Xfinity Mobile is Comcast’s wireless phone service. It launched in 2017 for Comcast customers and now has millions of users. It rides on Verizon’s network, so coverage is the same as Verizon’s. Xfinity Mobile is popular because it can cost much less than a Verizon plan. Its plans include “By the Gig” (you pay $20 per GB) or unlimited data at modest prices. A catch is that you must have Xfinity Internet to get these low rates. (If not, you pay a monthly fee.) Verizon, by contrast, doesn’t require any bundle but charges full price for its plans.
In plain terms, Xfinity Mobile vs Verizon is basically value vs performance. Verizon is known for “powerful” nationwide service with the best 4G/5G coverage, but it’s more expensive. Xfinity Mobile, on the same Verizon network, is a budget-friendly clone of Verizon. Reviews say: Xfinity saves you money but gives you less high-speed data, whereas Verizon gives you more data and perks but at a higher cost.
Verizon is one of the largest U.S. carriers with nationwide 4G LTE and extensive 5G coverage. It powers Xfinity Mobile’s network, so your phone should work almost anywhere Verizon has service. Verizon plans usually cost more, but they include features like extra hotspot data and paid perks. Verizon’s signal quality is excellent even in rural areas. If you need the absolute best and most consistent data/voice service (or you don’t have Comcast Internet), Verizon delivers that. If you already have Comcast Internet (and thus can get Xfinity Mobile), then Xfinity can be the cheaper way to tap into Verizon’s network.
Plans & Pricing
Pricing is where Xfinity Mobile vs Verizon price really diverge. Xfinity Mobile’s plans start at $20 per month for 1 GB of data. Its unlimited plans are about $40 per line (with 30 GB of high-speed data) or $50 per line (with 50 GB). Verizon’s cheapest options include a 15 GB prepaid plan (~$35) or its basic Unlimited Welcome plan at $65 per month. Verizon’s Unlimited Plus is about $80 per month (includes 30 GB hotspot), and its top Unlimited Ultimate is $90. All Verizon plans allow unlimited talk and text nationwide (and texting/calling to Mexico/Canada). (Verizon’s plans also require autopay for the lowest price, and Xfinity’s prices already include taxes/fees.)
When you add lines, each plan gets cheaper per line. For example, two lines on Xfinity Unlimited cost about $70 total (first line $40, second $30). On Verizon, two lines on Unlimited Welcome drop from $130 (2×$65) to $110 (2×$55). At four lines, Xfinity’s Premium Unlimited is about $140 total (~$35 each), while Verizon’s 4-line Unlimited Plus is $120 ($30 each). In other words, for single-line or small plans, Xfinity wins on cost; on very large family plans, Verizon’s deepest discounts can narrow the gap.
On paper:
– Xfinity Mobile: $20 per GB, or Unlimited at $40 (30 GB) / $50 (50 GB) per line. Extra lines are cheaper (e.g. ~$25/line at 4 lines). Taxes/fees are included in these prices.
– Verizon Wireless: Unlimited Welcome $65 (drops to $55 with 2 lines); Plus $80 (30 GB hotspot); Ultimate $90 (60 GB hotspot). Four-line plans can fall to $25–$30/line.
If you compare directly for two typical lines: Verizon’s two-line cost on its cheapest unlimited is about $110, whereas Xfinity’s two-line unlimited is about $70. That savings can quickly cover the lack of Verizon’s extras for many users. (However, if you pay for four lines, Verizon’s deepest family discount may make its per-line cost closer to Xfinity’s.)
Coverage & Network
Since Xfinity Mobile uses Verizon’s network, coverage is almost the same. If you pull up an Xfinity Mobile coverage map vs Verizon map, they look nearly identical. Verizon’s 4G LTE covers roughly 70% of the U.S., and Xfinity customers get that same reach.
Verizon’s 5G network currently covers about 21% of the U.S. (mostly in cities with high-speed mmWave and new mid-band C-band). Wherever Verizon’s 5G is available, so is Xfinity Mobile’s 5G. In other words, Xfinity Mobile’s 5G footprint is the same as Verizon’s 5G. Neither carrier uses the others’ bands – Xfinity cannot access AT&T or T-Mobile towers, only Verizon’s. Both carriers now support Verizon’s low-band and C-band 5G, so 5G performance is the same on either.
