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Early this week, we looked at some of the crucial differences between Xfinity Mobile and Visible Wireless. In this review, we’re going to continue with the topic by comparing Xfinity Mobile vs Verizon wireless.
As we concluded in the previous post, though, Xfinity is a mobile virtual network operator (or MVNO) of Verizon. So, you’ll notice various network features, such as device compatibility and coverage similar.
Xfinity Mobile vs Verizon: A summary on the Cell Phone Providers
| Feature | Xfinity Mobile | Verizon |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2017 | 2000 |
| Carrier Network | Verizon | Verizon |
| eSIM Support | NO | YES |
| Free 5G | YES | YES |
| 5G Data Speeds | 4000+Mbps | 4000+Mbps |
| Lowest Phone Plan | $15 | $30 |
| Unlimited Minutes | YES | YES |
| Unlimited data | YES | YES |
| Family Discount | YES | YES |
| Free Mexico/ Canada Call | N/A ($10/ month) | YES |
| Mobile Hotspot | YES | YES |
| Video Streaming | YES | YES |
| Phone Unlock Period | After 60 Days | After 60 Days |
| Extra Perks | Free unlimited Xfinity WiFi Hotspots | Free Hulu/ Disney+/ ESPN+/ Discovery+, Free Apple Music, Free Apple Arcade, 600GB Cloud Storage, Free Google Play Pass, & Free Travel Pass |
Xfinity Mobile
Do you have Xfinity cabled internet or TV? If yes, you could save a few bucks on your monthly phone with the Xfinity Mobile. It has the By-the-Gig rate plans going for as low as $15/ mo, with 1GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk + texting.
Even better, Xfinity Mobile offers prioritized data, which peaks at up to 4+Gbps on the 5G Ultra-Wideband connection. Then, you can enjoy unlimited WiFi hotspots from millions of locations across the country at a speed of up to 28Mbps.
Furthermore, the carrier does give free phones when you switch prepaid service. And also you can finance your desired 5G or LTE device from as low as $10 over 24 months.
Verizon Wireless
Do you browse a lot? Stream a lot? Or travel across the borders a lot? Verizon has some of the best perks to support you in all these situations. That starts with the widest coverage, including rural North Dakota, Oregon, and other states.
As a major carrier, Verizon Wireless also owns and maintains its cell towers. Thus, giving you priority data (no drop in browsing speeds) over the other MVNOs when the network is congested.
On the recent guide to Switch from AT&T to Verizon, we also saw the CDMA carrier has more free entertainment subscriptions. That includes a free subscription to services like Hulu, Apple Arcade, cloud storage, and recently a Travel Pass for free unlimited international roaming talk, text, & data.
Xfinity Mobile vs Verizon: Comparing the Main Features & Perks of the Cell Phone Providers
Availability
As was mentioned earlier, you require to have Xfinity cabled service (internet or TV) to qualify for the Xfinity Mobile phone service. If you’re unable to maintain the two services, perhaps after relocation, your monthly phone bill will attract a $25 surcharge fee.
It’s also worth noting Xfinity Mobile does perform a credit check before approving your application for multiple lines. Thus, it might be tricky to take advantage of the family discount if you have bad credit.
Of course, Verizon also does perform a credit check before joining its network. But that applies only to the postpaid customer as the prepaid options have no credit check.
Furthermore, Verizon wireless phone service’s available to even the customers without the Fios internet or TV. Thus, easier to get than Xfinity Mobile.
Winner: Verizon is open to any customer and also has no credit check for prepaid subscriptions.
Network Coverage
The two carriers offer cellular services through the existing Verizon network infrastructure, including the C-Band towers in inception. Thus, the places you get coverage with a Verizon phone will be the same for Xfinity Mobile.
That includes even in the rural places where T-Mobile and its MVNOs tend to have spotty signals due to the limited towers.
Winner: Both since they operate on the Verizon cell towers across the country
Free Phone Deals
Overall, Verizon is one of the best companies that give free phones to both new and existing customers. Unlike its major competitors, T-Mobile, you necessarily don’t need to port-in a number, rather add a new line on the recommended plans.
In addition to that, Verizon has a trade-in program, plus you can finance your desired device over 24 or 36 months. Then, it’s giving away a $500 eGift Card when you join the service via the BYOP (bring your own phone) program.
Well, Xfinity Mobile also has a similar promo, whereby it’s giving out a $100 prepaid card when you bring your phone to the service. It also has a Trade-in option, allowing you to save up to $750 on the latest Galaxy S22 Series and other Samsung devices.
Moreover, Xfinity Mobile does offer buy now pay later financing. Thus, making it easier to upgrade or replace your device even when you don’t have all the cash to purchase upfront.
Winner: Verizon has more free phone options, a trade-in discount on both Samsung & Apple devices, and a larger BYOP discount
Free 5G Access & Speeds
In general, all the three major phone providers have 4G LTE almost all over the country. Hence, one of the reasons they’re phasing out the old 3G bands and also expanding the new 5G coverage.
