Astound Vs Xfinity: Which ISP Provider Is Best For You?
A reliable and high-speed Internet connection for day-to-day activities is not a luxury but a necessity. Numerous ISPs are competing to meet this growing demand so that you get the best service. Astound and Xfinity are among them.
When you have no options left than these two ISPs, comparing Astound Vs Xfinity can be challenging. Let us tell you why! Astound and Xfinity are both powered by RCN1. Both offer ultra-fast internet for $25/month for one year.
With so many similarities, you might be wondering how to compare these two ISPs. Both ISPs have many differences in addition to similarities. For example – the starting bandwidth with Astound Broadband is more than Xfinity.
Moreover, Astound has no data cap, while Xfinity’s data is limited to 1.2TB. There are many such differences you will find out once you know their offerings. Let’s see how each provider compares in speed, quality, price, coverage, etc.
Key Takeaways Based on Our Research
- Astound Broadband is currently the sixth-largest US cable provider.
- Xfinity, a brand of Comcast, is one of the largest and most well-known ISPs in the US.
- Xfinity mainly offers cable internet plans but has a fiber plan available.
- Astound Broadband mainly offers a cable connection, but it also has fiber internet with limited availability.
- Xfinity’s download speeds go up to 3Gbps, while Astound Broadband plans range from 100-940 Mbps.
- Astound has rebranded to Astound Broadband powered by RCN after uniting with four other regional ISPs in 2022.
- Xfinity provides comprehensive services, making it a one-stop shop for many household technology needs.
- Astound provides various services, including high-speed internet, cable TV, home phone, and home security solutions.
- Xfinity allows customers to bundle internet, TV, Phone, and even mobile services, streamlining their subscriptions.
- Astound offers cutting-edge technologies, including eero Mesh WiFi routers, TiVo (a voice remote), and Pro-Gaming WiFi.
Astound Vs Xfinity: A Side-by-Side Analysis
| Topic | Astound | Xfinity |
|---|---|---|
| Connection Type | Cable and Fiber | Cable and Fiber |
| Release Date | January 24, 2018 | February 2010 |
| Download Speeds | 75Mbps – 1200Mbps | 100Mbps – 1500Mbps |
| Upload Speeds | 5Mbps – 35Mbps | 15Mbps – 20Mbps |
| Latency (Ping) | 18.92ms | 15 to 20ms |
| Coverage | Seven states | 40 states |
| Contracts Type | No contract | Contract and No – contract packages |
| Data Caps | No | 1.2TB |
| Package Prices | $25/mo. – $60/mo. | $19.99/mo. – $80/mo. |
Astound Broadband Vs Xfinity: Speed Comparison
Both Astound and Xfinity offer a range of internet speed options to accommodate various user needs. Both provide internet speeds that go up to gigabit levels. While Astound’s speed runs up to 1500Gbps, Xfinity’s speed can climb up to 10Gbps.
Astound offers internet speeds up to 1500Mbps. The speed of Astound Broadband mainly differs by location. In some areas, e.g., Washington, it provides 100Mbps, 500Mbps, 940Mbps, and 1500Mbps download speeds.
You’ll likely get 300Mbps, 600Mbps, 940Mbps, and 1500Mbps download speeds in New York. While download speeds are fast, upload speeds can be as low as 15Mbps to at max 20Mbps. These speeds are enough for streaming and searching online.
On the other hand, Xfinity offers some of the fastest speeds in the industry. The starting speed of Xfinity internet is lower than many cable providers. The speed ranges from 75Mbps to 1200Mbps.
Xfinity even offers speeds up to 10Gbps on its 10G network in some new residential areas. The 75Mbps speed is sufficient for streaming services, video chatting, etc.
However, the 1200Mbps speed is good for ultra-connected households, pro-level gaming, etc. It allows you to connect to faster internet on unlimited devices. So, if you need faster speed, then Xfinity’s speed has got you covered.
Xfinity Vs Astound Broadband: Internet Plans and Pricing
Astound and Xfinity offer a variety of plans at different price points. Xfinity’s extensive range of plans can cater to various budgets. However, its higher speeds often come with a premium price tag.
Xfinity comes with six basic plans with speeds ranging from 75Mbps to 1200Mbps. However, the ISP is excellent at offering gigabit plans. It has extended its gigabit plan to 10Gbps, which costs a lot more than the basic plans.
