Xfinity X1 is a better option for users who prioritize speed, low latency for gaming, and bundling options, but are okay with data caps and potential price increases after the promotional period. Starlink is a better choice for users who need service in remote areas, require no data caps, and value straightforward pricing, but may experience slower speeds and weather-related interruptions.
| Attribute | Starlink | Xfinity X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Download Speed | Typically ranges from 25 to 220 Mbps, with the majority of users experiencing speeds over 100 Mbps. Some users have reported seeing speeds between 300 and 400 Mbps. The Starlink Mini can deliver up to 100 Mbps download in optimal conditions. | Up to 10 Gbps |
| Upload Speed | Typically between 5 and 20 Mbps. | Not specified, but Xfinity offers a range of plans with varying speeds. |
| Data Caps | Starlink's plans generally don't have data caps. Residential plans offer unlimited high-speed data, but speeds may be reduced during peak hours for heavy users. Some plans have tiers of "priority data". | 1.2 TB data cap for most home internet plans. $10 for each additional 50 GB, but charges will not exceed $100 per month. Unlimited data can be obtained by paying an extra $30 per month or upgrading to a 2 Gig internet plan. |
| Pricing and Contracts | Residential plans start at $120 per month. A "Residential Lite" plan may be available for $80 per month but is subject to network congestion. Roam (for mobile use) plans cost $165 per month for unlimited service. A 50GB Roam plan is available for $50 per month. Global Priority plans (for maritime or global land use) start at $250 per month. Starlink often has no long-term contracts, but promotional deals may require a 6-month or 12-month commitment. | Internet plans start at $30 per month, TV plans start at $20 per month. Prices are typically guaranteed for the first 12 months, then increase. Xfinity offers a 5-year price guarantee on some internet plans. Bundling services can lead to discounts. |
| Coverage Area | Starlink provides service to over 5 million active customers across 125 countries. It is fully operational in every state in the United States. | Provides service in 40 states and the District of Columbia. The states with the most coverage include California, Indiana, and Florida. |
| Equipment Costs (Router, Modem, Dish) | Standard equipment (dish, router, power supply, and mount) costs $349. Starlink Mini equipment costs $599. A Flat High-Performance dish (for business or maritime use) costs $2,470. Refurbished equipment may be available for $199. New customers may be able to get a Starlink Kit for $0 when they subscribe to a 12-month Residential service plan. | xFi Gateway (modem/router): $14 - $15 per month (can't be bought outright). X1 TV Box: $8.50 per month. Additional boxes are $8.50 each. Standard Set-Top Box: $8.50 per month. xFi Pods: The only equipment you can buy from Xfinity. |
| Installation Fees | Starlink offers free professional rooftop installation in select areas. Otherwise, self-installation is common and considered straightforward. Professional installation can cost between $480 and $549. | Professional installation: $89.99 - $100. Self-installation kit: $15 (Priority shipping is an additional $29.95). Self-Install Plus (technician checks exterior connection): $39.99. |
| Customer Support Quality | Customer support is typically handled through an online ticket system, and response times can vary. | Mixed reviews. Some find customer service helpful, while others experience issues with inconsistent information and difficulty resolving problems. |
| Reliability and Outages | Starlink is generally more reliable than older satellite internet services. However, heavy rain or snow can interfere with the signal. | Service reliability can vary, with some users reporting frequent outages. Outage duration can range from a few minutes to several hours or even days. Xfinity aims to restore services as quickly as possible. |
| Technology (Satellite vs. Cable) | Satellite internet using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. | Primarily uses a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network. X1 is a cable TV box. |
| Bundling Options (TV, Phone) | Starlink does not offer bundling options for TV or phone services. | Allows you to bundle internet with TV (X1 or Xumo Stream Box), phone (Xfinity Voice), and home security. |
| Latency/Ping (Gaming) | Latency is advertised as 25 to 60 milliseconds, which is comparable to cable internet. | Average latency of 16.6 milliseconds, which is good for gaming. |