The broadband market in the U.S. comprises of over 2,900 internet service providers (ISPs), local, regional and nationwide, that endeavor to meet the increasing consumer demand for high-speed internet in their respective geo spheres. In recent years not only the industry giants, but quite a few local and regional internet providers have contributed significantly to making high-speed internet more readily accessible by upgrading and expanding their network infrastructures. However choosing the right internet service provider for your home can still be a tricky job.
For instance if you live in a neighborhood where Xfinity and WOW! both provide quality services, you could feel stuck. On one hand is an industry leader that has earned itself a name across the country. And, on the other a regional ISP that is far less widely known, but provides value-added services. This is where a comparison guide that talks about service types, features, plans, pricing, and more, can help you make the best decision for your home.
Read on, if you’ve been planning to switch to Xfinity or WOW!, but still find yourself undecided.
|
WOW! Internet |
Xfinity Internet |
Service Type |
Hybrid-Fiber Coaxial |
Hybrid-Fiber Coaxial |
Availability |
6 states |
41 states |
Download Speed Range |
100 Mbps – 5 Mbps |
150 Mbps 1.2 Gbps |
Price Range |
$50/mo. - $110/mo. |
$20/mo. $80/ month |
Data Cap |
1.5 TB – Unlimited |
1.2 TB – Unlimited |
Annual Contracts |
None |
Terms vary depending on available offers |
The Xfinity Internet service offers a rather diverse lineup of download speeds from 150 Mbps to 1200 Mbps. The advanced Xfinity network supports the entire range in nearly all service locations, so you’re at liberty to pick whichever fits your needs better.
Xfinity Internet plans can vary from one region to another as far as pricing and terms & conditions. However, Xfinity Internet prices are easily among the most affordable and competitive in any market. You’re able to enjoy great value for money―with the lucrative speed to cost ratio, and service perks such as Unlimited data & WiFi equipment that may come included in the price.
Here is a look at some of the popular plans across Xfinity’s national footprint―all allow 1.2 TB data except if you’re located in the northeastern states like Connecticut, Pennsylvania or Virginia, where you get unlimited data.
Internet Package |
Download Speeds Up to |
xFi Advanced Security |
For More Detail |
Connect |
150 Mbps |
Included with xFi Gateway |
|
Connect More |
300 Mbps |
Included with xFi Gateway |
|
Fast |
500 Mbps |
Included with xFi Gateway |
|
Superfast |
800 Mbps |
Included with xFi Gateway |
|
Gigabit |
1000 Mbps |
Included with xFi Gateway |
|
Gigabit Extra |
1200 Mbps |
Included with xFi Gateway |
Prices, speeds, and package availability may vary from area to area.
Internet Package |
Download Speeds Up to |
xFi Advanced Security |
For More Detail |
Connect More |
300 Mbps |
Included with xFi Gateway |
|
Fast |
500 Mbps |
Included with xFi Gateway |
|
Superfast |
800 Mbps |
Included with xFi Gateway |
|
Gigabit |
1000 Mbps |
Included with xFi Gateway |
|
Gigabit Extra |
1.2 Gbps |
Included with xFi Gateway |
Prices, speeds, and package availability may vary from area to area.
Internet Package |
Download Speeds Up to |
xFi Advanced Security |
For More Detail |
Connect More |
300 Mbps |
Included with xFi Gateway |
|
Fast |
500 Mbps |
Included with xFi Gateway |
|
Superfast |
800 Mbps |
Included with xFi Gateway |
|
Gigabit |
1000 Mbps |
Included with xFi Gateway |
|
Gigabit Extra |
1.2 Gbps |
Included with xFi Gateway |
Prices, speeds, and package availability may vary from area to area.
The WOW! Internet service also offers a range of speed-based plans―from 100 Mbps to 5 Gigs. With the exception of the 1200 Mbps, these speed tiers are available across the near entirety of the WOW! footprint―letting you pick any that fits in with your needs and wants the best.
WOW! Internet prices can vary somewhat depending on the local market. But largely speaking you’ll find similar offerings in different service locations. And, overall you get good value for money in terms of speed-to-cost ratio, as well as special offers that WOW! loves to tack onto its internet plans ever so often.
Here is a listing of popular WOW Internet plans―take a look so you can shape a picture of what to expect, and speak to WOW! customer service representatives for offers available in your area.
Plan |
Download Speed up to |
Upload Speed up to |
For more details |
WOW! Fiber 100 |
100 Mbps |
100 Mbps |
|
WOW! Fiber 500 |
500 Mbps |
500 Mbps |
|
WOW! Fiber 1 Gbps |
1 Gig |
1 Gig |
|
WOW! Fiber 3 Gbps |
3 Gig |
3 Gig |
The price of an internet plan is an important factor, perhaps the most critical for the larger number of users. However, what you must always remember is price alone does not determine the value for money you get from an internet subscription. Quite often, you will see a similar price range, but significant variation in service features and benefits. It is, therefore, necessary to examine the value of each of your options with pricing, service features, and perks, as well as terms & conditions, all considered.
