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Xfinity vs. Windstream Internet

Xfinity and Windstream 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
8 Plans Available
Windstream internet
price range
$39.99 - $299.99/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • 50 Mbps - 8 Gbps
  • DSL, Fiber, Copper, Cable
  • Unlimited Data

Learn more about Xfinity and Windstream:

Learn more about Xfinity and Windstream

Xfinity and Windstream are popular internet service providers (ISPs) that offer various high-speed internet plans at affordable rates. In addition, both ISPs let you bundle your internet service for additional discounts. Windstream is best known for its availability in rural areas, where high-speed internet is hard to find. Below, we take a closer look at how Xfinity and Windstream compare so you can choose the one that’s right for you.

Xfinity mainly offers cable internet plans with one fiber plan, whereas Windstream offers several connection types, including DSL, fixed wireless, cable, and fiber. The former’s download speeds go up to 10 Gbps, making it one of the fastest internet providers in the U.S. Windstream’s download speeds reach up to 8 Gbps on a fiber connection. If gigabit speeds are your top concern, both Xfinity and Windstream are premium choices.

Xfinity vs Windstream: Best Deals

Internet Deals

Xfinity isn’t short on deals, which typically include monthly discounts, free streaming service subscriptions, price guarantees, and free equipment. On the other end, Windstream’s deals are usually a certain value of credit and free months of fiber internet service. That said, both providers are known for switching up their deals on a monthly basis.

Pros and Cons By Provider

Pros and Cons By Provider

Xfinity Pros

  • Premium gigabit speeds
  • Excellent customer service
  • Extensive bundle options
  • Ongoing promotions

Xfinity Cons

  • Contracts required for discounts and deals
  • Data caps

Windstream Pros

  • No data caps or contracts
  • Multiple connection types
  • Available in rural areas
  • Gigabit speeds

Windstream Cons

  • Mediocre customer service
  • Plans vary by location

Xfinity Offers the Best Bundles

Xfinity is probably best known for its bundle options, which include internet, TV, home security, and phone services. Xfinity offers affordable prices compared to other ISPs, and you can pair each package with gigabit internet speeds. For the best deal, you’ll want to add Xfinity Mobile to your bundle.

Windstream also offers packages with internet, TV, and phone services, and prices are much cheaper than Xfinity’s. However, it partners with DIRECTV to provide TV service, whereas Xfinity has its own TV service.

Windstream Offers a More Attractive Fee Structure

Installation Is Cheaper With Windstream

Windstream charges $35 for professional installation, which is significantly lower than what other competitors charge. Xfinity technically gives you a self-install option, but it also requires you to pay a fee of $39.99 that covers a self-installation kit and limited guidance.

Windstream Doesn’t Have Data Caps

Windstream doesn’t have any data caps or usage limits as part of its internet plans. While Xfinity has data caps of 1.2 TB, most households are unlikely to reach that limit. However, you should know that Xfinity will charge you $10 per 50 GB of additional data you consume monthly, which can add up quickly, especially if you enjoy streaming.

Xfinity and Windstream Both Offer Great Customer Service

While Xfinity has a longer history of great customer service, Windstream is becoming more well-known for that aspect. In fact, in the most recent American Consumer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) report, Windstream edged ahead of Xfinity slightly in the ratings. However, our users found Xfinity to be more appealing overall.

Xfinity vs. Windstream 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 Windstream based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.

BroadbandNow readers submitted 1485 for Windstream. Windstream earned an average score of 3.03 out of 5.

Frequently Asked Questions About Xfinity and Windstream

  • Is Xfinity or Windstream cheaper?

    Xfinity is cheaper than Windstream, with plans starting at just $35 per month.

  • Which has faster speeds — Xfinity or Windstream?

    Xfinity is faster than Windstream, reaching speeds up to 10 Gbps on a fiber internet network.

  • Do Xfinity and Windstream have unlimited data?

    Windstream offers unlimited data with its internet plans, while Xfinity imposes a monthly limit of 1.2 TB on most plans.

  • Do Xfinity and Windstream require a contract?

    Xfinity and Windstream offer contract-free plans, but you won’t be able to take advantage of the greatest savings from Xfinity unless you sign a contract.