Xfinity vs. AT&T Internet
Xfinity has the speediest internet plans available, but AT&T has the best fiber pricing on the block. Find out which one is right for you with our expert review.
Xfinity and AT&T are in direct competition in the Midwestern and Southern US, plus California. While our survey of internet customers like you put AT&T above Xfinity in overall satisfaction, AT&T and Xfinity offer different plans based on where you live, which makes it hard to pick a clear winner.
Overall, keep in mind that AT&T Fiber uses fast and reliable fiber-optic technology, which is faster than Xfinity’s cable technology. As of August 2023, AT&T no longer offers their DSL internet plans.
Go for AT&T Fiber if you want speed, but consider Xfinity if you’re looking for affordable internet (and you’re willing to buy your own modem and router).
Xfinity vs. AT&T Internet pros and cons
Xfinity
✓ Fast speeds
✓ Affordable starting packages
✗ Poor customer service reputation
AT&T
✓ Excellent customer satisfaction
✓ Fast speeds
✗ Limited availability
Deals and promotions
Both Xfinity and AT&T offer promotions for new customers. Expect gift cards, service discounts, or free subscriptions to streaming services when you sign up for a new internet plan.
Head over our Xfinity deals page and AT&T deals page for all the details. Or see this month’s latest promotions on our comprehensive list of the best internet deals.
Compare Xfinity and AT&T head to head
| Provider | Price | Download speeds | Data allowance | Wi-Fi gateway rental | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | $19.99–$85.00/mo. | 75–6,000 Mbps | 1.2 TB | $14.00/mo. | View Plans for Xfinity |
| AT&T | $55.00–$225.00/mo. | 75–5,000 Mbps | 1,000 GB–unlimited | Included |
Data effective as of post date. Not all offers available in all areas. See full disclaimer regarding pricing and features for more information.
On most fronts, Xfinity internet and AT&T internet aren’t drastically different. Xfinity’s slower internet speeds are cheaper than AT&T’s slow fiber plans. But AT&T’s high-speed fiber plans are cheaper than Xfinity’s, so you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck with AT&T.
And while both providers have a reasonably sized data cap on some plans, most of AT&T’s plans come with unlimited data. In comparison, Xfinity’s only plan with unlimited data is the superfast, uber-expensive Gigabit Pro.
So if you have a lot of folks using your internet, or you download large files regularly, AT&T is the better choice to avoid overage fees.
And when looking at the prices, remember that AT&T includes the price of its Wi-Fi gateway, which most providers charge around $10 a month for. Renting Xfinity’s xFi Gateway will cost you $14 a month, but you can bring your own compatible modem and router instead to avoid ongoing charges.
If you’re looking for a way to cut down on monthly costs, skipping Xfinity’s provided Wi-Fi gateway is an excellent way to go.
Packages and pricing
If you’re the only person using your internet, check out the cheap plans in the lower range of Xfinity’s speeds. But if you’ve got a lot of folks at home, you can keep them all connected at an affordable price with AT&T’s plans.
Xfinity packages and pricing (West)
| Package | Price | Download speed | Data allowance | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connect | $19.99/mo. | 75 Mbps | 1.2 TB | View Plan |
| Connect More | $30.00/mo. | 200 Mbps | 1.2 TB | View Plan |
| Fast | $50.00/mo. | 400 Mbps | 1.2 TB | View Plan |
| Superfast | $60.00/mo. | 800 Mbps | 1.2 TB | View Plan |
| Gigabit | $65.00/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | 1.2 TB | View Plan |
| Gigabit Extra | $70.00/mo. | 1,200 Mbps | 1.2 TB | View Plan |
Data effective as of post date. Not all offers available in all areas. See full disclaimer regarding pricing and features for more information.
The prices above are for Xfinity’s West Division, which includes California, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin. Not all of Xfinity’s plans are available in all service areas.
The rest of the plans are cable internet, ranging from the basic Connect (75 Mbps) to the impressive-for-cable Gigabit Extra (1,200 Mbps). Connect is the plan to bank on if you want cheap internet—it has enough get-up-and-go to support one or two people using the internet at once, although we don’t recommend it for families who stream multiple shows at once.
We like middle plans Connect More (200 Mbps) and Fast (400 Mbps) for the average user, both of which offer plenty of speed at a more manageable price than AT&T’s starting plans.
If you’re running a home business where speed counts, Gigabit might be a wiser option. Remember that cable (and DSL) internet download speeds don’t mean equal upload speeds: for example, 200 Mbps download will get you only about 10 Mbps upload.
