Verizon vs. Xfinity: Which Internet Provider Is Best for You?
Compare home internet providers based on pricing, speed, and customer ratings
Jan 5, 2026 | Share 
Provider Comparisons (Versus)
-
Best speeds
- Customer Rating: 3.9
- Price: $49.99–$109.99/mo.†w/ Auto Pay
- Speed: Up to 2,300Mbps
- Internet type: Fiber, 5G
- Data cap: None
- Contract: No contract
-
Best availability
- Customer rating: 3.9
- Price: $40–$100/mo.for 12 mos.
- Speed: 300–2,000Mbps
- Internet type: Cable
- Data cap: None
- Contract: No contract
Data as of 01/05/2026. Prices and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Read disclaimers.
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Compare Verizon and Xfinity head-to-head
We’ll come right out and say it—Verizon Fios is the clear leader here. Verizon Fios fiber internet delivers fast, reliable internet speeds over its fiber network. Its upload speeds are much faster than most other internet providers, so it’s great for gaming and uploading videos.
If Fios isn’t available at your address, you may have Xfinity hookups. If so, you’ll enjoy fast cable internet speeds, affordable plans, and price locks up to five years.
If you can’t get either Fios Fiber or Xfinity, Verizon’s 5G Home Internet option is worth a try.
Pros and cons: Verizon vs. Xfinity
Pros:
- No data caps or annual contracts
- No pricing shenanigans
- Nationwide fixed wireless service
Cons:
- Risk of disconnects on 5G Home plan
Pros:
- No term contracts
- Wide availability
- Unlimited data
Cons:
- Frustrating billing practices
Enter your zip code to see whether you can get Verizon or Xfinity at your address.
Plans and pricing: Verizon vs. Xfinity
Verizon goes big on speed, giving you the decently priced gigabit connection option and “symmetrical” upload speeds with most plans—meaning they’re just as fast as download speeds, a rare feat available on its fiber network. Verizon’s 5G Home plans aren’t quite as reliable as the Fios fiber plans, but they’re fairly priced and give you unlimited data.
Xfinity is more of a grab bag when it comes to speeds. Some of its plans give you slower speeds for a higher price compared to Verizon Fios, but you can also find affordable plans in a wider service area.
Pro tip: Are Verizon and Xfinity the same?
Verizon and Xfinity are not the same company. They’re two separate entities—the former is a fiber internet and wireless provider, and the latter is a cable TV and internet provider.
It can be easy to confuse Verizon with Xfinity because of Xfinity Mobile. Xfinity Mobile is an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) that gives you cellular service over Verizon’s network. Other than that, these two companies don’t overlap.
Verizon plans and pricing
| Package | Price* | Speed (download/upload) |
|---|---|---|
| Fios 300 Mbps | $49.99/mo. w/ Auto Pay | 300 Mbps/300 Mbps |
| Fios 500 Mbps | $74.99/mo. w/ Auto Pay | 500 Mbps/500 Mbps |
| Fios 1 Gig | $89.99/mo. w/ Auto Pay | Up to 940 Mbps/up to 880 Mbps |
| Fios 2 Gig | $109.00/mo. w/ Auto Pay | Up to 2,300 Mbps/up to 2,048 Mbps |
| 5G Home | $50/mo. w/ Auto Pay | Up to 300 Mbps |
| 5G Home with select 5G mobile plans | $35/mo. w/ Auto Pay | Up to 300 Mbps |
| 5G Home Plus | $60/mo. w/ Auto Pay | Up to 500Mbps |
| 5G Home Plus with select 5G mobile plans | $45/mo. w/ Auto Pay | Up to 500Mbps |
| 5G Home Ultimate | $75/mo. w/ Auto Pay | Up to 1,000Mbps |
| 5G Home Ultimate with select 5G mobile plans | $60/mo. w/ Auto Pay | Up to 1,000Mbps |
Data effective as of 01/05/2026. Prices and availability vary by region and are subject to change.
*Price per month with Auto Pay & without select 5G mobile plans. Consumer data usage is subject to the usage restrictions set forth in Verizon’s terms of service; visit: https://www.verizon.com/support/customer-agreement/ for more information about 5G Home and LTE Home Internet or https://www.verizon.com/about/terms-conditions/verizon-customer-agreement for Fios internet.
