AT&T vs. Xfinity internet: Who has the better service?

AT&T and Xfinity are two of the largest internet providers in the U.S., collectively covering nearly 70% of the country. Odds are that one or both of these Wi-Fi providers are available near you, so if it comes down to deciding between AT&T and Xfinity, this guide can help you choose. 

AT&T vs. Xfinity

AT&T and Xfinity ranked 4 out of 5 on our exclusive grading system that includes over a dozen metrics. Despite their overall equal scores, our evaluation of AT&T vs. Comcast reveals critical distinctions in technology, price, fees and customer satisfaction. Compare these features to determine which high-speed internet deal is the best for your household.  

• Xfinity pros and cons
• AT&T pros and cons
• AT&T vs. Xfinity speeds
• AT&T vs. Xfinity pricing
• AT&T vs. Xfinity deals
• AT&T vs. Xfinity availability
• AT&T vs. Xfinity fees
• AT&T vs. Xfinity bundles 
• FAQs

How is Xfinity better than AT&T?

Depending on what internet features are your highest priority, Xfinity may have the best internet deals for you.

Xfinity pros:

• Price range: Twice as many internet packages are available with Xfinity/Comcast internet vs. AT&T. With plans ranging from $19.99–$299.95/mo., it’s easier to choose an internet deal that closely aligns with your needs.
• Bundle packages: Xfinity offers internet, mobile, TV, home phone and security — perfect for homes that want the convenience of one combined bill for all their home services.
• Cable TV: Xfinity is a cable provider offering hundreds of live channels, local stations, sports and news, while AT&T’s TV and internet packages rely on streaming or satellite TV options.

Xfinity cons:

• Contracts: Some Xfinity plans include a 12-month contract with an early termination fee (ETF).
• Data limits: Xfinity has a 1.2 TB data limit. 
• Equipment fees: Expect a monthly lease fee of $15 for an Xfinity gateway, or provide your own equipment to avoid the fee. 
• Customer satisfaction: Compared to AT&T, Xfinity’s customer satisfaction ratings are slightly lower, according to the cumulative ACSI scale for 2023 to 2024. If highly rated customer service is essential to you, Xfinity could fall short of expectations. 

Read our full Xfinity review.

How is AT&T better than Xfinity?

When comparing AT&T vs. Xfinity internet, the type of connection is a significant aspect — AT&T is fiber, while Xfinity is a cable internet connection (with pockets of hybrid cable-fiber).

AT&T pros: 

• Fiber-optic internet: Fiber internet provides faster upload speeds, the most secure connection and the highest reliability.  
• Upload speeds: Fiber has equal upload and download speeds — a big selling point for gamers or content creators. 
• Fewer fees: AT&T internet includes the equipment, so there are no hidden fees for a router or modem.
• High customer satisfaction: AT&T Fiber has the highest customer satisfaction rating among all fiber providers reviewed by the ACSI. 

AT&T cons:

• Fewer plan options: AT&T’s five plan options are weighted toward higher-speed plans, so light internet users may feel like they are paying for more internet than needed. 
• Fiber availability: Not all AT&T regions are fiber — some areas use a hybrid copper line network (AT&T Internet) or fixed wireless technology (AT&T Internet Air). 
• Limited TV bundles: AT&T Fiber offers TV packages in partnership with DIRECTV. DIRECTV plans are available via streaming or a satellite dish, and service can involve contracts, ETFs and additional fees.

Read our full AT&T review.

AT&T vs. Xfinity speeds

• AT&T speeds reach up to 5 GB* speeds in all fiber zones.
• Xfinity speeds go up to 6 GB in a few areas, but most Xfinity areas have top speeds of 2 GB. 

In comparing AT&T vs. Xfinity internet, AT&T’s maximum speeds are more widely available, while Xfinity’s numerous speed tiers let you get the speed you need without overpaying.

_{*Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101. As of 03/20/25.}

AT&T vs. Xfinity pricing

• Xfinity’s price range: $19.99–$299.95/mo.; equipment fees may apply.
• AT&T’s price range: $55–$245/mo.*; no add’l equipment fees.

While AT&T pricing corresponds with the average monthly cost of internet, you’re more likely to find a cheap internet plan under $50/mo. from Xfinity. But be aware that Xfinity’s post-promotional rate (after 12–24 months) includes gateway rental fees and price hikes that can raise the total monthly cost to match or surpass AT&T.

_{*Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. See offer details. As of 03/20/25.}

AT&T Internet plans

Xfinity internet plans

Xfinity plans vary by region, so the price and speeds listed in the following table may differ in your area. Check your exact address for the most accurate plan information.

AT&T vs. Xfinity deals

• AT&T deals include rotating offers featuring reward cards up to $300, free electronics and 20% off internet when you bundle with AT&T wireless. 
• Xfinity deals include multi-product discounts of $20 or more when you bundle internet with mobile or TV, plus deals on streaming packages.

Where are Xfinity & AT&T available?

Xfinity availability spans 40 states and 35% of the country. Coverage areas are largest along in the northeast (New England, New Jersey, New York, Virginia), plus Florida, California and Washington. 

AT&T Fiber covers 12% of the country, but its fixed wireless and copper networks broaden its overall coverage by about 20%. AT&T Fiber is primarily in the Southeast, Midwest and California. Birmingham, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Sacramento and San Francisco are several larger cities within AT&T’s coverage regions.

Does AT&T or Xfinity have extra fees?

Equipment fees: AT&T Fiber does not have additional fees for a modem or router. An Xfinity equipment lease costs $15/mo. or more, though this fee is waived for the first 12 to 24 months on many plans.

Data caps: The Xfinity 1.2 TB data cap is substantial and won’t affect the majority of households, but it does separate Xfinity from AT&T’s unlimited internet allowance. Data caps could be a hindrance to homes with heavy internet usage and lead to overage charges of $10 or more. 

Installation fees: AT&T has free installation. Xfinity offers two installation options: free self-installation (a shipping fee may apply) or a $100 professional installation.

Contracts/ETFs: AT&T plans have no contracts or ETFs. Xfinity offers both contract and no-contract plans. Contract plans are cheaper but come with an early termination fee (ETF).

Price increases: AT&T does not have scheduled price increases, so prices are generally stable, but not guaranteed. Xfinity pricing states the rate for the first 12 to 24 months, as well as the standard rate afterward, which typically increases by about $30/month.

Can you bundle with AT&T or Xfinity?

TV and internet bundles: AT&T works with DIRECTV to offer TV service, but DIRECTV is billed separately, while Xfinity bundles are conveniently on one bill.

Mobile and internet bundles: AT&T customers get 20% off internet when bundling with a wireless plan. Xfinity offers a free year of mobile service (one line) with select internet plans. 

Xfinity vs. AT&T FAQs

Lisa IscrupeAllconnect.com

Lisa Iscrupe is a senior writer helping readers understand the complexities of broadband, internet and other home services, including energy and renewable products. Her work appears on SaveOnEnergy.com and CNET.com, with national sources such as CNN, The Daily MBA and The Media Bulletin referencing her articles.

Hannah WhatleyAllconnect.com

Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.