AT&T’s fiber plans are a much better deal than Xfinity’s high-speed plans, though, so if you have the option, we’d say save yourself a buck and go with AT&T.
Xfinity packages and pricing (Central)
| Package | Price | Download speed | Data allowance | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connect | $20.00/mo.* | 75 Mbps | 1.2 TB | View Plan |
| Connect More | $35.00/mo.** | 200 Mbps | 1.2 TB | View Plan |
| Fast | $55.00/mo.^ | 400 Mbps | 1.2 TB | View Plan |
| Superfast | $70.00/mo.^ | 800 Mbps | 1.2 TB | View Plan |
| Ultrafast/Gigabit | $80.00/mo.^ | 1,000 Mbps | 1.2 TB | View Plan |
| Gigabit Extra | $85.00/mo.^ | 1,200 Mbps | 1.2 TB | View Plan |
* For 12 months. No term contract. Taxes and equipment not included. Includes $10/mo automatic payments and paperless billing discount. Prices may vary by location.
** No term contract. Taxes not included. Includes $10/mo automatic payments and paperless billing discount. Prices may vary by location.
^ For 24 months. No term contract. Taxes and equipment not included. Includes $10/mo automatic payments and paperless billing discount. Prices may vary by location.
Data effective as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
The prices above are for Xfinity’s Central Division, which includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Xfinity’s Central Division has plans and prices similar to the West Division, so our advice in the section above goes double here.
Xfinity packages and pricing (Northeast)
* For 12 months with 1-year term contract. Includes $10/mo automatic payments and paperless billing discount. Taxes and equipment not included. Prices may vary by location.
** For 24 months with 1-year term contract. Includes $10/mo automatic payments and paperless billing discount. Taxes and equipment not included. Prices may vary by location.
† For 36 months. No term contract. Includes $10/mo automatic payments and paperless billing discount. Taxes and equipment not included. Prices may vary by location.
Data effective as of post date. Not all offers available in all areas.
Xfinity’s Northeast Division doesn’t cross over into AT&T territory very often, but if you’re in North Carolina and Ohio, these are the prices you’ll get. Unfortunately, Xfinity’s starting prices are higher here than in its other regions.
If you’re looking for a cheaper internet provider than AT&T, make sure you have your own modem and router, since the xFi Gateway will tack another $14 a month onto your internet plan.
AT&T packages and pricing
| Package | Price | Download speed | Data allowance | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Internet 300 | $55.00/mo. | 300 Mbps | Unlimited | |
| AT&T Internet 500 | $65.00/mo. | 500 Mbps | Unlimited | |
| AT&T Internet 1000 | $80.00/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | Unlimited | |
| AT&T Internet 2000 | $125.00/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | Unlimited | |
| AT&T Internet 5000 | $225.00/mo. | 5,000 Mbps | Unlimited |
Data effective as of post date. Not all offers available in all areas. See full disclaimer regarding pricing and features for more information.
Now that AT&T has discontinued their DSL internet plans, we’d recommend Xfinity for plans up to 100 Mbps. An alternative is AT&T Internet Air, which uses AT&T’s 5G cellular data network to deliver its internet service. At $55.00 per month with speeds of up-to 225Mbps it’s a solid option, but we still would say to stick with Xfinity for those lower-speed plans.
Fiber offers a more consistent internet experience than cable and DSL, in more ways than one. Fiber internet’s upload speeds mirror its download speeds—which means no more waiting for an hour for the latest episode of your Typography Talk podcast to upload.
Plus, AT&T Fiber comes with no data caps, so you don’t have to worry about going over your monthly data allowance and being slapped with a fine like you would with an Xfinity plan.
Compared to what you get with Xfinity, any of AT&T’s fiber plans offer an excellent deal price-to-speed-wise. If fiber is available in your neighborhood, we say jump on it.
Xfinity vs. AT&T fees and extra charges
With any internet service, you’ll probably end up paying more than the advertised price. Here are some hidden fees from Xfinity and AT&T to keep an eye out for.
Xfinity fees and extra charges
| Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Professional installation | $89.99 |
| Self-installation | $15.00 |
| Modem/router rental | $14.00/mo. |
| Data overage fee | $10.00 per 50 GB over 1.2 TB |
| Reactivation fee | $6.00 |
| Late payment fee | $10.00 |
| Taxes and surcharges | Vary by area |
Data effective as of post date.
Some of Xfinity’s one-time fees are unavoidable—but you can purchase your own modem/router to use with Xfinity internet, which eventually saves you money compared to renting month to month. Just be prepared to do most of your own troubleshooting.