One important difference is network priority. On crowded cell towers, Verizon’s own customers get first dibs on bandwidth. Xfinity Mobile is technically an MVNO, so during heavy use its traffic may be temporarily throttled ahead of Verizon postpaid customers. Practically, that means if a tower is busy (e.g. at a concert or stadium), Verizon users will usually keep full speed, and Xfinity Mobile users might see reduced speed. On Verizon’s higher-end plans (Plus/Ultimate), users have unlimited high-speed data and are rarely slowed. On Xfinity’s plans, once you hit your 30–50 GB high-speed cap, your speed drops more.
On the positive side, Xfinity Mobile can piggyback on Comcast’s massive Wi-Fi hotspot network. Comcast operates over 23 million public Wi-Fi hotspots (many in coffee shops, parks, etc.). When your Xfinity Mobile phone sees one of these, it automatically switches to Wi-Fi and offloads data from the cellular network. Comcast calls this “WiFi PowerBoost,” and claims it has made Xfinity Mobile users see much faster real-world speeds. In dense urban areas, this can make a noticeable difference. For example, Comcast’s Ookla speedtest results show Xfinity Mobile posting some of the fastest download speeds in major Comcast service areas (because it combines Verizon’s 5G plus free Wi-Fi). In very rural areas, those hotspots are few, so Xfinity Mobile will rely on Verizon towers just like any other Verizon phone.
In summary: Xfinity Mobile and Verizon have the same coverage since it’s the same underlying network. Verizon may have slightly better indoor penetration (due to its extra low-band coverage) and certainly gives priority to its customers. Xfinity’s edge is its Wi-Fi network and lower cost; Verizon’s edge is priority and speed.
Data Limits & Hotspots
Neither carrier’s “unlimited” plan is truly unlimited high-speed. Xfinity Mobile’s Unlimited ($40/mo) includes 30 GB of full-speed data per line. After 30 GB, speeds fall to 3G levels (hundreds of kbps). Its Premium Unlimited ($50/mo) raises that to 50 GB of high-speed, then throttles.
Verizon’s plans differ: its entry-level Unlimited Welcome ($65/mo) technically offers unlimited data, but only 15 GB of that is premium high-speed; after 15 GB, it drops to lower speed. Verizon’s mid-tier Unlimited Plus ($80/mo) and top-tier Ultimate ($90/mo) offer truly unlimited high-speed data. The only limits are on mobile hotspot data (below).
So, in practice:
– Xfinity Unlimited ($40): 30 GB of LTE/5G data, then slows.
– Xfinity Premium ($50): 50 GB high-speed, then slows.
– Verizon Welcome: Unlimited data at basic speed, with 15 GB at high speed.
– Verizon Plus: Unlimited high-speed + 30 GB hotspot.
– Verizon Ultimate: Unlimited high-speed + 60 GB hotspot.
For mobile hotspot (tethering) data: Xfinity Mobile gives unlimited 3G hotspot on all plans, and 15 GB of LTE/5G hotspot on Premium. Verizon’s Unlimited Plus includes 30 GB of high-speed hotspot data, Ultimate includes 60 GB. Neither carrier charges extra beyond the plan; Verizon even offers an additional 100 GB hotspot add-on.
If you use very little data, note the lowest-tier plans: Xfinity’s 1 GB plan is $20 (shared among lines). Verizon’s smallest postpaid plan is 15 GB for $35. So for a kid or a watch that needs minimal data, Xfinity’s tiny plan can be cheapest.
Family & Multi-Line
Family plans bring discounts on both networks, but in slightly different ways. Verizon’s per-line discounts are steeper once you get 3–4 lines. For instance, four lines on Verizon’s Unlimited Plus can run about $120 total ($30 each). Xfinity’s multi-line discounts are smaller per additional line, but since the starting price is lower, multi-line can still be cheaper for 2–3 lines.
- Example: On Xfinity, 2 lines of Unlimited cost $70 (as above), and 4 lines of Premium Unlimited is ~$140 total (~$35/line). On Verizon, 2 lines of Unlimited Welcome is $110, 4 lines of Unlimited Plus is $120. So for 4 lines, Verizon’s discounted plan is $10 cheaper in total ($30 vs $35/line). But for 2 lines, Xfinity ($70) beats Verizon ($110) by far.
Note: Xfinity Mobile lets family lines share the data. For example, if you pick Xfinity’s 5 GB plan and have 3 lines, those 5 GB are shared among all 3. Verizon’s plans usually give each line its own allotment (unless on a shared prepaid plan).
