Verizon FiOS vs. Xfinity

Verizon and Xfinity are two of the leading internet service providers in the US. Both providers claim to have the best internet plans in the country, but which is better?

As a Cybernews expert, it’s my duty to answer such questions. I joined forces with our research team to compare Verizon FiOS vs. Xfinity and create this guide. I relied on verified, real-world user reviews to enrich this guide since I couldn’t conduct any hands-on equipment testing.

To make this comparison as helpful as possible for you as a potential customer, I focused on key areas like pricing, connection types, data limits, and overall value. By the end, you should have a clear idea about which provider is right for your household.

Verizon FiOS vs. Xfinity: comparison table

This comparison table puts both internet providers side-by-side, showing key features like connection type, download speed, data caps, starting price, contract, and our rating:

Note: Verizon’s starting price is with Auto Pay when bundled with Verizon mobile plans. Xfinity’s prices vary by location and promotional terms.

Verizon FiOS and Xfinity: at a glance

Below is a detailed overview of each internet service, including key pros and cons that you should know about.

Verizon FiOS

Verizon FiOS is a 100% fiber-optic internet service. Its speeds range from 300Mbps to 2.3Gbps, making it suitable for low- and high-bandwidth usage. Verizon FiOS offers symmetrical upload and download speeds thanks to its fiber-optic technology. It is perfect for video conferencing, online gaming, and content creation.

FiOS’ service is consistent even during peak hours. The advanced fiber infrastructure guarantees a stable, fast, low-latency connection. However, Verizon FiOS is currently only available in nine states on the East Coast, including New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. In these areas, however, it often outpaces the competition.

In my opinion, Verizon FiOS's best plan is its 1 Gig for $64.99 offer. This plan offers symmetrical upload and download speeds up to 940Mbps, a free router, and a guarantee that prices will remain the same for up to four years. It also includes streaming perks (including Netflix).

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Xfinity

Xfinity is an internet product launched by Comcast. It stands out for its availability across 41 states, significantly more than Verizon FiOS. Though traditionally cable-focused, Xfinity uses cable and fiber-optic technology (only for the limited 10Gbps plan). Xfinity offers a mix of plans for different needs, which is great.

You can choose from ultra-affordable internet plans to high-end, high-speed fiber options. Xfinity’s speeds can reach up to 6Gbps in some urban areas. However, most users will get between 150Mbps and 1.2Gbps on average.

I think Xfinity’s Superfast plan, which offers up to 800Mbps and costs between $65 and $70/month, is its best offer. It can support 4K streaming, gaming, and multiple users. In general, it should be suitable for most households.

Ultimately, Verizon FiOS is better for heavy users on the East Coast, while Xfinity offers options in 41 states, albeit with limited upload speeds.

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Xfinity vs. Verizon FiOS: plans and pricing

Xfinity and Verizon FiOS have a wide array of plans to satisfy every type of user. From ultra-affordable plans for light browsing and checking emails to plans with dizzying prices (and record speeds) for heavy users, I’ve listed them all below:

Xfinity plans and pricing

Xfinity’s prices depend on your location (North, East, South, and West USA). On the other hand, Verizon’s prices are fixed, so you don’t need to enter your address to see a price:

Verizon FiOS plans and pricing

*Mobile + home discount pricing with Auto Pay & any Verizon mobile plan.

I think both providers have impressive internet plans. Xfinity excels in variety, while Verizon stands out for its symmetrical speeds and clear pricing structure. If you’re on the East Coast, Verizon offers greater consistency and value. However, Xfinity’s ultra-low starting prices are consistent across the US, and it has broader national coverage.

Xfinity vs. Verizon FiOS: connection types and availability

Xfinity and Verizon FiOS have vastly different infrastructures and availability. Xfinity leverages existing infrastructures to spread out as much as possible across the US, while Verizon FiOS uses a cutting-edge, fiber-optic network and is currently only available in a concentrated area.