Fiber internet is a great choice wherever you can find out, and Verizon Fios is the best of the best. There are no data caps, equipment fees, or cancellation fees. Better yet, pricing is straightforward and you can get sweet deals on Verizon mobile service when you bundle.
If you aren’t in a Fios area, you may be able to get Verizon 5G Home Internet, a fixed wireless service that delivers solid speeds over the carrier’s Ultra Wideband 5G cellular network. The connection on 5G internet can be a little spotty for some users—we experienced regular disconnections when we tried out the service.
But the plan is still a worthy deal, giving you speeds of up to 300 Mbps or 1,000 Mbps (depending on the plan) and unlimited data with no extra fees or annual contracts.
5G home internet vs. cable internet: Which one is better?
Verizon’s 5G Home Internet service is available in more places, but Xfinity’s service is more reliable and may come with a five-year guarantee. In most cases, we would recommend Xfinity.
Is 5G internet as fast as cable internet?
5G home internet isn’t as fast as cable internet. Technically, it can deliver the same advertised speeds as a cable connection, but a coaxial cable network is more reliable and far more likely to deliver high speeds on a stable basis because it doesn’t rely on a wireless network.
How much speed do you need?
It’s great to have the fastest internet speeds, but often you’ll be just fine with a slower speed. Use our plan finder to get an estimate of what works best for you.
Xfinity plans and pricing
| Package | Starting price | Speed (download/upload) |
|---|---|---|
| 300 Mbps | $40/mo.* for 12 mos. | 300Mbps/100Mbps |
| 500 Mbps | $55/mo.* for 12 mos. | 500Mbps/100Mbps |
| 1 Gig | $70/mo.* for 12 mos. | 1,000 Mbps/100Mbps |
| 1.2 Gig | $100/mo.* for 12 mos. | 1,200 Mbps/100Mbps |
| 2 Gig | $100/mo.* for 12 mos. | 2,000 Mbps/250Mbps |
Data effective as of 12/22/2025.
* For 12 months, no term contract. Restrictions apply. Autopay w/ stored bank account and paperless billing req’d. Taxes and fees extra and subj. to change. Reduced speeds after 30 GB of usage/line. Data thresholds may vary.
Xfinity’s speeds pack a punch and offer plenty of variety to cater to each household’s speed needs. You’ll also get unlimited data, no contracts, and equipment included with your internet plan.
You may see a price hike after a year, though, and we’ve heard complaints about billing practices. In other words, keep an eye on your monthly bill in the Xfinity app, and don’t hesitate to reach out to customer service if you find an error or want to negotiate a better deal.
Want to see if you’re getting the speeds you’re paying for?
Download our speed test app to find out. Run the test during the morning, afternoon, and evening to see if there are any differences. Some internet plans slow down at night during peak usage hours.
Want to see if you’re getting the speeds you’re paying for?
Take our speed test to find out. Run the test during the morning, afternoon, and evening to see if there are any differences. Some internet plans slow down at night during peak usage hours.
Deals and promotions: Verizon vs. Xfinity
- Get a 3-year price lock plus $15 off home internet every month when you bundle with Verizon MyPlan
- Get a 43-inch Samsung TV or Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 when you sign up for a new fiber or 5G home internet plan through Feb. 4, 2026
- Enjoy a 5-year price guarantee on a 300Mbps internet plan for $40 per month through January 18, 2026
- Earn up to $500 per year by referring friends to Xfinity
- Get 1 Gig speeds for $50 per month and a 5-year price guarantee through January 18, 2026
Extra fees: Verizon vs. Xfinity
| Equipment fee | Installation fee | Other fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Home Internet | No equipment fee | $99.00 (waived if you order online) | 1.5% of the owed balance or $5 (late fee) |
| Xfinity | No equipment fee | Starts at no cost for self-install, $100 pro installation | $10 (late payment) |
Data as of 01/05/2025. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Verizon’s router is included on all fiber plans as part of the monthly fee. That saves you a nice chunk of change because it means you don’t need to pay extra for a router rental and you don’t need to buy your own router either. Verizon 5G Home Internet plans also come with a router at no extra cost.
