Internet service providers: Xfinity X-Fi Gateway (2025 Edition) vs. AT&T Fiber

Quick Verdict

AT&T Fiber is the superior choice for users who prioritize speed, reliability, and unlimited data, and are willing to pay a higher starting price. Xfinity may be a more budget-friendly option initially, but the data caps and potential for price increases should be considered.

AT&T Fiber offers significantly faster upload speeds and unlimited data compared to Xfinity.
Xfinity's pricing starts lower, but equipment fees and potential price increases after promotional periods can make it more expensive in the long run.
AT&T Fiber boasts higher network reliability and uses a 100% fiber optic network, while Xfinity uses a hybrid fiber-coaxial cable connection.
Both providers offer bundling options, but customer service experiences vary.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Xfinity X-Fi Gateway (2025 Edition)	AT&T Fiber
Download Speed (Maximum)	Up to 2.5 Gbps (2,500 Mbps)	Up to 5 Gbps (5000 Mbps)
Upload Speed (Maximum)	Up to 35 Mbps (Gigabit Extra plan)	Symmetrical, up to 5 Gbps
Data Caps	1.2 TB monthly data cap (most plans)	None. Unlimited data.
Contract Length	May require a one-year contract	No annual contract required
Equipment Fees (Monthly)	$14-$15 per month	Included in the monthly price
Installation Fees	One-time fee of $15 may apply. Professional installation can cost $100, self-install kit may range from free to $40.	One-time charge may apply. Could be $150 for professional installation, self-installation is an option. Assistance may incur a $99 fee. In some cases, no charge.
Bundling Options (TV, Phone)	Bundling available with TV and phone services. Access to streaming apps.	Bundling options with TV (DirecTV) and phone services.
Customer Service Rating	Varies, with reports of long wait times and difficulty resolving issues.	3.8/5 (Allconnect). Some reviews mention occasional delays.
Network Reliability	Can improve internet performance in terms of speed and reliability.	Highly reliable due to fiber-optic technology. Proven reliability of over 99%. Named Most Consistent Fixed ISP in the U.S. by Ookla.
Technology (Fiber vs. Cable)	Hybrid fiber-coaxial cable	100% fiber optic network
Price (Monthly)	Starting around $20/month for 150 Mbps. Gigabit plans can cost $60-$75 per month, but prices can increase after a promotional period.	Starting as low as $55/month. Prices range from $55 to $245 per month depending on the plan.
Availability in My Area	Availability varies by location.	Available in select areas of 21 states. Check availability on the AT&T website.

Overall Comparison

AT&T Fiber: Up to 5 Gbps symmetrical speeds, unlimited data, 99% network reliability. Xfinity: Up to 2.5 Gbps download, 35 Mbps upload, 1.2 TB data cap.

Pros and Cons

Xfinity X-Fi Gateway (2025 Edition)

Pros:

Can improve internet performance in terms of speed and reliability.
xFi Gateway combines a modem and router.
Automatically selects the best frequency band for each device to manage network traffic effectively.
Straightforward installation process.

Cons:

Customer service experiences seem to vary, with some users reporting long wait times and difficulty resolving issues.
Most Xfinity internet plans include a 1.2 TB monthly data cap.
Prices can increase after a promotional period.
Advertised price may not include equipment fees, installation fees, and taxes.

AT&T Fiber

Pros:

Fast and consistent speeds, even at peak times
Unlimited data
No annual contract
Included equipment fees
Highly reliable network
Bundling options available

Cons:

Installation fees may apply
Customer service delays reported
Availability limited to select areas
Advertised price requires AutoPay and paperless billing
Taxes and other fees may be added to the monthly bill

User Experiences and Feedback

Xfinity X-Fi Gateway (2025 Edition)

What Users Love

One user with a 300 Mbps plan reported consistently achieving speeds near or above 300 Mbps with the Xfinity xFi Gateway.
One user experienced an immediate boost in speeds when switching to an Xfinity xFi Gateway.
Some users have found Xfinity store associates to be friendly and helpful.

Common Complaints

Some users have reported long wait times and difficulty resolving issues with customer service.
Some users have reported unexpected data overage charges and difficulty resolving them with customer service.
Xfinity charges $10 for each 50 GB of data exceeding the 1.2 TB cap, with a maximum of $100 per month.

Value Perception

Subscribers who bundle Xfinity internet with TV or other services can access streaming apps like Netflix, Peacock, and Apple TV+.
Purchasing a separate modem and router may be more cost-effective in the long run.

User Recommendations

One user reported needing to restart their xFi Wireless Gateway once in two months.

AT&T Fiber

What Users Love

Customers report getting close to advertised speeds.
Some customers have reported positive experiences with AT&T customer service, with regional representatives providing detailed explanations and timely installations.
AT&T Fiber has a reputation for few outages. Some customers report only one outage in 5+ years, resolved within a couple of hours.

Common Complaints

Some customers have reported issues with customer service and accessing billing information.
Unexpected costs can arise from professional installation fees or self-installation assistance fees.

Value Perception

AT&T Fiber plans have unlimited data, so there are no data overage charges.
AT&T Fiber has no contract, so you won't see any contract renewal or cancellation fees.