Xfinity vs RCN Internet

Compare Xfinity and RCN internet service in 2023

19 Plans Available
Xfinity internet
price range
$35 - $299.95/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • 200 Mbps - 10 Gbps
  • Cable, Fiber
  • $15 a month equipment fees
  • Unlimited Data
14 Plans Available
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN internet
price range
$25 - $60/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • 300 Mbps - 1 Gbps
  • Cable, Fiber, Copper
  • $0 a month equipment fees
  • Unlimited Data

Learn more about Xfinity and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN:

Xfinity has 19 plans:
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN has 14 plans:

Learn more about Xfinity and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN

Xfinity and Astound Broadband powered by RCN are internet service providers that offer various internet plans and bundle options. For robust bundles that include TV service, Xfinity has multiple options with hundreds of channels to satisfy traditional TV enthusiasts. As for Astound Broadband, you can count on its cable network to keep your connection stable. Below, we cover the similarities and differences between Xfinity and Astound Broadband so you can make a final decision.

Xfinity mainly offers cable internet plans but has a fiber plan available, whereas Astound Broadband Powered by RCN solely offers internet plans on a cable connection. Xfinity’s download speeds go up to 3 Gbps, making it one of the fastest internet providers in the U.S. Astound Broadband plans have speeds ranging from 100-940 Mbps. In terms of pricing, Astound Broadband is more affordable than Xfinity.

Xfinity vs Astound Broadband Powered by RCN: Best Deals

Internet Deals

One of Xfinity’s selling points is that it offers discounts on monthly rates when you sign a two-year contract. If you sign up for a TV bundle, you may be able to get a free streaming TV box. Astound Broadband, on the other hand, offers bill credits and waives the professional installation fee on select plans when you sign up online.

Pros and Cons By Provider

Pros and Cons By Provider

Xfinity Pros

  • Excellent customer service
  • Extensive bundle options
  • Nationwide coverage
  • Ultra-fast gigabit speeds

Xfinity Cons

  • Expensive fiber plan
  • Contracts required for best deals

Astound Broadband Pros

  • No data caps
  • Robust bundle options
  • No required contracts
  • Reliable cable network

Astound Broadband Cons

  • Limited availability
  • Prices and plans vary by location

As one of the largest cable internet providers, Xfinity can match download speeds with fiber internet providers. It also has a solid reputation for its customer service. However, some of Xfinity’s deals don’t apply unless you sign a contract, and if you choose its fiber plan, be prepared to pay an expensive monthly rate. On the other hand, Astound Broadband Powered by RCN doesn’t require contracts and has a strong cable network. That said, it has limited availability and plans vary by location.

Xfinity vs. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN: Packages Compared

Both Xfinity and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN offer robust bundle options that include internet, TV, and phone services. If you’re looking for more than one service, either provider has several packages at discounted rates. Keep in mind that you might have to sign a contract for TV service, especially for Astound Broadband since it partners with DIRECTV.

Xfinity vs. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN: Extra Fees and Contracts

Xfinity doesn’t require a contract but you’ll need to sign one if you want to take advantage of its promotions. If you do sign one, you’ll have to agree to a 12-month commitment and be aware of the early termination fee. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN doesn’t require contracts on any of its internet plans.

Installation

Both Xfinity and Astound Broadband charge for professional installation, but depending on certain promotions, you may be able to waive this fee. Self-installation is available for select plans from both providers.

Data cap

Xfinity’s fiber plan comes with unlimited data, but its cable plans have a 1.2 TB data cap. Astound Broadband doesn’t have data caps on its internet plans.

Xfinity vs. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN: Customer Satisfaction

Xfinity Internet has an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau, though some customers have complained about hidden fees. As for Astound Broadband Powered by RCN, it has a B+ rating from the BBB, though it’s not accredited.

Xfinity vs. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Internet Review

We asked BroadbandNow users to review Xfinity based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.

BroadbandNow readers submitted 6012 for Xfinity. Xfinity earned an average score of 3.45 out of 5.

We asked BroadbandNow users to review Astound Broadband Powered by RCN based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.

BroadbandNow readers submitted 277 for Astound Broadband Powered by RCN. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN earned an average score of 3.64 out of 5.

Frequently Asked Questions About Xfinity and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN

  • Is Xfinity cheaper than Astound Broadband Powered by RCN?

    Xfinity’s cheapest, non-fiber internet-only plan is $35 per month, while Astound Broadband Powered by RCN’s plan is per month. The latter typically has the more affordable monthly rates for high-speed internet.

  • Who has faster speeds — Xfinity or Astound Broadband Powered by RCN?

    Xfinity offers higher download speeds of up to 3 Gbps compared to 940 Mbps from Astound Broadband.

  • Do Xfinity and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN have unlimited data?

    Xfinity employs a 1.2 TB data cap on its cable internet plans but offers unlimited data for its fiber plan. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN has unlimited data on all its internet plans.

  • Do Xfinity and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN require a contract?

    If you want to take advantage of promotional deals from Xfinity, you’ll have to sign a contract. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN doesn’t require contracts on any of its internet plans.