You can’t use your own router for the 5G home internet plans, but you can for a fiber plan. And there are some advantages to buying a router—you get more flexibility as far as speeds, security settings, and other capabilities. We have great recommendations in our guides to the best Wi-Fi routers, the best long-range routers, and the best routers for streaming.
Xfinity includes a combined modem-router gateway with all plans, at no extra cost to customers. You can even manage your home network with the handy Xfinity app.
Should you rent a router? Or buy your own?
It’s easier just to rent a router since then there’s no need for shopping around. And if you get it at no extra cost anyway (as in the case with Verizon and Xfinity plans), then you have nothing to lose. But we recommend buying your own if you can. Having your own modem and router could save you some money and give you more flexibility when it comes to speed, security settings, and more.
Pro tip:
If you play a lot of video games online, consider investing in a gaming router to get the fastest speeds and cut down on lag. The best gaming router for Verizon Fios is the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000, which rocks the house with Wi-Fi 6 capability and Quality of Service (QoS) controls.
Amazon.com Price (as of 8/30/22 10:15 MST). See full disclaimer.
Customer ratings: Verizon vs. Xfinity
| Overall | Speed | Price | Reliability | Customer service | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Home Internet | 3.9/5 | 4.0/5 | 3.6/5 | 4.0/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Xfinity | 3.9/5 | 4.0/5 | 3.5/5 | 3.9/5 | 3.7/5 |
Customers quite like both Verizon and Xfinity, according to our annual customer satisfaction survey. Out of 15 providers, Verizon gets the leading score for reliability and ranks in the top three for speed, price, customer service, and overall satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Xfinity takes the lead for speed—which is saying a lot, considering its cable service is technically slower than Verizon’s fiber. And Xfinity gets top-five ratings for reliability, price, and overall satisfaction.
If our survey is any indication, you’re likely to be happy with either of these providers.
Best TV and internet combos
| Package | Internet speed (download/upload) | TV channels | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Fios + Fios TV | 300–2,300Mbps | 325+ | $159.98/mo. combined w/ Auto Pay | View Plans for Verizon Home Internet |
| Verizon Fios + YouTube TV | 300–2,300Mbps | 100+ | $112.98/mo. combined w/ Auto Pay | View Plans for Verizon Home Internet |
| Xfinity Connect More + Choice TV | 300 Mbps/35Mbps | 10+ | Starting at $68.00/mo.* | |
| Xfinity Connect More + Popular TV | 300 Mbps/35Mbps | 125+ | Starting at $117.65/mo.* | |
| Xfinity Connect More + Ultimate TV | 300 Mbps/35Mbps | 185+ | Starting at $137.65/mo.* |
*Internet: For 12 months. No term contract. Taxes and equipment not included. Includes $10/mo automatic payments and paperless billing discount. TV: No term contract. Broadcast TV and regional sports fee extra; price subj to change. Taxes and equipment not included.
Xfinity is a leading cable provider, so it can get you a solid bundle deal on both internet and TV service. We really like the 1 Gig + Popular TV package because it gives you excellent speeds and a lot of channels.
Verizon doesn’t offer a traditional discount when pairing services. Instead, you can add TV, streaming services, and other perks to your internet service at any time. Verizon’s list of perks includes a Walmart+ membership (with Paramount+), Unlimited Cloud Storage, and more.
Internet technology types: Verizon vs. Xfinity
| Internet type | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon Home Internet | Fiber, 5G home internet | |
| Xfinity | Cable |
Fiber internet is the fastest and most reliable internet you can get, capable of hitting multigigabit speeds and delivering the fastest upload speeds possible. Cable doesn’t have the same fast upload speeds, but it’s much more widely available and tops out at 1,000Mbps download speeds (which is still really fast). 5G home internet reaches download speeds up to a gigabit, but the upload speeds are much slower and there’s a lot of variation throughout the day.
Data caps: Verizon vs. Xfinity
| Data cap | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon Home Internet | None* | |
| Xfinity | None |
* Consumer data usage is subject to the usage restrictions set forth in Verizon’s terms of service; visit: https://www.verizon.com/support/customer-agreement/ for more information about 5G Home and LTE Home Internet or https://www.verizon.com/about/terms-conditions/verizon-customer-agreement for Fios internet.
