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Verizon Wireless is no doubt the best cell phone provider here in the US. However, how does the carrier compare with its MVNOs? Or to be exact, which should you choose between Xfinity Mobile vs Verizon Wireless when you’re planning to make a switch?
Well, this will be our topic today, whereby we’ll help you understand how the two carriers differ from each other. Yes, it should seem obvious that Verizon is a better choice since it’s a major carrier with its own network infrastructure. But then, just because Xfinity Mobile is cheaper doesn’t mean you’ll get half the experience. In fact, you might be surprised it has more than you expected as we shall point out in our review.
Straight Talk vs Total Wireless: An Overview on the Cell Phone Providers
Here’s a quick summary of how Total Wireless and Straight Talk compares to each other.
| Feature | Xfinity Mobile | Verizon Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2017 | 2000 |
| Parent Company | Comcast Cable Communications | Verizon Communications |
| Carrier Network | Verizon | Verizon |
| Technologies | CDMA | CDMA |
| 5G | YES | YES |
| Lowest Phone Plan | $15 | $30 |
| Unlimited Minutes | YES | YES |
| Unlimited data | YES (with cap) | YES (No cap) |
| Carry-Over | NO | YES (Older plans) |
| Family Plans | YES | YES |
| Mobile Hotspot | YES (free) | YES |
| Mexico/ Canada Call Pass | $10/ month | Free |
| Video Streaming | YES [up to 1080p HD] | YES [Up to 4K UHD] |
| Phone Unlock | After 60 days | After 60 days |
| Extra Perks | Free Xfinity WiFi Hotspots | Free Discovery+, Free Apple Music, Free Apple Arcade 600GB Cloud Storage, Free Google Play Pass, Free Hulu/ Disney+/ ESPN+ |
About Verizon Wireless
In a nutshell, Verizon and AT&T, and T-Mobile are the remaining major carriers after the end of the Sprint brand. As was mentioned, our CDMA carrier uses its own Network towers to bring service to its subscribers. Hence, the reason users find it more reliable as it’s always given priority before its MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) whenever there’s a network issue.
The said MVNOs include free government cell phone providers like enTouch Wireless and Prepaid/ postpaid services like our Xfinity Mobile, Affinity Cellular, and TracFone. Several of the TracFone brands, including Straight Talk, Net10 Wireless, Page Plus Cellular, and Total Wireless are also resellers of the Verizon network. However, Straight Talk and Net10 also use T-Mobile and AT&T spectrum, but we might see that changing after Verizon acquires TracFone.
About Xfinity Mobile
First up, Xfinity Mobile is still relatively new (about 4 years old), which is why you’re probably hearing it for the first time today. As was just mentioned, the wireless carrier is also one of the resellers of the Verizon wireless network. But unlike with operators like Straight Talk and Total Wireless, its service is exclusively for the subscribers of Xfinity/ Comcast internet and or TV.
Of course, there’s an exception for some of the subscribers without the TV or internet service, but they also have to follow the regulatory policy, as we shall see later.
But, anyway, Xfinity operates with the low-end consumer in mind. As shown in the table, the mobile operator brings service to its subscribers from as low as fifteen bucks a month. So, it could be a perfect choice if your reason to switch phone carriers is to cut your monthly bills.
More on that, let’s jump to our main Verizon vs Xfinity Mobile review and see which can make a better cell phone service for you. Remember, just because Xfinity is our favorite, in this case, does mean it will be the same for you. So, continue reading to get a better incentive before you make your final decision on the switch.
Xfinity Mobile vs Verizon: Comparing the Features of the Network Operators
At this point, you know Verizon and Xfinity Mobile share an indirect relationship. So, they do have more similarities than differences. However, that little difference between them is what you certainly need and can make a huge difference in your next cell phone service.
Eligibility Requirements
Overall, it will be much easier to switch to Verizon Wireless than Xfinity Mobile. The major carrier is open to any user who needs a reliable network he/ she can count on for communication and entertainment. You just need to visit the official Verizon page, pick the device to use, set up your cell number, choose the right plan, and make the payments.
Meanwhile, you need to have residential Xfinity internet to become eligible for the Xfinity Mobile service. Indeed, you can use the service even if you don’t have Xfinity internet or TV. But that only applies to the subscribers who were using it before until they weren’t able to maintain it anymore. In other words, you can only continue to use Xfinity Mobile after you cancel Xfinity internet or TV services, perhaps because of relocating.
