MetroNet is the faster and better option. That’s because the reliability and symmetrical speeds MetroNet offers via its 100% fiber-optic network are unparalleled. The only downside, if any, is the technology service fee, which comes as a mandatory charge every month. Besides that, MetroNet doesn’t charge any equipment fee that Mediacom tacks onto your monthly bill.

That said, if you find MetroNet's price point tough to get past, then Mediacom may be your safest bet. For the same download speeds as MetroNet, Xtream will likely be the cheaper option. However, Xtream has its own caveats — low upload speeds, data caps, and network congestion at peak usage times. But Xtream can offer gigabit download speeds, which is much faster than what you can expect from satellite, DSL, or fixed wireless providers.

MetroNet vs Xtream Internet: Things to Consider

And the Winner Is…

 

MetroNet is definitely a winner!

If MetroNet is available at your address, sign up for it without any second thoughts. With symmetrical speeds and excellent value, these fiber plans are some of the best in the industry, and you won't need to sign a contract or worry about a data cap.

However, Xtream, powered by Mediacom, plans are much less competitive than the speeds and reliability available from a fiber provider like MetroNet. The relatively cheaper price points may make it a more affordable option — if you can make do with low upload speeds.

That said, when you compare the two providers, make sure to consider various aspects of each service to decide which one is a better fit for your needs and budget. And if you need assistance, call 1-855-349-9328 to get advice from experts to make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do MetroNet and Xtream powered by Mediacom have unlimited data?

All MetroNet internet plans come with unlimited data. Xtream, on the other hand, imposes data caps on all its plans, which vary in line with the speed each plan offers.

Do MetroNet and Mediacom require a Contract?

Both MetroNet and Mediacom don’t require you to sign any contract with their internet plans.

Is Xtream Internet available in my area?

Speak to a representative at the Mediacom Customer Service number i.e. 1-855-349-9315 to check the availability of Xtream services at your address.

Is MetroNet available in my area?

Speak to a representative at the MetroNet Customer Service number i.e. 1-844-343-1143 to check the availability of MetroNet services at your address.