Verizon Fios vs. Xfinity Internet and TV: Which Service is Right For You?
Verizon Fios and Comcast Xfinity are two of the best home Internet and TV options out there. Fios brings 100% fiber to your door, with upload speeds that match download speeds on most plans. Xfinity reaches more neighborhoods, with service in roughly 40 states plus Washington, D. C., and pairs its Internet with flexible TV and streaming options.
Each Internet service provider (ISP) offers fast upload and download speeds and smooth, multi-device streaming, so the best fit comes down to what matters most to your family. Below, we walk through how Fios and Xfinity compare when it comes to Internet, TV packages, channel lineups, and streaming, so you can find the one that fits your household.
Prices and plans reflect what Verizon and Xfinity list in October 2026. Keep in mind that offers change from time to time, so it’s important to check before you order.
Xfinity vs Verizon Fios Internet Speeds, Prices, and Plans
Fios and Xfinity both include WiFi equipment, unlimited data, and no annual contract on current plans, so you're off to a strong start either way. The main differences come down to upload speed, top speed tier, and how long each provider locks in your price.
Fios runs fiber all the way to your home, so you’ll get symmetrical upload and download speeds on most plans, which comes in handy for video calls and big file uploads. Xfinity's cable network delivers fast downloads perfect for households with heavy video streamers and gamers.
Here's how the two ISPs stack up with one another:
| Verizon Fios | Xfinity | |
|---|---|---|
| Connection Type | 100% Fiber-optic network | Hybrid fiber and coaxial cable network, with fiber in select areas |
| Download Speed | 300 Mbps to 5 Gbps | 300 Mbps to 1 Gbp, depending on address |
| Upload Speed | Matches download on most plans | Lower than download; varies by plan and address |
| Data Cap | Unlimited Data | Unlimited Data |
| Plan Costs | About $30/month (300 Mbps) to $100/month (5 Gig) with Auto Pay and paperless billing; taxes and fees included | About $45/month (300 Mbps) to $75/month (1 Gig); taxes extra |
| Contracts | No annual contract; a price lock guarantee for 3 or 5 years, depending on plan | No annual contract; 5-year price guarantee for eligible plans |
| Extras | TV and mobile bundles available. Router included; WiFi extender included with 1 Gig and faster plans; discounted streaming perks available. | TV and mobile bundles available. WiFi equipment included; eligible plans include one Xfinity Mobile line for a year. |
| Installation Process | Professional installation of an optical network terminal (ONT) for new fiber connections; setting it up yourself is an option at some addresses | Kit you can install yourself, with same-day activation through the Xfinity app in many areas; professional installation available |
| Installation Costs | $99 setup fee may apply; Verizon waives it when you pair Fios with an eligible Verizon mobile plan | No technician needed for self-install; professional installation fees vary by address |
Sources: Verizon Fios plans and Xfinity deals, October 2026.
Basic Internet vs Top-Tier Internet Plans
Verizon Fios starts at about $40/month with Auto Pay for its Fios 300 Mbps plan, or less if you also have an eligible Verizon mobile plan. That plan gets you 300 Mbps download and upload speeds with a three-year price guarantee.
At the top end, Verizon Fios offers 2 Gig and 5 Gig plans in select areas. Fios 5 Gig costs about $100/month and averages 4.5 to 5.3 Gbps wired in both directions. The more common Fios 1 Gig plan costs about $80/month for up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload, with a five-year price guarantee.
Comcast Xfinity's least expensive plan delivers 300 Mbps for $45/month, with a five-year price guarantee, plus WiFi equipment and unlimited data. Xfinity's 1 Gig plan costs $70/month for five years.
If you work from home, share large files, or livestream, you’ll want to compare upload speeds alongside prices. SmartMove's speed calculator can help you figure out how much speed your household needs, and our guide to fiber vs. cable Internet explains the technology behind each connection.
Where Fios and Xfinity Are Available
Verizon Fios fiber-optic Internet is available in major metropolitan areas of the Mid-Atlantic and New England, including the following states and Washington, D.C. (see all coverage areas):
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- Washington D.C.
Fios is growing, too. Verizon completed its acquisition of Frontier, expanding its fiber network to almost 30 million homes and businesses across 31 states and Washington, D.C. If you live in a former Frontier area, Verizon recommends checking availability through Frontier's website.
Comcast Xfinity is available in a much wider range of locations, with service in roughly 40 states plus Washington, D.C. Coverage varies within each state, so the easiest way to know what you can get is to check your address.
