As the two largest internet providers in the country, Comcast and Verizon offer next-generation home connectivity with their Xfinity cable/fiber service and cutting-edge 5G cellular networks respectively. Both promise fast speeds, reliable performance and innovative technology – but which comes out on top for most households?
In this comprehensive guide, we dive into all aspects of Xfinity and Verizon 5G Home Internet to help you determine the best fit.
Introducing the Internet Giants: Comcast and Verizon
Before directly comparing their latest home internet offerings, let‘s get to know these internet service titans.
Comcast Corporation
Founded in 1963 as a regional cable TV provider, Comcast has grown into a media and technology powerhouse valued at over $150 billion. The company owns popular entertainment brands like NBC, Universal Studios, Telemundo, E! and more.
But it‘s Comcast‘s Xfinity internet service that connects over 31 million U.S. households today. Available across 40 states, Xfinity utilizes cutting edge DOCSIS 3.1 cable infrastructure and fiber optic lines to deliver some of the country’s fastest broadband speeds.
Verizon Communications
Emerging from the 1984 breakup of the Bell telephone system, Verizon has become America’s largest wireless carrier with over 118 million subscribers. The company operates an extensive 4G LTE network blanketing over 70% of the country while rapidly building next-gen 5G as well.
Beyond mobile service, Verizon offers home internet via traditional fiber optic Fios or its new wireless 5G Home service. The latter utilizes Verizon’s cellular network instead of cables or fiber – a forward-thinking shift in home connectivity.
Now let‘s explore Xfinity and 5G Home Internet head-to-head across several key categories:
Internet Speeds and Performance
When choosing a home internet service, speed is generally the top priority. With everyday functions like video streaming and online gaming growing increasingly data-intensive, slower connections quickly get bogged down.
Both Xfinity and 5G Home promise fast, reliable whole-home Wi-Fi. But maximum speeds vary across their pricing tiers:
Xfinity Speeds
– Performance Starter: 75 Mbps download / 10 Mbps upload
– Performance: 200 Mbps / 10 Mbps
– Performance Pro: 400 Mbps / 10 Mbps
– Blast!: 800 Mbps / 20 Mbps
– Extreme Pro: 1000 Mbps / 20 Mbps
– Gigabit Pro: 6000 Mbps / 6000 Mbps
The fastest widely available Xfinity plan hits 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps) down. But in very limited areas, symmetrical 6000 Mbps Fiber-to-the-Home connectivity is offered.
Verizon 5G Home Speeds
– 5G Home: 300 Mbps / 10 Mbps
– 5G Home Plus: 1000 Mbps / 50 Mbps
Verizon‘s 5G Home service peaks at 1000 Mbps, though typical speeds range from 300 Mbps to nearly 800 Mbps in practice. This outpaces most Xfinity plans available to the masses.
However, consistency can vary since factors like network traffic, weather and proximity to cell towers impact wireless performance. Xfinity‘s wired connectivity generally maintains steadier throughput without fluctuation.
Still, 5G Home users report very satisfactory speeds – Verizon’s network is robust enough for smooth 4K streaming, gaming, video calls and more in most cases. Reliability continues improving as infrastructure expands.
Availability and Coverage Footprint
The fastest internet service is meaningless if you can’t actually get it where you live. Xfinity maintains a much wider presence currently while Verizon rapidly works to catch up:
Xfinity Availability
– Available in 40+ states
– Covers tens of millions of homes
Having laid cable lines across huge swaths of America over decades past, Xfinity enjoys very extensive reach. It‘s the default choice available in many neighborhoods nationwide.
Verizon 5G Home Availability
– 5G now covers over 230 million Americans
– Home Internet available in 900+ cities
Verizon 5G coverage focuses heavily on major metropolitan areas for now. So chances are higher of accessing the cutting-edge service in urban locations vs rural ones. Availability is improving monthly however.
Verizon also pledges to cover 175 million people with even faster C-band 5G by 2024. If your address can‘t get 5G currently, double checking every few months is advised.
Internet Plans, Pricing and Contracts
Monthly costs and subscription terms make a big impact too when evaluating home internet. Xfinity and Verizon 5G Home take differing approaches here:
Xfinity Plans & Pricing
– Numerous plan tiers based on speed
– Prices rise after 12 month promos
– Up to 2 year contracts on higher tiers
– Extra fees like $14/month modem rental
There‘s no single easy answer to “How much is Xfinity internet?”. Costs vary widely between speed tiers and regions. Introductory rates also jump significantly once promotional periods for higher plans end. This complexity frustrates some subscribers.
However, Xfinity does cater to virtually any budget. Those with basic needs or limited means can spend as little as $20 monthly.
