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XFINITY vs. Windstream

Whether you’re researching XFINITY vs. Windstream internet service at your current address, comparing internet options for potential locations, or just researching alternatives, this detailed comparison will help you understand which provider best suits you.

XFINITY
Price: $40.00 - $130.00 / mo.
Speed: 100 - 2,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (2165)

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Windstream
Price: $39.99 - $99.99 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 2,000 Mbps
Internet Type: DSL, fiber, fixed wireless, and cable
Rating (Reviews): (87)

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XFINITY and Windstream compete directly in approximately 0.98% of their service areas, with XFINITY covering 126,507,927 people nationwide and Windstream serving 8,666,574. XFINITY primarily delivers internet through a cable connection; Windstream specializes in DSL connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of XFINITY and Windstream's availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees

XFINITY vs. Windstream | Pros & Cons

XFINITY Logo

Pros:

  • Gigabit speeds available
  • Widespread national availability
  • Offers discounted intro pricing
  • Wide range of plan options

Cons:

  • Limited fiber availability
  • Monthly equipment rental fees
  • Contracts required for best pricing

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Windstream Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Service available in rural areas
  • Offers discounted intro pricing
  • Wide range of plan options

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Installation fees apply
  • Contracts required for best pricing

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XFINITY vs. Windstream | Availability

XFINITY and Windstream have distinct coverage footprints across the United States. Our interactive map shows exactly where each provider offers service and where they overlap, helping you understand your options.

Both Providers Available | XFINITY Available | Windstream Available | No Coverage

XFINITY currently offers internet service in 11,771 cities and 939 counties across 41 states, reaching approximately 126,507,927 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Chicago, IL; Houston, TX; and Philadelphia, PA. By comparison, Windstream serves 8,666,574 residents in 5,504 cities and 713 counties in 19 states, with a presence in population centers such as Charlotte, NC; Atlanta, GA; and Lexington, KY.

XFINITY has particularly strong coverage nationwide, where they serve 0 cities and 0 zip codes. Their Rural Coverage Ratio of 9 indicates they focuses heavily on urban areas, with limited service available in rural communities..

Windstream is prominent in nationwide with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 51, Windstream offers a balanced distribution of coverage across urban and rural areas.

Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about XFINITY and Windstream at your location, use our address search tool:

XFINITY vs. Windstream | Speeds & Technology

XFINITY and Windstream utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

Across their service areas, XFINITY primarily delivers internet through cable, available to 98.1% of their customers. They also offer fiber to 3.6% of their coverage area. Windstream relies on DSL technology, which comprises 96.4% of their network, with fiber available in 50.4% of their service locations.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, XFINITY offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,724 Mbps compared to Windstream's average speed of 807 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, XFINITY delivers faster speeds in 76.74% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 10.09%, and slower speeds in 13.17%.

The availability of each provider's fastest technology varies significantly by location. XFINITY's premium Cable service reaches 98.1% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Windstream's top-tier Fiber is available to 50.4% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

XFINITY vs. Windstream | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for XFINITY and Windstream, sourced directly from FCC-mandated machine-readable broadband labels to ensure transparency and accuracy. We've included both promotional and standard rates for each provider to give you a complete picture of what you'll pay over time. Plan availability and exact pricing may vary by location.

XFINITY Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
300 Mbps$40.00 ($70.00 after 12 months)176 Mbps23 MbpsCable
500 Mbps$55.00 ($85.00 after 12 months)176 Mbps100 MbpsCable
1,000 Mbps$70.00 ($100.00 after 12 months)351 Mbps115 MbpsCable
1,200 Mbps$110.00 ($100.00 after 12 months)351 Mbps150 MbpsCable
2,000 Mbps$110.00 ($130.00 after 12 months)583 Mbps115 MbpsCable

Note: These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas.

XFINITY Plans

Windstream Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Kinetic Internet 300$39.99 ($39.99 after 12 months)300 Mbps300 MbpsFiber
Kinetic Internet Basic$39.99 ($39.99 after 12 months)50 Mbps10 MbpsDSL
Kinetic Internet 100$50.00 ($50.00 after 12 months)100 Mbps20 MbpsDSL
Kinetic Internet 1 Gig$69.99 ($69.99 after 24 months)1000 Mbps1000 MbpsFiber
Kinetic Internet 2 Gig$99.99 ($99.99 after 24 months)2000 Mbps2000 MbpsFiber

Note: These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas.

