Xfinity vs Spectrum Internet: A Comparison Guide

When it comes to broadband services in the U.S., there is absolutely no shortage of top-notch high-speed internet services. With over a good number of 2800 ISPs, serving the market nationwide, including a large number of local and regional providers, most areas have access to one or more internet services. However, choosing a provider can sometimes be tricky business, especially when you have more than one good candidate present – and the decision can be quite perplexing to reach. 

Xfinity and Spectrum are two major internet providers in the U.S. offering quality services with wide availability across multiple states. And while the internet does form a big part of the service, these providers are also known for their cable TV, home phone, and in the case of Xfinity, home security services too.

In this article, we take you on an exploratory trip across the important details of Xfinity Internet vs Spectrum Internet. We hope to discuss service types, features, perks, pricing plans, and more to help you reach a favorite!

 

Xfinity Vs Spectrum: Head-to-Head Comparison

There is no perfect internet service; rather you take a service that closely fits your description of perfect. What works for you may not work for other people, but then again, this is why market research forms such an important part of your decision-making. Having a little insight into what you are getting is always a great idea.

For instance, with Xfinity, you get internet plans starting as low as $19.99 per month, and internet speeds ranging between 50 Mbps to 6000 Mbps, depending upon what you pay. There are contracts, but you can choose to go contract-free, which translates as a higher monthly charge. Xfinity gives you good value for your money, not to mention you get a more economical starter plan. You can also bundle services with Xfinity to get greater value for your plan.

Conversely, Spectrum gets you internet plans starting at $49.99 per month, not exactly the starter plan you usually look for. However, the internet speeds range from 300 Mbps to 1000 Mbps, so you do have a good deal going on for you. Plus, there are absolutely no contracts to worry about and all plans come with unlimited data, which is ideal.

Here is a short head-to-head comparison of these two providers, just to get a general picture before we get into the nitty-gritty.

 

Xfinity Vs Spectrum: Plans and Prices

Xfinity offers a variety of speed tiers via its widely available hybrid fiber-coaxial network, a unique feature that makes the provider stand out. From 50 Mbps to 1200 Mbps, you can choose a service tier that best serves you and your family. In some areas, Xfinity also offers a limited pure fiber-optic service, through which you can enjoy up to 6000 Mbps of symmetrical upload and download speeds. Although the pricing and terms with Xfinity do tend to vary over locations, most areas do serve all service tiers in their coverage areas.

Here is a quick look at the Xfinity internet plans and prices for its three service regions.

 

Spectrum on the other hand follows quite simple and straightforward plans. There are only 3 tiers available and they come without contracts too. Unlike Xfinity, Spectrum plans have a consistent price across most service locations. There would also be a price hike in your bill after the promo period of 1 year is over, so expect it with both providers.

The Spectrum internet plans are given below.

 

*Offer and speed availability may vary by location.

 

Xfinity Vs Spectrum: Internet and TV bundles

When it comes to bundling internet services with TV, Xfinity offers some of the best bundles in the market. Xfinity bundles get you great value for your money, packing so much more in your bundle and saving you both money and effort. The variety that Xfinity offers with its speed tiers and TV plans only mean that you get a wider range of plans to pick for your home, united under one provider and bill.

The Xfinity X1 TV is an entertainment experience like none other, offering a starter, mid-tier, and top-tier channel lineup. Watch live channels, local broadcasting channels, and popular and even premium networks.  Plus, you get access to a large library of on-demand, when you get a TV and internet bundle with Xfinity.

One of the most popular Xfinity TV and Internet bundle is given below. It is an ideal match for an average American home — with an internet speed of 300 Mbps, and over 125 popular channels to enjoy at a decent price.

 

 

Spectrum offers its TV service in one tier only: the Spectrum TV Select Signature. The plan gets you 125+ channels with a great variety of your favorite ones along with a large library of quality on-demand content. The TV experience with Spectrum may not be as great as Xfinity X1 but it is quite value-packed, bringing you the best of both worlds. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, not to mention that if you want to get a Spectrum TV and internet bundle, Spectrum may offer you a contract buyout to get out of your current plan. This compensation is up to $500 and would take care of your early termination fee (ETF) if that is what is stopping you from switching providers.

Here is one of the most sought-after Spectrum TV and Internet bundle. Enjoy 300 Mbps of internet speed along with 125+ channels, a vast on-demand library, and plenty more.

 

 

 

Xfinity Vs Spectrum: Availability

Both Xfinity and Spectrum make the top of the list of internet providers in the U.S. with wide availability across the nation. Xfinity’s services span 36 states, with some of the largest footprints in California, Florida, and Illinois. Some of the cities with the best Xfinity coverage include Chicago (IL), Denver (CO), Houston (TX), Miami (FL), Minneapolis (MN), Philadelphia (PA), and San Jose (CA). Around 112 million people can access Xfinity’s huge cable network, with fiber too available in select service locations. With over 31 million broadband subscribers nationwide, Xfinity holds some of the biggest shares in the U.S. telecom market.

