BroadbandNow is supported by commissions from some of the providers listed on our site. Learn More

Xfinity vs RCN Internet

Compare Xfinity and RCN internet service in 2024

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

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • 300 Mbps - 10 Gbps
  • Cable, Fiber
  • $15 a month equipment fees
  • Unlimited Data
14 Plans Available
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN internet
price range
$20 - $55/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • 300 Mbps - 1 Gbps
  • Cable, Fiber, Copper
  • 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. Overall, Xfinity’s cable internet network is much larger than Astound Broadband Powered by RCN, allowing it to provide internet services to many more households.

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 contract. If you sign up for a TV bundle, you may be able to get a free streaming TV box. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN, 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

  • Fiber and cable internet options
  • Excellent customer service
  • Extensive bundle options
  • Ongoing promotions

Xfinity Cons

  • Contracts required for discounts and deals
  • Data caps

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

Xfinity’s Bundles Are Slightly Superior

Both Xfinity and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN offer robust bundle options that include internet, TV, and phone services –– unheard of for many internet service providers. If you’re looking for more than one service, either provider has several packages at discounted rates. Overall, though, Xfinity offers a more comprehensive bundling experience because it provides mobile phone and home security services.

Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Has Fewer Fees

Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Offers Free Installation

Astound Broadband plans in most coverage areas come with free installation when you sign up for internet service online. On the other hand, Xfinity offers self-installation for a cost of $39.99, which includes a self-installation kit and some limited guidance. Otherwise, Xfinity’s technician installation can cost you up to $100.

Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Doesn’t Have Data Caps

Astound Broadband Powered by RCN doesn’t have data caps on its internet plans, so your household will never run out of Wi-Fi. Meanwhile, Xfinity’s data caps of 1.2 TB might or might not be a problem, depending on your internet consumption. If you exceed your monthly allotment, you will face charges of $10 for every 50 GB of additional data.

Xfinity Pulls Ahead With Great Customer Satisfaction

Both Xfinity and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN have good customer service histories, especially regarding response times, installation windows, and complaint resolutions. However, Xfinity has a more long standing customer service presence with more customer reviews and feedback supporting their positive experiences. As time progresses, we expect to see Astound Broadband Powered by RCN on the American Consumer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) at a high rating.

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 6240 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 293 for Astound Broadband Powered by RCN. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN earned an average score of 3.68 out of 5.

Frequently Asked Questions About Xfinity and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN

  • Is Xfinity or Astound Broadband Powered by RCN cheaper?

    RCN will be kinder to your wallet since its internet plans start at just $25 per month, compared to Xfinity’s most affordable offering at $35 per month.

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

    Xfinity has faster speeds thanks to its fiber optic technology, widely considered the best in the game. Xfinity’s fiber plans can reach symmetrical speeds up to 10 Gbps.

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

    RCN offers unlimited data on its internet plans, while Xfinity’s plans come with a monthly limit of 1.2 TB.

  • 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 its internet plans.