At Race Communications, we believe internet service should be simple: fast, reliable, and fairly priced. So, when we dove into Xfinity’s plans, pricing, and fine print to give you the most accurate comparison, let’s just say… we needed a few extra cups of coffee. From promotional rates to hidden fees, it’s a labyrinth. But fear not! We did the heavy lifting (and endured the headache) so you don’t have to.
Here’s your Race Communications vs Xfinity guide. We’ll break down their features, pricing, and more, so you can decide which one suits your needs best.
Disclaimer: New promotions and service updates are constantly emerging. This blog does not include limited-time offers, and prices may vary depending on location. The information provided in this blog reflects the most up-to-date data available at the time of publication (July 24th, 2025).
Race Communications vs Xfinity: Overview
In short:
- Race Communications excels with its modern fiber-optic technology, providing top-tier internet speeds and reliability.
- Xfinity offers a mix of hybrid fiber-coaxial connections with broad coverage and bundled services, appealing to many users.
Below, we’ve outlined a brief comparison to help you quickly understand the fundamental differences and similarities between Race Communications and Xfinity.
Keep in mind that the right choice depends on your specific requirements, including desired internet speeds, budget constraints, and the importance of additional services like phone.
| Features |  |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Download/Upload Speeds | 10 Gbps / 10 Gbps | 2.1 Gbps / 35 Mbps |
| Pricing for 1 Gbps | $69.90 | $85, with 5-year price guarantee |
| Technology | Fiber optics | Hybrid fiber-coaxial (DOCSIS 3.1) |
| Home Phone Services | $10/mo | $40/mo |
| Free Router Included* | ✔️ | ✖️ |
| Local Customer Support | ✔️ | ✖️ |
| Free Installation* | ✔️ | ✖️ |
| No Data Caps* | ✔️ | ✖️ |
*Notes:
WiFi Equipment Fees
Xfinity
- $15/month for a standard gateway
- $25/month for xFi Complete (includes unlimited data, enhanced security, and device upgrades)
- Free only if you bring your own modem/router
Race Communications: Router included at no additional cost
Installation Fees
Xfinity:
- $39.99 for self-installation
- $100 for professional installation
Race Communications: Free professional installation included with every plan
Data Caps
Xfinity:
- 1.2 TB/month included
- $10 per 50 GB if exceeded (up to $100/month)
- Optional unlimited data available for $30/month
Race Communications: Unlimited data included on all plans, no overage charges
Tech Assure Fee (Race Only)
Race Communications ($9.95/month) covers service calls and repairs for Race-owned equipment, including both interior and exterior wiring. It’s already included in advertised plan prices.
Why Race Communications is the better choice:
- No data caps or overage fees.
- Router included.
- Save up to $100 on installation compared to Xfinity.
- Reliable local customer support; no endless wait times or automated loops.
Internet Plans & Pricing Comparison
Here’s a detailed side-by-side comparison of the plans and pricing for Race Communications and Xfinity, including important details about introductory rates and post-introductory price hikes for Xfinity:
| Plan | |
|
|---|---|---|
| 300 Mbps | $49.95 | $55 |
| 500 Mbps | $59.90 | $60 |
| 1 Gbps | $69.90 | $65 |
| 1.2 Gbps | – | $85 |
| 1.3 Gbps | – | $105 |
| 2.1 Gbps | – | $105/month (select areas) |
| 10 Gbps | $129.95 | – |
Race Communications vs Xfinity comparison takeaways:
- Race Communications offers clear speed options with symmetrical upload/download speeds.
- Race Communications offers 10 Gigabit Internet, which is the fastest residential internet speed currently available in the nation.
- Xfinity’s plans have varied speeds with lower upload speeds than download speeds (asymmetrical internet speed).
What Xfinity Advertises vs. What You Actually Pay
Xfinity’s internet plans often look competitive on the surface — low prices, no contracts, and plenty of add-ons. But once you get past the marketing and into the fine print, the full cost starts to take shape. Here’s a closer look at what’s promoted and what customers actually experience:
“300 Mbps for $55/month. No annual contract.”
