Verizon Fios
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN

Verizon Fios vs RCN: Side by Side Comparison

A Side-by-Side Comparison of Verizon Fios and RCN in 2023.

Verizon Fios has 9 plans:
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN has 14 plans:

Learn more about Verizon Fios and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN:

Verizon Fios has 9 plans:
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN has 14 plans:

Learn more about Verizon Fios and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN

Verizon Fios and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN offer fast internet speeds throughout the U.S. The former solely relies on a fiber-optic connection for its plans, while the latter primarily has cable internet plans. Both providers offer bundle options with internet, phone, and TV services — all at discounted prices. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key differences between these two internet service providers below.

Verizon Fios vs Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Overall Comparison

Verizon Fios vs Astound Broadband Powered by RCN 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

    300 Mbps - 1 Gbps

  • Pricing

    $20 - $60/mo.

  • Service Type

    Cable, Fiber, Copper

  • Equipment Fee

    $0 a month

  • Data Cap

    Unlimited Data

Verizon Fios plans are different from Verizon High Speed Internet and Verizon 5G Home Internet because they use a fiber connection, whereas the others use DSL and fixed wireless, respectively. While Verizon Fios offers fewer plans, it doesn’t require annual contracts.

As one of the largest cable internet providers in the U.S., Astound Broadband Powered by RCN internet plans are more affordable and also don’t require contracts or have data caps. Plans are under $50, but availability is limited compared to Verizon Fios.

Overall, both providers offer competitive download speeds of up to 940 Mbps, so no matter which one you choose, you’ll have high-speed internet options.

Verizon Fios vs Astound Broadband Powered by RCN: Best Deals

Internet Deals

Both Verizon Fios and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN offer great deals for new customers. When you order a Verizon Fios plan online, you may be able to waive the professional installation fee. You also get additional plan perks like access to free streaming subscriptions and free equipment. Astound Broadband also waives the installation fee when you order one of its plans online. For low-income households, they can get free or reduced-cost internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program, of which Verizon Fios and Astound Broadband are participants.

Pros and Cons By Provider

Pros and Cons By Provider

Verizon Fios Pros

  • Fast fiber speeds
  • No contracts or data caps
  • Waived installation fee with online purchase
  • Wide availability
  • Internet, TV, and phone bundles

Verizon Fios Cons

  • Expensive early termination fees
  • Equipment fees

Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Pros

  • Dependable cable network
  • Affordable monthly pricing
  • Unlimited data
  • Self-installation or professional setup options
  • Bundle options available

Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Cons

  • Limited availability
  • Only one connection type

Verizon Fios is known for its fast and reliable fiber network. Paired with no contracts and unlimited data, Verizon Fios’ internet plans leave room for flexibility and unrestricted online activities. Just be aware of fees like equipment lease fees and early termination fees if you end up signing a contract.

Meanwhile, Astound Broadband Powered by RCN offers affordable monthly rates and multiple plan options on a cable connection. It also has robust bundles that include TV and phone services. The downsides are limited coverage area and only one available connection type.

Verizon Fios vs. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN: Packages Compared

Verizon Fios offers internet and TV packages to help customers save on more than one service. You get hundreds of channels and multi-room DVR service at no extra cost. On the other hand, Astound Broadband Powered by RCN offers several packages that include internet, TV, and phone services. Each bundle comes with internet download speeds up to 940 Mbps, free installation, 1-3 months of free service, and more.

Verizon Fios vs. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN: Extra Fees and Contracts

Neither Verizon Fios nor Astound Broadband Powered by RCN require contracts for their internet plans. Unless you sign one to take advantage of promotional rates, you won’t have to worry about early termination fees (ETFs).

Installation

Verizon Fios charges a one-time professional installation fee, though it’s waived on select plans when you order online. Alternatively, customers can also self-install their equipment with no fee attached.

With Astound Broadband Powered by RCN, it also charges a one-time fee for professional installation. If you order your internet service online, you can waive this fee. Astound Broadband also provides a self-install kit for customers who want to go the DIY route.

Data cap

Both Verizon Fios and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN don’t have data caps on their internet plans.

Verizon Fios vs. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN: Customer Satisfaction

In terms of customer satisfaction, Verizon Fios ranks higher than most providers. Meanwhile, Astound Broadband Powered by RCN has a B+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, even though it’s not accredited

Verizon Fios vs. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN 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 Astound Broadband Powered by RCN based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.

BroadbandNow readers submitted 263 for Astound Broadband Powered by RCN. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN earned an average score of 3.64 out of 5.

Frequently Asked Questions About Verizon Fios and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN

  • Is Verizon Fios cheaper than Astound Broadband Powered by RCN?

    Verizon Fios’s lowest-priced internet-only plan is $49.99 per month, while Astound Broadband Powered by RCN’s is $20 per month. In terms of the more affordable provider, Astound Broadband takes this round.

  • Who has faster speeds — Verizon Fios or Astound Broadband Powered by RCN?

    Both Verizon Fios and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN have download speeds up to 940 Mbps. Actual speeds vary by location.

  • Do Verizon Fios and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN have unlimited data?

    Yes, Verizon Fios and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN have unlimited data with their internet-only and bundled plans.

  • Do Verizon Fios and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN require a contract?

    Neither Verizon Fios nor Astound Broadband Powered by RCN requires contracts.