Jump to: Side-by-side comparison | Plans and pricing | Important features | Equipment | Customer experience | Coverage area | Pros and cons | Bundles | FAQ

Bottom line

If you’re a gamer or just need a lot of upload speed, choose Verizon. Verizon Fios Home Internet delivers fast, reliable internet speeds over its fiber-optic network. Its upload speeds are much faster than most other internet providers, so it’s great for gaming and uploading videos.

Parents and bargain hunters should take a closer look at Xfinity for its overall value and advanced control settings. With fast download speeds on affordable packages, Xfinity offers a lot of value. Plus, Xfinity xFi gives you added security and control by enabling you to set limits on devices using your network.

*Price w/Auto Pay + taxes & equip. Charges.
^†for the first 12 months.
Data current as of 01/09/2020. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Packages and pricing

These two giant ISPs have comparable download speeds and prices across most of the packages they offer. Xfinity gets a slight edge for download speeds on its high and low-end packages, but Verizon dominates for upload speed.

The Verizon DSL packages don’t offer a lot of speed, but they can be a reliable and affordable option if you can’t get Fios in your area.

We listed all the Verizon Fios Home Internet offers which are generally available in the Northeast.

Takeaway

Verizon Fios Home Internet packages offer fast download speeds at affordable rates, but the upload speeds really stand out—especially for gaming and uploading video. Fios offers faster upload speeds than most other providers, including Xfinity. If you like gaming online or uploading video, Verizon Fios is a good choice.

Enter your ZIP to see if Verizon Fios is available in your area.

The most affordable Xfinity packages offer a bit more speed than the lower-end Verizon packages. On its top-tier package, Xfinity offers more than double the speed you can get with Verizon. However, that much extra speed won’t be worth the cost for most customers—it’s just overkill for the average household. Plus, the availability is extremely limited. Don’t count on it being available where you live.

Takeaway

You’ll get plenty of download speed on affordable packages from Xfinity. Aside from the exceptions mentioned above, you’ll find comparable download speeds and pricing on packages from both these ISPs. Packages vary by location, so the internet package that delivers the best value will depend on what each ISP offers in your specific area. Be sure to check your availability before committing to a provider.

Important features

Verizon

100% fiber-optic network

Verizon prides itself on the 100% fiber-optic network it uses for its Fios service. With most Verizon Fios Home Internet packages, you’ll enjoy upload speeds that match your download speeds. Fast upload speeds can give you an advantage when gaming online or reduce the time it takes to send videos to cloud storage. It’s the fiber-optic technology that makes those kinds of luxuries possible.

While newer technologies like 5G are hitting the market, Verizon’s 100% fiber-optic network is still a cutting-edge internet technology. If you can get Verizon Fios Home Internet, you’re in for a reliable connection with fast speeds—even for large households with lots of devices.

Xfinity

Hotspots

Subscribing to Xfinity internet gives you access to the Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspot network. With millions of hotspots nationwide, you can get online in neighborhoods across America without using data from your mobile phone plan.

xFi Home Networking

The Xfinity xFi system lets you control your home network from your smartphone. You can see all the devices on your network and set time and data limits on each one. So, if Junior hasn’t finished his homework yet because he’s playing Fortnite, you can disconnect his device to eliminate the distraction.

You can also use xFi for more traditional parental controls and security like firewalls and password protections on questionable content. You’ll love the peace of mind that comes with knowing your family can browse the internet without putting themselves or you home network at unnecessary risk.

To use all the cool xFi features, you’ll need an xFi Gateway, which costs an additional $13-14 per month, plus some taxes and fees. If you want to extend your xFi network without losing any of its functionality, you’ll also need xFi Pods to extend the signal.

Equipment

Both Verizon and Xfinity charge comparable equipment rental fees. Verizon’s equipment charge is $15.00 per month (router is included with Fios Gigabit Connection), and Xfinity charges $13.00 to $14.00 per month. These fees could be higher if you need any additional or specialty equipment.

Despite these extra fees, we recommend using the ISP issued equipment for compatibility and troubleshooting purposes. The respective tech support departments from each provider can help you fix or replace equipment more easily when they’re familiar with it. If you buy your equipment from a third party, you could be on your own if it fails.

On the flip side, every month you save money by not paying a rental fee makes purchasing your equipment a better value. Tech-savvy people who can troubleshoot their own internet equipment might find buying a modem/router more cost-effective, especially when using the same ISP for a long time.

Customer experience

Speeds and pricing are the most important, but they’re not everything. Before you sign your name on the dotted line, consider what your experience will be as a customer of either of these ISPs.

Verizon and Xfinity both charge for setting up internet service. Verizon setup will cost you $99.00, while the Xfinity installation fee will cost up to $89.99. These costs are for the standard installation scenarios. If your installation requires above-average material or labor, the fees could be higher.

Both these ISPs offer self-installation options on some packages. If you have this option and know your setup will be simple, we recommend self-installation. It will save you money and, for most customers, the process is easy. Use this handy article to get more information if you want to self-install Xfinity internet.

Both Verizon and Xfinity offer 24/7 customer support. You can access troubleshooting guides and online chat assistance from both Verizon and Xfinity. If you’d rather speak to a person, you can do that too. You’ll find the customer service phone numbers for each of these providers on their respective support pages listed below.

