Xfinity vs. Verizon Fios: Comparing internet plans, pricing, speeds and availability

Xfinity and Verizon Fios are two of the largest internet providers in the United States, but they offer very different services. Xfinity primarily delivers internet through cable connections, while Verizon Fios uses a 100% fiber-optic network. This difference can affect everything from speed and reliability to pricing and availability. 

In this article, we break down how these two providers compare on key factors like internet plans, monthly pricing, speed tiers and customer satisfaction. We also explore bundling options, promotional deals, equipment fees and availability by region to help you decide which provider offers the best fit for your home.

Xfinity vs. Verizon Fios: A guide

When choosing an internet service provider, many people compare Xfinity and Verizon Fios. Both providers have strengths and weaknesses. Xfinity is known for broad coverage and lower starting prices. Verizon Fios stands out for fiber speeds, customer satisfaction and price stability.

Xfinity pros and cons

Xfinity offers wide coverage, affordable plans and customizable bundles, but often has lower customer satisfaction, extra fees and price hikes after promotional periods.

Xfinity pros

• Largest coverage of any U.S. provider
• Offers cable internet in many areas
• Plans start as low as $40 per month
• Customizable bundles with TV, home phone and home security

Xfinity cons

• Below-average customer satisfaction for its cable internet, according to ACSI
• Extra fees for modems, routers or installation in some areas
• Post-promotion price increases are common.

Read our full Xfinity review.

Verizon Fios pros and cons

Verizon Fios delivers fast, reliable fiber internet with stable pricing and strong customer satisfaction, but its limited coverage and lack of traditional TV may be drawbacks.

Verizon Fios pros

• Price stability for up to five years
• Fiber-optic internet service up to 2 Gbps in some areas
• Consistently high customer satisfaction
• Budget-friendly internet and mobile bundles

Verizon Fios cons

• Coverage area is one-fourth the size of Xfinity’s.
• Traditional cable TV not available, only streaming bundles

Read our full Verizon Fios review.

Xfinity internet plans

• 300 Mbps: $40–55 per month*
• 500 Mbps: $55–$70 per month* 
• 1,000 Mbps: $70–$80 per month*
• 1,200 Mbps: $100-$115 per month*
• 2,000 Mbps: $100–$115 per month*

* Rates are accurate as of July 2025. Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. Speeds listed are peak download speeds; upload speeds vary by location. 2 Gig speed not available in all locations. 1.2 gig speed will take place of top speed if 2 gig is not available.

Verizon Fios internet plans

• 300 Mbps: $49.99 per month for 300/300 Mbps**
• 500 Mbps: $74.99 per month for 500/500 Mbps**
• 1 Gig: $89.99 per month for 750–940/750–880 Mbps**
• 2 Gig: $109.99 per month for 1,500–2,500/1,500–2,300 Mbps**

** Rates are accurate as of July 2025. Price guarantee for 3-5 years, depending on the internet plan, for new and existing myHome customers. Auto-pay and paperless billing discount included. Prices vary by location and are subject to change. Wired speeds advertised. Wireless speeds may vary due to device limits, multiple users, network & other factors. 

Can you bundle with Xfinity or Verizon Fios?

Both providers offer bundle deals. Xfinity bundles can include internet, TV, streaming, mobile, home phone and home security. Verizon bundles internet, mobile and streaming. Verizon’s mobile network operates separately from its internet service.

Xfinity vs. Verizon Fios speeds

Verizon Fios offers straightforward fiber-optic plans with speeds of 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 1 Gbps and 2 Gbps. Xfinity’s plans offer similar speeds, though it provides cable and hybrid internet.

While both providers offer competitive download speeds, Verizon Fios stands out with significantly faster and more consistent upload speeds, thanks to its fully fiber-optic network.

Xfinity vs. Verizon Fios pricing

Verizon Fios starts at $49.99 per month for its 300 Mbps plan, or $34.99 with a qualifying mobile plan. At the high end, Verizon’s 2 Gbps plan costs $109.99 monthly, or $94.99 with a qualifying mobile line. 

Xfinity’s most affordable option offers 300 Mbps for $40 per month with a one-year price guarantee or $55 per month with a five-year price guarantee. Its 2 Gbps plan is priced similarly to Verizon’s at around $100 per month with a one-year price guarantee, or $115 with a five-year price guarantee. It's also worth noting that Xfinity’s pricing can vary significantly depending on your region.

Xfinity Internet deals

• Discounts on bundled services
• StreamSaver includes three streaming services for $15 per month.
• Save up to $20 a month by bundling internet and mobile for 24 months. 

Verizon Fios Internet deals

• Rotating promotions with reward cards, free streaming or electronics up to $400 value
• ETF reimbursement up to $500 for switching
• Optional professional installation for $99

Does Xfinity or Verizon Fios have extra fees?

Verizon Fios keeps things simple when it comes to fees and terms. While a standard $99 installation fee applies, it’s often waived as part of promotional offers. Verizon includes the modem and router at no extra cost and does not require contracts, which means no early termination fees. Additionally, all Fios internet plans come with unlimited data, so users don’t have to worry about overage charges.

Xfinity offers more flexibility but also more potential fees. Self-installation is free, aside from any applicable shipping charges, while professional installation costs $100. Xfinity plans sometimes come with lower promotional rates if you sign a contract, but canceling early can result in termination fees.

Xfinity vs. Verizon Fios low-cost options

Xfinity’s Internet Essentials program* offers low‑income households access to discounted internet plans, including:

• Up to 75 Mbps for $14.95/month (“Basic”), or
• Up to 100 Mbps for $29.95/month (“Essentials Plus”)

Both tiers include unlimited data, free rental equipment, no contracts and no activation fees

Verizon Forward* is a discount program applicable to eligible Fios, 5G Home or LTE Home internet plans. Qualifying households can receive a credit of up to $30 per month, bringing some plans down to $20 per month depending on service and location.

*To qualify, a household must participate in certain assistance programs (like SNAP, Medicaid, NSLP, WIC, Lifeline, Pell Grant or housing aid). Additional restrictions apply for each program.

Where are Xfinity and Verizon Fios available?

Xfinity has a much broader reach than Verizon Fios, serving customers in 40 states and covering over 34% of the U.S. population. Its service is available in a wide range of urban and suburban areas, including major cities like Atlanta, Chicago, Houston and Salt Lake City. This extensive coverage makes Xfinity a more accessible option for many households across the country.

Verizon Fios, by contrast, is a regional provider focused on the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. It offers service in just eight states (Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia) reaching about 9% of the U.S. population. Despite its limited footprint, Fios is available in several major metro areas, including Boston, Baltimore, New York City, Philadelphia, Norfolk and Washington, D.C.

FAQs

Which is better for speed, Xfinity or Verizon Fios?

Verizon Fios offers better upload speeds due to its fiber-optic network. Both providers offer similar maximum download speeds.

Where can I get Verizon Fios or Xfinity?

Verizon Fios is available in eight eastern states and Washington, D.C. Xfinity is available in areas of 40 states nationwide.

Does either provider have unlimited data? 

Both Verizon Fios and Xfinity offer unlimited data plans.

Can I bundle TV and internet with both providers? 

Xfinity offers traditional cable TV and internet bundles. Verizon Fios offers streaming bundles but no traditional cable TV.

This article was edited with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication.Learn more about Gannett’s AI guidelines and policy here.