Both carriers include unlimited talk and text nationwide (plus texting/calling to Mexico/Canada). Neither charges extra taxes or per-line fees (prices are tax-inclusive).
Perks & Extras
Verizon’s unlimited plans come with many add-on perks. Subscribers can get Disney+/Hulu, Netflix (ad-supported), Apple One, and more for $10/month each. Verizon also offers Apple Music, Walmart+, extra cloud storage, and unlimited data in many countries (TravelPass in 210+ countries) as paid add-ons. (In older plans these were often included, but now they typically cost extra.) Higher-tier Verizon plans also include more premium hotspot and other extras automatically.
Xfinity Mobile has fewer built-in freebies. The biggest “perk” is access to Comcast’s Wi-Fi hotspots. Xfinity Mobile itself doesn’t bundle any streaming services or freebies. Instead, Comcast focuses on money-saving promotions:
- Free Line: Xfinity often runs promotions where a new unlimited mobile line is free for a year for Xfinity Internet customers.
- Device Buyout: They’ll pay up to \$500 per line to buy you out of your old phone contract when you switch to Xfinity. This means you can switch without penalty on most Verizon device contracts.
- Auto Upgrades: The Premium Unlimited plan includes an “Elite Upgrade” (two phone upgrades per year).
- Streaming & Hotspot: Premium Unlimited also includes 4K streaming and 30 GB of 5G hotspot (above the standard 15 GB), plus unlimited spam call protection.
- Internet Bundle: Some Xfinity bundles combine home Internet and mobile. For example, signing up for certain Xfinity Internet with a 5-year price lock can include a free unlimited mobile line.
These offers are significant. For instance, a \$500 contract buyout and a free line can easily save hundreds of dollars when you switch from Verizon. In short: Verizon gives you a menu of paid perks and add-ons, while Xfinity Mobile gives you straightforward deals that slash your bill (mostly for new or bundling customers). If you want included streaming services and global travel data, Verizon is ahead. If you just want to pay less, Xfinity’s promotions (free lines, discounts) win.
Support & Devices
Verizon has thousands of brick-and-mortar stores and a wide support network. You can walk into a Verizon store for help, buy accessories, or swap a SIM. Xfinity Mobile relies mostly on online/phone support through Comcast. There are no dedicated Xfinity Mobile shops; often you’d use an Xfinity cable/internet store instead. In practice, Verizon wins on in-person support. That said, Xfinity Mobile customers can use the same Xfinity app/website they use for Internet billing, which many find convenient.
Both carriers allow bring-your-own-device. Xfinity Mobile works with most unlocked phones that support Verizon’s network (e.g. iPhone XR/11/12/13/14, modern Samsung Galaxy and Pixel phones, etc.). It even supports eSIM, so you can activate it on a compatible phone without a physical SIM card. Very old phones (e.g. iPhone 7/8) may not be supported. Verizon also works with virtually any unlocked phone (since it was the original network). Verizon generally has a larger selection of phones and more frequent device promotions in stores.
Verizon offers device financing and trade-in deals. Xfinity Mobile sells phones outright (no multi-month payments), but its upgrade programs (like the free upgrades in Premium) offset that in a different way.
Should I Switch from Verizon to Xfinity Mobile?
Many people ask “Should I switch from Verizon to Xfinity Mobile?” The answer depends on your needs:
- Monthly bill: Xfinity Mobile is often much cheaper. Comcast advertises that two lines on Xfinity can cost about half of Verizon’s equivalent. In practice, families often cut bills by ~50%. (E.g. a $120 two-line Verizon bill might become ~$60 on Xfinity.)
- Eligibility: To get Xfinity’s low rates, you need Xfinity Internet. If you already have Comcast at home, switching is easy. If not, factor in the extra $30+/mo for Xfinity Internet or mobile-only pricing.
- Coverage/Performance: The coverage stays the same (Verizon’s network). But Xfinity Mobile is deprioritized on the network, so during peak usage your data may slow before a Verizon customer’s would. If you use a ton of data every month, Verizon’s unlimited plans give you more high-speed data before any slowdowns.
- Perks: You would lose Verizon’s built-in perks (like any included streaming or travel features) when switching. But you gain Xfinity’s current promos (free lines, device payoffs). Think about which benefits matter more to you.
- Devices: Check your phone’s status. Xfinity will pay off up to \$500 of your existing device contract, making it cheaper to switch. But if you have an expensive phone balance, verify how much it covers.
