Getting reliable high-speed internet to your home is more important than ever these days. With so many of us working from home, virtual learning for students, and streaming tons of movies and shows, having a solid internet connection is a must.
Two popular options many households consider are Xfinity and HughesNet. But which is better for your needs? Here’s an in-depth look at how Xfinity and HughesNet compare on things like speed, data caps, installation, and pricing.
A Brief Comparison Table Of Xfinity And Hughesnet:
| Feature | Xfinity | HughesNet |
| Speed | 50 Mbps – 2 Gbps | 25 Mbps |
| Data cap | 500GB – 1.2TB | 10GB – 50GB |
| Installation | Self-install or $99 technician | $99 – $299 professional install |
| Contract | No required contract | 2-year contract |
| Starting price | $29.99/mo for 12 mos | $59.99/mo |
| Availability | Major metro areas | Nationwide including rural |
| Connection type | Cable | Satellite |
| Latency | Low | High |
| Early termination fee | None | Up to $400 |
| Overage charges | $10-15 per 50GB | $2-10 per GB |
| Equipment fees | Modem or router fees | Included |
Xfinity Overview
Xfinity is one of the largest cable internet providers in the U.S., using cable lines to provide high-speed internet access. They leverage Comcast’s vast network of underground and above ground cables that also provide cable TV and phone service.
Xfinity Speeds
- Xfinity offers a range of speed tiers, from 50 Mbps up to 2 Gbps (2,000 Mbps) fiber speeds.
- Their base speed is fast enough for basic web browsing, email, social media. Higher tiers support multiple users, 4K streaming, gaming, smart home devices.
- Actual speeds can vary and may be slower during peak congestion times. Xfinity guarantees minimum speeds of 90% of subscribed speed.
Xfinity Data Caps
- Xfinity imposes data caps on all but the most expensive plans. The caps range from 500GB to 1.2TB per month.
- You can pay an extra $30/month for unlimited data or $25 for each additional block of 50GB.
- Data caps don’t apply in the Northeast, but may roll out in the future.
Xfinity Installation
- Self-installation is possible if your home is already wired for Xfinity. They provide a modem/router combo unit.
- For new wiring, a technician install is required at $99 charge. Appointments have a 4-hour arrival window.
Xfinity Pricing
- Intro rates as low as $29.99/month for 12 months apply to 100 Mbps plan. Regular rate is $69.99/month.
- Gigabit speed is around $80/month with a 1-year contract agreement.
- Taxes, broadcast TV fees, equipment charges add $15-30 to the monthly cost.
- Contract-free plans are available at a higher rate.
Hughesnet Overview
HughesNet provides satellite internet across the U.S., even to rural areas not reached by cable. But how does it compare to Xfinity?
HughesNet Speeds
- HughesNet offers download speeds of 25 Mbps on all plans. Upload speeds range from 3-5 Mbps.
- Data limits significantly impact actual speeds. After using your allotted data, speeds drop to 1-3 Mbps.
- While fast enough for web browsing, satellite technology can cause latency issues for gaming/video.
HughesNet Data Caps
- All HughesNet plans come with restrictive data allowances of 10-50GB per month.
- Going over your limit results in extremely slow speeds of 1-3 Mbps until the next billing cycle.
- Extra data can be purchased in small increments at $2-10 per GB.
HughesNet Installation
- HughesNet requires a professional installation of a satellite dish on your roof. Cost is $99-299 depending on system and wiring needed.
- Install appointments have a 4-hour arrival window. Install takes 2-5 hours.
HughesNet Pricing
- Plans start at $59.99/month with 10GB data allowance. 50GB plan is $149.99/month.
- Price includes equipment fees. Taxes and other fees add about $15/month
- 2-year contract is required. Early termination fee of up to $400 applies if canceling before contract end.
Also Read: Comparison Between HughesNet And Cox.
Xfinity Vs. Hughesnet Comparison
Now let’s directly compare Xfinity and HughesNet on some key factors.
Speed
- Xfinity has faster maximum speeds ranging from 50 Mbps up to 2 Gbps with fiber. HughesNet peaks at 25 Mbps.
- Xfinity minimum guaranteed speeds are 90% of max speed. HughesNet has no speed guarantees.
- HughesNet speeds plunge below 1 Mbps after using up monthly data allowance. Xfinity retains higher speeds when data cap is reached.
- Xfinity has lower latency, better for gaming and streaming. HughesNet satellite connection can cause lag, buffering.
Data Caps
- Xfinity caps are 500GB to 1.2TB – more generous than HughesNet’s 10GB to 50GB limits.
- Both charge $10-15 per 50GB of extra data. HughesNet also offers data tokens as low as $2 per GB.
- HughesNet data allowances have greater impact on performance due to ultra slow speeds after limit is reached.
Installation and Equipment
- Xfinity self-install is possible, professional install optional at $99. HughesNet professional install required at $99-$299.
- HughesNet install is more complex with roof satellite dish required. Xfinity uses existing cable wiring.
- Xfinity offers WiFi router options. HughesNet equipment fees include dish, modem/router combo device.
Watch the video to learn more!
Contracts and Fees
- Xfinity no-contract plans available at a premium. HughesNet requires 2-year contract with up to $400 early termination fee.
- Xfinity intro rates for 12 months. HughesNet contracts lock in initial promo price.
- Taxes and fees add $15-30 to monthly cost of both providers.
Availability
- Xfinity uses extensive cable network available to most homes in populated areas.
- HughesNet satellite internet can provide coverage in rural areas beyond reach of cable internet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, Xfinity does not offer any satellite internet service. They provide cable internet delivered via fiber optic and coaxial cable lines. Satellite internet is offered by other providers like HughesNet and Viasat that transmit data wirelessly from satellites in orbit above the earth.
HughesNet is considered lower quality satellite internet due to relatively slow speeds that get even slower after hitting restrictive data caps each month. The satellite technology also contributes to lag and buffering issues when streaming or gaming. While usable for basic web browsing and email when under your data allowance, it performs far worse than cable or fiber optics.
The maximum download speed offered by any HughesNet plan is 25 Mbps. However, once you use up your monthly data allowance, speeds are throttled down to 1-3 Mbps, making it extremely slow until the next billing cycle.
Yes, early reports from Starlink users show download speeds reliably over 100 Mbps and up to 200 Mbps, much faster than the 25 Mbps peak speeds offered by HughesNet. Starlink also has lower latency for better gaming and streaming performance. The downside is availability is still limited as SpaceX expands coverage.
Read More: Comparison Between C Spire And AT&T
Recommendation
In most cases, Xfinity provides faster speeds with greater data allowances and lower latency than HughesNet. The flexibility of no-contract options, wider range of speed tiers, and cable infrastructure make it better suited for a majority of households with access to their service.
Only those with no access to cable or fiber in very rural locations might have no choice but to use satellite internet like HughesNet. But even then, new options like Starlink are emerging as better alternatives than HughesNet for rural satellite internet access.
xfinity and hughesnet are two major satellite internet providers available in the United States. This comprehensive guide compared xfinity and hughesnet on speed, data caps, installation process, pricing, and contracts to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each service.
Key factors like xfinity’s faster speeds, more generous data allowances, lower latency, and no required contract make it preferable over hughesnet for most households with access to xfinity cable internet service. However, for some rural users outside the reach of cable internet, hughesnet remains an option albeit with slower satellite internet performance.