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Xfinity vs RCN: Side by Side Comparison

Enter your zip code below to see if Xfinity or RCN offers service in your area.

Xfinity vs RCN

Comparing Xfinity and RCN is like comparing a gladiator and a ninja — they may look different, but both put up quite a fight. Speeds and pricing are often very similar in areas where Xfinity and RCN compete for your business, so take a close look at details like TV offerings and promotional pricing when making a decision. Customer reviews should also be given consideration.

XFINITY from Comcast AT A GLANCE

  • Sales: (866) 736-3035
  • Support: (800) 934-6489
(866) 736-3035

$39.99-299.95/mo.

15-2,000 Mbps

Up to 2,000 Mbps

59%59%

Cable

10th ↓ (-2)

RCN AT A GLANCE

  • Sales: (855) 973-9066
  • Support: (800) 746-4726
(855) 973-9066

$19.99-49.99/mo.

10-1,000 Mbps

--

--

Cable

19th ↑ (+4)

Xfinity OVERVIEW

Xfinity is the largest Internet provider in the country. They provide whole-home WiFi, telephone service, TV packages, and home security services.

RCN OVERVIEW

RCN is an Internet service provider that offers cable packages in the USA. They also sell business Internet plans, and fiber Internet in some select cities.

Xfinity INTERNET DEALS †

  • $39.99 for 100 mbps Cable
    • 100 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $77.95.
    • Some areas have a 1TB data cap.
    • Call (866) 736-3035 to setup service.
  • $49.95 for 15 mbps Cable
    • 15 Mbps ↓ and 2.0 Mbps ↑
    • Some areas have a 1TB data cap.
    • Call (866) 736-3035 to setup service.
  • $59.99 for 300 mbps Cable
    • 300 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑
    • 2-year promo rate. Regular rate is $97.95.
    • Contract Term: 1 year
    • Some areas have a 1TB data cap.
    • Call (866) 736-3035 to setup service.
  • $69.99 for 600 mbps Cable
    • 600 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑
    • 2-year promo rate. Regular rate is $102.95.
    • Contract Term: 1 year
    • Some areas have a 1TB data cap.
    • Call (866) 736-3035 to setup service.
  • $79.99 for 1,000 mbps Cable
    • 1,000 Mbps ↓ and 35 Mbps ↑
    • 3-year promo rate.
    • Contract Term: 2 years
    • Some areas have a 1TB data cap.
    • Call (866) 736-3035 to setup service.
  • $299.95 for 2,000 mbps Fiber
    • 2,000 Mbps ↓ and 2,000 Mbps ↑
    • Contract Term: 2 years
    • Call (866) 736-3035 to setup service.
Show All Deals (6)
Last updated on 1/14/2020

†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Xfinity.

RCN INTERNET DEALS †

  • $19.99 for 10 mbps Cable
    • 10 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑
    • 1-year promo rate.
    • RCN prices their plans regionally. We do our best to collect these regions and zip codes, but always verify pricing via phone or online in your specific zip code.
    • Call (855) 973-9066 to setup service.
  • $24.99 for 50 mbps Cable
    • 50 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑
    • 1-year promo rate.
    • RCN prices their plans regionally. We do our best to collect these regions and zip codes, but always verify pricing via phone or online in your specific zip code.
    • Setup: Free installation with promo code RCNOFFER when you order online.
    • Call (855) 973-9066 to setup service.
  • $34.99 for 250 mbps Cable
    • 250 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑
    • 1-year promo rate.
    • RCN prices their plans regionally. We do our best to collect these regions and zip codes, but always verify pricing via phone or online in your specific zip code.
    • Setup: Free installation with promo code RCNOFFER when you order online.
    • Call (855) 973-9066 to setup service.
  • $49.99 for 500 mbps Cable
    • 500 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑
    • 1-year promo rate.
    • RCN prices their plans regionally. We do our best to collect these regions and zip codes, but always verify pricing via phone or online in your specific zip code.
    • Setup: Free installation with promo code RCNOFFER when you order online.
    • Call (855) 973-9066 to setup service.
  • $49.99 for 1,000 mbps Cable
    • 1,000 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑
    • 1-year promo rate.
    • RCN prices their plans regionally. We do our best to collect these regions and zip codes, but always verify pricing via phone or online in your specific zip code.
    • Setup: Free installation with promo code RCNOFFER when you order online.
    • Call (855) 973-9066 to setup service.
Show All Deals (15)
Last updated on 12/27/2019

†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with RCN.