What’s advertised:
Xfinity promotes its 300 Mbps plan at $55/month with no annual contract required — a seemingly flexible, affordable option.
The reality:
That $55/month price is promotional and lasts only 12 months. After that, the rate increases to $84/month, and Xfinity notes the standard rate is “subject to change.” So while you’re not locked into a contract, you’re also not locked into a stable price.
WiFi Equipment Fees
What’s advertised:
Many landing pages suggest that WiFi equipment comes with your plan — and it does, but only under certain conditions.
The reality:
Equipment is “included” only if you pay for it. New customers get a promo rate of $0/month for 12 months, but after that, the cost rises to $15/month for a standard gateway or $25/month if you opt for xFi Complete. You can use your own compatible modem/router, but that’s not emphasized upfront.
“Unlimited data included with xFi Complete”
What’s advertised:
Unlimited data is offered through Xfinity’s xFi Complete package, often listed as $0/month for new customers.
The reality:
xFi Complete is indeed free for the first 12 months — then it increases to $25/month. If you don’t pay for xFi Complete, your plan includes a 1.2 TB monthly data cap, and exceeding it costs $10 per 50 GB, up to $100/month. Alternatively, unlimited data by itself (without xFi Complete) costs $30/month.
“Self-installation available for convenience”
What’s advertised:
Self-install is positioned as a quick, easy way to get online.
The reality:
Self-installation is not free — it comes with a $39.99 one-time charge. Professional installation costs $100. By contrast, providers like Race Communications include free professional installation as part of every plan.
Two-Year Cost Comparison: Xfinity vs. Race Communications
| Cost Breakdown | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Base Plan – Year 1 | $55/mo → $660 | $49.95/mo → $599.40 |
| Base Plan – Year 2 | $84/mo → $1,008 | $49.95/mo → $599.40 |
| Unlimited Data – Year 1 | $30/mo → $360 | Included |
| Unlimited Data – Year 2 | $30/mo → $360 | Included |
| WiFi Equipment – Year 1 | $0 (promo) | Included |
| WiFi Equipment – Year 2 | $25/mo → $300 (xFi Complete) | Included |
| Installation | $39.99 (self-install) | Free professional install |
| Total – 2 Years | $2,727.99 | $1,198.80 |
Customer Support: Xfinity vs. Race Communications
If you’ve ever tried to deal with Xfinity’s customer support, you probably know the frustration firsthand. Or you might just want to browse Reddit for a glimpse into the collective pain of their customers. Entire subreddits, like r/Comcast, are dedicated to sharing horror stories about long wait times, unhelpful responses, and endless transfers.
Here are a couple of standout examples from frustrated users:
- One Reddit user’s experience: Wanted to transfer, ended up cancelling
“I wanted to transfer my service to a new address, but the process was so complicated and convoluted that I ended up just canceling everything. They didn’t even try to fix it—just kept transferring me around until I gave up.” - Another frustrated customer: Goodbye Xfinity and your low-quality service
“I’ve spent hours trying to get someone to help me. The internet keeps going out, and their solution was to send me a bill for equipment I never ordered. I’m done.”
This isn’t just a couple of unlucky users—it’s a widespread issue. Xfinity’s customer support is notorious for long wait times, confusing processes, and a lack of follow-through.
Suggested reading: Why Race Communications Is the Internet You’ve Been Dreaming Of (With Real Customer Stories)
At Race Communications, we take pride in offering exceptional customer support that puts our customers first. Here’s what you can expect from us:
- Our customer service team is local, knowledgeable, and ready to help. You’ll talk to someone who understands your needs, not a random agent reading from a script.
- We can resolve many issues remotely, saving you time and hassle.
- For issues that require an in-person visit, we aim to provide next-day service, because we know how important it is to stay connected.
- We are proactive in our communication.You won’t be stuck waiting in limbo. We keep you informed every step of the way.
