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Viasat vs. Xfinity: Which Internet Provider Is Better?

Compare internet speeds, pricing, reliability, customer reviews, and fees so you can choose the best internet provider for your home.

100% unbiased. Provider information updated regularly.
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Viasat Vs Xfinity

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3.9/5 CompareInternet Staff Rating
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3.9/5 CompareInternet Staff Rating
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3.9

Plans starting at: $39.99

Popular Package: Unleashed

Download speeds up to: 200 Mbps

Connection Types: Satellite

Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3544
3.9

Plans starting at: $45

Popular Package: 1 Gig

Download speeds up to: 2 Gbps

Connection Types: Cable

Call today & find the best Xfinity internet deals
1-833-440-3190

Viasat Provider Information

Viasat is a major satellite internet provider headquartered in Carlsbad, California. Unlike terrestrial options that rely on wires buried in the ground, Viasat beams data directly from space to a dish installed at your home. This technology makes it a top choice for people living in rural or remote areas where cable or fiber infrastructure doesn't exist. In September 2026, Viasat's ViaSat-3 F2 satellite entered service over the Americas, completing the company's next-generation ViaSat-3 network, which Viasat says has tripled bandwidth across its fleet. That added capacity powers a refreshed lineup of three home internet plans: Essentials, Unleashed, and Unleashed Max. Viasat now handles streaming, web browsing, and everyday work tasks well, and every plan includes unlimited data. Essentials includes 150 GB of High-Speed Data, while Unleashed and Unleashed Max include unlimited High-Speed Data with no long-term contract. You will still notice higher latency than hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) or fiber connections, so Viasat isn't ideal for competitive online gaming or lag-sensitive video calls. Plans start at $39.99 for 150 Mbps, while the most advanced options reach $109.99 for 200 Mbps. Availability is nationwide, covering all 50 states and Puerto Rico, and Viasat estimates that 99% of U.S. households can get its service. Viasat's biggest advantage is its reach, as it is often the only high-speed option for rural residents. However, the trade-offs are real. Your home needs a clear view of the southern sky for the dish, though standard professional installation is now free. Heavy rain or severe weather can also interrupt your connection, and the Essentials plan requires a 24-month contract. If you have access to a wired connection like fiber or HFC, it will almost always offer better performance and lower latency. For rural households without those options, Viasat is a stronger choice than ever.

Xfinity Provider Information

Xfinity is the residential internet brand of Comcast, the largest cable provider in the United States. They operate a massive network that covers a significant portion of the country, primarily using a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) infrastructure. This setup delivers fast download speeds that are more than enough for most households, though upload speeds are typically much slower than what you would get with a dedicated fiber connection. Because they use existing cable lines, the service is widely available and generally reliable, though you might experience some congestion during peak evening hours.

Plans start at $45 for 300 Mbps, while their top-tier offerings go up to $100 for 2000 Mbps. This wide range of options makes Xfinity a solid choice for almost anyone, from casual browsers to power users who need high bandwidth. They do well with consistent performance and broad availability, but they often fall short when it comes to customer service reputation and the extra fees that can inflate your monthly bill. You should also be aware that they frequently enforce data caps in many regions, which can be a dealbreaker if you move a lot of data. Overall, Xfinity is a great fit for people who prioritize widespread availability and high download speeds, provided you are comfortable navigating their pricing structures and potential data limits.

PROS

Wide coverage means 99% of U.S. households can get satellite internet Unlimited data on every plan Burst speeds up to 200 Mbps on Unleashed Max Free standard installation

Cons

Slower than fiber or hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) internet Higher latency or “ping” Can experience temporary “rain fade” during heavy rain or snow Essentials plan requires a 24-month contract

PROS

Available in 41 states 5 year price guarantee Unlimited data 1 mobile line free for one year

Cons

Coaxial last mile trails all-fiber for the heaviest uploads Shared neighborhood capacity can slow peak-hour speeds for some users Mixed reviews, including mid-3s out of 5 on broadband comparison sites, 1–2 stars on Trustpilot and Yelp

Viasat Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
$30 off for 12 months
UnleashedSatellite InternetUp to 180 Mbps Only $69.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
$30 off for 12 months
EssentialsSatellite InternetUp to 150 Mbps Only $39.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
$70 off for 12 months
Unleashed MaxSatellite InternetUp to 200 Mbps Only $109.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3544

Xfinity Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
1 GigCable InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $60
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
500 MbpsCable InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $50
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
300 MbpsCable InternetUp to 300 Mbps Only $45
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
2 GigCable InternetUp to 2,000 Mbps Only $100
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best Xfinity internet deals
1-833-440-3190

Viasat FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit ViasatDeals.com.
Viasat internet uses a modem and dish system to transmit user requests to satellites, which then connect to a gateway station on the ground network.
Viasat internet covers all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The company estimates that 99% of the U.S. population can get its service.
Viasat internet frequently offers faster speeds compared to DSL or LTE, with burst speeds up to 200 Mbps on Unleashed Max.
Yes, Viasat’s data plans and speed will allow you to stream HD videos.
Every Viasat plan has unlimited data, so you never lose your connection. Unleashed and Unleashed Max include unlimited High-Speed Data, while Essentials includes 150 GB of High-Speed Data followed by unlimited Standard Data that may slow down during congestion.
You can game on Viasat internet, but performance depends on the game. Turn-based and single-player games work well, but fast-paced multiplayer games struggle because satellite latency typically runs at 600 milliseconds or higher.
Both plans include unlimited High-Speed Data and no long-term contract. Unleashed Max adds burst speeds up to 200 Mbps (versus 180 Mbps on Unleashed), priority network access during busy hours, and EasyCare protection at no extra charge.
Viasat Unleashed and Unleashed Max are month-to-month plans with no long-term contract. Viasat Essentials requires a 24-month service agreement.
Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3544

Xfinity FAQ's

No. All Xfinity internet plans are month-to-month, with no annual contract and no early termination fee. The 5-year price guarantee locks in your rate, not your commitment, so you can cancel anytime without a penalty.
Xfinity covers 41 states and Washington, D.C., but availability varies block by block. Enter your ZIP code on CompareInternet.com to check current plans, pricing, and promotions at your address.
Yes. Xfinity runs a fiber-rich, hybrid fiber-coaxial network, with fiber carrying traffic deep into each community and a coaxial line finishing the run to many homes.
Yes, in select markets. Where those plans are available, uploads and downloads match at speeds up to 2,000 Mbps. Since symmetrical service isn’t unique to fiber-to-the-home, it’s worth checking the exact upload tier offered at your address.
No. Every plan tier includes unlimited data with no caps or overage fees.
Yes. Self-installation is free and guided step by step through the Xfinity app, and many customers can get online the same day.
Call today & find the best Xfinity internet deals
1-833-440-3190