Xfinity: DATACAPS From 1024 GB/mo.

We have found plans that include datacaps. Xfinity offer plans with data caps regionally or nationwide. Be sure to verify plan details before purchasing.

RCN: NO DATACAP FOUND

We have not found plans that include data caps. This doesn't mean RCN doesn't have data caps, just that we haven't found them when collecting their plans. Always verify plan details before purchasing.

Xfinity's TECHNOLOGY

Comcast Internet are predominantly "cable", meaning that they share the wiring that sends cable TV signal through the coax jack.

Cable companies like Comcast use copper wires. Cable lines can hold more bandwidth compared with DSL. Download rates will usually outperform uploads with cable.

Thanks to the newest DOCSIS standard, Xfinity is upgrading to gigabit downloads in some parts of their service area.

RCN's TECHNOLOGY

RCN Cable is a provider of Internet, digital cable TV, and phone packages over three network types: cable, DSL, and fiber optic.

Cable is their most widespread Internet offering. With cable, data is delivered via fiber to a local node within subscriber neighborhoods, where data changes over to an electrical signal that can be sent via an existing coaxial cable network, which RCN originally invested in for TV service. Using existing copper cables in the last mile makes cable plans somewhat slower than fiber, but saves the high up-front cost of installing brand new cables for the provider.[3]

RCN’s fiber offerings will terminate inside or near your building, allowing speed far above what's available through traditional DSL and cable. Fiber connections are generally considered the premium option for Internet service. True FTTH packages offer the best speed available today.

Xfinity INSTALLATION

Xfinity self-install is the fastest installation choice for most new subscribers.

Technician installation is also an option, although it often requires a charge. If you're selecting a TV package, professional install is recommended, as the wiring is usually more complex.

RCN INSTALLATION

RCN subscribers can install equipment themselves or have a professional from the provider do it for them. Self-installation is fairly straightforward and the company should give you a detailed guide with your plan or via their website. When bringing a third-party router and modem, be sure to confirm that it’s usable with their service. See their website for a list of RCN-compatible modems.

Technician installation is often necessary for more complicated wiring roadblocks.

Xfinity COVERAGE & AVAILABILITY

XFINITY from Comcast Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
Customize map

RCN COVERAGE & AVAILABILITY

RCN Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
Customize map

Internet is your lifeline, so quality matters

Customer service isn’t a “nice to have” when you rely on your connection

Broadband providers don’t have control over environmental problems that might cut out service. What they do have control over is making sure any issues are addressed, explained, and fixed as soon as possible. With more consumers than ever relying on broadband as their primary means of communication for work and personal purposes alike, getting a fast response when you call your provider isn’t just a “nice to have.” When judging the overall satisfaction of a company’s customers, don’t trust just any online review.

There are two types of review you can trust: IP-verified ratings and ACSI ratings. You can see the ACSI ratings for both providers above — these are based on data collected manually by the American Customer Satisfaction Index, the national standard in accurate consumer happiness metrics.[1] Also keep an eye out for the term “IP-verified” for provider reviews (you’ll see these ratings attached to plans and providers throughout BroadbandNow.) IP verification essentially attaches each review to a reviewer’s specific computer “address.” IP-verified reviews also confirm that the person leaving a rating is actually using a network subscription from the provider in question.

Routers, modems, and other hardware considerations

Buying your own hardware can cut costs overall

Modem and router rentals are common among Internet service providers. Renting hardware like this makes sense for less technically-able customers, since the company simply services and replaces the hardware if you ever have issues. However, if you’re willing to spend a little time shopping and installing your own, buying personal hardware could save hundreds in the long run.[2]

The cost of a decent mid-grade modem and router is generally available at approximately the cost of a year of renting. Once that year is up, it’s five to ten dollars a month you don’t have to spend for however many years you continue subscribing to that provider. The catch here is that providers have different standards so far as which modem models they are compatible with. You can usually get a list of compatible routers through the provider’s website, or by calling customer service. If you move frequently, consider renting to play safe.

REFERENCES AND FOOTNOTES
  1. https://www.theacsi.org/industries/telecommunications-and-information/internet-service-provider ↩
  2. https://broadbandnow.com/guides/renting-vs-buying-modem-whats-best-budget ↩
  3. http://services.eng.uts.edu.au/~kumbes/ra/Access-Networks/hfc/cnethfc.htm ↩
Last updated on 1/14/2020.