FIOS VS XFINITY: WHICH SERVICE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Which service is right for you?
When it comes to high-speed, broadband internet access, direct competitors Verizon Fios and Comcast Xfinity are two of the best products available.
While eash service offers lightning-fast upload and download speeds and ancredibly smooth, multi-device streaming capabilities, there are pros and cons associated with each provider. Below is a side-by-side product comparison of Verizon FiOS and Xfinity.
Xfinity vs Verizon FiOS by the numbers
When it comes to the core differences between Verizon FiOS and Comcast's Xfinity service, both providers are locked in tight competition with one another. Despite similar offerings, there are subtle differences between overall network speeds, available service bundles, installation costs, and local availability. Here's how the two service providers stack up with one another:
| Services | Verizon | Xfinity |
|---|---|---|
| Tech Platform | 100% high-speed fiber optic cable network | Broadband cable |
| Download Speed | 200-940 Mbps | 15-2,000 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 200-800 Mpbs | 15-2,000 Mbps |
| Data Cap | No data cap present | 1,200 GB/month |
| Plan Costs | Minimum $39.99/month, maximum $169/month with bundled cable service and Gigabit Connection Plan | Minimum $39.99/month, maximum $299.95/month Gigabit Pro plan |
| Contracts | No contract necessary | No contract necessary, prorated deals for years 1 & 2 |
| Extras | Cable bundles available with HD channels and 2-show DVR streaming capabilities | Cable bundles available with HD channels and 2-show DVR streaming capabilities |
| Installation Process | Professional fiber optic coaxial cable and Optical Network Terminal installation required | Easy installation featuring pre-assembled kit that includes router and installation instructions |
| Installation Costs | One-time cost of $99.99 | One-time cost of $89.99 |
Basic vs Top Tier Plans
Verizon offers a basic Internet plan at $39.99 per month. That plan gets the end user a 200 mbps streaming speed. As far as top-tier offerings go, Verizon FiOS features the Most FiOS TV and Gigabit Connection plan. At $169.99 per month, this plan gives you access to 425 channels and 940 mbps download speeds and comes with a 2-show DVR device.
Comcast Xfinity offers a basic $39.99 per month plan with 100 mbps download speeds. Xfinity's top-tier plan retails for $299.95 per month and gives you 2,000 mbps download speeds, access to more than 250 channels, and a 6-show DVR device.
Availability by State
Verizon FiOS is available in major metropolitan areas in the following states and Washington D.C.:
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- Washington D.C.
Comcast Xfinity is available in a much wider range of locations, with partial coverage in 39 states. Xfinity's most prominent coverage areas include:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Indiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Northern California
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- Washington State
Cable TV Package Deals
High-speed data capabilities aren't just for internet usage; both providers offer digital cable bundles as well. When choosing which provider is right for youm it's important to consider the differences in Verizon FiOS vs Xfinity's cable services.
- Verizon FiOS digital cable service ranges from 85 to 425 different channels, depending on the bundle you choose; Comcast Xfinity offers anywhere between 10 and 260 different channels
- Verizon FiOS offers 7 possible cable packages with premium add-ons available; Xfinity offers 5 core packages, with smaller "à la carte" add-ons available; Xfinity also runs premium channel promotions for new accounts
- FiOS allows you to DVR 2 shows simultaneously, with 6-show DVR capability available with additional equipment; Xfinity provides 6-show DVR capability right out of the box
- Verizon gives customers 2TB of DVR storage; Xfinity provides 500GB
- Fios features a wide range of on-demand content; Comcast Xfinity features local channels included with all packages
Verizon FiOS vs Comcast Xfinity: A Recap
Both Verizon FiOS and Comcast Xfinity are incredible service offerings that pack a lot of value and flexibility into their product lineups. The choice ultimately comes down to small preference.
While Xfinity's top-tier plan boasts faster download speeds, FiOS boasts a more robust streaming TV experience. The biggest factor often comes down to availability in the service area where you plan to move. Use SmartMove for help determining Internet and cable offerings in your area.