- Customer Experience: Verizon has more stores and (generally) more 24/7 customer options. Xfinity Mobile support is decent, but largely online. If face-to-face help is important, Verizon has an edge.
Pros of switching: Huge monthly savings, same network coverage, easy entry/exit (no long contract) and big new-customer deals.
Cons of switching: Need Comcast Internet or pay extra, possible slower data at peak times, and fewer included perks.
For many people, the decision comes down to one question: cost vs features. If saving money is your main goal, especially as an Xfinity Internet subscriber, Xfinity Mobile almost always makes sense. If you mainly use your phone for calls, texting, and light streaming, Xfinity will serve you just fine. If you drive cross-country or need every bit of fast data (or free travel data), you might stick with Verizon.
If you’re still unsure, you can even try it. Xfinity Mobile is no-contract, so you can switch one line and test it for a month. Xfinity will pay off up to \$500/line on your old Verizon contract, so there’s little risk.
Pros & Cons Summary
- Xfinity Mobile Pros: Lower monthly cost, Verizon-equivalent coverage, no-contract flexibility, flexible pay-by-GB option, enormous Wi-Fi hotspot network, and attractive switch promotions (free lines, buyouts).
- Xfinity Mobile Cons: Requires Comcast Internet for best price, smaller high-speed data allotment per line (30–50 GB), data may be deprioritized, fewer included extras (no free streaming services), and limited retail support.
- Verizon Pros: Industry-leading coverage and reliability, very fast 4G/5G data, multiple premium plan tiers for any need, and many perks (streaming bundles, travel, etc.).
- Verizon Cons: Higher prices on all plans, fewer plan choices for light users (no 1 GB plan), and “free” perks are now add-ons (cost extra).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Verizon own Xfinity Mobile? No. Xfinity Mobile is owned by Comcast. It simply leases spectrum from Verizon.
- Do I need Comcast Internet to use Xfinity Mobile? To get the lowest prices, yes. Xfinity Mobile’s cheap plan pricing is for Xfinity Internet customers only. Non-Internet customers can join, but pay a higher rate.
- Will I get the same coverage on Xfinity? Yes. Xfinity Mobile uses Verizon’s network, so coverage and service areas are identical. Wherever Verizon works, Xfinity Mobile will work too.
- Can I use my current phone? If your phone is unlocked and Verizon-compatible, it will likely work on Xfinity Mobile. Xfinity also offers eSIM activation for newer devices. Double-check compatibility on Xfinity’s site.
- How do data speeds compare? The raw speed potential is the same (same towers and tech). However, Verizon customers get priority in congestion. On a very busy network, Verizon users will see full speeds while Xfinity Mobile users may slow down. On all lower-tier plans (Xfinity Unlimited and Verizon Welcome), data is deprioritized after the data cap, so neither maintains peak speed beyond their limits.
- Are there any deals for switching? Yes. Xfinity Mobile often has aggressive promotions: new Internet customers can get an extra unlimited line free for a year, and Xfinity will pay up to \$500/line to buy you out of your old phone contract. Verizon runs its own specials (like trade-in deals or BOGO offers), but currently Xfinity’s deals are very compelling.
- What phones work on these networks? Both carriers support most major unlocked phones. Xfinity Mobile works with recent iPhones (XR/11/12/13/14) and Androids (Samsung Galaxy S10/S20/S21, Pixel, etc.). Very old models might not be supported. Verizon supports a wider range, including many older phones.
- Do taxes and fees apply? No. Both Xfinity Mobile and Verizon include taxes and most fees in their advertised prices. The price you see is what you pay (assuming you have autopay where required).
- How do phone payments work? Verizon offers device financing plans and leases. Xfinity Mobile usually sells phones outright (no installment plans). However, Xfinity’s Premium Unlimited plan includes an “Elite Upgrade” feature (two free upgrades per year). If you owe money on a Verizon device, Xfinity will cover it (up to \$500) when you switch.
“Should I switch from Verizon to Xfinity Mobile?” If saving money is your top priority, the answer is often yes; if you need absolute top speed and perks, maybe stay with Verizon.
Should I switch from Verizon to Xfinity Mobile ultimately depends on what you value more: cost or extras. Xfinity Mobile gives you the same Verizon coverage at a lower price. Verizon gives you more high-speed data and additional perks. Pick the one that matches your needs.
Information is current as of 2025; carriers frequently update plans and promotions, so check Verizon and Xfinity’s websites for the latest details.