When we now compare our Verizon vs Xfinity Mobile on this 5G technology, the results are pretty much similar. Not just in coverage, but also access as you can enjoy fast data speeds with your current plan at no extra fees.
Speaking of speeds, the two networks are also pretty similar. In the previous comparison test with Visible, we saw Xfinity Mobile peaking at up to 4,000+Mbps (4+Gbps) on the 5G Ultra-Wideband spectrum. Then, when comparing Mint Mobile and Verizon, we also achieved similar results on the mmWave spectrum.
In a test on the 5G mid-band, you can record 600-900+Mbps, then the LTE can peak up to 150+Mbps or at least 20Mbps in a remote area like Honolulu.
Winner: Both carriers have free 5G access & priority data speeds
Phone Plans & Pricing
Like other carriers, the main difference between Xfinity Mobile vs Verizon phones’s very much visible on the rate plan structure. The former’s considerably cheaper, in which case you can get the 1GB plan on the By-the-Gig category from $15/ month.
Here’s a table showing a summary of the plan pricing, allotments, and other perks on Xfinity Mobile.
| Features | 1GB Plan | 3GB Plan | 10GB Plan | Unlimited Plan |
| 1 Line Price | $15/ mo. | $30/ mo. | $60/ mo. | $45/ mo. |
| 2 Lines price | $7.5/ mo. (per line) | $15/ mo. (per line) | $30/ mo. (per line) | $40/ mo. (per line) |
| 3 Lines Price | $5/ mo. (per line) | $10/ mo. (per line) | $20/ mo. (per line) | $33.33/ mo. (per line) |
| 4 Lines Price | $3.75/ mo. (per line) | $7.5/ mo. (per line) | $15/ mo. (per line) | $30/ mo. (per line) |
| 10 Lines Price | $1.5/ mo. (per line) | $3/ mo. (per line) | $6/ mo. (per line) | $24/ mo. (per line) |
| 4G LTE & 5G | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Talk Minutes | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Text Messages | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| High-Speed Data | 1GB | 3GB | 10GB | Unlimited |
| Priority Data | N/A | N/A | N/A | 20GB (then 1.5Mbps) |
| Mobile Hotspot | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Video Streaming | HD Quality (1080p) | HD Quality (1080p) | HD Quality (1080p) | SD Quality (480p) |
In the Xfinity Mobile phone plans, you can opt for the By-the-Gig option if you don’t require or use a lot of data. All the plans include unlimited talk and texting, then the high-speed data will be as per the subscription (1GB/ 3GB/ 10GB) you have.
In the event of high data consumption, you can opt for the Xfinity Mobile Unlimited plan, which includes up to 20GB of premium data. Of course, the plan’s a bit expensive for a single subscription but has a discount of $5-$21/ month per extra line you add.
Verizon Also has Family Discount
Yes, indeed, you can also save several dollars on the Verizon phone service. That includes the Verizon prepaid, which includes a loyalty tip (Auto Pay + monthly discount) of up to $15. Thus, bringing your 5GB plan cost down from $40 to $25/ month, as shown below.
| Features | 5GB (prepaid) | 15GB (prepaid) | Unlimited (prepaid) | Unlimited+ (prepaid) | Do More (postpaid) | Get More (postpaid) |
| Regular Price | $40/ mo. | $50/ mo. | $65/ mo. | $75/ mo. | $80/ mo. | $90/ mo. |
| Plan Discounts | $5 – $15 (loyalty tip) | $5 – $15 (loyalty tip) | $5- $15 (loyalty tip) | $5 – $15 (loyalty tip) | $10 – $40 (2+ lines) | $10 – $40 (2+ lines) |
| Free 5G Access | YES (Nationwide) | YES (Nationwide) | YES (Nationwide) | YES (Both) | YES (Both) | YES (Both) |
| Talk Minutes | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Text Messages | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Data Allotment | 5GB (then 2G) | 15GB (then 2G) | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Priority Data | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 50GB | Unlimited |
| Premium Mobile Hotspot | N/A | N/A | 10GB (At $5/ mo.) | 10GB (then 3G) | 25GB (then slower) | 50GB (then slower) |
| Video Stream Quality | Up to 480p | Up to 480p | Up to 480p | Up to 4K UHD | Up to 4K UHD | Up to 4K UHD |
| International Texting | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Canada/ Mexico Calls | $5/mo. | FREE | FREE | FREE | FREE | FREE |
| Canada/ Mexico Data | N/A | N/A | 0.5GB / Day (then 2G) | 0.5GB / Day (then 2G) | 0.5GB / Day (then 2G) | 0.5GB / Day (then 2G) |
In all the Verizon phone plans, you can enjoy unlimited texting, calling, & data. That includes even usage (talk, text, & data) to and from Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico- and unlimited texting to other 200 international destinations.
Furthermore, the Verizon Get More plan now has unlimited premium data instead of the previous 50GB allowance. Then, the postpaid customers can enjoy family discounts of $10-$40, depending on the plan and the number of lines added.
