If you’re looking for an affordable cell phone plan from a major carrier, Consumer Cellular and Xfinity Mobile are two great options to consider. Both providers offer plans that use the large AT&T and Verizon networks at lower prices than you’ll typically find directly from those major carriers.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Consumer Cellular and Xfinity Mobile head-to-head, looking at their plans, phone selection, features, and more. By the end, you’ll have the key information needed to determine which low-cost carrier is the better fit for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Consumer Cellular | Xfinity Mobile |
| Network | AT&T | Verizon |
| Plans | Low-cost talk, text & data | Unlimited & by the gig |
| Phone Selection | Wide variety including basic phones | Limited mostly to iPhone and Galaxy |
| Family Plans | Account owner discount available | $30/line for unlimited |
| Perks | AARP discounts, international calling | Free unlimited data for Xfinity internet customers, mobile hotspot |
| Best For | Light users, seniors, basic phones | Heavy data users, existing Xfinity customers |
Overview Of Consumer Cellular
Consumer Cellular is a top-rated wireless provider that specializes in serving the AARP community. The company focuses on providing excellent customer support and affordable talk, text, and data plans to customers 50+.
Here are some quick facts about Consumer Cellular:
- Uses AT&T’s nationwide 4G LTE network
- Contract-free plans
- Low-cost unlimited talk and text plans
- Discounted phones for seniors
- Excellent US-based customer support
While designed with seniors in mind, Consumer Cellular also works well for light to moderate cell phone users of any age. You bring your own phone or buy one from Consumer Cellular’s selection of devices.
Overview Of Xfinity Mobile
Xfinity Mobile is the cellular service from Comcast that originally launched in 2017. The service relies on Verizon’s network and infrastructure to provide nationwide 4G LTE coverage.
Here’s an overview of Xfinity Mobile:
- Uses Verizon’s 4G LTE network
- Mix and match unlimited and by the gig plans
- Works with select iPhone and Android devices
- Rollover data and unlimited talk/text
- Perks for Xfinity internet customers
Xfinity Mobile incorporates some of the latest wireless plan innovations, like flexible data options and free unlimited data for home internet customers. However, phone selection is limited compared to other carriers.
Plan Comparison
One of the biggest factors that distinguishes Consumer Cellular and Xfinity Mobile is the types of plans offered.
Consumer Cellular Plans
Consumer Cellular offers three main plans:
- Talk: $15/month for 250 minutes
- Talk and Text: $20/month for unlimited nationwide talk and text
- Talk, Text, and Data: $25/month for unlimited talk and text + 1GB of data
You can add more minutes, texts, or data as needed at reasonable rates. For example, 5GB of shared data costs $20 extra per month. There are also family discounts available through AARP. These plans work with any compatible phone.
Xfinity Mobile Plans
Xfinity Mobile uses a mix-and-match approach for its wireless plans:
- By the Gig: $15/month per GB of data (up to 20 GB)
- Unlimited: $45/month per line for unlimited data
With By the Gig, talk and text are unlimited. You can share data across lines and only pay for what you use. Unlimited plans include 20 GB of hotspot usage. Xfinity Mobile plans require you to bring your own compatible device.
The biggest perk is that Xfinity Internet customers get unlimited data for free on Xfinity Mobile lines. Overall, Xfinity Mobile offers more flexibility but Consumer Cellular is simpler.
Phone Selection
Consumer Cellular offers one of the largest phone selections among discount carriers. Choices include:
- iPhone – Consumer Cellular sells iPhone models going back to the 6S. You can also bring your own unlocked iPhone.
- Android – Many popular Samsung, LG, Motorola, and ZTE models are available.
- Basic phones – Consumer Cellular caters to seniors with flip phones and other basic devices.
- Discounts – AARP members get special discounted pricing on phones.
In contrast, Xfinity Mobile has a much smaller lineup of around 10 iPhone and Samsung Galaxy phones. You’ll need to purchase your device separately at full price and activate it on Xfinity Mobile. iPhones are locked to Xfinity for 6 months before becoming eligible for unlocking.
If having the latest devices matters, Consumer Cellular is the better choice. But Xfinity Mobile allows you to bring almost any unlocked device, including Google Pixel, OnePlus, and other phones not sold directly by them.
Also Read: Is Consumer Cellular Better Than Ting?
Coverage Map
When comparing mobile networks, coverage is key. You want reliable nationwide coverage with few dead zones.
Consumer Cellular runs on AT&T’s strong network, which offers excellent coverage across the country. AT&T has invested heavily in its network and usually performs very well in nationwide tests. You can check AT&T’s coverage in your area to verify service.