If you somehow surpass Xfinity’s monthly internet data cap (1.2 TB), you’ll be charged $10 for every 50 GB you go over. How much is a TB (terabyte) of data? To give you an idea, you’d have to stream over 11 hours of Hulu shows every day for a month to hit it.
AT&T internet fees and extra charges
| Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Professional installation | $99.00 |
| Self-installation | Included |
| Modem/router rental | Included |
| Data overage fee | $10.00 per 50 GB over 1 TB |
| Reactivation fee | $35.00 |
| Late payment fee | $9.99 |
| Taxes and surcharges | Vary by area |
Data effective as of post date.
Unlike Xfinity, AT&T includes the cost of its modem/router combo in your internet plan, so you don’t have to worry about that as a hidden fee.
Except for the lack of equipment fee and the $35 reactivation fee (ouch), AT&T’s extra costs are fairly similar to Xfinity’s. Check the table above for all the details.
Xfinity vs. AT&T installation
| Provider | Pro install | Self-install | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | $89.99 | $15.00 | Schedule install |
| AT&T | $99.00 | Included |
Data effective as of post date.
Both Xfinity and AT&T can mail kits to your home for self-installation, which is a cheaper route if you’re looking at a simple setup. You shouldn’t need a technician to connect to a previously installed internet line since most of what you’ll need is already in place.
Need help installing your Xfinity home internet? We’ve got a complete walkthrough for you.
If you have no existing internet hookups, on the other hand, you’ll want a professional for that from-scratch installation. The same goes for a new fiber installation, which many homes aren’t equipped for yet. If you don’t know whether your home is set up for fiber, check with your internet service provider.
Important note: Xfinity offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on internet service service, whereas AT&T allows only a 14-day trial period.
Xfinity vs. AT&T equipment
| Provider | Pro install | |
|---|---|---|
|
Xfinity xFi Wireless Gateway |
$14.00/mo. | View Plans for Xfinity |
|
AT&T Wi-Fi Gateway |
Included |
Data effective as of post date.
Xfinity and AT&T make their own modem/routers available for new customers, which can be helpful. Both providers offer 24/7 support and regular software updates.
If you don’t want to use the company gear and would rather buy your own third-party modem/router, go for Xfinity. There are many Xfinity-compatible modems on the market. Unfortunately, AT&T doesn’t let you bring a third-party modem to your service.
Xfinity vs. AT&T bundling with TV
Want to save some cash on TV and internet? Bundling your Xfinity services is the way to go—you’ll save $20 per month, based on what the services would cost alone.
AT&T no longer offers any TV bundles with DIRECTV or DIRECTV STREAM. You can still purchase a TV plan from DIRECTV while you checkout with your AT&T internet package, but the bills will be separate and there will be no bundling savings.
To learn more, check out our total reviews of Xfinity bundles and AT&T bundles.
Xfinity vs. AT&T FAQ
Is AT&T better than Xfinity?
It’s safe to say AT&T Fiber is better than Xfinity Internet. Compared to Xfinity, AT&T Fiber gives you better download speeds, faster upload speeds, and no data caps.
Is Xfinity Internet any good?
Xfinity Internet isn’t bad—it offers fast download speeds and data caps with plenty of breathing room. Plus, it’s gotten a lot better at customer service over the years. We don’t think it’s quite as good as AT&T Fiber, but it’s not a bad service overall.
How do I find out if Xfinity or AT&T is available in my area?
You can use CableTV.com’s handy availability map to see if Xfinity or AT&T (or another internet provider) services your zip code.
Does Comcast own AT&T?
AT&T is the world’s largest telecommunications company, and Comcast is the second-largest, so nah, Comcast doesn’t own AT&T. Comcast does own Xfinity, though, which is why you may sometimes see it referred to as Xfinity from Comcast.
Why you should trust us
Our experts compared Xfinity and AT&T’s bang for your buck, reliability, features, and customer satisfaction. We compared plans and prices side by side, along with hidden fees and extra perks, to best picture how the two providers stack up. For more information on our methodology, check out our How We Rank page.
Disclaimers:
AT&T Fiber Internet 300: Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes & fees. Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. Ltd. avail/areas. Call or go to www.fiber.att.com to see if you qualify.
AT&T Fiber Internet 500: Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes & fees. Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. Ltd. avail/areas. Call or go to www.fiber.att.com to see if you qualify.
FOR ALL SPEEDS EXCEPT 5-GIG: Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.
