WOW! vs. Xfinity – a prominent regional internet provider against one of the largest internet providers nationwide. Who wins? Is it even a competition? Let’s find out.
Assuming you live in a neighborhood where both WOW! and Xfinity offer services, taking your pick can be tricky. Some might say it’s best to join the bigger network, which is Xfinity. However, a counterargument would be that regional services like WOW! offer better value due to their localized focus.
How about we do an in-depth WOW! vs. Xfinity comparison to bring more clarity and help you reach the right decision?
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Connection Type | Fiber & Cable | Hybrid-Fiber Coaxial |
Coverage | 6 States | 41 States |
Download Speed Range | 100 Mbps – 5 Gbps | 300 Mbps – 2 Gbps |
Price Range | $30 - $180/mo.1 | $30 - $180/mo.2 |
Data Cap | None | None |
Contract Term | None | Optional |
Bundle Deals | Yes | Yes |
VIEW PLANS | VIEW PLANS |
1. with AutoPay in select markets
2. With Autopay and Paperless Discount
For 60 month, no term contract. No term contract. Broadcast TV fee and regional sports fee included; price subj to change. Taxes and equipment not included. Actual channel line-up may vary.
See Broadband Facts: https://www.xfinity.com/broadband-labels
Now that you’re somewhat familiar with what both internet service providers (ISPs) have in store, let’s discuss the features in detail:
Xfinity delivers high-speed internet via a coaxial cable network that is backed by fiber technology―this hybrid network can support higher bandwidth and speeds compared to traditional cable networks. On the other hand, with WOW! you may get to choose between a pure fiber or conventional cable connection, depending on your location.
If you qualify for WOW! fiber internet, you can enjoy symmetrical speeds, i.e., equal download and upload speeds. With Xfinity Internet or WOW! cable internet, upload speeds are much lower than download speeds.
Everyone wants unlimited data, though few actually need it. It’s certainly safe to go for an ISP that doesn’t impose data caps. WOW! gives you unlimited data across all internet plans, which makes it ideal for heavy internet users. Similarly, Xfinity Internet plans come with unlimited data as well.
It’s natural to be nervous or skeptical when trying something new, and so you might prefer a no-strings-attached arrangement. Luckily, neither WOW! nor Xfinity requires customers to enter an annual or long-term contract. You can simply pay by the month and cancel the service anytime (no early termination charges apply).
You know what makes it better? Both WOW! and Xfinity offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can claim a refund within the first 30 days of signing up in case you’re unsatisfied with the service. Lastly, Xfinity may offer promotions involving term agreements; these are recommended for those interested in keeping the service for a long time, whilst saving money.
Aside from the internet, you might need a TV and phone service for your new home or apartment. WOW! bundles let you combine your internet plan with YouTube TV (100+ channels) and home phone, whereas Xfinity bundles offer internet with traditional cable TV, home phone, and/or home security service.
Cost is one of the top things to consider when choosing an internet plan because you need a service you can easily afford in the long run. WOW! and Xfinity showcase a versatile range of internet plans for every budget, and both have competitive prices.
Both ISPs have a price lock option, which can save you from annual price hikes. New customers are often eligible for special promotional prices, so you must take advantage of such offers.
Plan |
Symmetrical Speeds Up to |
Price |
Subscribe |
WOW! Fiber 100 |
100 Mbps |
$30/mo.* |
|
WOW! Fiber 500 |
500 Mbps |
$50/mo.* $60/mo.* (Locked-in Price) |
|
WOW! Fiber 1 Gbps (Super Special Pricing) |
1 Gbps |
|
|
WOW! Fiber 3 Gbps (Super Special Pricing) |
3 Gbps |
|
|
WOW! Fiber 5 Gbps |
5 Gbps |
$180/mo.* $190/mo.* (Locked-in Price) |
*with AutoPay
Plan |
Download Speeds Up to |
Price |
Subscribe |
Internet 300 |
300 Mbps |
$40/mo. $25/mo. (Special Standard Pricing w/ AutoPay) |
|
Internet 600 |
600 Mbps |
$55/mo. $30/mo. (Super Special Pricing w/ AutoPay) |
|
Internet 1000 |
1000 Mbps |
$70/mo. $50/mo. (Super Special Pricing w/ AutoPay) |
|
Internet 1000 Symmetrical |
1000 Mbps |
$70/mo. $50/mo. (Super Special Pricing w/ AutoPay) |
|
Internet 1200 |
1200 Mbps |
$105/mo. $90/mo. (Special Standard Pricing w/ AutoPay) |
|
Internet 2000 |
2000 Mbps |
$105/mo. |
Plan |
Download Speeds Up to |
Price |
Subscribe |
300 Mbps |
300 Mbps |
$55/mo.* (For 5-Year Pricing) $40/mo.* (For 1-Year Pricing) |
|
500 Mbps |
500 Mbps |
$70/mo.* (For 5-Year Pricing) $55/mo.* (For 1-Year Pricing) |
|
1 Gig |
1000 Mbps |
$85/mo.* (For 5-Year Pricing) $70/mo.* (For 1-Year Pricing) |
|
2 Gig |
2000 Mbps |
$115/mo.* (For 5-Year Pricing) $100/mo.* (For 1-Year Pricing) |
*With Autopay and Paperless Discount
Taxes and fees extra. With $10/mo. autopay & paperless bill discount with bank account. See Broadband Facts: https://www.xfinity.com/broadband-labels
When you sign up for Xfinity Internet, you have the option to choose between professional and self-installation. Professional installation will cost you about $100, but for self-install, you only have to pay a shipping fee for the Xfinity Getting Started Kit.
WOW! Internet professional installation is subject to a fee of $99, whereas self-install costs a fraction ($10). With self-install, the technician verifies your internet connection externally, while you complete the in-home setup. The $10 activation fee is applicable even if you use your own equipment.
The cost of Xfinity Wi-Fi equipment is usually included in the monthly charges of your internet plan. You may use your own modem and router, or go for the Xfinity xFi gateway that combines both devices.
WOW! cable internet plans include Wi-Fi modem, so you don’t have to lease the equipment separately. Similarly, WOW! fiber internet plans come with a Wi-Fi access point & fiber terminal, so you don’t pay extra for the equipment.
Advanced Wi-Fi equipment, such as Wi-Fi extenders or mesh systems, is subject to additional charges whether you subscribe for WOW! or Xfinity Internet.
Xfinity excels in terms of availability and provides great value in bundle deals. WOW! is popular in select markets and gives you symmetrical speeds when you sign up for a fiber internet plan. Both competitors offer a versatile and affordable range of internet plans, so your ideal choice depends on what matters most: speed, price, or availability.
WOW! fiber internet plans offer symmetrical speeds, so overall performance is better. However, Xfinity internet plans are just as good as WOW! cable internet plans.
The monthly charges of Xfinity and WOW! Internet plans fall more or less in the same range, but special promotional prices by WOW! can get you a cheaper deal.