Verizon 5G Home Plans & Pricing
– Two straightforward options:
– 5G Home: $50/month
– 5G Home Plus: $70/month
– Price guaranteed for three years
– No extra equipment fees
Rather than convoluted pricing charts, Verizon sticks to two distinct service options. 5G Home includes respectable 300+ Mbps speeds for just $50 monthly. 5G Home Plus ups that to nearly 1 Gbps for $70.
Without promos or equipment rentals driving up long term costs, Verizon bills stay highly predictable. Plus rates are locked in for three full years – much longer assurance than what Xfinity provides.
This transparency and stability resonates with many homeowners looking avoid complexity. However, the lone $50 entry-level plan leaves lower income families without very low-cost options that Xfinity caters to.
Connection Reliability and Uptime
Frustrating internet outages can instantly derail work video calls, school assignments and entertainment streams. Both providers aim for industry-leading uptime and issue refunds if unable to meet targets:
Xfinity Reliability
– Delivers 99% uptime
– $20 service credit for each day below 99%
Leveraging its extensive wired infrastructure, Xfinity averages an impressive 99% uptime goal across its network – on par with other top cable providers. Should outages total over eight hours in month, $20 credits apply.
Verizon 5G Home Reliability
– Promises 99.9% uptime
– $20 service credit for each day below
Verizon also guarantees a 99.9% or better uptime goal. Ifunable to maintain this higher standard for a day or longer per month, impacted users receive $20 bill reductions as compensation.
Statistically, wired networks see less downtime than wireless. But 4G LTE fillscoverage gaps nicely where 5G is still scaling up. Both ISPs deliver largely consistent, dependable connectivity barring extreme circumstances.
Internet Data Caps
Major ISPs now impose monthly data limitscalled “caps”on many plans – extra fees apply above set thresholds. Here’s how Xfinity and Verizon 5G Home compare:
Xfinity Data Caps
– 1.2 TB monthly limit
– $10 charged per 100 GB above
Xfinity users face a 1.2 TB ceiling understandard plans. While sufficient for most, 4K-streaming households can exceed this and incur overage charges. Unlimited data upgrades areavailable for extra fees.
Verizon 5G Home Data Caps
– No caps whatsoever
– Use as much data as you want
Free of any limits, Verizon 5G Home subscribers enjoy unlimited quantities of data every billing cycle. Download, stream and share to your heart‘s content without constraints or concerns over overages.
For today‘s bandwidth-hungry smart homes, having no capsto worry about provides peace of mind. It‘s one less thing to monitor and budget for each month.
Technology and Hardware
The equipment and infrastructural technology powering Xfinity and 5G Home offers another interesting comparison point:
Xfinity Technology
– Hybrid Fiber Coaxial Network
– Fiber-to-the-Home expanding
– Wi-Fi 6E gateways w/ 2.5 Gbps ports
Leveraging both fiber optic cabling andcoaxial lines, Xfinity’s core network brings gigabit speeds to millions readily. Where pure Fiber-to-the-Home hasn‘t reached yet, next-gen DOCSIS 3.1 cable lines deliver.
Provided gateway routers boast Wi-Fi 6E support and fast 2.5 Gbps ethernet for optimal home device connectivity.
Verizon 5G Home Technology
– 5G and 4G LTE cellular network
– 5G has 1 Gbps peak speeds
– Wi-Fi 6 router with external antenna
Rather than any fixed cabling, Verizon 5G Home literally cuts the cord – connecting your home to America‘s largest wireless network instead. This gives residents flexibility traditional ISPs can‘t match.
The supplied router links with nearby 5G towers usinga built-in Qualcomm modem and external antenna. 13 additional Wi-Fi antennas blast speedy signals across your interior space.
Customer Service and Satisfaction
Given monolithic providers like Comcast and Verizon boast millions of subscribers each, customer care that’s attentive and effective at resolving issues can be hit or miss. Here is how they generally rate:
Xfinity Customer Satisfaction
– Mixed reviews on support experience
– Resources include live chat, stores, and ticket systems
– Offers loyalty discounts for long-time subscribers
Being one of just a few options in many areas, some Xfinityusers feel “trapped” when technical problems occur. Satisfaction with customer service varies widely in forums and reviews. On the other hand, loyal multi-year patrons tout better treatment and loyalty rewards.
Verizon Customer Satisfaction
– Strong satisfaction with 5G Home’s reliability
– Concierge-style onboarding and support
– Standout equipment troubleshooting process
Early adopters of bleeding edge 5G Home Internet report very pleasing experiences dealing with Verizon support teams. Hands-on, concierge treatment helps users set up unfamiliar equipment smoothly. Given the cutting edge nature of 5G Home currently, this level of attentive assistance is invaluable.
Verizon also stands out for system tools that remotely diagnose and solve router issues without waiting for a technician visit.
The Bottom Line: Key Takeaways
Comcast Xfinity and Verizon 5G Home Internet both supply speedy, modern home connectivity – but have some trade-offs based on your location, budget and priorities:
