Who is better, Spectrum or Xfinity?
Spectrum vs Xfinity: Which one of them provides internet services better?
High Internet usage has taken root within nearly every American household, and this has been facilitated by the accessibility of the internet within homes. Internet is crucial for work, fun, communications, news updates, and other activities because it should be efficient and stable. Now, when discussing the options for an internet service provider, there are always two giants that stand out, Spectrum and Xfinity. The question remains though, which one is better? Below is the detailed analysis of the two popular service providers Spectrum and Xfinity based on the criteria that one should consider when choosing the ISP.
Availability and Coverage
In terms of availability, Spectrum is a little more convenient to access than Xfinity. Spectrum has its internet service providers to over 102 million customers’ households across 41 states. On the other hand, Xfinity is available in 39 states with cable internet service widely available in approximately 111 million homes.
Both Xfinity and Spectrum rely on cable internet, while most of the other internet providers depend on phone lines or fiber optic cables. What this means therefore is that availability is a factor that is influenced mainly by the existing cable infrastructure. It may be seen that Spectrum has infrastructure coverage of larger areas and, especially, in rural zones which allows Spectrum to have a larger coverage map than Xfinity in the United States.
Internet Speeds
Specifically, the speed of the Internet connection depends on its location for both Spectrum and Xfinity. Both provide various speed levels; it can start from the basic plan that has up to 100 Mbps and end with gigabit connection.
Spectrum’s self-reported speeds refer to its mid-tier plan which ranges from 100 Mbps for downloads to 10 Mbps for uploads. However, in actual speed tests, during high traffic usage the speeds that are achieved range between 70 to 80 percent of the claimed speed.
Xfinity is not far from offering users the speed promised and is even more reliable during peak hours. For instance, its Performance segment provides download speeds of up to 300 Megabits per second, and uploads of 10 Mbps. There is scientific evidence that users in most areas achieve near these maximal speeds irrespective of traffic conditions.
While Spectrum and Xfinity are the two major providers to offer super-fast gigabit connections, both companies currently have plans that advertise speeds of around 1Gbps in some areas today. Availability for gigabit plans from both providers is only currently available in select urban markets. So when it comes to speeds of the internet Xfinity is slightly ahead than Spectrum in terms of the range of speeds offered.
Reliability and Customer Satisfaction
This is why dependability must form the basis with which one examines an internet provider. Blackouts affect various aspects of daily life ranging from conferencing through the day to watching movies or shows at night. A survey conducted across the country plus data from the providers indicate that both Spectrum and Xfinity have similar network reliability. They are very few, ranging between 1 and 2 in the year for most subscribers, they are very short. Cable competitors still tend to be even more reliable, although Spectrum and Xfinity are comparable reliably for cable broadband networks.
However, in the area of consumer satisfaction, Xfinity ranks higher to Spectrum in surveys such as JD Power and consumers reports. Compared to other cable providers, Xfinity outperforms the industry average in most locations especially concerning customers’ satisfaction with the performance, billing, and the service offering. In the states where Spectrum’s service is offered, the company’s representative receives mediocre or even worse customer satisfaction scores in relevant surveys.
Before you get Spectrum, search for the reviews of other customers so that you could find out that Xfinity might provide the better all-around service and experience in your locality.
Cost and Affordability
Cable, Spectrum has cheaper deals than Xfinity in virtually all areas of operation. Regarding the price range, you can expect to subscribe to mid-range internet packages from Spectrum at $50-$60 a month, depending on the ongoing offers. Comparable offerings from Xfinity are generally in the $70-90 per month mark.
However, Xfinity has more favorable terms for bundling to save money on TV or mobile plans when you subscribe to them, though. Spectrum has a much more modest set of bundled discount promotions. Spectrum’s initial contract is 6 months or 1 year before rates are subject to increase, however, Xfinity has 1-2 years of guaranteed pricing for its initial contracts.
Standalone pricing does lean more in favor of Spectrum when comparing the two in terms of best broadband plans. However, if you wish to bundle up the services, Xfinity has some bundled contractual benefits as well.
Extra Features and Add-Ons
While Spectrum and Xfinity are two of the most popular cable providers, both companies also provide additional service offerings such as TV, phone, and home automation services. Nevertheless, it is yet again observed that Xfinity has the upper hand in terms of add-ons and additional services apart from web browsing.
Some popular Xfinity add-ons that Spectrum can’t match include:Some popular Xfinity add-ons that Spectrum can’t match include:
- Specifically, Xfinity Mobile phone deals that are based on Verizon LTE.
- Acquisitions of other Comcast-owned smart home security firms such as SimpliSafe.
- Family oriented TV channel packages, which offer a wide range of channels including some of the more niche such as some sports and reality ones.
- Peacock Premium streaming came with free of cost when subscribing to certain higher tier plans
Spectrum does have the upper hand when it comes to the internet-only category that is not bundle-oriented but is keen on connectivity only. However, here, Xfinity provides better bundles and even improved packages if one needs more reliable household services.
The Verdict: Why Xfinity is a Better Choice for the Majority
Overall, it is evident that when comparing Spectrum vs Xfinity, the former has a rather weak hand and the latter has a stronger one. Xfinity comes out ahead in a few key criteria:Xfinity comes out ahead in a few key criteria:
- The ramp rate of the speed of internet especially during traffic congestion
- The customers are more satisfied with the products and services as indicated by higher composite scores.
- Tiering up options to expand TV, phone, and smart home benefits
One exception is Spectrum’s cheaper standalone internet plans that can be purchased without bundling with cable TV service. However, some of those prices might increase at a higher rate especially for extended long-term contracts other than Xfinity rate locks.
Since upload/download speeds are roughly similar and sufficient for primary use with both providers, Xfinity offers more benefits in general. In terms of speeds, reliability, and additional offered extras, Xfinity is a better option than Spectrum to choose for most families.
The greatest weakness of Xfinity is the geographical accessibility where it has the least coverage in rural areas. For the people living outside the coverage area of this company, it may some time be the only cable internet service provider to turn to, especially for those in the United States. However, this is where both providers are present, it was clear that consumers preferred Xfinity as their provider.
Always, always compare the offers and packages for your location before you go ahead and make a commitment. However, for availability across the most numerous assortment of high speed tiers, dependability, customer satisfaction index, as well as additional offerings like cable television and smart home services, it is tough to argue against Xfinity. Thus, if an option is available, Xfinity should be your first choice over Spectrum by a long shot.
Ready to elevate your home entertainment? Call us now at +1 844-345-0888 to explore the best Xfinity plans for your home! Enjoy fast internet and premium TV options. Don’t wait—get connected today!