Note, when you continue with the Xfinity Mobile without the internet package, your monthly phone bill will attract a $25 surcharge fee. Thus, raising your 3GB By the Gig plan from $30/ month to $55.
5G Cellular Technology
Technically, both Verizon and Xfinity Wireless are offering 5G services if you might be interested. Both carriers advertise to have the fifth-generation network at a nationwide coverage, but, in the actual sense, it’s select cities with it. The good thing, however, is that neither of the brands charges extra cost to have the ultra-fast service. Not even with the lowest Xfinity cell phone plan at $15. Hence, enabling you to download stuff faster, stream more smoothly without grainy resolution or annoying buffering, and game with lower to no lags.
Even so, 5G technology is still young and the major carriers, including Verizon, are yet to set up their infrastructure across all the cities. So, if your goal is to make the most of 5G, we’d recommend going for the Verizon instead of Xfinity Mobile. This is so as Verizon will always prioritize its direct subscribers every time the network becomes too busy.
More on that, there are chances to remain on the low-band 5G (Nationwide) when you’re away from the high-efficiency 5G (Ultra Wideband) spectrum.
But again, even for the areas with no 5G bands, the 4G LTE is still enough to stream in high-definition, as well as entertain you with rich fidelity. And in the case of Xfinity Mobile, you even have access to millions of Xfinity WiFi hotspots distributed across the nation. Hence, enabling you to use less data, as well as save a few dollars along the way.
Cell Phone Plans and Pricing
When we now compare Verizon vs Xfinity Mobile in terms of pricing, the Comcast brand takes the points without a question. The By the Gig bundle, which is more like its basic phones service, has three plans that you can consider if you’re not a heavy data user. All the plans include unlimited nationwide talk minutes and texting, but varying data allotment. If it’s the 1GB plan, Xfinity Mobile offers it at $15/ mo., then $30 for 3GB, and $60 for 10GB.
Xfinity Mobile Has Unlimited Everything
In case you’re a heavy data user, Xfinity also has Unlimited data plans that start from $45/ mo. for a single line. If you’re joining with multiple lines, the company does offer family discounts, whereby you can save at least $700/ year. You can have a maximum of ten lines on your account, but you may get fewer based on your credit report.
It’s worth mentioning that Xfinity is a postpaid service, which requires you to pay at the end of the billing cycle. So, you might want to switch to the unlimited plans during the months you know your data consumption will be higher than the regular days. But even then, the unlimited plans usually start with 20GB of high-speed data, then reduces to slower 1.5Mbps speeds.
Verizon Has Data With No Caps
Well, Verizon also has unlimited everything plans, with uncapped high-speed data in 5G or 4G LTE. Of course, you may notice slower speeds when the network is busy, but it’s very rare as the MVNO are always the first to be throttled when the consumption’s beyond the capacity.
Besides, the cheapest Verizon unlimited plans sell at $70/ line per month. So, it could be beyond unfair to be getting the same treatment as the subscriber who’s paying $25 less.
But, anyway, Verizon does have a basic phone plan if you want to keep things simple with just a means of communication. The plan is available per single line at $30/ month, whereby you’ll get unlimited talk and text, plus 500MB of data. If you feel you need more data, you can add at a rate of $5 per 500MB or else subscribe for the Verizon prepaid plan.
The plus side of the prepaid package is that you can choose the 5GB allotment (with unlimited calling and texting) at $40 for the first month. Then, set your account for Autopay and get a $5 discount so you can be paying $35 for the following months.
Get Free Mobile Hotspot
Technically, the two mobile carriers do offer free mobile hotspots. However, Xfinity Mobile usually offers the feature through its residential Gateways. That’s your residential Xfinity Wireless Gateway usually delivers your private home WiFi network and a separate extension Xfinity WiFi hotspot. It’s this and similar hotspots (usually shown as Xfinitywifi) that bring you convenient free WiFi to your wireless device while away from home.
In case you’re in a place without the “unlimited” Xfinity WiFi Hotspots, you can turn your phone into a personal hotspot. The feature will use the data from your Unlimited plan at a speed of 600Kbps or the By the Gig plans at 4G LTE.
Meanwhile, Verizon only offers free “unlimited” mobile hotspots to the subscribers of Play More, Do More, and Get More Unlimited plans. The feature is also available in the Verizon Prepaid packages, but only the Unlimited and Unlimited Plus plans have an “unlimited” mobile hotspot.
