Xfinity vs. AT&T Internet: Comparing Speeds, Pricing, Deals, And More

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.

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.

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.

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). Keep on reading to find out more about our takes on each provider. 

Xfinity vs. AT&T: internet plans and prices

If you’re the only person using your internet and you have modest internet needs, you’ll find a lot to like with Xfinity or AT&T. But things can get complicated if you’re getting internet for more than a few people—let’s break down the biggest internet plans for AT&T and Xfinity.

Xfinity internet plans

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. (Click the table below to see Xfinity’s plans for its other regions.)

The rest of the plans are cable internet, ranging from the basic Connect (150 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 (300 Mbps) and Fast (500 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.

AT&T internet plans

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.

Does Xfinity or AT&T have good internet deals?

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.

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.

Is Xfinity or AT&T internet available in your neighborhood?

Xfinity internet is available across 35 states nationwide, so you’ll likely be in an Xfinity area if you’re near a major city. AT&T technically has a nationwide internet footprint, but as with other fiber/DSL internet providers, it has some gaps. AT&T’s fiber internet network has been rolled out on a city-by-city basis, so you may not have fiber coverage even if AT&T’s in your town.

Xfinity vs. AT&T installation

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

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

Methodology

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.