Both Xfinity and Verizon let you use as much data as you want every month—no data caps in sight. That means no fees for overages, either. Hooray!
Contracts: Verizon vs. Xfinity
| Contract length | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon Home Internet | Month-to-month | |
| Xfinity | Month-to-month |
Both Verizon and Xfinity’s internet plans don’t come with any annual-contract obligations. You can quit any time and you won’t be charged an early termination fee—simple as that.
Installation: Verizon vs. Xfinity
| Installation options | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon Home Internet | $99 (waived when you order online) | |
| Xfinity | Free for Self Installation $100 for professional installation |
Data as of 01/05/2026. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
In most cases, you can install your own internet service whether you get Verizon Fios, Verizon 5G home internet, or Xfinity. That’s the case if you’ve had the service at your home before, and it’s what we recommend to most people.
If you’re getting hooked up for the first time, though, you will need a pro to come out and help. Verizon charges $99 for professional installation, but you can have the price waived by ordering online. Fiber internet isn’t always wired directly to the home, so you might need a technician to come over and set it up from a curbside network node. Xfinity doesn’t charge for pro installs.
If you go with Verizon 5G Home Internet, however, you have to do the install yourself. Lucky for you, it’s as easy as plugging in your gateway and finding an optimal spot.
Availability: Verizon vs. Xfinity
Xfinity has a large nationwide network, available to 130 million people in 40 states. Verizon has a smaller footprint, with a network that can reach 59 million people in 10 East Coast states.
Type in your zip code below to see whether Verizon and Xfinity are available in your area. Let’s see what you can choose from when it comes to packages, prices, and speeds.
Final call: Verizon vs. Xfinity
Verizon is the slam-dunk pick here—its Fios plans give you superb speeds, fast uploads, and no data caps. And you won’t experience any price hikes. The only catch is that the best Verizon plans might not be available in your area. It’s far less widely available than Xfinity.
We’re not so keen on Xfinity’s price hikes, but those are fairly common things you see from other internet providers and not deal-breakers by any means. You can get excellent speeds at a fair price on an Xfinity plan. And Xfinity has some nice bundling options, too, if you’re looking for cable TV.
Methodology
Our HighSpeedInternet.com editorial team bases our analyses on customer input from our annual customer satisfaction survey, results from our speed test tool, and proprietary internet provider data on speeds and pricing. To strengthen our research, we look closely at provider contracts to get hard-to-find information on price hikes, data caps, and extra fees, and we keep tabs on the latest news reports and online reviews. When applicable, we also rely on our personal experiences testing these services.
Disclaimers
† Verizon
- Price per month without select 5G mobile plans.
- Available in select areas only. Price per month without select 5G mobile plans.
-
Consumer data usage is subject to the usage restrictions set forth in Verizon’s terms of service; visit: https://www.verizon.com/support/customer-agreement/ for more information about 5G Home and LTE Home Internet or https://www.verizon.com/about/terms-conditions/verizon-customer-agreement for Fios internet.
All Verizon internet plans
* Price per month with Auto Pay & without select 5G mobile plans. Consumer data usage is subject to the usage restrictions set forth in Verizon’s terms of service; visit: https://www.verizon.com/support/customer-agreement/ for more information about 5G Home and LTE Home Internet or https://www.verizon.com/about/terms-conditions/verizon-customer-agreement for Fios internet.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. HighSpeedInternet.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
Author - Chili Palmer
Chili Palmer covers home tech services, with a special focus on understanding what families need and how they can stay connected on a budget. She handles internet access and affordability, breaking news, mobile services, and consumer trends. Chili’s work as a writer, reporter, and editor has appeared in publications including Telecompetitor, Utah Business, Idaho Business Review, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, and Switchful.com.
Editor - Cara Haynes
Cara Haynes has been editing and writing in the digital space for seven years, and she's edited all things internet for HighSpeedInternet.com for five years. She graduated with a BA in English and a minor in editing from Brigham Young University. When she's not editing, she makes tech accessible through her freelance writing for brands like Pluralsight. She believes no one should feel lost in internet land and that a good internet connection significantly extends your life span.
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