Video Streaming Quality
When it now comes to streaming, Xfinity Mobile uses DVD-quality (480p) as the standard resolution for Unlimited plans. However, you can also stream on high-definition, with 720p (for phones) or 1080p (for tablets) by purchasing an HD pass at $20/ mo.
As of 2021, the Xfinity Mobile By the Gig plans includes high-definition streaming at 720p (phone) and 1080p (tablet) as the default resolution. So, in this case, you necessarily don’t need to purchase the HD pass.
On its end, Verizon brings you the standard 480p video streaming on all the prepaid plans and Start Unlimited. However, on the Verizon Play More, Do More, and Get More Unlimited plans, you can stream at 720p HD as the standard resolution. If you’re in a place with a 5G Ultra-Wideband, you can stream at up to 4K Ultra-HD on capable devices.
Also, Verizon has an add-on Premium Streaming package, whereby you can stream up to 1080p HD on smartphones and tablets. The services cost $10/ mo. per line and you can even mirror your devices to larger screens to stream at 4K Ultra-HD resolution.
Other Related Questions:
Is Xfinity Mobile slower than Verizon?
As always, the major carriers usually prioritize their direct subscribers before their MVNO. So, on the days the network has reached its maximum capacity, you’re likely to experience slower data speeds with Xfinity Mobile phone before Verizon device. But on the regular days, you should have the fast 5G/ 4G LTE speeds you’re paying.
Is Xfinity Mobile the same as Verizon?
Xfinity Mobile is a virtual network operator by the Comcast Company. It provides service using the Verizon-CDMA network, but while targeting the low-end consumers. So, both Xfinity and Verizon do share several cell phone plan features, but they’re not the same.
Do all Verizon phones work on Xfinity Mobile?
Many cell phone providers today support Bring Your Own Phone policy, whereby you can join with an eligible unlocked phone. Xfinity Mobile is a good example, whereby you can join with even your unlocked Verizon phone. However, you must first confirm the device IMEI is compatible with the online checker.
Why is Xfinity Mobile so slow?
When the network is too busy or rather has high levels of congestion, you may experience temporarily slower data speeds. The same applies if you’re visiting the countryside where there are fewer signal towers.
What phones are compatible with Verizon and Xfinity Mobile?
Verizon and Xfinity Mobile run on the CDMA network, which means single GSM devices are incompatible. However, many 4G LTE and 5G-capable devices support dual-network technology: meaning they can work on CDMA and GSM bands. Some of these phones include Samsung Galaxy S8/ S8+, Note 10, iS21 Ultra, iPhone 12 series, iPhone 13 Series, iPhone SE, Motorola Moto G Power, Motorola Moto G Play, et cetera.
Can I switch my Verizon phone to Xfinity Mobile?
In simple words, Xfinity Mobile runs on Verizon’s CDMA network. So, you should be able to switch your Verizon phone to Xfinity, considering it’s unlocked.
What is the difference between Xfinity Mobile and Verizon?
The main difference between Xfinity Mobile and Verizon is that the former is a mobile virtual network operator that serves low-end consumers. On the other hand, Verizon operates on the idea of reliability, in which case they have a massive network infrastructure to ensure extensive coverage. Also, Verizon offers its clients more extra perks, including 4k UHD streaming, free Discovery+, Hulu, Apple Arcade, amongst others.
What Carrier Should You Pick?
At this point, these are some of the key differences between Xfinity vs Verizon Wireless. Nonetheless, which is the best you to switch to from your current provider?
Well, in truth, Verizon is hard to beat when it comes to browsing speeds, call quality, signal strength, and customer service. Also, don’t forget the carrier has some of the best perks, including up to 600GB cloud storage at no cost, free Hulu, Discovery+, ESPN+, and Apple Music. Then, some plans bring you a flexible and portable unlimited mobile hotspot that you can share from any place with a signal.
However, Xfinity Mobile is our favorite pick as it’s much cheaper and still running on Verizon’s reliable network. It even has the option to save more on the family plans (with more lines), and unlimited everything plans if you’re a heavy data user.
Even better, Xfinity Mobile gives you the freedom to change between the Unlimited and By the Gig plans at any time. Then, you’ll have access to the millions of Xfinity WiFi hotspots that you can access on the go at no extra charges.