Windstream Plans

Most households with 3-5 users need download speeds of at least 100 Mbps for smooth streaming, video conferencing, and everyday internet usage. Larger households or those with heavy users (gamers, 4K streamers, or remote workers) should consider plans with speeds of 300 Mbps or more for optimal performance.

Any prices listed are the base service rates and may not include additional charges such as equipment fees, installation costs, or other service-related expenses. For a comprehensive view of all potential charges, refer to our Fees & Details section below.

XFINITY vs. Windstream | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate XFINITY and Windstream based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

When comparing customer satisfaction, XFINITY earns an overall rating of 3.36 / 5 stars from 2165 customer reviews, while Windstream maintains a 3.36 / 5 rating from 87 reviews. XFINITY outperforms Windstream by 0.00 points in overall satisfaction. XFINITY's best-rated service is their offering at 0.00 / 5 stars, compared to Windstream's highest-rated service, fiber, at 3.86 / 5 stars.

XFINITY Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.49 of 5 stars

270

Cable

Cable: 3.32 of 5 stars

1716

DSL

DSL: 3.82 of 5 stars

22

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 3.58 of 5 stars

126

XFINITY has an overall rating of 3.36 out of 5, with a total of 2165 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into XFINITY's ratings, their cable service (79% of reviews) averages 3.32 / 5 stars, higher than their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our XFINITY Internet Reviews page.

Windstream Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.86 of 5 stars

36

Cable

Cable: 3.00 of 5 stars

2

DSL

DSL: 2.98 of 5 stars

45

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 3.50 of 5 stars

2

Windstream has an overall rating of 3.36 out of 5, with a total of 87 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Windstream's ratings, their DSL service (52% of reviews) averages 2.98 / 5 stars, higher than their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our Windstream Internet Reviews page.

XFINITY vs. Windstream | Fees & Details

Beyond advertised monthly rates, additional fees and service details significantly impact your total internet costs. The tables below outline equipment charges, installation fees, contract terms, data caps, and other important factors to consider when comparing these providers. Understanding these details helps you avoid unexpected costs and choose the plan that offers the best overall value.

XFINITY Service

Fee

Professional Install Fee

100.00

Unlimited data for customer-owned modems

30.00

Late Payment Fee-$6

6.00

Optional xFi Complete

25.00

Optional modem or gateway lease

15.00

Self-Installation Plus Fee

39.99

Windstream Service

Fee

Equipment (gateway) rental

$10.99

Professional installation fee (if applicable)

$35

Activation fee

$60

When comparing internet providers, remember that advertised prices rarely tell the complete story. Equipment fees alone can add $10-15 per month to your bill, while installation charges, early termination fees, and data overage penalties can significantly increase your total cost of service. Consider these additional costs alongside monthly rates when determining which provider offers the better value for your specific needs.

XFINITY vs. Windstream | Top Cities

XFINITY serves 11,771 cities while Windstream is available in 5,504 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

XFINITY Cities

Chicago, IL
  • Availability: 97.02%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,768 Mbps
Houston, TX
  • Availability: 94.89%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,828 Mbps
Philadelphia, PA
  • Availability: 96.88%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,799 Mbps
Miami, FL
  • Availability: 97.12%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,826 Mbps
Atlanta, GA
  • Availability: 86.37%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,785 Mbps

Overlapping Cities

Atlanta, GA
  • XFINITY Avg. Speed: 1,785 Mbps
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 966 Mbps
Houston, TX
  • XFINITY Avg. Speed: 1,828 Mbps
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 744 Mbps
Pittsburgh, PA
  • XFINITY Avg. Speed: 1,814 Mbps
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 997 Mbps
Sugar Land, TX
  • XFINITY Avg. Speed: 1,741 Mbps
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 507 Mbps
Canton, GA
  • XFINITY Avg. Speed: 1,735 Mbps
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 1,060 Mbps

Windstream Cities

Charlotte, NC
  • Availability: 24.82%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 689 Mbps
Atlanta, GA
  • Availability: 5.25%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 992 Mbps
Lexington, KY
  • Availability: 94.71%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 570 Mbps
Cleveland, OH
  • Availability: 13.15%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,038 Mbps
Lincoln, NE
  • Availability: 93.13%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 388 Mbps