The two providers overlap most in the Mid-Atlantic and parts of New England, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C. If you're lucky enough to have both on your street, the rest of this guide will help you figure out which is best for household needs.
One quick tip: Fios TV isn't offered everywhere Fios Internet is, so confirm TV availability when you check your address.
Verizon Fios vs. Xfinity TV
Both providers offer traditional TV packages with a set-top box, plus apps for watching on phones, tablets, and streaming devices. Fios is a great option for viewers who love big channel lineups and packages you can customize.
Xfinity keeps things simple by including cloud DVR, a 4K TV box, and broadcast fees in every live TV plan, and it offers affordable streaming options for Internet customers.
Take a closer look at how the two TV services compare, feature by feature.
| Verizon Fios TV | Xfinity TV | |
|---|---|---|
| Plans | Seven main plans, from Fios TV: Local to The Most Fios TV | Sports & News TV, TV Plus, and TV Premium, plus NOW TV streaming |
| Channels | 60 to 425+ | 50+ to 185+ live; 270+ on NOW TV |
| Monthly price | $70 to $149 with Auto Pay | $90 to $135; Comcast says live TV costs $10 less with Xfinity Internet |
| Channel choice | Your Fios TV lets you pick 5 favorite channels from almost 200 networks | Set packages, plus optional sports and premium channels |
| Local channels | Included in every plan; Fios TV: Local carries 60 local channels | Included in every live TV plan |
| Sports | Regional sports networks on More Fios TV and above; NBA League Pass and MLB Extra Innings packages | ESPN Unlimited access on every live TV plan; regional sports networks on TV Premium; NFL RedZone in a $9.95/month package |
| Premium channels | Paramount+ with SHOWTIME on Your Fios TV Spotlight; MGM+, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and Starz on The Most Fios TV | Peacock Premium on Sports & News TV; premium channels cost extra |
| Equipment | First set-top box included; Verizon router required for full features | First 4K TV box and Voice Remote included |
| DVR | Basic DVR on More Fios TV; Multi-Room DVR on The Most Fios TV | 300 hours of cloud DVR on every live TV plan |
| Apps and mobile | Fios TV Mobile app, tv.verizon.com, and the Fios TV Home app on Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV | Xfinity Stream app on phones, computers, and smart TVs |
| Spanish and international | Mundo TV and Mundo Total TV plans; channels in 20+ languages | NOW TV Latino with 200+ channels for $15/month; international channel packages |
| Fees and contracts | No regional sports or broadcast fees; $99 setup and taxes may apply; no annual contract | Broadcast and regional sports fees built into the price; taxes extra; no contract |
Sources: Verizon Fios TV plans and Xfinity X1 TV plans, October 2026.
Verizon Fios TV Packages Explained
Fios TV has a plan for nearly every kind of viewer. Verizon offers seven main plans, plus two Spanish-language plans, ranging from a package with only your local channels to The Most Fios TV, which carries every channel Fios offers. Each plan includes your first set-top box rental, and the listed prices apply when you sign up for Auto Pay and paperless billing.
| Fios TV plan | Price | Channels | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local TV | $70/month | 60 local channels | Households that want local news and network shows on a set-top box |
| Fios TV Essentials | $75/month | 125+ | Entertainment fans who want networks like Hallmark, Food Network, and Comedy Central for less |
| Your Fios TV | $105/month | 125+ | Viewers who want to choose 5 favorite channels and let Verizon build the rest of the lineup |
| Your Fios TV Spotlight | $105/month | 125+ | Viewers who want networks like CNN, TNT, and BET, plus Paramount+ with SHOWTIME |
| Fios TV Test Drive | $105/month | 425+ for 60 days | Viewers who are unsure which plan fits; Verizon recommends one after 60 days |
| More Fios TV | $129/month | 325+ | Sports fans who want regional sports networks and basic DVR |
| The Most Fios TV | $149/month | 425+ | Households that want every channel, Multi-Room DVR, and MGM+, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and Starz |
Prices above reflect Verizon's listings as of October 2026 and may vary based on additional packages, taxes, offers, and enrollment in Auto Pay. A $99 setup fee may also apply.
All of the above packages include On Demand, Pay Per View, and parental controls through the on-screen guide, and let you add different sports packages, premium channels, Spanish packages, and international channels.
Fios TV Channel Lineup and Local Channels
Your Fios TV channel lineup depends on your package and your address. Local stations such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX vary by market, so your lineup may look a little different from a friend's in another city. On the bright side, every Fios TV plan includes local channels, and Verizon doesn't add separate broadcast or regional sports fees to your bill.
