With Comcast and Verizon locking horns, the end user is definitely spoiled for choice with numerous options to choose from. If you are facing the dilemma choosing between the two, the Comcast Xfinity-Verizon FiOS comparison provided here will help you decide which is the best choice for you.
With Verizon FiOS picking up fast over the last few years, the battle between Verizon and Comcast has reached new heights. Both the companies provide television, Internet, and telephone services in the United States, and that has put them at loggerheads, trying their best to get an edge over the other.
Which is Better Comcast Xfinity or Verizon FiOS?
While Comcast provides services in 40 states (and the District of Columbia) under the brand name Xfinity, Verizon FiOS is restricted to a relatively limited region as of now. In this context, Comcast–with a wider reach–has a definite edge over Verizon. Verizon though, does have its expansion plans on the cards, but nothing concrete is being said as of now and therefore, it does not really help the customers. While reach is definitely a factor to start with, there are more important things that need to be taken into consideration.
TV Services
Comcast has a standard lineup of channels as a part of its Xfinity brand, of which 112 are HD and 4 are 3D channels. Even though FiOS only has 1 3D channel to its credit, it does score in case of HD channels with more than 160 channels being offered. Also playing an important role in this comparison is the fiber optic technology used by Verizon, which gives you access to high-quality picture. Yet another advantage that Verizon FiOS offers is the 2-year contract which implies that you will pay the same amount for the entire 2-year period as the price will not be hiked midway.
The receivers provided by both vendors facilitate simultaneous recording of 2 channels, but FiOS only facilitates 20 hours HD recording (and 85 hours SD recording), which seems inadequate when compared to Comcast’s 60 hours HD recording (and 300 hours SD recording). Similarly, Comcast also edges out FiOS in context of On Demand programming. And lastly, when it comes to packages, Comcast customers have more options to choose from.
Internet Speed
Verizon FiOS is an Internet service provider first and a television service provider later, and therefore, it’s obvious that one would expect Verizon to nail it when it comes to Internet access. Surprisingly though, the revamped Comcast gives FiOS a run for its money in this context. At 50 Mbps, FiOS Internet is definitely fast, but so is Xfinity Internet. With both the companies going neck to neck, it all boils down to additional features, and this is where Comcast scores as it has features like Internet security, identity protection, and parental controls to its credit; all are offered free of cost along with the plans.
Telephone Services
In terms of phone services, both offer unlimited plans. However, the fact that Verizon is already into full-fledged communication services gives it a slight infrastructural advantage. Where it falls short though, is on the power outage issue. The fiber-optic infrastructure is likely to go for a toss during power outage as, unlike copper, it doesn’t carry power from exchange, but instead relies on power from your home.
Note: The actual services are bound to differ from one region to another. Not just the package details, but even the pricing can vary from one region to another and therefore, you need to have a good look at the packages on offer before you choose one.
Bundles for Starters
The Verizon FiOS triple play bundle comes with an introductory price tag of US$89.99 per month for a 2-year contract. (That’s a decent bit of saving considering that its regular price is $124.99 per month.) It includes FiOS TV Prime with 210+ Channels (55 in HD), FiOS Internet with 15 Mbps download speed and 5 Mbps upload speed, and FiOS digital voice phone service. From the Xfinity roster, we have the Starter XF triple play bundle, for which you pay US$99.99 per month–instead of the regular price of US$139.95–for the first 12 months on a 2-year contract. (During the second year of contract though, you pay US$119.99.) The bundle includes 80+ digital channels, Internet with 20 Mbps download speed and 4 Mbps upload speed, and Unlimited Nationwide Talk & Text plan.
Customer Service
Customer service is the problem area in Comcast Xfinity and Verizon FiOS comparison with both the service providers struggling with this aspect. While that can be said for almost all the service providers, this is particularly true for Comcast, for whom the customer service issue has always been the Achilles heel. On the brighter side, both the vendors provide ample troubleshooting resources for its users, and therefore, it’s unlikely that you will have to opt for customer care services at all.
So Comcast scores browny points with its receiver’s recording capacity, on demand services, and its reach, while Verizon scores in context of fiber optic network, more channels, and the one year agreement clause. With all said and done, this is where your individual preferences come into the picture. You simply have to prepare a priority list and go according to your preferences.