Alternatives to Comcast Xfinity: 11 Reliable Internet Providers in 2024

Xfinity is undoubtedly among the best-rated providers in the US. However, in some areas, their service isn’t good. If you feel that Xfinity’s internet speed is too slow in your neighborhood or has issues that aren’t being resolved, then here are the 11 reliable alternatives that you can consider.

In this article, I shall discuss different ISPs and how they compare to Xfinity in terms of speeds, availability, pricing, reliability, data cap, pricing, rental, and contract policies.

The Best Comcast Xfinity Alternatives

1. Best Alternative: Spectrum

With a large footprint and the ability to catch up with Xfinity’s coverage, Spectrum is the best alternative if you happen to be in any of the 220 cities spread across the 41 states.

And what’s even better? You don’t have the hassle of data caps or binding contracts that Xfinity comes with.

Spectrum gives you three plans to choose from, and they are pricier than Xfinity, from starter packages to the highest speed package on offer.

The internet provider leaves you with a couple of things to cheer about:

• There is no early termination fee.
• You also don’t have to pay monthly modem rental, but you’ll have to pay $5/month for wireless router (it can be avoided by getting your own third-party Spectrum compatible router.)
• Spectrum has one of the lowest latency on the speed tests, delivering higher median download speeds than most of its competitors.

In my experience, the internet provider has room for improvement regarding customer satisfaction, which has seen no change in the last survey. For more details, read my in-depth review of Spectrum internet.

2. Best Runner Up: Cox Internet

While it doesn’t share similar levels of coverage, Cox is popular for delivering its highest-speed package to the lion’s share of its customer base.

You get two lower-tier and higher-speed plans each with Cox but not as extensive as Xfinity. Cox enforces data caps and contracts like Xfinity and comes with a pricier termination fee of $120.

Cox fares well in terms of download speeds across its customer base, but the capped upload speeds bring down its average.

Cox’s customer satisfaction slid down last year, where we saw the major players’ ratings take a hit. Its best performance came from the Eastern region, where it was outperformed only by Xfinity and Verizon.

For a more detailed look, check out my complete review of the Cox internet.

3. Best For Lower Tier Plans: Optimum Internet

Featuring both cable and fiber-based internet services, Optimum plans and pricing differ according to the neighborhood you are in.

In addition to no data cap and contracts, Optimum offers a 2-year price guarantee for the customers, while most ISPs bump their prices after the initial promotion period.

With a bunch of options to pick from, you get multi-gigabit speed tiers with Optimum fiber service. There is no hassle of an early termination fee or equipment rental, unlike Xfinity.

The starting prices are not as cheap as Xfinity, but the lack of monthly rental offsets the Xfinity price advantage.

Optimum has improved its speed tier off late since the acquisition, it doesn’t rank in the top half among the ISPs in average download speeds or latency. It has a history of a bad reputation among its customers, which further declined in the last year.

With some overlap in services with Xfinity and Spectrum, Optimum has the introductory price advantage and is worth the try with no contracts or termination fees.

To learn more, read my detailed review of Optimum internet services.

4. Best Fiber Internet Alternative: AT&T Fiber

Despite its pricy starter plans, AT&T fiber has the advantage of no data caps or crippling contracts and has multi-gigabit speed tiers on offer, which makes it one of the better alternatives for Xfinity Internet.

You can get rid of the installation charges with promotions, AT&T has the advantage over Xfinity with no equipment rentals, which offsets the Xfinity pricing advantage of its starter plans. Its multi-gigabit speeds are cheaper than what Xfinity offers.

AT&T’s no binding contracts or termination fee makes it a great deal if you are within the service area of AT&T, available in 21 states and expanding its footprint across the USA.

Being a fiber-based ISP, it offers symmetrical speeds, lesser latency, and more reliability and consistently ranks above most ISP in customer satisfaction. Much recommended for gamers and streamers.

Suggested Read: ATT Fiber review

5. Best Fiber Internet Runner Up: Verizon

Despite its lesser footprint, its popularity in urban regions and affordable pricing make it one of the preferred fiber-based ISPs in the USA.

It takes away all the hassles of Xfinity. No equipment rentals, no cancellation charges, and no data caps.

It has one of the cheaper introductory plans amongst most top market players, but you are left with just three-speed tiers to choose from. Its gigabit tier is the cheapest amongst ISP across the USA.

