T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is a good option for those who prioritize unlimited data and no contracts, while Xfinity X1 is better for users who need faster speeds and have access to its cable infrastructure, and are willing to bundle services. However, customers should be aware of potential data caps and equipment rental fees with Xfinity, and potential speed variability with T-Mobile.
| Attribute | T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | Xfinity X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Download Speed (Maximum) | 87-415 Mbps | Up to 2,000 Mbps, speeds vary by location |
| Upload Speed (Maximum) | 12-56 Mbps | 100 Mbps to 250 Mbps, depending on the plan |
| Data Caps | Unlimited data (speeds may be temporarily slowed for customers using >1.2TB/month during network congestion) | 1.2 TB data cap for most home internet plans. $10 for each additional 50 GB of data, with a maximum overage charge of $100. Unlimited data by upgrading to the 2 Gig internet plan or paying an extra $30 per month. |
| Contract Length | No annual contract | May vary. Some plans require a contract, while others do not. Promotional pricing typically lasts for the first 12 months. |
| Price per Month | Rely Home Internet: $55/month ($50 with autopay, $35 with a qualifying T-Mobile voice line). Amplified Home: $65/month ($60 with autopay, $45 with voice line). All-In Home: $75/month ($70 with autopay, $55 with voice line). | Internet-only plans range from $55 to $100 per month. Bundles combining TV and internet start around $70 per month. |
| Equipment Fees | 5G Gateway included (non-returned equipment fee up to $370) | xFi Gateway (modem/router): Up to $14 per month to rent. X1 TV box: $8.50 per month. HD Technology Fee: $9.95/month. DVR service: Around $8.50 per month for the box, plus an optional fee for cloud storage. |
| Installation Fees | No installation fees (self-installation required) | Professional installation: Typically $100. Self-installation kit: $15 (plus shipping). |
| Bundling Options (TV, Mobile) | Discount of $15/month when bundling with a T-Mobile phone plan | Bundling options include TV, internet, home phone, and home security. Bundling multiple services can result in monthly discounts. |
| Customer Service Rating | T-Mobile ranked highly in customer satisfaction surveys. J.D. Power Trophy. T-Mobile: #1 in Customer Satisfaction by J.D. Power. | Xfinity internet scored the highest customer satisfaction rating of any traditional cable provider in the U.S. |
| Network Reliability | Speeds may vary due to 5G cellular network | Xfinity delivers service predominantly over a hybrid fiber-coaxial network. |
| Coverage Area | Available in all 50 states, but coverage varies by city | Xfinity internet and TV services are available in 40 states and Washington, D.C. |
| Technology (5G vs. Cable) | Fixed wireless, utilizing T-Mobile's 5G network | Xfinity primarily uses cable technology. While Xfinity Mobile exists, the X1 service relies on cable infrastructure for internet and TV. |