Xfinity prices vary from $5/$10 in the West, Central, and Northeast regions. Mostly, plans are much cheaper in the Western regions than in the Central and Northeast regions. All these plans have a data capacity of 1.2TB.
Xfinity Internet Plans by Region
| Service Area | Download Speeds | Monthly Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Xfinity Internet – Northeast | 200 – 1200 Mbps | $25 – $80* |
| Xfinity Internet – West | 75 – 1200 Mbps | $19.99 – $70* |
| Xfinity Internet – Central | 75 – 1200 Mbps | $30 – $80* |
Xfinity Plans and Pricing – West
| Plans | Download speed | Upload Speed | Price | Data Caps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connect | 75Mbps | 5Mbps | $19.99/month | 1.2TB |
| Connect More | 200Mbps | 5Mbps | $25/month | 1.2TB |
| Fast | 400Mbps | 5Mbps | $50/month | 1.2TB |
| Superfast | 800Mbps | 10Mbps | $60/month | 1.2TB |
| Gigabit | 1000Mbps | 15Mbps | $60/month | 1.2TB |
| Gigabit Extra | 1200Mbps | 35Mbps | $70/month | 1.2TB |
| Gigabit x10 | 10Gbps | 10Gbps | $300+/month | No |
On the other hand, Astound Broadband has fewer options than Xfinity. It has four basic internet plans, including 300Mbps, 600Mbps, 940Mbps, and 1500Mbps. These plans are available in New York.
However, these plans vary in other service areas of Astound. For example, in Washington, Astound has 100Mbps, 500Mbps, and 1500Mbps plans. The pricing with Astound plans also varies depending on your location.
In New York, the 300Mbps plan will cost you $25/month, 600Mbps $40/month, 940Mbps $50/month, and 1500Mbps $60/month. Either way, the initial plan has a 1-year price lock, and others have a 2-year price lock.
After the initial introductory period ends, you can expect to pay a rate increase. You are good to go if you plan to switch to other internet providers. There is no contract required with Astound.
Astound Plans and Pricing in New York
| Plans | Download speed | Upload Speed | Price | Data Caps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300Mbps | 300Mbps | 20Mbps | $25/month | No |
| 600Mbps | 600Mbps | 20Mbps | $40/month | No |
| 940Mbps | 940Mbps | 20Mbps | $50/month | No |
| 1500Mbps | 1500Mbps | 20Mbps | $60/month | No |
In big cities like New York, Boston, Philadelphia, etc., Astound Broadband Internet’s low-price, contract-free plans are ahead of Xfinity. On top of that, Astound has no data caps, which is more critical for those who spend more time online.
Xfinity Internet Vs Astound: Availability
Xfinity is available in around 40 states, so chances are that Xfinity is available in your area. It has a more extensive coverage area due to its large infrastructure and established network. You will find it in a majority of states across the country.
However, Astound has a smaller coverage area, primarily focused on the West Coast and parts of the Midwest. It is serving over one million customers in 7 states. You’ll find it in New York, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, the DC metro area, and Washington State.
Xfinity Internet Vs Astound Broadband Internet: Bundle Offers
Astound and Xfinity provide bundled packages combining internet, TV, and phone services. They often come at a reduced price compared to subscribing to each service separately.