BothXfinityand WOW! primarily deliver high-speed internet via a hybrid network powered by Fiber―these networks are able to support more bandwidth and higher speeds compared to traditional Coaxial networks. So whether you choose Xfinity or WOW!, the service type is the same―and you can rely on a high-performing internet connection. However, given Xfinity’s standing as the industry leader, you can expect more innovation and utilization of advanced technologies that ultimately translate into more optimal output.
Both Xfinity and WOW! offer a diverse range of download speeds to cover the variety of consumer needs. And all speed tiers delivered over their hybrid Fiber-Coaxial networks are available nearly everywhere across their service locations―which is often not the case with service providers.
Xfinity Internet speeds start at 150 Mbps for downloads and max out at 1200 Mbps. WOW! starts off at 100 Mbps and delivers 5000 Mbps in its top speed tier. In-between Xfinity offers 300, 500, 800 and 1000 Mbps for downloads; whereas WOW! delivers 500, 1000, 3000 Mbps.
Starting speeds by both providers are a great budget option for single users or smaller families on budget. And top tier speeds from both are an ideal match for larger ultra-connected homes. As for mid-tier options, Xfinity has more of a choice, and lets you pick exactly what cuts a better deal for you. But then WOW! Internet plans offer you a higher upload speed―for users who require more upload power WOW! can therefore be a more suitable option.
No one likes data caps. But to be honest, it’s more of a psychological factor than a practical consideration for most users.
It is certainly correct that data usage in American homes has risen to nearly 600 GBs a month, but the allowance given by Xfinity and WOW! covers that and then some with ease. So while both cap data usage, this aspect is not a deal-breaker by any means.
As we said earlier, Xfinity allows 1.2 TB data every month with all plans up to 1200 Mbps―except in service locations in the northeast where no data cap is imposed. WOW! is more generous, so to speak. In locations where data is capped, you get an allowance as big as 1.5 TB to start with, and 3 TB with the 1 Gig plan. The 1200 Mbps plan includes unlimited data.
Both providers charge you $10 per 50 GB data block used in access your monthly allowance but also give you ways to get unlimited data if you so choose. Xfinity for instance often includes unlimited data in the price with its promo offers.
WOW! Internet plans come with no annual contracts―unless you subscribe to a service plan that requires a minimum service term. And, when you do get a promotional offer with a minimum term commitment, you are not bound to keep the service after the term ends―unless of course, you’re happy to continue at the standard rate on a month-to-month basis.
Xfinity on the other hand works a little differently―you can decide what you want for yourself. Xfinity Internet plans are available with a term contract option and without.
When you go with a term contract, there is often an extra discount for the duration of your term commitment―12 or 24 months. The good thing is not all Xfinity promotional offers require a term contract―quite frequently you’d see promo offers that show “No Term Contract” in the fine print―pay attention, and look out for these offers if you want to enjoy both savings and freedom.
Xfinity Internet plans allow you to go for professional or self-installation. Self-installation comes with the Getting Started Kit for which you have to pay shipping and handling charges that may vary by area. However, if you would like to have someone do at least the necessary work outdoors it counts as Self-Install Plus and costs around $40. And, if you would rather have a professional handle everything for you, the total comes up to a one-time fee of $100.
WOW! on the other hand offers professional installation for a one-time fee of $99, but often offers the self-install kit free with all qualifying internet plans―so if you’re a DIY lover, you can save that money.
As for internet equipment Xfinity allows you to BYOD, however, encourages leasing the Xfinity xFi Gateway which delivers an exceptional home WiFi experience. The xFi Gateway costs $15/mo., and $25/mo. if you are looking for wall-to-wall WiFi coverage. Advanced Security is built into the xFi Gateway, so your home network is protected at the root at no added cost.
WOW! charges $14 per month for the wireless router except for top tiered plans. And another $10 per month if you opt for the whole home WiFi setup with eero that includes 2 Wi-Fi access points. Any additional add on of eero devices comes at another $6 a month per device to your bill. You can also add in Secure for starting cost of nearly $3 to integrate a complete network security.
The quest to find the right internet provider for your home may be a complex business, but it is just made up of tiny little details. Make sure your research is thorough and you have a reasonable idea of the local market so you know exactly what to pick. Compare the best options in your area and do it thoroughly before you go ahead with a purchase.
You may not often find Xfinity and WOW! serving the same markets, with the exception of a few states, but if it does come to choosing between the two internet services, we hope this guide helps you compare and choose better. Keep in mind, ultimately, the decision will be driven by your unique needs and personal choice. There are no wrong answers, just different ones!
To learn about all your options for the best internet and TV offers at your address, call at 855-349-9328.
For more information, call Xfinity customer service at 844-207-8721
WOW! Internet delivers a variety of fast speeds and lots of data over a fiber-powered network at great promotional prices. On the other hand, Xfinity Internet is delivered over one of the most advanced fiber-powered cable networks in the U.S. and packs great value for money with its plans. Which option is better for you depends on what works the best for your home. To find the best internet providers in your area, call at 855-349-9328.
Xfinity and WOW! Internet prices fall more or less in the same range, and the cost per Mbps with each provider is quite comparable. However, you must look at the overall value of your subscription and that involves comparing service features and additional costs etc. to evaluate which of the two options ultimately gets you more value for money. For pro advice call at 855-349-9328.