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 RCN: Side by Side Comparison
A Side-by-Side Comparison of Xfinity and RCN in 2023.
Xfinity has 15 plans:
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN has 15 plans:
Xfinity and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Service in 2022:
Xfinity has 15 plans:
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN has 15 plans:
View Xfinity and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Service in 2022:
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 vs Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Overall Comparison
Xfinity vs Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Overall Comparison
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Speed
400 Mbps -6 Gbps
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Pricing
$30 - $299.95/mo.
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Service Type
Cable, Fiber
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Equipment Fee
$15 a month
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Data Cap
Unlimited Data
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Speed
300 Mbps -1 Gbps
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Pricing
$19.99 - $49.99/mo.
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Service Type
Cable, Copper, Fiber
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Equipment Fee
$0 a month
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Data Cap
Unlimited Data
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
As of February 2021, BroadBandNow’s editorial team has surveyed 402 Xfinity customers and asked them to rate Xfinity on 6 different criteria - Reliability, Speed, Equipment, Support, Interaction, and Value.
Overall Xfinity customers rated them a 3.5 out of 5, which is ranked 8th of the 10 internet provider customers we surveyed in our study.
As of January 2023, BroadBandNow’s editorial team has not been able to survey enough Astound Broadband Powered by RCN customers to provide a comprehensive understanding of how this service is meeting customers’ needs or expectations.