Xfinity vs Sonic: Side by Side Comparison
Both Xfinity from Comcast and Sonic Net are highly ranked in terms of coverage for residential internet service providers. Xfinity holds the top spot as the largest residential cable provider in the country and Sonic is the eighth largest cable provider and 22nd largest fiber provider. Not only do they both offer their services to a widespread population in the U.S., but they also offer fiber and have plans with similar speeds and unlimited data. Although they share these things in common, it’s important to look at what sets these providers apart to make an informed decision. We recap these differences below.
Xfinity Info
Sonic Info
| Xfinity vs. Sonic Comparison |
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| Provider | Xfinity | Sonic |
| Speed | 15-2,000 Mbps | 20-1,000 Mbps |
| Pricing | $39.99-299.95/mo. | $29.99-59.99/mo. |
| Service Type | Cable or Fiber | DSL, Copper or Fiber |
| Xfinity vs. Sonic FEATURE COMPARISON |
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| Provider | Xfinity | Sonic |
| High-Speed Plans | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited Data | Select Plans | Yes |
| Contract-Free Plans | Select Plans | Yes |
| TV Service | Yes | No |
| Phone Service | Yes | Yes |
Xfinity Internet Deals †
†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Xfinity.
Sonic Internet Deals †
†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Sonic.
Xfinity vs. Sonic Performance Overview
Xfinity from Comcast is the number one cable provider in the U.S.—they offer their services to more than 112.1 million people across 39 states. In addition to their cable service, customers can also opt for their fiber services as well. People who live in the area serviced by Xfinity can also enjoy plans with unlimited data as well as the option for contract-free plans.
Sonic Net offers DSL internet service to 2.9 million people and its fiber service to about 398,000 people. Sonic customers can choose to bundle their internet with phone services and, like Xfinity, Sonic’s plans come with unlimited data.
Xfinity Installation
If your home is not wired for Xfinity’s service and you’re a new customer, your home will likely require professional installation for a fee of $90. However, if you live in or are moving to an area that is serviced by Xfinity, your home may already be wired for their service and you can choose to self-install for free—you just need to pick up the tools or have them shipped to you.
Sonic Installation
Sonic Net offers free professional installation to new customers for their DSL and fiber services. Depending on which service you choose and where you live, you may be able to opt for self installation, if you prefer. Their self-installation kit comes with a guide to set up the equipment.
Xfinity Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print
Most of Xfinity’s plans require a contract length of 1-2 years. Make sure to thoroughly read your contract for the early termination fees, because if you break the contract early, you may need to pay anywhere from $5-$10 for each remaining month. If you’d prefer to not have a contract, you can pay an additional $10/month to go contract-free. You will also need to pay $14/month to rent the modem and router, or you can use your own equipment as long as it’s compatible.
Sonic Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print
Sonic Net requires a 1-year contract for all of its plans and does not have the option to go contract-free. If you cancel after a month, you will be charged an early termination fee of $149 or the remaining monthly charges; Sonic will allow you to pay the cheaper option. Sonic charges a rental fee of $9.50/month to lease a modem.
Xfinity Data Caps
Depending on where you live, you may be able to choose from Xfinity’s internet plans with unlimited data. If you don’t live in one of these areas, your plan will likely feature a 1 TB data cap. If you end up going over this cap, which isn’t likely for average households, you will be required to pay $10 for an additional 50 GB. You can also add unlimited data for an extra monthly fee of $30.
Sonic Data Caps
Sonic Net does not have data caps on any of their plans.
Great Service
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.
Xfinity in Ft. Collins
Very rarely down or issues, quick response to issues, pretty fast connection.
Fiber service is great!
I've been a Sonic customer for many years for their customer service alone. On the rare occasions I call, I get to immediately talk to a smart person who can fix things. That alone made me a loyal customer. Earlier this year they upgraded me to their gigabit service. My price actually went down, and now I have 1000 Mbps service both up and down. It's been fast and reliable, and I heartily recommend them.
Top speeds and top customer service
I've had Sonic for the last year and a half, and it's been great. So great that I'm sad they don't serve the new city I'm moving to. The fiber connection gets you 1 Gbps upload and download speeds. Though you will have to plug in directly using an ethernet cable to experience those speeds - over WiFi using the mesh network I've mostly gotten somewhere between a 100 and 300 Mbps, which is still really fast. Their customer service is also great. There is almost never a try to upsell you on anything. When I called in earlier to cancel the service because of my move, they didn't even ask me for the new address to see if there is a way to continue the service. Basically, VERY straight to the point. The customer service members that I've interacted with (not many, because issues happen very rarely) have all been friendly and knowledgeable too. I'll miss ya, Sonic!
Xfinity vs. Sonic Coverage Availability
Xfinity Coverage & Availability
Sonic Coverage & Availability
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