There’s always promotional offers going on, so make sure to keep an eye out for extra goodies you can get from your ISP. For example, Verizon has lately been offering to cover a year’s worth of Disney+ to customers switching to Verizon Fios Home Internet or Verizon 5G Home Internet. Click here for more details on this limited-time deal.

Xfinity student discounts

Xfinity is a solid option for college students. Not only will you get a student discount on your Xfinity internet service, but you can also use the xFi home network to turn off your internet for focused study time every night.

Security

Verizon Protect Home

Verizon helps keep your network safe with Verizon Protect Home, its network security plan.

You can add Verizon Protect Home to your internet service for $25 a month. The program features 24/7 tech support, including options for online chat, service requests and the ability to set up sessions with Verizon’s tech experts. The plan also includes two annual in-home visits where tech experts can offer assistance in person. 

Verizon Protect Home offers multiple security and privacy safeguards for qualifying devices and products. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) will let you set up secure Wi-Fi connections, and there’s also monitoring and support to protect against identity theft. 

On top of that, Verizon Protect Home provides coverage for mechanical and electrical failures of non-Fios home products no longer covered by manufacturer warranties. Eligible tablets, laptops, wearable electronics, and other portable devices are covered against accidental drops and spills, so you’ll be able to repair a screen if it gets cracked.

Xfinity security features

Along with the spectacular parental controls you get with xFi, Xfinity also offers security options to protect your network.

Your Xfinity internet subscription comes with Norton™ Security Online, which prevents viruses and malware from infecting your computer and other devices.

If you want more security than that, add Norton Wi-Fi Privacy to your Xfinity service. This service will encrypt your data to create a virtual private network (VPN). This protects your data from public view and lets you browse the web anonymously. Xfinity customers can add Norton Wi-Fi Privacy protection for one year for just $3.33 per month for coverage of up to five devices, totaling $39.99 for the first year. After the first year, the subscription will renew automatically at full price ($79.99) unless you cancel it.

Xfinity customers can also get discounts on LifeLock identity theft protection. This service will alert you to potential threats to your personal information. It can also help you resolve any issues and potentially even reimburse you if someone uses your stolen identity to steal your funds. Ask your sales rep about adding this service and the value it brings when you sign up for your Xfinity internet package.

Availability and coverage

Verizon offers residential internet service in ten states. Xfinity offers it in forty. These are two of the biggest companies in the industry. They don’t compete in as many areas as some other ISPs, but when they do, it’s a heavyweight bout.

Pros and cons of Verizon and Xfinity

Add TV to your internet service for an entertainment bundle.

Bundling your TV service with your internet is a great option because it can save you money and hassle. With a bundle, you can manage your TV and internet services on one bill, so you have one less thing to worry about.

Both of these companies offer great TV services that you can bundle with your internet service. You can get Your Fios TV from Verizon, and Xfinity is a leading cable TV provider.

FAQ about Verizon and Xfinity

Is Verizon Fios Home Internet cheaper than Xfinity?

Verizon and Xfinity packages vary by location. Getting the most download speed for your money will depend on the specific packages offered in your area. However, you will get much more upload speed from Verizon Fios Home Internet than you would on similarly priced Xfinity packages.

Which is better, Verizon or Xfinity?

Xfinity offers more download speed on both its highest package tier and its lowest package tier, but on most packages, the download speed is comparable. Verizon has far better upload speeds than Xfinity, but Xfinity xFi home networking offers unique and useful controls you’ll find valuable.

Does Fios have hotspots like Xfinity?

Fios doesn’t offer the same network of public Wi-Fi hotspots as Xfinity, which maintains over 15 million hotspots that subscribers can sign into across the country. However, Verizon subscribers can use their phone, tablet or a wireless device like the Ellipsis Jetpack to create mobile hotspots for multiple users who need high-speed internet while hitting the streets. 

Is Fios better than Xfinity?

Though both providers offer solid deals, where Verizon stands out is with its Fios fiber-optic network. Fiber offers a much faster connection compared to cable, and Fios is known for offering high upload speeds—useful for activities that require lots of bandwidth, like online gaming, making video calls, and working over cloud-based servers. 

Are Verizon and Xfinity the same?

Both providers are unique in their own special ways. Verizon and Xfinity both specialize in high-speed internet at a reasonable price. Where they differ is that Verizon offers faster-than-usual upload speeds, while Xfinity has slightly better pricing, more controls for a home network, and public hotspots across the country.

Is Xfinity internet good?

Short answer? Yes, it’s good. Depending on what you need out of your Wi-Fi, Xfinity should have you covered—whether it’s an affordable plan, home parenting controls, or ultra-fast gigabit download speeds that will blow the hat off your head like a gale force wind.  

Our verdict

You can’t really go wrong with either provider here. Generally, they both offer good download speeds and affordable prices, but Verizon has a big advantage in upload speeds. The superfast upload speeds from Verizon make it great for gamers or people who like to upload or broadcast videos.

If you’re concerned only with download speeds, consider an Xfinity package. Xfinity also has extensive network monitoring tools and controls that parents will find refreshing and useful.