Xfinity Internet
Xfinity Internet + Mobile Packages for 1 Line
| Bundle Package | Price | What’s inside? |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Intro | $45/month | 20 GB of high-speed data per line each monthUnlimited talk and textUnlimited mobile hotspot data at 600 KbpsSD video streaming |
| Unlimited Plus | $55/month | 30 GB of high-speed data per line each monthUnlimited talk and text5 GB of mobile hotspot data at high speedsHD video streaming |
| Unlimited Premium | $65/month | 50 GB of fast, high-priority data per line each monthUnlimited talk and textHD video streaming15 GB of mobile hotspot data at high-priority speeds |
| By the Gig (1GB, 3GB and 10GB) | 1GB – $15/mo.3GB – $30/mo.10GB – $60/mo. | Unlimited talk and textHD video streaming4G LTE personal hotspots |
Xfinity Internet + TV Packages
| Bundle Package | Price | What’s inside? |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Internet + Popular TV | $85.00/mo. | 125+ channels400 Mbps download speedPopular cable channels |
| Superfast Internet + Ultimate TV | $110.00/mo. | 185+ channels800 Mbps download speedPremium cable channels |
| Gigabit Extra + Ultimate TV + Phone | $135.00/mo. | 185+ channels1,200 Mbps download speedUnlimited local callingPremium cable channels |
Astound Broadband Internet
Astound Internet + Mobile Packages for 1 Line
| Internet + | Mobile Package | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 300Mbps + | 1.5GB | $40/month |
| 3GB | $50/month | |
| Unlimited | $65/month | |
| Unlimited Plus | $75/month | |
| 600Mbps + 1.5GB | 1.5GB | $55/month |
| 3GB | $65/month | |
| Unlimited | $80/month | |
| Unlimited Plus | $90/month | |
| 940Mbps + 1.5GB | 1.5GB | $65/month |
| 3GB | $75/month | |
| Unlimited | $90/month | |
| Unlimited Plus | $100/month | |
| 1500Mbps + 1.5GB | 1.5GB | $75/month |
| 3GB | $85/month | |
| Unlimited | $100/month | |
| Unlimited Plus | $110/month |
Astound Internet + Mobile Packages
| Internet + | TV Package | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 300Mbps + | Basic TV + Showtime TV | $53.37/month |
| Basic + Preferred TV + Showtime TV | $114.75/month | |
| 600Mbps | Basic TV + Showtime TV | $68.37/month |
| Basic + Preferred TV + Showtime TV | $129.75/month | |
| 940Mbps | Basic TV + Showtime TV | $78.37/month |
| Basic + Preferred TV + Showtime TV | $139.75/month | |
| 1500Mbps | Basic TV + Showtime TV | $88.37/month |
| Basic + Preferred TV + Showtime TV | $149.75/month |
Astound Vs Xfinity Internet: Equipment & Installation Fee
With Astound Broadband internet service, you’ll need a standard WiFi and DOCSIS 3.0 modem combo for $8/mo. You can rent it or buy your own. If you need higher speeds, you may rent a DOCSIS 3.1 modem/router combo for $10/mo.
Moreover, Astound charges $9.95/month for enhanced Whole Home WiFi, which includes one base eero and one beacon eero. Typically, Astound offers professional installation for $79.95.
You can avoid it by getting a self-installation kit. However, Astound Broadband also waives the fee if you buy the service online. Here is the breakdown of equipment rental fees.
- Standard WiFi and a modem combo (DOCSIS 3.0) – $8/month
- Standard WiFi and a Gig modem combo (DOCSIS 3.1) – $10/month
- Whole Home WiFi – $9.95/month
- ero Secure+ – $9.99/month
Suggested Modem specs for Astound
| Internet Speeds | DOCSIS | Min number of downstream channels | Ideal number of downstream channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 250Mbps | 3.0 | 8 | 24 |
| 300Mbps | 3.0 | 16 | 24 |
| 500Mbps and Up | 3.1 | 16+ | 32 |
Conversely, Xfinity has several hidden fees for equipment, installation, etc. Xfinity’s xFi2 gateway will cost $14/month. You’ll need an xFi Complete for $15/month for the first two years to add a WiFi extender.
After the first two years, it will charge you $25/month. Lastly, Xfinity charges $89.99 for professional installation. Self-installation with Xfinity is not free either, as it costs up to $39.99 for a self-installation kit.
Astound Internet Vs Xfinity: Customer Service
Customer service decides the quality of service of any service provider. However, several factors can affect customer service, some of which are beyond the provider’s control.
Astound prides itself on its local customer support, aiming to provide a more personalized experience to its users. They have garnered positive feedback for their customer service efforts.
Xfinity, being a larger company, has faced some criticism for its customer service in the past. Nonetheless, it has also made efforts to improve this aspect of its business.
In one way, both providers failed to gain customer’s trust and satisfaction. That is, both ISPs increase their prices after a specific time. It is better to go through the terms of the agreements before signing for any ISPs.
Final Words
If you prioritize internet speed and have a lower budget, Xfinity might be the better option. It ensures the fastest speeds with outstanding reliability at low monthly costs. Most importantly, it has better coverage.
If you’re looking for competitive pricing and great deals on bundle packages, Astound might be a strong contender. They also don’t require you to sign a contract. Anytime you feel like switching, they are open to letting you go.
Overall, we suggest choosing between Astound Vs Xfinity, considering your location, usage requirements, and budget. No matter your choice, we assure you that you’ll get superfast internet at a great rate.
