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. AT&T is the largest provider of fiber-to-home internet services, whereas Xfinity is the largest cable internet company in the United States. Xfinity beats out AT&T when it comes to availability, offering coverage in 39 states and Washington, D.C., compared to AT&T's 22 states.

Odds are that one or both of these Wi-Fi providers are available near you. Learn about the different plans, speeds and prices that are available from both Xfinity and AT&T and use this guide to help you determine which provider is best for you.

Xfinity vs. AT&T: A guide

When comparing AT&T Internet vs. Xfinity Internet, the type of connection is a significant aspect — AT&T is mostly fiber, while Xfinity is a cable internet connection (with pockets of hybrid cable-fiber). Fiber internet has equal download and upload speeds, making it a strong connection.

Here's how Xfinity's plans, prices and offerings stack up against AT&T's offerings, and the pros and cons of each provider.

Xfinity pros and cons

Pros:

• Price range: Xfinity offers a wide range of prices from $40 to $299.95 a month.
• Bundle packages: Xfinity offers internet, mobile, TV, home phone and security plans and packages.
• 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 TVoptions.

Cons:

• Speeds: Xfinity upload speeds will be slower and vary by your location.
• Customer satisfaction: Compared to AT&T, Xfinity’s customer satisfaction ratings areslightly lower, according to the cumulative ACSI scale for 2025.

Read our full Xfinity Internet guide.

AT&T pros and cons

Pros:

• Fiber-optic internet: Fiber internet provides equal upload and download speeds, which leads to a high-speed connection. This is great if you game or create content, or if you have an ultra-connected home.
• Fewer fees: AT&T internet includes the equipment, so there are no hidden fees for arouter or modem.
• High customer satisfaction: AT&T Fiber has the highest customer satisfaction ratingamong all fiber providers reviewed by the ACSI.

Cons:

• Price. Some AT&T plans are more expensive than Xfinity.
• Fiber availability: Not all AT&T regions are fiber — some areas use a hybrid copper linenetwork (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 involvecontracts, ETFs and additional fees.

Read our full AT&T Internet guide.

AT&T vs. Xfinity speeds

What internet speed you need will depend on your online activity and how many connected wireless devices you use in your household.

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

If you have around 20 or so connected wireless devices in your home and are a medium-to-high internet user, 1 Gbps to 2 Gbps is likely fast enough to avoid lag and buffering. It's always a good idea to run a speed test to make sure your internet speed is up to par with what you are paying for.

*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.

AT&T vs. Xfinity pricing

Below are the price ranges for both Xfinity and AT&T. Keep in mind that these are starting prices and taxes and fees will apply.

• Xfinity’s price range: $40 to $299.95 a month, and equipment fees may apply.
• AT&T’s price range: $55 to $245 a month with no additional 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 a month from Xfinity. But be aware that Xfinity’s post-promotional rate (after 12–24 months) can raise the total monthly cost to match or surpass AT&T.

AT&T Internet plans

Below are AT&T home internet plans. Keep in mind that availability depends on location, and the plan costs in the table below are promotional starting prices.

Xfinity Internet plans

Below are some popular Xfinity plans. Prices and availability vary by region.

AT&T vs. Xfinity deals

• AT&T deals include rotating offers featuring reward cards up to $300, free electronics and20% off internet when you bundle with AT&T wireless.
• Xfinity deals include multi-product discounts of $20 or more when you bundle internetwith mobile or TV, plus deals on streaming packages.

Where are Xfinity & AT&T available?

• Xfinity is available in 40 states, covering 35% of the country. Coverage areas are largest 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: Neither Xfinity nor AT&T Fiber has additional fees for a modem or router.
• 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 a 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
• Xfinity TV + internet bundles are conveniently on one bill. Additionally, Xfinity offers a multiproduct discount of $20 off for every additional Xfinity service up to $60.

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.

AT&T vs. Xfinity low-cost options

Both AT&T and Xfinity offer low-cost home internet options to qualifying customers.

AT&T Access

• Up to 100 Mbps starting at $30 a month with no equipment fees, deposits or contracts. Wi-Fi and installation included.
• Qualifications: Household eligibility is based on participation in qualifying programs, like SNAP, WIC or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or household income. Full list of qualifications here.

Xfinity Internet Essentials

• Up to 75 Mbps starting at $14.95 per month. No contract, Professional installation extra. 
• Qualifications: Household eligibility is based on participation in qualifying programs, like SNAP, WIC or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or household income. Full list of qualifications here.

This article was revised to update Xfinity plans and pricing.