A Side-by-Side Comparison of AT&T Internet and Xfinity Internet Service in 2020
Our research shows that AT&T and Xfinity from Comcast are two of the top internet providers in the U.S. Both providers offer fiber internet with extremely fast speeds in select regions. Customers who reside out of the coverage zone for fiber -- or those who simply want more affordable service -- can opt for DSL from AT&T or cable from Xfinity.
$35-60/mo.
$39.99-299.95/mo.
†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with AT&T Internet.
†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Xfinity.
AT&T offers two types of internet: fiber and DSL. What you can get depends on your location, since AT&T’s fiber service is currently only available in select large metro areas. AT&T also offers a wide range of bundle options with its U-verse TV or DIRECTV service, as well as landline and wireless phone service.
Xfinity from Comcast is the largest cable internet provider in the United States, with service available to over 111 million people across 39 states. Xfinity predominantly offers cable internet service, but the provider has a small fiber serviceable area that should continue to expand through 2020. Just like AT&T, Xfinity customers can also bundle their internet with TV and/or phone service.
AT&T lets you install your own equipment for a $35 activation fee.
If you want professional installation, the fee is typically $99 - though it’s waived with qualifying Triple Play packages.
Unlike AT&T, Xfinity doesn’t charge an activation fee for DIY installation.
Their professional installation also costs less than AT&T’s, with prices ranging from $60-90 depending on your package and equipment.
Most of AT&T’s plans require a minimum 1-year agreement.
They do have some prepaid plan options, but these plans don’t offer the same type of promotional savings available with a contract plan. If you end your contract early, be prepared to pay up to $15/month for each remaining month on your contract (up to $180). Equipment fees are included in AT&T packages.
Xfinity gives you the option to go contract-free for around $10/month extra.
If you do opt for the contract savings, keep in mind their contracts can be as long as 24 months. Early termination fees vary, but you will need to pay for each remaining month in your contract - so this could add up. Xfinity’s equipment fees are not included in the cost of the package and currently start at $11/month for basic equipment.
Most of AT&T’s plans come with a 1 TB data cap per month, with the exception of their Internet 1000 plan which comes with unlimited data. If you reach your monthly limit you can pay $10 for every 50GB of additional data.
All of Xfinity’s plans come with a 1 TB data cap, including their Gigabit and Gigabit Pro plans. Just like AT&T, you can pay $10 for each additional 50 GB of data if you exceed your monthly limit. Xfinity also provides the option to pay $50/month for unlimited data with any plan.
Heather on September 28, 2019
Absolutely fantastic! Tech came out to help install and, due to the wiring in our apt, it took a while to find the correct outlets. But he was so patient and helpful and kind, really going above and beyond to make sure things got set up so I could have the level of coverage needed to qualify for work from home. Truly amazing guy, I honestly can't speak highly enough of him. He kept trying long after I suspect most would have given up. Huge THANK YOU to AT&T for the coverage at the right price (literally half the price of the competitor in this area), and more importantly for having such an amazing guy on your team. Thank you.
Audrey James on August 17, 2020
I received my letter of approval for internet service thru the Access AT&T program. I called to set up service and spoke with a rep. She was so friendly and helpful. She was pleasant to speak with and very knowledgeable about my questions. She made sure I understood everything she said. She kept me informed on what she was doing in the process of setting up my account. She transferred me to another agent to set up my service and have a tech come out to install a phone jack. He was very efficient and professional and very friendly. He made sure all of my questions and concerns were answered. He was extremely polite and personable. I've had this service in the past and am extremely delighted that my area is covered to use their service again. My appointment and equipment is scheduled for Friday, just 5 days from my initial call. I am grateful AT&T offer this service, the same service as for those paying full price receive. It's a blessing to those of us on a fixed income can have the reliable and easy to use internet in today's times so we may stay connected and help with the stay at home request during virus epidemic. I felt like I was given the same respect as anyone else, even with receiving the discount rates. Thank you AT&T for making the effort to keep things simple and quick in setting up my account.
Lawrence Crouch on October 06, 2019
First time Xfinity subscriber. Exceeded my expectations. I can honestly say I was very impressed with all aspects of Xfinity. I just purchased a home in Delray Beach FL. From the initial appointment call to complete installation, Xfinity exceeded my expectations. Very impressed with the Tech. The tech arrived early. He introduced himself and ask me about my expectations. He explained what he was going to do and would have me watching NFL football today. Walked me through the setup and all options of the remote. I ordered cable and internet. I will say the internet service is faster than others. Very impressed with Xfinity.
Me on September 17, 2020
Good internet service, not the best price, customer service is very slow.
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Prices vary depending on which plan you choose. Xfinity’s lowest-priced standalone internet plan is cheaper than AT&T’s, but Xfinity’s highest- priced internet plan is more expensive than AT&T’s. AT&T internet plans currently range from $40-90 and Xfinity’s range from $29.99-299.95
AT&T currently offers speeds up to 1000 Mbps while Xfinity offers speeds up to 2000 Mbps. However, both providers have speeds that vary by location, so depending where you live, you might be eligible for a higher speed with AT&T than with Xfinity.
AT&T offers unlimited data with its Internet 1000 plan, but every other plan comes with a 1 terabyte (TB) limit per month. This is a huge amount of data, but if you exceed it you can choose to pay $10 for every additional 50 GB of data. Xfinity’s plans all come with a 1 TB monthly limit, and just like AT&T you can pay $10 for every 50 GB of additional data.
AT&T typically requires a 1-year service agreement. Xfinity has a no-contract option for an extra $10/month. If you do opt for a contract with Xfinity, their contracts can run as long as 2 years.