Xfinity vs WOW!: Side by Side Comparison

Xfinity is the largest cable provider in the United States. They offer broadband services in 40 states to an estimated 111.6 million people, 18,000 being fiber customers. Their internet download speeds range from 15-2000 Mbps and Xfinity provides TV with their Xfinity X1 (Xfinity’s 4k streaming device), phone, and home security services with different options when bundling.

WOW! is the 6th largest cable provider in the United States, providing service to 7.2 million residents in the U.S. They offer both cable and fiber internet plans with download speeds varying from 100 Mbps to 1000 Mbps. With four internet plan tiers to choose from, WOW! offers customers the option to bundle with add-on home wifi, home phone, service protection plan, internet equipment, or tv streaming services — YouTube TV, fuboTV, Sling TV, or Philo TV.

Xfinity vs WOW!: Extra Fees and Contracts

Installation

Xfinity provides a self-install kit that can be picked up at any Xfinity store for free or be delivered for up to $29.95.

Like Xfinity, WOW! also supplies a self-installation kit that is delivered directly to your address. There is no cost associated with their self-install option as well as no fees to activate your internet service.

Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

Xfinity requires a 1-year term agreement that comes with an early termination fee of $110 should you opt out of your contract early. Depending on the internet plan selected, they offer contract-free plans at a higher monthly rate. Xfinity offers download speeds ranging from 15-2000 Mbps and upload speeds of 2-2000 Mbps. You can rent an xFi gateway (Xfinity’s wireless modem) for $14 per month or Xfinity’s mesh network and unlimited data can be added for $25 per month. You can save on equipment fees by opting to use your own Xfinity-compatible modem and wireless router.

WOW! has no contracts on any of the plans that they offer and therefore have no early termination fees. Their internet download speeds range from 100-1000 Mbps and their upload speeds range from 5-50 Mbps. WOW! recommends that you provide your own modem and router but offers to rent a modem for $10/month and wifi router for $10/month — unless you sign up for their 1 Gig plan, which includes whole-home wifi at no extra cost.

Data Caps

Xfinity employs a data cap of 1.2 TB on all of their plans except for their GigabitPro plan. If you go over the data cap limit, you will be charged $10 for each additional 50 GB used, up to a maximum of $100 per month. Xfinity offers unlimited data with select plans. If you have a modem, then unlimited data will be an additional $30 a month; or you can add xFi Complete which uses Xfinity’s xFi Gateway (Xfinity’s wireless modem) to get unlimited data for $25 a month. If you already have an xFi Gateway, you can upgrade to xFi Complete for an additional monthly fee of $11 for unlimited data.

WOW! currently does not have data cap limitations on any of their internet plans.