Xfinity vs Starlink makes up our discussion today.
While we may have no outright winner at the end of our debate, we’ll bring you a detailed comparison of the two to help you choose the best, depending on your needs.
But before we delve into the finer details of each, here is a spoiler- Both are reliable ISPs.
So what’s the tiebreaker for an internet user stuck between the two?
Let us find out by the end of this discussion.
Table of Contents
- What Is Comcast (Xfinity)?
- Xfinity vs. Starlink: Comparison
- Xfinity vs. Starlink: Which One is Best for You?
- Conclusion.
What Is Comcast (Xfinity)?
It’s among the most widely used internet service by most Americans, with about 40% subscribed to it.
Comcast started as a cable services company but later entered the internet services provision fray in the 90s.
The company has grown in leaps and bounds and is now among the biggest ISPs in the US, specializing in cable and fiber internet.
Xfinity vs. Starlink: Comparison
Starlink Internet in space.
Check out how Xfinity compares to Starlink regarding various parameters.
Data Delivery
This aspect is arguably the biggest difference between the two ISPs.
Xfinity is an old-school ISP regarding data delivery, as it formerly transmitted the internet via coaxial cable.
This mode depends on the established cable TV lines to deliver internet to homes physically.
Then the coaxial cable feeds the internet into a modem/router from which users can connect.
However, Xfinity has since adopted a modern internet data delivery option in fiber optic cables.
While routing fiber optics is similar in application to the coaxial cables, the option delivers internet with super-fast speeds.
Also, the internet is more stable than conventional cable and has relatively lower latency.
On the flip side, Starlink’s data delivery differs from Xfinity’s.
Starlink employs low-orbit satellites in a positioning that optimizes internet speeds, making it the fastest available satellite internet service.
Its stability is also top-notch, making it a perfect match for Xfinity’s fiber internet.
Winner: It’s a tie as both ISPs guarantee stable internet.
Equipment
A Starlink Antenna.
Starlink requires you to purchase some equipment dubber ‘Starlink Kit’ from the company before you can start accessing its services.
This package costs $599 for the Starlink Residential package, and the fee is refundable upon equipment return.
The kit comprises several items: a dish, router, connection cables, and mount.
It is slightly cheaper to install Xfinity Internet as you don’t require a vast equipment outlay.
For the connection, you need a modem and router, both provided by the ISP.
But if you don’t have a fiber optic connection to your home, you must spend on the installation.
It is cheaper than buying the Starlink kit, as you need about $100 to dig a tunnel to lay the cables for installation to your house.
Winner: Xfinity wins the duel as it has relatively lesser and cheap equipment.
Availability
Starlink is available in US and Canada.
Xfinity has overachieved regarding expanding the company’s services across the US with over 8 million hotspots.
The company also has a presence in about 39 states.
Nonetheless, there are some areas where it is practically impossible to lay coaxial and fiber optic cables.
It means that Xfinity is limited to urban and developed areas, leaving people in marginal areas out of the ISP’s grid.
Conversely, Starlink has a far wider reach, practically having a presence in areas other ISPs cannot reach.
Moreover, the service’s speed and stability don’t dip even in the marginal areas.
Also, with Starlink, you’re assured of stable internet service while on the go, thanks to the Starlink RV option.
Lastly, Starlink is not just limited to the US; it’s also available in Canada and plans to open up to other world countries.
Winner: Starlink is the best, thanks to its extensive availability.
Speeds
Internet speed conceptual meter.
Xfinity and Starlink guarantee incredibly high speeds.
On average, you can expect a speed range of between 50 Mbps and 1200 Mbps for Xfinity fiber.
The internet is also relatively stable, although the speed depends on various factors.
For instance, expect low speeds during peak hours.
Starlink is also near excellent regarding internet speed.
It is the fastest Satellite internet, with download speeds of between 50 Mbps and 250 Mbps.
Also, with Starlink, expect upload speeds ranging between 10 and 20 Mbps.
Winner: It’s a tie, as Starlink and Xfinity have excellent internet speeds.
Ping and Latency
Latency concept.
Starlink has a relatively low latency. But, when compared with a fiber internet service such as Comcast, Starlink comes second.
Comparing the latency of the two, you’ll realize that Starlink Internet will be 50 to 100 ms slower than Xfinity.
Notably, for basic browsing applications, you may not note the differences between the ping rates of the two ISPs.
However, the differences are pronounced for internet-intensive uses such as online gaming, and Xfinity performs better than Starlink on latency.
Winner: Xfinity has lower Ping rates and Latency.
Data Caps
Starlink has no data cap.
Starlink wins this battle as its head and shoulders above Xfinity in that the satellite internet provider has no data caps.
It means you can use as much internet as you wish while on the residential package.
Moreover, Starlink doesn’t curtail your internet speed if you reach a particular limit.
For Xfinity, you can only access the internet at top speeds of up to 1.2 terabytes.
If your monthly data use supersedes this, Xfinity will limit your usage.
The alternative is to pay an extra $30 for unlimited data use.
Winner: Starlink is the best in this aspect, as it doesn’t have data caps.
Pricing
Starlink is a unique satellite internet provider because it has just one residential user package whereby all the customers under the plan access internet at the same speed.
They charge a $599 installation fee, and subsequently, you pay a monthly premium of $110.
Conversely, Xfinity has a tiered package system whereby you get slow speeds if you pay for a lower package and high speeds for a costlier plan.
The cheapest package is around $19.99, while you pay $79.99 for the top-speed fiber internet by Xfinity.
Winner: I’d go for Xfinity in this, as it allows flexibility and has relatively cheaper monthly packages.
Customer Service and Satisfaction
Starlink has better customer support than Xfinity.
Starlink is better in customer service, and most customers are more satisfied with the services than Xfinity’s.
Customer reviews are a testament to their satisfaction with any service provider.
Comparing the two, Xfinity must respond more promptly to customers and fulfill their needs.
Another thing that makes Starlink better is that the company allows for the DIY installation of its kit.
Also, you can solve most of the connection problems from the app.
Therefore, there are limited times you need to engage their customer service department.
Winner: Starlink has invested more in improving customer satisfaction than Xfinity.
Xfinity vs. Starlink: Which One is Best for You?
Using the Internet.
We’ve had a side-by-side comparison of the two ISPs.
Now your main query is which of the two best suits your needs?
Let us see below.
When to go for Starlink?
- If you live in a remote area where the only alternative to satellite internet is cable or other low-speed and high-latency options, opt for Starlink.
- If you’re always on the move, Starlink remains your best bet through their Starlink RV plan. It is available on the go; you can pause it when not traveling and resume it later when you need it.
- Thirdly, anyone outside the US living where Xfinity services are unavailable should check if they can access Starlink. This option will be valid if Starlink is available in your country.
When to go for Xfinity?
- If you’re in an urban setting with fiber optic infrastructure, go for Xfinity, as its speeds are astronomical.
- Also, if your current provider gives you average speeds below 50 Mbps, Xfinity will be a worthwhile replacement.
Conclusion.
Comcast (Xfinity) remains among the US’s top cable and fiber internet providers.
Similarly, Starlink is arguably the best satellite provider globally, thanks to its excellent infrastructure.
Therefore, you are spoilt for choice with the two ISPs.
But we have elaborately discussed the strengths and weaknesses of each ISP, meaning you can now make an informed decision on which suits you best.