To make it easier for you to pick between both providers, I’ve sorted the information you need to know into the tables below:

Xfinity connection types and availability

Xfinity uses a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network, combining fiber and cable infrastructure. This allows for broad coverage and competitive speeds. However, peak usage hours may bring down speeds, similar to 5G internet, and uploads remain vastly slower than 100% fiber.

Xfinity is available in 41 states and Washington, D.C., and it’s one of the most widely available internet services in the country.

Verizon FiOS connection types and availability

Verizon FiOS uses a 100% fiber-optic network, which enables it to deliver reliable, symmetrical upload and download speeds and eliminates slowdowns during peak internet usage hours.

However, FiOS is very limited in availability. For now, it is available only on the East Coast. Verizon FiOS serves only nine states, including Washington, D.C.

Verizon FiOS vs. Xfinity: contracts and data limits

Verizon FiOS is a breath of fresh air with its no-contract policy on all plans and month-to-month billing. You can cancel anytime without penalties or extra fees, which is great if you want to avoid long-term commitments or switch in the future. Its pricing is transparent, too, without sudden hikes.

On the other hand, Xfinity offers both contract and no-contract options. All plans — except the lowest-tier (in some areas) — don’t lock you in, but promotional offers may require a one or two-year commitment.

Remember, the prices of these deals often rise significantly once the promotional period ends. Cancelling early can also incur fees.

Data limits are another area where both internet providers differ. Verizon FiOS offers unlimited data on every plan, even on its lowest-tier option. Thus, you don’t have to worry about hitting a ceiling, making it ideal for gamers or streamers.

Xfinity, however, caps monthly data usage at 1.2TB on most plans. But, this is plenty for smaller households. For context, streaming a movie on Netflix in 4K takes up just a few GB per hour.

However, if you download and upload nonstop, you’ll need to monitor your usage. Exceeding the cap costs $10 per 50GB, and you can incur up to $100 extra charges. Alternatively, you can add unlimited data to avoid overage fees.

Verizon FiOS’ unlimited data and no-contract plans offer peace of mind. Xfinity’s variety of plans comes with trade-offs like contracts and data limits.

Verizon FiOS vs. Xfinity: customer reviews

As part of my research for this article, I combed through several pages of customer reviews. Here’s a breakdown of what users like and dislike about these internet providers:

Common praises

• Verizon FiOS. Many users appreciate FiOS’s speed and reliability, reporting consistent performance during peak usage hours, thanks to the 100% fiber-optic network. One user said they have been using FiOS for 9 years without experiencing any issues.
• Xfinity. Users praise Xfinity’s widespread availability and variety of plans. One user noted that having Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots everywhere is great, as it supports on-the-go connectivity. A few users also praised its reliability in urban areas.

Common complaints

• Verizon FiOS. Several users expressed disappointment about its limited availability. Others noted that Verizon’s prices for gigabit plans are higher than Xfinity’s. In one post, a user reported that Verizon is throttling FiOS connections. Another user expressed frustration with Verizon’s customer service.
• Xfinity. The negative comments about Xfinity focused on its frequent rate hikes and data caps. Users also dislike the added fees for exceeding data limits and slow upload speeds compared to FiOS.

Verizon FiOS vs. Xfinity: our verdict

Ultimately, choosing between Verizon FiOS and Xfinity depends on your priorities. Verizon FiOS stands out for its modern fiber network, offering symmetrical speeds, unlimited data, and exceptional reliability. It’s a provider that gamers, streamers, and heavy internet users can rely on. However, its availability is limited to just nine states on the East Coast.

Xfinity excels with its nationwide reach across 41 states and low-cost plans starting at $19.99/month. It’s an obvious choice for budget-conscious households. But, its cable-focused network often slows down during peak usage hours, and most plans include a 1.2TB data cap that may not suit heavy users.

If FiOS is available where you live, it’s the perfect choice for speed and reliability. Otherwise, Xfinity provides cheaper options and has broader coverage.

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