Frontier vs Xfinity: Our Verdict
Frontier fiber and Xfinity cable represent the new guard versus the old guard of residential internet, with Frontier's pure fiber optic network competing against Xfinity's massive cable infrastructure spanning 39 states plus DC. Frontier offers symmetrical speeds starting at $49.99/mo for 500 Mbps with no data caps, no contracts, and flat-rate pricing, while Xfinity starts at $55/mo for 300 Mbps with a 1.2 TB data cap and the option of a 5-Year Price Guarantee. Frontier's fiber technology delivers fundamentally superior performance in upload speeds, latency, and consistency, making it the better pure internet service wherever both are available.
Our Pick
Frontier
Recommendation
Frontier fiber is the better internet service on technical merits, delivering faster symmetrical speeds, no data caps, and flat-rate pricing at a lower cost than Xfinity's comparable tiers. Xfinity is the pragmatic choice for households that want an all-in-one provider with mobile phone service, extensive TV options, and home security, or for the many addresses where Frontier fiber simply isn't available yet.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Frontier | Xfinity |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $29.99/mo | $20.00/mo |
| Max Internet Speed | 7000 Mbps | 2000 Mbps |
| Available Plans | 7 plans | 18 plans |
| Internet | ||
| TV | ||
| Mobile | ||
| Home Security | ||
| View Frontier Plans | View Xfinity Plans |
Featured Plans
Frontier
Frontier TV — YouTube TV Bundle
Frontier Fiber 1 Gig
Xfinity
Xfinity Home Plus
Xfinity Fast
Xfinity Fast 1 Gbps
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I save by switching from Xfinity to Frontier fiber?
Switching from Xfinity to Frontier can save a significant amount depending on your current plan. Frontier's 500 Mbps symmetrical plan at $49.99/mo versus Xfinity's 300 Mbps plan at $55/mo saves $5/mo on the base price while providing faster speeds. The real savings come from eliminating Xfinity's potential costs for unlimited data ($30/mo add-on), equipment rental fees, and any price increases when promotions expire. A typical Xfinity customer paying for a mid-tier plan with unlimited data and equipment rental could save $30-$60/mo by switching to Frontier fiber.
Does Frontier have data caps like Xfinity?
No, Frontier does not impose data caps on any of its fiber internet plans, regardless of the speed tier. Xfinity enforces a 1.2 TB monthly data cap on most residential plans, with overage charges of $10 per 50 GB block up to a maximum of $100, or a $30/mo unlimited data add-on. A family that streams 4K content on multiple devices and has remote workers can easily approach or exceed 1.2 TB monthly. Frontier's unlimited data policy means you never have to monitor usage or worry about surprise charges.
Is Xfinity's 5-Year Price Guarantee better than Frontier's flat-rate pricing?
Both approaches aim to solve the problem of unpredictable price increases. Xfinity's 5-Year Price Guarantee locks in a specific rate for five years on select plans. Frontier's flat-rate pricing means the price never increases for the life of your service, with no need to select a specific guaranteed plan. Frontier's approach is arguably simpler and more universal since it applies to all plans by default.
Can I keep Xfinity Mobile if I switch to Frontier internet?
No, Xfinity Mobile is only available to active Xfinity internet subscribers, so canceling your Xfinity internet service means you would also lose access to Xfinity Mobile. Frontier does not offer its own mobile phone service, so you'd need to set up a separate wireless plan with a carrier like T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T. Before switching, calculate the total household cost including internet and mobile to ensure the transition still saves you money overall.
How do Frontier and Xfinity compare for streaming and smart home devices?
Frontier fiber provides a more consistently reliable connection for streaming and smart home devices thanks to its low latency, symmetrical speeds, and no data caps. Multiple 4K streams, smart home cameras uploading footage to the cloud, and always-connected IoT devices all benefit from Frontier's stable fiber connection and strong upload bandwidth. Xfinity's 1.2 TB data cap is a concern for households with multiple security cameras that continuously record and upload footage.