Xfinity vs. Spectrum | Who Offers Better Internet? (2024)

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.

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 500 Mbps plan only. Spectrum’s gigabit plan does not have an equipment fee.

Read our full Spectrum review.

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 500–1,000 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 two internet plans are either $50 or $70, while Xfinity price points generally span from $20 to $299.95, 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

Xfinity internet plans

Xfinity pricing is determined by region. The values in the following table may vary based on your location.

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 $125/mo. for 500 Mbps with the Select Signature plan (150+ channels). on streaming or satellite TV options. A comparable Xfinity bundle with similar speeds and number of channels 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

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