Verizon has consistently delivered higher and symmetrical speeds, it is amongst the top in speeds and latency. It has been outranking Xfinity in customer satisfaction in reliability, shorter downtime, and faster response time.

If you are in the bigger cities it makes sense to go for Verizon.

6. Best Value For Money: WOW!

With the lowest introductory prices, WOW! internet can be a good option if you are looking for a cheaper alternative to Xfinity and fall under its service area.

Unlike Xfinity, the top speed tiers have higher data allowances, making the cheaper pricing attractive.

The advantage of no binding contracts and options of 5-speed tiers to choose from mellow downs the bitterness of higher equipment rental over Xfinity. The professional installation charges are far cheaper than most ISPs.

WOW stands mid-way in the ranks amongst the speeds and latency. With its limited footprint, it is a major player in the North Central region, where its performance is outranked only by AT&T.

7. Similar To Xfinity in Some Areas: Astound

Attractive first-year pricing without data limits or binding contracts makes it one of the good alternative options to Xfinity. They recently merged RCN & Wave Broadband.

While it has no additional fees for activation or cancellation, which is an advantage over Xfinity, along with its cheaper pricing for 4 speed tiers, the sharp increase after the first year is worth noting.

The spike in pricing is worth noting, but without binding contracts and other options to consider, it’s a good deal for the first year of the usage.

It was one of the fastest broadband providers in regions of Chicago, while it was outranked only by Verizon in areas around Boston, NewYork, and Philadelphia.

8. Best For Rural/Suburban Areas: Mediacom

While the data caps can be crippling, the gradual increase in limits for higher speed tiers is a relief for Mediacom’s customer base.

Access to gigabit speeds in some rural and suburban markets with limited exposure to other ISP is its unique advantage.

With the equally spaced speed tiers, Mediacom has a footprint across 22 states and offers very low introductory pricing.

The price rises can get sharper over the years, but the major advantage over Xfinity is the lack of binding contracts, which allows you to play the waiting game with other options to explore.

Mediacom isn’t the top rated in delivering average higher speeds or low latency. But the internet plans become more appealing when you consider the equipment on rental.

It is USA’s 5th largest service provider and by far your better option if you choose between DSL, fixed wireless, or satellite internet.

9. Best For Low Latency: Breezeline

Although not a new player, if you are within the service area of Breezeline (formerly Atlantic Broadband), you will have access to affordable internet with no data limits.

Its major advantage over Xfinity is its lack of binding contracts, data limits, and packages starting from $19.99. Like most ISP, you can navigate the installation fees with online promotions.

Breezeline can be your best alternative for higher speed tiers over DSL or limited broadband providers. Be aware of the sharp price hikes after the first year, which is common among ISPs.

The higher speed tiers deliver more consistent speeds and lower latency, suitable for gaming and heavy streaming requirements.

10. Best For 2024: Sparklight

With coverage over 19 states, Sparklight offers a decent alternative with 4-speed tiers on offer.

While the data caps can be limiting, the incremental limits across higher speed tiers are better compared to Xfinity. But its plans aren’t the cheapest.

With the gigabit tier being priced above Xfinity, the respite comes from the removal of data limits on that specific speed tier. Also, the activation fee of $30 is the highest among ISP that one should be aware of.

In some regions, Sparklight outperforms big players in speed, consistency, and service like Cox, Optimum, Windstream, etc.

It also has its share of strongest criticism and lack of consistency in performance, with the best coming from the Southern region and the worst coming from the western region of the USA.

11. Best DSL Internet: CenturyLink

While being DSL and broadband provider for the majority, its recent rise in cable and fiber internet offers a solid ground to build on its base. Offering symmetrical speeds without any contract obligations, Century Link has a comparatively better reach than most fiber providers.

Unlimited data on the Gigabit speed tier and its pricing is an advantage over Xfinity. There are no contract obligations either.

The only sticking point is your eligibility to avoid self-installation. It could add an extra $99 to your first bill.

The fiber speeds are reliable and offer low latency making it easy for people with heavy data usage. Its affordable pricing at the high-speed tier can be a go-to alternative if Century Link expands its fiber network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

There are multiple choices other than Comcast, depending on the locality. If you’re in urban areas and metro cities, AT&T and Verizon are by far your superior alternatives. In some rural areas, Mediacom has a larger footprint and better-priced packages.

It is essential to note that the reliability of the service is largely dependent on your neighborhood, and no ISP is an exception to it.