Here are testimonials from our happy customers:
- “Excellent and friendly service from initial Installation, to one time repair, and continuing until today.So much happier with Race than having to deal with Comcast at my other residence.” – J. M. Almond
- “I recently had an issue with my Race Internet service – a oak tree near the fiber optic line had a massive branch come down through the line during a recent wind storm that we had in [City]. I called Race Communications about 9:00 a.m. stating what had happened and by 11:00 a.m. the same day, a crew was restringing the fiber optic cable and within an hour, my Internet service was renewed. Thank you to everyone at Race Communications from the Service Call Center to the Technicians that came out and resolved the problem.“ – John F.
- “I’ve had Race for over 2 years now, and I 100% recommend their service if you’re able to get it. They are extremely responsive for an ISP, and their speed offering is unmatched by other ISPs in our area. The price is great, and as long as your devices can handle it, the speeds are consistently near what is advertised.” – Kasey G.
Suggested reading: Why Race Communications Is the Internet You’ve Been Dreaming Of (With Real Customer Stories)
When you’re choosing an internet provider, it’s not just about the speeds or the price. It’s about the experience. With Xfinity, even small problems can turn into multi-hour ordeals. With Race Communications, you get fast, friendly, and effective support every time.
So, the next time you’re considering your options, ask yourself: Do you want to be venting on Reddit about your internet provider, or do you want the peace of mind that comes with Race Communications? We think the answer is pretty clear.
Internet Type Comparison
Not all internet types are created equal. Race Communications and Xfinity take different paths to your home. So, 1 Gbps on hybrid fiber-coaxial is not the same as 1 Gbps on fiber.
Fiber – Race Communications
Race uses a pure fiber-optic network, which transmits data using light. This allows for high speeds, low latency, and symmetrical upload and download speeds, a key advantage for things like video conferencing, cloud backups, and livestreaming.
Fiber is also less prone to interference from weather or electrical equipment and doesn’t degrade over distance, so you get a consistently fast and stable connection throughout your home.
Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial – Xfinity
Xfinity delivers internet over a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network using DOCSIS 3.1 technology. That means fiber runs to the neighborhood, but the final leg to your home uses older coaxial cable — the same kind used for traditional cable TV.
As a result, upload speeds are significantly lower than download speeds (e.g., 1.1 Gbps down / ~35 Mbps up), and because the coaxial line is shared with nearby homes, speeds may slow down during peak usage times. Coaxial cables can also experience signal loss over long distances, which may affect reliability.
So even though both providers might list “1 Gbps,” the experience isn’t equal. For consistently fast uploads, fewer slowdowns, and future-ready infrastructure, a fiber connection from Race Communications has clear advantages.
Read about the difference between fiber and cable internet here.
Race Communications vs Xfinity: Main Takeaways
-
Xfinity’s advertised prices don’t reflect the full cost.
Once you factor in promo expiration, equipment rental, data overage fees, and installation, the actual monthly cost is significantly higher than the $55 headline. -
Race Communications offers transparent, all-in pricing.
The monthly rate includes unlimited data, equipment, and professional installation, with no surprise fees or second-year price jumps. -
Fiber internet is fundamentally better technology.
Race delivers symmetrical speeds, higher reliability, and future-proof infrastructure. Xfinity’s hybrid cable network can slow down during peak hours and has limited upload capacity. -
Long-term cost matters.
Over two years, Xfinity’s 300 Mbps plan can cost more than double what Race charges for 500 Mbps, even before you hit a data cap. -
Support and simplicity go a long way.
Race provides local customer support and installs service for free. Xfinity’s support is nationally centralized and frequently cited as a pain point by customers. -
Race doesn’t offer TV bundles.
Unlike Xfinity, Race doesn’t bundle cable TV. But with today’s streaming options and smart TVs, many customers find they don’t need a traditional TV package. Still, if a bundled TV plan is a must-have for your household, Xfinity may offer more in that area.