Verizon Fios internet
Xfinity internet

Verizon Fios vs Xfinity: Side by Side Comparison

A Side-by-Side Comparison of Verizon Fios and Xfinity in 2023

Verizon Fios has 9 plans:
Xfinity has 16 plans:

Learn more about Verizon Fios and Xfinity:

Verizon Fios has 9 plans:
Xfinity has 16 plans:

Learn more about Verizon Fios and Xfinity

Verizon Fios and Xfinity are some of the largest providers of broadband internet in the United States. Verizon Fios is a 100% fiber-based network and is the 2nd largest residential fiber provider whereas Xfinity is the leading provider of cable internet. While both internet providers supply high download speeds and offer bundling options with TV and/or phone services, they have some crucial differences in the fine print which we cover below.

Even though Verizon Fios is only available in 10 states, its fiber connections make it the second-largest fiber provider in the U.S. Xfinity is the largest cable provider, making it a worthy opponent to Verizon Fios. If Verizon Fios is an option where you live, you may have access to budget-friendly, high-speed internet. However, Xfinity offers a vast array of plans at competitive rates.

While pricing is similar, Verizon Fios offers plans with symmetrical speeds (download and upload speeds are the same). So, if you plan on sharing large files online, they may be a good option.

Verizon Fios vs Xfinity Overall Comparison

Verizon Fios vs Xfinity Overall Comparison

  • Speed

    300 Mbps - 2 Gbps

  • Pricing

    $49.99 - $119.99/mo.

  • Service Type

    Fiber

  • Equipment Fee

    $0 a month

  • Data Cap

    Unlimited Data

  • Speed

    200 Mbps - 6 Gbps

  • Pricing

    $35 - $309.95/mo.

  • Service Type

    Cable, Fiber

  • Equipment Fee

    $15 a month

  • Data Cap

    Unlimited Data

Verizon Fios was the first company to invest in last-mile fiber connections – meaning customers get fiber directly to their homes instead of a hybrid fiber/coaxial connection. Xfinity offers one fiber plan with up to 2,000 Mbps for $299.99 per month. However, few can enjoy this grand plan with a $500 install fee and up to a $500 activation fee.

If Verizon Fios isn’t an option, Xfinity does provide reliable service. Xfinity’s cable internet offers various packages where you can choose the speed you need. Their starter plan offers speeds up to 50 Mbps for $29.99 per month.

Verizon Fios vs Xfinity: Best Deals

Internet Deals

Pros and Cons By Provider

Pros and Cons By Provider

Xfinity Pros

  • More bundling options
  • Wi-Fi hotspot locations nationwide
  • Diverse internet package options
  • Mobile phone service add-on option

Xfinity Cons

  • Requires a contract to obtain the best deals
  • Unlimited data costs extra

Verizon Fios Pros

  • Various fiber options
  • Symmetrical speeds on select plans
  • Unlimited data
  • No contract plans

Verizon Fios Cons

  • Available in 10 states
  • Limited bundling options

Other than being available in over 40 states, Xfinity offers Double Play and Triple Play bundles with Wi-Fi hotspots to all customers regardless of the plan. Xfinity customers can also save by signing up for autopay and paperless billing. While it’s a smaller quantity, Verizon Fios also has hotspots in select locations. The most valuable perks Verizon Fios offers include zero data limits, similar download and upload speeds, and contract-free plans.

Verizon Fios doesn’t offer special discounts for military members, students, or teachers, but they do offer discounts for customers that have Verizon Fios and Verizon mobile services. By contrast, Xfinity offers one-time gift cards of up to $150 to the above-mentioned groups. Xfinity’s current promotion also includes gift cards up to $300 when you sign up online.

Verizon Fios and Xfinity Bundles Compared

Xfinity has more variety when it comes to bundles than Verizon Fios. Xfinity gives customers more options when it comes to both channels and speed. Both Xfinity and Verizon Fios have in-house TV services available with their bundles.

If you’re looking for a Double or Triple Play bundle, check out Xfinity first. With multiple internet speeds, three cable options, phone service, and two home security options, you’ll have plenty of choices from $44.99 to $129.99 per month. However, if $135.99 per month is in your price range, you can get gigabit speeds and up to 425-plus channels through Verizon Fios.

Verizon Fios vs. Xfinity Extra Fees and Contracts

Verizon Fios currently switched all of their plans to contract-free, dropping contracts altogether. Xfinity offers a one- or two-year contract and contract-free plans for an additional $10 per month, depending on the package you select.

The plus side of having a contract with Xfinity is that your price is locked in for at least 12 months. Remember to check your rates after your contract ends because it’s likely that your rates will increase with both Xfinity and Verizon Fios. Changes may differ depending on your location, provider, and what features are in your package.

Installations

Verizon Fios and Xfinity provide free installation with promotions. However, install fees can cost up to $99.99, depending on the provider. Xfinity currently provides a self-install kit for free with qualifying plans.

Data Cap

All Verizon Fios plans include unlimited data free of charge. Xfinity’s plans have a 1.2 TB data cap, but for every additional 50 GB of data, it’s an extra $10.

Verizon Fios outperforms Xfinity in Customer Satisfaction

The Verizon Fios speed test was impressive at an average of 527 Mbps. Xfinity speed tests also weren’t bad, with an average of 380 Mbps.

Both companies rank between 3.5-4 stars out of 5 in performance. Verizon Fios is slightly higher in every category: speed, equipment, reliability, etc. Performance can change with either provider depending on:

  • Your internet equipment
  • Your location
  • The number of devices you plan to connect
  • Your connection type

Verizon Fios and Xfinity are easy to contact through email, live chat, phone, and social media if you need help troubleshooting your equipment or have questions about your plan.

Verizon Fios vs. Xfinity Internet Review

We asked BroadbandNow users to review Verizon Fios based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.

BroadbandNow readers submitted 1259 for Verizon Fios. Verizon Fios earned an average score of 3.61 out of 5.

We asked BroadbandNow users to review Xfinity based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.

BroadbandNow readers submitted 5877 for Xfinity. Xfinity earned an average score of 3.46 out of 5.

Frequently Asked Questions about Verizon Fios & Xfinity

  • Is Verizon Fios cheaper than Xfinity?

    All in all, Verizon Fios plans ($39.99-$79.99/month) are cheaper than plans from Xfinity ($49.95-299.95/month) but pricing heavily depends on the location and plan selected. For example, Xfinity’s 1000 Mbps plan costs $70 a month, which is less expensive than Verizon Fios’ Gigabit plan at $79.99 a month. However, Verizon Fios’ 200 Mbps plan costs $39.99 a month, which is cheaper than Xfinity’s 200 Mbps plan at $49.99 a month.

  • Who has faster speeds? Verizon Fios or Xfinity?

    Xfinity offers the highest download speeds of up to 2000 Mbps to residents in select areas. Verizon Fios supplies download speeds of up to 940 Mbps and upload speeds up to 880 Mbps, which is higher than Xfinity’s Gigabit offering of 35 Mbps. Both Xfinity and Verizon Fios will have comparable download speeds on a majority of their plans.

  • Do Verizon Fios and Xfinity have unlimited data?

    Verizon Fios offers unlimited data on all of its fiber plans while Xfinity only offers unlimited data on its GigabitPro plan. However, Xfinity gives the option to add unlimited data to any of its plans for an additional monthly fee of $30 if you use your own Xfinity-compatible modem or purchase their xFi complete plan for an extra $25 a month.