VERIZON FIOS VS XFINITY: WHICH SERVICE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Which Internet service is right for you?
When it comes to high-speed, broadband Internet access, direct competitors Verizon Fios and Comcast Xfinity are two of the best options available.
While each Internet service provider (ISP) boasts lightning-fast upload and download speeds and incredibly smooth, multi-device streaming capabilities, there are pros and cons associated with each provider. Below is a side-by-side product comparison of Verizon Fios and Xfinity Internet.
Xfinity vs Verizon Fios Internet by the numbers
When it comes to the core differences between Verizon Fios Internet and Comcast's Xfinity high-speed Internet service, both home Internet providers are locked in tight competition with one another. Despite similar offerings, there are subtle differences between overall network speeds, available service bundles, installation costs, equipment fees (i.e., WiFi router, modem, etc.), and local availability. Here's how the two ISPs stack up with one another:
| Verizon Fios | Xfinity | |
|---|---|---|
| Tech Platform | Fiber-optic network | Broadband cable and fiber networks available |
| Download Speed | 300-940 Mbps | 50-1,200 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 200-880 Mpbs | 10-35 Mbps |
| Data Cap | Unlimited Data | 1.2 TB/month |
| Plan Costs | Minimum $24.99/month, maximum $64.99/month Prices vary on available discounts, locations, plan selections, etc. | Minimum $9.95/month, maximum $80.00/month Prices vary on available discounts, locations, plan selections, etc. |
| Contracts | No contract necessary | No contract necessary, prorated deals for years 1 & 2 |
| Extras | TV and mobile bundles available. Other perks are available throughout the year for a limited time. | TV and mobile bundles available. Other perks are available throughout the year for a limited time. |
| Installation Process | Professional fiber optic coaxial cable and Optical Network Terminal installation required | Easy installation featuring pre-assembled kit that includes router and installation instructions |
| Installation Costs | One-time cost of $99.99 (order online to have setup fee waived) | One-time cost of $50.00 |
Basic Internet vs Top-Tier Internet Plans
Verizon offers a basic Internet plan for a monthly price of $25.99. That plan gets you 300 Mbps download speeds.
As far as top-tier offerings go, Verizon Fios features its 1 Gig plan for $64.99/month that offers up to 940 Mbps of download speed and 880 Mbps of upload speed.
Comcast Xfinity offers a basic $9.95/month plan with 50 Mbps download speeds.
Xfinity's top-tier plan retails for $80/month and gives you 1,200 Mbps download speeds.
Internet Availability by State
Verizon Fios fiber-optic Internet is available in major metropolitan areas in the following states (see all coverage areas):
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- Washington D.C.
Comcast Xfinity is available in a much wider range of locations, with partial coverage in 36 states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- DC
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
TV Package Deals
High-speed data capabilities aren't just for Internet usage. Both providers offer digital TV bundles as well. When choosing which provider is right for you, it's important to consider the differences in Verizon Fios vs Xfinity's TV services.
| Verizon Fios | Xfinity | |
|---|---|---|
| Channels | Plans range from 125-425+ channels. Add-ons available. | Plans range from 10-185+ channels. Add-ons available. |
| Prices | Plans range in price from $75-$119/month. Price may vary based on several factors. |
Plans range in price from $25-$80/month. Price may vary based on several factors. |
| DVR Capability | Ability to DVR two shows simultaneously with the capability to DVR six shows if additional equipment is purchased. | Ability to DVR up to five shows simultaneously right out of the box. |
| DVR Storage | 2 TB | 500 GB |
Verizon Fios TV
There are three Fios TV packages to select from, plus a test-drive option that allows you to watch for 60 days before Verizon recommends a package based on your viewing habits.
- Fios TV Test Drive ($75/month): Try it for 60 days and Verizon will recommend a plan based on your viewing habits.
- Your Fios TV ($75/month): You pick 5 channels and the rest of your channel lineup is generated based on your selection (local channels included). This package features 125+ channels.
- More Fios TV ($99/month): You get the most popular channels, including regional sports and local channels. This package features 300+ channels.
- The Most Fios TV: Along with the most popular channels and local channels, you also get the best sports and movies channels. This package features 435+ total channels.
Prices above may vary based on add-ons, taxes, offers, and enrollment in Auto Pay.
All of the above packages include on-demand access and the option to add on different sports packages, premium channels, Spanish packages, and international channels. Fios TV also allows you to DVR two shows simultaneously, with the capability to DVR six shows if additional equipment is purchased. You even get up to 2 TB of DVR storage.
Xfinity TV Options
Xfinity has three main TV offerings: Xfinity X1, Xfinity Flex, and Xfinity Stream. See the details of each plan below.
Xfinity X1
As a more traditional TV service and Xfinity’s primary option, X1 uses an HD TV box to provide packages of local, cable, sports, and premium channels. These are the three channel packages to choose from:
- Choice TV ($25/month): A simple package to give you access to all your local channels. This package features 10+ channels.
- Popular TV ($60/month): This package features 125+ channels, including ESPN, Nickelodeon, TBS, and other cable networks.
- Ultimate TV ($80/month): This package features 185+ channels, including NBA TV, Disney Channel, and other sports and entertainment channels.
Prices above may vary based on add-ons, equipment rentals, taxes, and ongoing offers.
All of the above packages include the following:
- On-demand access to thousands of movies and TV shows.
- Add-on channels, including sports packages, premium channels, and international channels.
- The ability to DVR up to five shows simultaneously while watching another. DVR storage space maxes out at 500 GB.
- Free access to the Xfinity Stream app so you can watch your full channel lineup on any compatible device.
Xfinity Flex
If you aren’t looking for a traditional TV plan, Flex is a great option. Xfinty Flex is a streaming device that comes loaded with several livestreaming and on-demand apps, like Tubi, Pluto, YouTube, and more. Plus, you have the ability to download your favorite streaming services, like Netflix, Max, and Prime Video, right onto the device. This gives you the flexibility of live TV and on-demand content right at your fingertips.
The Flex device also comes loaded with the Xfinity Stream app, making it easy for you to sign up for a traditional TV package right from your TV.
Xfinity Stream
Though the Xfinity Stream app is exclusive to Xfinity customers, it does not require a TV subscription. However, if you’re an X1 subscriber, you get to experience the app’s full potential, allowing you to watch Xfinity TV service on the go. If you subscribe to any non-TV service, you can still enjoy 20 livestreaming channels along with Xfinity’s robust library of on-demand shows and movies.
Verizon Fios vs Comcast Xfinity: A Recap
Both Verizon Fios and Comcast Xfinity are incredible service offerings that pack a lot of value and flexibility into their product lineups. Whether you want a fiber-optic network, reliable Internet, free hotspots, etc., both companies have you covered. The choice ultimately comes down to your unique preference and needs.
While Xfinity's top-tier plan boasts faster download speeds, Fios boasts a more robust streaming TV experience. The biggest factor often comes down to availability in the service area where you plan to move. Use SmartMove for help determining Internet and cable offerings in your area.
When selecting a service provider, you should also pay attention to other aspects, such as customer satisfaction scores, equipment rental fees, which have faster speeds in your area, the cost of early termination fees, whether they offer fiber Internet, or whether they cap your bandwidth/data, etc. It’s about the best options for you and your family depending on your needs, area, and budget.
