But if you’re stuck with Xfinity versus Frontier DSL internet, Xfinity is the better internet service provider (ISP). Read on to learn more about how these two internet providers differ on prices, internet speeds, data caps, and customer service. Let’s dig in and find out which one is the best choice for you. That said, we think Frontier’s Fiber internet service is the best deal thanks to its low cost, fast speeds, and unlimited data options—not to mention its newer and generally more reliable fiber technology. But not everyone can get Frontier’s fiber internet service. And if you’re stuck with its DSL service, Xfinity internet is the clear winner. Here’s what Xfinity’s promotional prices look like for the Central part of the US: And the 25 Mbps and 45 Mbps speeds aren’t much better—but they’ll at least connect you to a Zoom call if you’re the only person online in your home. So if it’s a tossup between Xfinity and Frontier DSL internet, go with Xfinity. But, like we said, if you can grab Frontier’s Fiber internet, go for it. It comes with no contracts and unlimited data (Xfinity caps data at 1.2 TB), plus the prices are pretty low for the speeds you get. We recommend at least 50 Mbps for one person to stream, game, and take Zoom calls, and both ISPs offer these speeds plus faster download speeds for larger families. But, as we said previously, Frontier’s DSL internet speeds leave a lot to be desired. We don’t recommend these speeds for anyone—unless you absolutely have no other choice. (Frontier’s DSL prices and unlimited data are still a better deal than satellite internet.) That said, Frontier’s speed score is likely brought down by its DSL internet service. We analyzed download speed, upload speed, and latency from over a million speed tests taken in 2019, and DSL’s slower download and upload speeds automatically put it at a disadvantage. Our spidey sense tells us that Frontier’s fiber internet speeds probably match Xfinity’s speeds. Xfinity, on the other hand, caps your data at 1.2 TB. While most of us probably won’t go near that data cap, it definitely starts to loom large by the end of the month if you’re working from home or need to download a boatload of video games.
Xfinity data cap: 1.2 TB Frontier Fiber data cap: Unlimited Frontier DSL internet data cap: Unlimited
That said, Frontier’s customer service is the lowest of the low. It scored 55 out of 100 points in the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) report and made no improvements from the year before.1 Yuck. On the other hand, Xfinity scored 66 out of 100, putting it right in the middle of the pack. That’s also an improvement from its score of 61 out of 100 the previous year. Sure, we’ve all heard the horror stories about Xfinity customer service, but we’d rather deal with Xfinity than Frontier.
Xfinity customer service: 1-800-XFINITY (1-800-934-6489) Frontier customer service: 1-800-921-8101
But if you’re comparing Frontier DSL service with Xfinity, go with Xfinity.
Price: Frontier Fiber. Both Xfinity and Frontier Fiber internet offer great promo prices. But Frontier’s no contracts and unlimited data push it into the lead. That said, Frontier’s DSL internet prices aren’t good for the speeds you get. Internet speed: Xfinity. Xfinity scored well in our fastest ISPs report, but it’s hard to say how Frontier performs. We think its Fiber internet matches Xfinity, but its DSL service isn’t worth writing home about. Data caps: Frontier. You get unlimited data on every Frontier internet plan—including its DSL service. But Xfinity puts a 1.2 TB limit on your data. Customer service: Xfinity. Internet customer service isn’t great, but at least Xfinity improved. That said, Frontier’s rock-bottom score is scarier than a Stephen King novel.