Winner: Xfinity Mobile is relatively cheaper on the single-line and multiple-line plans
Deprioritization & Throttling
In the Xfinity Mobile and Verizon data speeds, both carriers peak at up to 4+Gbps on the Ultra-Wideband spectrum or 150+mbps on the LTE. This is so as Xfinity usually gets priority data, thereby allowing its subscribers to enjoy full LTE/ 5G speeds even during congestion.
For instance, in a speed test with Verizon and Xfinity Mobile on iPhone 12, both devices recorded 14Mbps (on 5G Nationwide). But in a similar speed test with Verizon, Visible, and US Mobile, the two MVNOs dropped by more than two-thirds.
As for the case of throttling (drop on data speeds based on usage), Verizon now has “truly” unlimited data on the Get More Plan. The prepaid Unlimited plans are also never throttled, but you can expect deprioritization (drop in data speeds during congestion).
On its end, Xfinity Mobile does throttle the Unlimited plan after reaching the 20GB premium data cap. The same will also happen if by chance you reach the 20GB limit while on the By-the-Gig plan.
However, do remember the Xfinity Mobile By-the-Gig plan usually sends you the bill at the end of the month. So, reaching 20GB with either the 1GB, 3GB, or 10GB plan will attract overage charges.
Winner: Verizon has data prioritization and no throttling on various phone plans.
Similar Article: Xfinity Mobile Vs T Mobile
Mobile Hotspot/ Tethering
In general, both Xfinity Mobile and Verizon allow you to tap into your device hotspot data either wirelessly or with a cable. However, Verizon could be a much better option as it gives you up to a 50GB premium hotspot data cap (varies with the plan). Then, drops to unlimited 3Mbps (on Ultra-Wideband) or 600Kbps (on 5G Nationwide/ 4G LTE) speeds, which are still usable.
On the other hand, Xfinity Mobile allows you to share data with your devices at the full 5G/ 4G LTE speeds- up to 450+Mbps. However, the carrier has a Data Saver feature that limits the mobile hotspot to 600kbps speeds if you don’t want to exhaust your premium data fast.
More on that, Xfinity has millions of Public WiFi hotspots (secure, of course) across the country, which you can connect to for free. Thus, also guarantees unlimited hotspot data for your devices, considering you’re in the WiFi locations.
Winner: Verizon has an unlimited hotspot through your monthly data allowance, which is more accessible than the Xfinity WiFi hotspots.
Commonly Asked Questions:
Which is better Verizon or Xfinity?
When it comes to the network, both Verizon and Xfinity Mobile have similar coverage, priority data speeds, and device compatibility. However, Verizon is a much better option than Xfinity on data allowances, phone deals, video streaming resolution, and free entertainment perks.
Is Xfinity Mobile the same speed as Verizon?
A simple answer, YES, Xfinity Mobile offers the same data speed as Verizon at up to 4,000Mbps on 5GUW or 150+ on 4G LTE. As was mentioned, the MVNO usually has priority data, unlike MVNOs like Visible and US Mobile where you’ll get deprioritized.
Is Xfinity Mobile slower than Verizon?
Again, Xfinity Mobile is not slower than Verizon as they both run on the same network and also have priority data. However, you’ll experience slower speeds on the Xfinity Mobile after reaching the 20GB premium data limit.
Does Xfinity use T-Mobile towers?
No, Xfinity Mobile uses Verizon’s 4G LTE network for its wireless service. T-Mobile’s network is not used by Xfinity Mobile.
What are the pros and cons of Xfinity?
Pros of Xfinity:
Wide coverage area: Xfinity has one of the largest broadband networks in the US, which provides reliable internet and TV services to millions of people.
Bundling options: Xfinity offers a variety of bundle packages that combine internet, TV, and home phone services, which can result in cost savings for customers.
X1 Platform: Xfinity’s X1 platform is a user-friendly interface for managing and accessing all of the services offered by Xfinity.
Xfinity Flex: Xfinity Flex is a free streaming device that allows Xfinity internet customers to access and watch a variety of content from various streaming services.
Cons of Xfinity:
High prices: Xfinity’s services are generally more expensive than those offered by its competitors, which can be a barrier for some customers.
Poor customer service: Xfinity has received criticism for its poor customer service, with many customers reporting long wait times on the phone and unhelpful representatives.
Data caps: Xfinity places data caps on its internet services, which can result in extra charges for customers who use more data than allotted.
Final Thoughts:
In my opinion, both Xfinity Mobile and Verizon are great phone services. Since they’re both using Verizon towers, you can get good coverage both in the urban and rural areas, superlative download speeds, & great phone deals.
However, Verizon does have more options for the free phone deals, plus the data allowances are higher on the prepaid and postpaid subscriptions. It also has an unlimited mobile hotspot, free subscription plan to various streaming services, and 600GB of cloud storage.
So, I’d recommend Verizon phone service, considering you’ll be okay with the pricing as it’s relatively higher in some cases.