As an MVNO of Verizon, Xfinity Mobile uses the coverage provided by Verizon Wireless. Verizon has the most extensive network reach in the U.S. and always tops coverage maps and tests. It’s extremely likely you’ll get a solid connection anywhere with Xfinity Mobile.
Both carriers offer nationwide LTE service and fast data speeds, though Verizon edges out AT&T in rural coverage. For most people, coverage shouldn’t be an issue regardless of which provider you choose.
Family Plans
If you need a wireless plan for two lines or more, here’s how family plans compare:
- Consumer Cellular – Account owner gets 15% off monthly bills. Also eligible for AARP membership discounts.
- Xfinity Mobile – Lines $30/month each for unlimited data with four line maximum.
Consumer Cellular has lower priced individual lines so it usually works out cheaper overall for families. Plus, you can get a minimum 25% discount through AARP membership.
Xfinity Mobile family plans come with unlimited data on each line. However, the $45 single line unlimited price makes it more expensive than competitors for multiple lines.
Perks And Features
There are quite a few differences in the extra perks and features offered by these two providers:
- Mobile hotspot – Included on all Xfinity Mobile plans but costs extra on Consumer Cellular
- International roaming – Consumer Cellular includes calling to landlines in 70+ countries
- Xfinity benefits – Xfinity Mobile customers get free unlimited data and other perks
- Phone discounts – Exclusive phone discounts for AARP members on Consumer Cellular
- Customer service – Consumer Cellular is known for excellent senior-friendly support
If you’re an Xfinity home internet subscriber, the free unlimited data and other benefits on Xfinity Mobile are hard to beat. For others, Consumer Cellular’s international calling and senior-focused customer service give it an edge.
Pros And Cons Comparison
Consumer Cellular
Pros
- Low monthly rates
- Use AT&T’s reliable network
- Wide phone selection with senior discounts
- Excellent US-based customer support
- International calling included
- Family discounts available
Cons
- Data limited to 5GB before throttling
- No mobile hotspot included
- Fewest extra features of the two
Xfinity Mobile
Pros
- Flexible data options and shared data
- Free unlimited data for Xfinity customers
- Uses Verizon’s best-in-class network
- Unlimited talk and text included
- Mobile hotspot on all plans
Cons
- Maximum of 20 GB of full-speed data
- Limited phone selection
- Must be an Xfinity internet customer for best benefits
- Pricier family plans
As you can see, both providers have their own pros and cons. For light data users who want a simple plan, Consumer Cellular shines. Power users will enjoy Xfinity Mobile’s unlimited data and hotspot perks.
Also Read: Differences Betweeen Consumer Cellular And MetroPCS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some drawbacks of Xfinity Mobile include:
Limited selection of supported phones
Maximum of 20 GB full-speed data per month
Pricier family plans compared to competitors
Must be an Xfinity home internet customer to get the best perks
Phones locked to network for 6 months
Xfinity Mobile runs on Verizon’s network infrastructure. It’s an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) that leases network access from Verizon Wireless.
Yes, Xfinity Mobile uses Verizon’s cell towers and nationwide 4G LTE network to provide coverage. Being an MVNO means it doesn’t own the network but purchases access wholesale from Verizon.
Benefits of Xfinity Mobile include:
Uses Verizon’s reliable nationwide network
Unlimited talk and text included
Shared data between lines
Perks like free unlimited data for Xfinity internet subscribers
Mobile hotspot included
Mix and match unlimited and by the gig plans
The main pros of Consumer Cellular are excellent customer service, low rates, AARP discounts, and a wide selection of phones. Cons are a maximum of 5GB full-speed data and fewer perks than some competitors. But overall it provides a great wireless option for light data users.
Also Read: Comparison Between Windstream And Mediacom.
The Verdict
So, which low-cost carrier comes out on top – Consumer Cellular or Xfinity Mobile? Here are some guidelines:
- If you’re 50+ and appreciate outstanding customer service, choose Consumer Cellular.
- If you’re an Xfinity home internet customer, get unlimited data with Xfinity Mobile.
- If you need lots of full-speed data, opt for Xfinity Mobile.
- If you want the widest selection of phones, go with Consumer Cellular.
- For families and basic phone users, Consumer Cellular is our pick.
For most other scenarios, it depends on your priority for cheaper plans or more data. We recommend looking at the detailed coverage maps to ensure your area is well served before signing up with either.
Hopefully this detailed Consumer Cellular Vs. Xfinity Mobile comparison gives you the information needed to select the right budget-friendly cell phone plan. Both providers offer seniors, individuals, and families an affordable wireless alternative overall.