To determine the availability of Xfinity services in your area call 1-844-207-8721 anytime. For the Spanish-speakers, you can receive assistance in Español at 1-844-207-8725.

Conversely, Spectrum provides its services in a larger part of 41 states, a feat that is not easy by any means. With over 32 million subscribers, Spectrum has an impressive footprint in California, Texas, and New York. Top areas served by Spectrum include Austin (TX), Dallas (TX), Los Angeles (CA), Orlando (FL), San Antonio (TX), and New York City (NY).

To search for Spectrum services in your areas, call at 1-844-481-5997, during any time of the day. For Spanish speakers, you can receive guidance in Espanol at 1-844-487-2710.

 

Xfinity Vs Spectrum: Service Type

Xfinity and Spectrum both provide high-quality cable broadband to residential consumers. They use their pre-existing coaxial cable lines on a fiber backbone, thus creating a hybrid network that can deliver greater bandwidth and supports speeds high up in the gigabit range. This hybrid fiber-coaxial network is capable of delivering a better-performing internet connection and higher speeds than traditional cable.

Meanwhile, Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections from Xfinity can deliver multi-gig speeds up to 6 Gbps, although it is available in select residential service locations as of now. 

 

Xfinity vs Spectrum: Data Caps

When it comes to data caps, Spectrum certainly takes the cake with its unlimited data plans. All internet plans with Spectrum come with zero data caps, so you never have to worry about going over the limit. This convenient little feature does set Spectrum apart from the competition.

In contrast, all Xfinity plans come with a 1.2 TB data cap. An exception to this rule is the Northeastern service region of Xfinity (CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, PA, VA, VT, WV) where the data cap has not been replaced following its rollback during the pandemic.

If you do go over the data limit, however, the overage charge is usually $10 for every 50 GB of excess data used. You do get a courtesy month where the first month of the overage fee is waived off when a breach occurs the first time in a 12-month period. There is also an option to buy unlimited data with Xfinity for $30 per month. Alternatively, you can get the Xfinity xFi Complete, for $20 per month, with unlimited data, wall-to-wall coverage, and more.

 

Xfinity Vs Spectrum: Annual Contracts

Xfinity comes with a choice between contract as well as contract-free plans. However, usually, the offer of a contract with Xfinity, helps you save up about $10 or more per month, for the entirety of your promotional pricing period. The contracts with Xfinity typically last from 12 to 24 months. Since there are contracts, there is also an early termination fee with Xfinity, which is usually about $10 per month for each month left in your contract.

Spectrum on the other hand comes with no contracts whatsoever. You can enjoy a month-to-month arrangement and stay as free as you wish. This allows you to switch providers whenever you want. This no-contract policy of Spectrum is one of the top reasons why this provider continues to be such a crowd favorite.

 

Xfinity Vs Spectrum: Additional Charges

When you get an Xfinity internet plan, you can opt for either pro or self-installation. Self-installation comes in a variety of forms. For example, the Getting Started Kit is usually included in your plan, while the Self-Install Plus costs only $39.99; in which a technician will do the necessary outdoor installation and you’ll do the rest. The professional installation comes up to a one-time fee of up to $100. You also have an option of getting your own device with Xfinity, although if you choose to get an xFi Gateway, the rental is between $14 and $20 per month added to your bill.

Spectrum too offers both self and professional installation. While professional installation comes up to a one-time charge of $49.99, the self-install option is great if you want to save money. Self-install is free, although there is a one-time charge of $19.99 as an activation fee for the service. Spectrum Wi-Fi Modem comes included in the service, and you just have to pay $5 per month to use the router feature with your modem. There are no other hidden fees or other things to worry about with Spectrum internet service. 

 

Conclusion

Searching for the perfect internet service provider may be tricky, but there is more to it than meets the eye.  Equipped the all the necessary information, we hope that you would be able to compare the services thoroughly and pick the right services for your home.

Xfinity and Spectrum provide comparable internet services. But largely speaking, offerings from Spectrum do seem to stand out – solely based on Spectrum’s contract-free plans and unlimited data allowance. On the other hand, Xfinity delivers high-quality services in a variety of speed tiers and price points. In the end, whatever you pick based on your personal choice is the right answer, for it is what will work best for your home.

For more information, call Xfinity customer service at 844-207-8721

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Xfinity Internet better than Spectrum Internet?

Xfinity Internet is delivered over one of the largest gig speed networks in the U.S. With Xfinity, you get a variety of speeds starting from 50 Mbps to 1200 Mbps, with 6000 Mbps in select areas. Xfinity Internet-only plans come with limited-time discount offers and other perks based on your location. To check service availability at your address, call 1-844-207-8721.

What do you get with Spectrum Internet?

Spectrum Internet service gets you three speed-based plans ranging from 300 Mbps to 1 GIG. Plans come with zero contracts, no data caps, and they include an internet modem and security suite for free. You can also access millions of secure Spectrum WiFi hotspots nationwide. To check service availability at your address call 1-844-481-5997.

Does Xfinity internet have data caps?

Xfinity Internet plans come with a 1.2 TB of data allowance. For most families, this is loads of data, sufficient for most home use.