Xfinity vs. Spectrum: Which internet provider should you choose?
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Fastest cable speeds
- Prices: $19.99 per month
- Speeds up to: 6,000 Mbps
Best for no contracts and unlimited data
- Prices: $30.00 per month
- Speeds up to: 1,000 Mbps
Spectrum and Xfinity, the two largest cable internet providers, are available to a combined 65% of the country. Although both providers likely won’t be available in the same service territory, it can be beneficial to compare how Xfinity and Spectrum measure up against one another if you are moving from one provider’s area to the other.
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Spectrum vs. Xfinity
Overall, Spectrum and Xfinity ranked equally in our scoring system, although there were subtle distinctions among specific categories. One of the standout differences is internet speeds, with Xfinity offering faster high-speed internet options in many areas. Other distinguishing features are contracts, data caps and fees.
How is Xfinity better than Spectrum?
An Xfinity vs. Spectrum analysis indicates that Xfinity internet deals are often cheaper than Spectrum. However, it’s important to consider the fine print on Xfinity plans.
Xfinity pros:
- Speed: Xfinity speeds reach up to 6 GB in select areas, although max speeds of 2 GB are more common.
- Fees: Xfinity fees like equipment and installation charges are waived for the first 12 to 24 months on many Wi-Fi plans.
- Availability: Xfinity is the largest cable provider, available in 40 states and covering 35% of the U.S.
Xfinity cons:
- Contracts: You may have to enter an agreement with an early termination fee (ETF) to get the lowest Xfinity price.
- Data caps: A 1.2 TB data limit is standard for Xfinity Wi-Fi plans.
- Customer satisfaction: Xfinity customer feedback varies, with some Xfinity reviews revealing less-than-satisfied customers.
Read our full Xfinity review.
How is Spectrum better than Xfinity?
Spectrum and Xfinity internet use the same type of connection, primarily coaxial cables. However, both providers also offer hybrid fiber internet networks with faster 1 GB speeds in certain areas.
Spectrum pros:
- No contracts: None of Spectrum’s internet or cable TV plans have contracts.
- Unlimited internet: Spectrum offers unlimited Wi-Fi and internet without data limits.
- Straightforward pricing: Spectrum’s two internet plans make it easy to decide when setting up new service or switching internet providers.
Spectrum cons:
- Speed: Spectrum cable’s fastest internet plan is 1 GB, meaning you won’t find multi-gig speeds with this provider.
- Fees: Spectrum Wi-Fi router is $10/mo. with the 100 and 500 Mbps plans. Spectrum’s gigabit plan does not have an equipment fee.
Read our full Spectrum review.
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2025. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.
Spectrum vs. Xfinity speeds
As cable providers, both Spectrum and Xfinity generally have faster download than upload speeds, with the exception of the limited areas with Xfinity’s fiber service that have equal upload and download speeds.
Comparing Spectrum vs. Xfinity internet speed ultimately comes down to the range of options. Xfinity offers home Wi-Fi with speed tiers at 50, 150, 300, 600 and more, up to 6,000 Mbps. Meanwhile, Spectrum offers 100–1,000 Mbps, but if the speed you need falls outside of that range, you’ll need to find another internet provider.
Spectrum vs. Xfinity pricing
In alignment with their speed selections, the difference between Xfinity and Spectrum pricing is the variety of choices. Spectrum’s three internet plans are offered at $30, $50 or $70/mo., while Xfinity price points generally span from $19.99 to $299.95/mo., giving you more budget flexibility for your monthly internet cost.
When it comes to cheap internet, both Spectrum and Xfinity offer low-cost internet for qualified households. For a no-contract plan with a speed of 50 Mbps, Spectrum’s Internet Assist is $25/mo. and Xfinity’s Internet Essentials is $9.95/mo.
Spectrum vs. Xfinity internet plans
The following Spectrum and Xfinity plans are great for streaming, gaming or other online tasks.
Spectrum Internet® plans
| Plan | Starting price* | Download/Upload speeds† |
|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Internet® Advantage | $30/mo. | 100/20 Mbps |
| Spectrum Internet® Premier | $50/mo. | 500/20 Mbps |
| Spectrum Internet® Gig | $70/mo. | 1,000/35 Mbps |
Disclaimer
Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Capable modem required for all Gig speeds. For a list of capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2025 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.
Xfinity internet plans
Xfinity pricing is determined by region. The values in the following table may vary based on your location.
| Plan | Starting price* | Download/Upload speeds |
|---|---|---|
| Connect | $19.99–$30/mo. | 150/35 Mbps |
| Connect More | $35–$45/mo. | 400/35 Mbps |
| Fast | $55/mo. | 600/35 Mbps |
| Superfast | $65–$70/mo. | 800/35 Mbps |
| Gigabit x2 | $95/mo. | 2,000/300 Mbps |
| Gigabit Pro | $299.95/mo. | 3,000–6,000 Mbps/3,000–6,000 Mbps |
Disclaimer
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.
Spectrum vs. Xfinity deals
Generally, Spectrum vs. Comcast Xfinity deals are similar, especially in terms of bundling discounts.
Spectrum deals include internet for $30/mo. when bundling with TV and mobile. Other rotating perks include reward cards or other gifts.
Xfinity has $20 multi-product discounts for bundling with TV, as well as various other internet and mobile bundle deals.
Where are Xfinity & Spectrum available?
Xfinity is available in 40 states with the most coverage along the northeast (New Jersey, New York, Virginia). Other large Xfinity coverage areas include Florida and California.
Spectrum is available in 42 states but covers less of the country than Xfinity by area. Spectrum has vast coverage in South and North Carolina, Alabama, Ohio and Tennessee, as well as areas around the Texas Triangle of Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio.
Does Spectrum or Xfinity have extra fees?
Equipment fees: There are no equipment fees with Spectrum Internet Gig, but Spectrum Internet Premier plan has a $10 monthly fee for the Wi-Fi router. You can also buy your own router to skip the charge. Xfinity plans can vary by region; however, equipment is typically free for the first 12 months, then $15 monthly.
Data caps: Spectrum has no data caps. Xfinity plans have a 1.2 TB data limit unless you upgrade to xFi Complete, which comes with unlimited data and a free router upgrade every three years.
Installation fees: Spectrum installation is either $30 for self-install activation or $65 for professional installation. Xfinity offers free self-installation or a $100 professional installation.
Contracts/ETFs: Spectrum plans do not have contracts or ETFs. Xfinity offers plans with or without contracts.
Price increases: After the initial 12 months, Spectrum’s 1 Gig plan is $100 and the 500 Mbps plan is $80/mo. Most Xfinity plans increase by about $30/mo. after the promotional period.
Can you bundle with Spectrum or Xfinity?
TV and internet bundles: TV and internet packages with Spectrum internet and cable TV start at $75/mo. for 500 Mbps with TV Stream (85+ channels). A comparable Xfinity bundle costs around $105, not including equipment. Xfinity also has bundled cable TV deals starting as low as $55/mo., although these packages include far fewer channels.
Mobile and internet bundles: Both Spectrum and Xfinity offer one line of mobile service included at no extra charge for 12 months with select internet plans.
Xfinity vs. Spectrum FAQs
Is Spectrum better than Xfinity?
Overall, Spectrum and Xfinity are closely matched on many features. Xfinity may be better for you if you are seeking a larger range of internet and TV options, while Spectrum is your best bet if you prefer simple pricing.
Is Spectrum or Xfinity worth switching to?
Switching your internet provider to Spectrum or Xfinity is a wise decision if you are dissatisfied with your current provider’s speed or price offerings.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
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