Don’t sit and scroll through 425+ channel listings. Do these four steps instead to make comparing packages easy:
- List your must-have channels. Write down the networks your household watches every week, including any regional sports network.
- Check the official lineup. Search Verizon's Fios TV channel lineup tool by address to see which package carries each network.
- Pick the smallest package that covers your list. If one or two favorites sit in a higher tier, Your Fios TV may be your best option, since you get to choose 5 channels and Verizon builds the rest of the lineup around them. You can change your 5 picks every month at no charge.
- Factor in premium channels. HBO, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and Starz are extras on most plans, and The Most Fios TV includes several of them.
Fios TV Equipment and DVR
Every Fios TV plan includes your first set-top box rental and a Fios TV Voice Remote with built-in Google Assistant. Want TV in more rooms? You can rent extra boxes monthly. Fios TV works best with a Verizon router, which comes with Fios Internet. Without Fios Internet, you can rent one for $18/month or buy one for $399.99.
If you love recording shows, DVR options vary by plan.
- Basic DVR (More Fios TV): Record up to 2 shows at once while you watch TV.
- Multi-Room DVR Enhanced (The Most Fios TV): Watch recordings on up to 5 TVs and record up to 6 shows at once. You can start a show in one room and finish it in another.
- Multi-Room DVR Premium (upgrade): Watch on up to 10 TVs and record up to 12 shows at once.
Local, Fios TV Essentials, and the Your Fios TV plans don't list DVR service, so be sure to ask about adding it if recording is a must for your household. If you ever change plans, return any boxes you no longer need to avoid equipment charges.
Watching Fios TV Without a Cable Box
Not every TV needs a set-top box. Fios gives you two flexible ways to watch on other screens.
- Fios TV Home app: Stream live TV and On Demand content on your own Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV device while it's connected to your home Verizon router. The Most Fios TV includes unlimited device connections with up to 2 streams at once. Eligible new customers on other plans can try the same feature free for their first 2 months.
- Fios TV Mobile app and tv.verizon.com: Watch on your phone, tablet, or computer at home or on the go.
For bigger households, keep in mind that the Home app supports two streams at once. If three people want to watch different shows at the same time, a set-top box on the third TV keeps everyone happy.
Can You Cancel Fios TV and Keep Fios Internet?
Yes, you can. Verizon lets you keep Fios Internet on its own, even if you cancel or change your TV plan. These four steps help make the switch easy:
- Check your Internet price first. Ask Verizon what your Internet plan will cost on its own. Bundle pricing and older plans can change once TV comes off your account, and Verizon's price guarantee covers your base Internet rate rather than discounts or promotions.
- Set up your replacement first. Start your streaming service or connect an antenna before you cancel so you don't miss your favorite shows.
- Return your set-top boxes. Sending boxes back right away helps you avoid unreturned equipment charges, which Verizon lists at \$375 for a Fios TV One box and \$115 for a Fios TV One Mini.
- Keep your router. Your Verizon router stays with your Internet service.
Xfinity makes it easy, too. Its current TV plans have no contract, so you can drop TV and keep your Xfinity Internet. If you signed up under an older promotion or a minimum term agreement, those terms stay in place until they end.
Xfinity TV Options
Xfinity offers live TV plans on its X1 platform and streaming options for Xfinity Internet customers. In December 2025, Comcast made its live TV plans easier to understand, with one national price that includes the TV box, DVR, and broadcast fees, and no contract.
Xfinity X1 Live TV Plans
As a more traditional TV service and Xfinity’s primary option, X1 uses a 4K TV box to provide local, cable, sports, and premium channel packages. These are the three live TV packages to choose from:
- Sports & News TV ($90/month): Local channels plus top live sports and news networks, including ESPN and CNN. This package features 50+ channels and includes Peacock Premium.
- TV Plus ($105/month, formerly Popular TV): This package features 125+ channels, including ESPN, Nickelodeon, TBS, and other cable networks.
- TV Premium ($135/month, formerly Ultimate TV): This package features 185+ channels, including NBA TV, Disney Channel, and other sports and entertainment channels.
Prices above come from Xfinity's listings as of October 2026. Comcast says you'll save $10/month on live TV when you bundle it with Xfinity Internet. Taxes and optional packages, such as the $9.95/month More Sports & Entertainment package with NFL RedZone, are extra.
All of the above packages include the following:
- On-demand access to thousands of movies and TV shows.
- Optional channels, including sports packages, premium channels, and international channels.
- 300 hours of cloud DVR storage, plus your first 4K TV box and Voice Remote.
- Free access to the Xfinity Stream app so you can watch your full channel lineup on any compatible device.
- ESPN Unlimited access.
Xfinity Streaming Options
If you aren't looking for a traditional TV plan, Xfinity has two streaming options worth a look, both available to its Internet and TV customers through its StreamStore.
- NOW TV ($20/month): 270+ streaming channels with Peacock Premium (with ads) included. NOW TV Latino offers 200+ channels, including 45+ Spanish-language channels, for $15/month.
- StreamSaver (from $18/month): Bundles streaming apps like Netflix (with ads), Peacock Premium, and Apple TV for less than you'd pay for each one on its own.
Streaming customers get their first 4K streaming box with the activation fee waived, and extra boxes cost $5/month.
Xfinity Streaming App
The Xfinity Stream app is exclusive to Xfinity customers and works with Xfinity Internet or TV service. If you're an X1 subscriber, you can watch live TV, On Demand, and your DVR recordings on phones, computers, and smart TVs, at home or on the go. If you have Xfinity Internet only, the app still works with a smaller selection, so check what's included with your plan.
Fios TV vs. Streaming Services
Plenty of households weigh Fios TV against live TV streaming services, whether they're signing up for the first time or rethinking their bill. Verizon even sells YouTube TV to its Home Internet customers, with $20/month off the $82.99 price for the first six months for new subscribers.
| Service | Monthly price | Channels | DVR | Provider requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fios TV | $70 to $149 | 60 to 425+ | Included with More Fios TV and The Most Fios TV | Fios fiber at your address |
| Xfinity TV | $90 to $135 | 50+ to 185+ | 300 hours of cloud DVR | Xfinity service area |
| NOW TV (Xfinity) | $20 | 270+ | Check plan details | Xfinity Internet or TV customer |
| YouTube TV | $82.99 | 100+ | Unlimited, recordings kept for 9 months | Any Internet provider |
| Hulu + Live TV | About $100 to $110, with Disney+ and ESPN Select | 95+ | Unlimited | Any Internet provider |
| DirecTV streaming | $95+ depending on package | 90+ | Unlimited | Any Internet provider |
Streaming prices reflect list prices as of October 2026 and can change, so take a quick look at each service beforehand.
Streaming can be a great fit if your household watches a handful of favorite channels and enjoys using apps. Before you make the switch, check these three things:
- Your Internet speed. Plan on about 25 Mbps for each HD stream, and more if several people stream at once. Run a speed test to see where you stand.
- Your channel list. Networks such as A\&E, History, and Lifetime aren't on every streaming service, so it's worth comparing lineups for your favorites.
- Your devices. Each TV will need a smart TV app or a streaming device, so budget for a one-time purchase if you need one.
For more help, see SmartMove's streaming services guide and our guide to whether cord cutting is right for you.
H2: How to Compare Your Total Monthly Cost
A little math up front can save you a surprise on your first bill. Add up each piece below to see your true monthly cost for Fios or Xfinity.
- Internet plan: Fios prices include taxes and fees. Xfinity adds taxes on top.
- TV package: Price the package that covers your must-have channels, which may not be the cheapest one on the list.
- Extra boxes: Both providers include one TV box. Each additional TV needs a rented box or an app on a streaming device.
- DVR: Multi-Room DVR on Fios costs extra unless you choose The Most Fios TV.
- Premium channels and sports packages: HBO, Starz, NFL RedZone, and league passes cost extra on most plans.
- One-time fees: Verizon may charge a $99 setup fee.
To get you started, the table below compares three popular setups at list prices as of October 2026, before taxes, extra boxes, and optional packages.
| Setup | Internet | TV | Monthly total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fios 1 Gig + More Fios TV | $90 | $129 | $219 |
| Xfinity 1 Gig + TV Plus | $70 | $95 to $105 | $165 to $175, plus taxes |
| Fios 1 Gig + YouTube TV | $90 | $82.99 | $172.99, plus a streaming device for each TV |
Pairing Fios Internet with a streaming service can bring your bill close to an Xfinity bundle. It all depends on whether you prefer the ease of a set-top box or the flexibility of apps.
FAQs
How SmartMove Can Help You Choose
For most households, the Fios vs. Xfinity question starts with what's available at home, and we make that part easy. Enter your address in SmartMove's address lookup tool to see which Internet and TV providers serve your home, then compare plans side by side and get service scheduled before moving day.