[2025] Race Communications vs Xfinity: Which ISP Should You Choose
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 (February 14th, 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 | Race Communications | Xfinity |
---|---|---|
Max Download/Upload Speeds | 10 Gbps/10 Gbps | 1.2 Gbps/35 Mbps |
Pricing for 1 Gbps | $70 | $114/mo. (Introductory rate: $70/mo. for 12 months) |
Technology | Fiber optics | Hybrid fiber-coaxial |
Phone Services | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Fixed Pricing (no price hikes) | ✔️ | ❌ |
Free Router Included* | ✔️ | ❌ |
Local Customer Support | ✔️ | ❌ |
Free Installation* | ✔️ | ❌ |
No Data Caps* | ✔️ | ❌ |
*Notes:
- WiFi equipment fees. Xfinity customers are charged $5/month (introductory) for equipment, increasing to $15/month after 12 months, unless they use their own equipment.
- Installation fees. Xfinity customers are charged $39.99 for self-installation and $100 for professional installation. Race customers enjoy professional installation for free.
- Data caps. While Xfinity includes 1.2 TB of data in the base plan, exceeding this cap results in overage charges. To avoid these, customers must pay an additional $30/month for unlimited data or bundle it with xFi Complete at $15/month (promotional) or $25/month after 12 months.
Why Race Communications is the better choice:
- No data caps or overage fees.
- No fine print or surprise price hikes.
- Router included, no rental fees, ever.
- 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 | Race Communications | Xfinity |
---|---|---|
150 Mbps | N/A | $72/mo. (Introductory rate: $29.99/mo. with contract) |
300 Mbps | $35/mo. | $84/mo. (Introductory rate: $45/mo. for 12 months) |
500 Mbps | $50/mo. | $94/mo. (Introductory rate: $65/mo. for 12 months) |
1 Gbps | $70/mo. | $114/mo. (Introductory rate: $70/mo. for 12 months) |
1.2 Gbps | N/A | $124/mo. (Introductory rate: $85/mo. for 12 months) |
10 Gbps | $120/mo. | N/A |
Race Communications vs Xfinity comparison takeaways:
CONTRACT TERMS & PRICE HIKES
- Xfinity’s lower prices are introductory rates for 12 months. Afterwards, prices increase significantly.
- Race Communications maintains consistent pricing with no increases over time.
PRICING
- Race Communications offers straightforward pricing with no hidden fees.
- Xfinity provides more pricing tiers but includes price increases after promotional periods.
SPEED
- Race Communications offers clear speed options with symmetrical upload/download speeds.
- Race Communications offers 10 Gbps internet speed, 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).
Xfinity Fine Print vs Reality
Source: Xfinity
When you dive into Xfinity’s promotional materials and broadband facts, it quickly becomes clear that their offerings are wrapped in layers of fine print. While the headlines sound appealing, the reality often tells a different story. Here’s what we found:
Claim #1: “500 Mbps for $65/month. No annual contract required.”
Reality: The $65/month price is promotional, valid for only 12 months. After that, it jumps to $94/month (and can increase further, as Xfinity notes that the post-introductory price is “subject to change”).
Sure, there’s no annual contract. But without one, customers are left vulnerable to these steep price hikes, which makes the “no contract” feature feel less like a benefit and more like a hidden trap.
Claim #2: “WiFi equipment included”
Reality: The fine print reveals that WiFi equipment is only “included” if you pay for it. Customers are charged $5/month (promotional) for the first 12 months, after which it increases to $15/month. Alternatively, you can provide your own equipment, if it’s compatible and meets Xfinity’s standards.
Claim #3: “Unlimited data included with xFi Complete for $15/month”
Reality: xFi Complete is $15/month for 12 months, but then jumps to $25/month after the promotional period. If you don’t pay for xFi Complete, you’re stuck with a 1.2 TB monthly data cap, and exceeding it costs $10 per additional 50 GB, up to $100/month.
For customers who want unlimited data but don’t want xFi Complete, it’s a flat $30/month extra, turning a seemingly affordable internet plan into something much pricier.
Claim #4: “Self-installation available for convenience.”
Reality: Self-installation isn’t free. It costs $39.99. Professional installation? That’s a steep $100. Race Communications, in comparison, offers free professional installation – no hidden fees.
The Real Cost of Xfinity’s 500 Mbps Plan
Here’s how Xfinity’s 500 Mbps plan pricing breaks down when you factor in the fine print:
- Base Plan Price: $65/month (introductory for 12 months)
- WiFi Equipment: $5/month (introductory), increasing to $15/month
- Unlimited Data: $30/month extra
- Self-Installation Fee: $39.99 one-time cost (or $100 for professional installation)
Total Cost for the First Year:
$65/month x 12 = $780
WiFi equipment: $5/month x 12 = $60
Unlimited data: $30/month x 12 = $360
Self-installation: $39.99
First-Year Total: $1,239.99
Total Cost for the Second Year (after price hikes):
$94/month x 12 = $1,128
WiFi equipment: $15/month x 12 = $180
Unlimited data: $30/month x 12 = $360
Second-Year Total: $1,668
Race Communications’ 500 Mbps Plan:
Flat $50/month with free equipment, unlimited data, and free professional installation.
Total Cost for Two Years: $1,200
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.
Race Communications: Customer Support Done Right
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
Fiber optic cables use light to transmit data, which translates into high-speed and consistent performance. With fiber, you get symmetrical speeds, meaning your upload and download speeds are the same. This is great for video conferencing, online gaming, and uploading large files.
Plus, fiber is less prone to interference from electrical equipment or weather conditions, so your connection stays stable.
Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial – Xfinity
On the other hand, hybrid fiber-coaxial connections share bandwidth with your neighbors, so speeds can vary, especially during peak times.
Typically, these connections offer much higher download speeds than upload speeds, which can be a limitation if you need to upload large files or stream live videos.
Additionally, coaxial cables can experience signal loss over longer distances, affecting speed and reliability.
So, while both providers may advertise similar speeds, the technology behind the connection also matters. If you’re looking for the best performance and reliability, Race Communications’ pure fiber connection is the better choice.
Read about the difference between fiber and cable internet here.
Home Phone Bundles
Race Communications offers phone service at $10 per line (you can add +2), while Xfinity Voice Premier costs $30/month. Both include unlimited nationwide calling and low international rates.
Additionally, Xfinity offers mobile plans starting at $40/month, while Race Communications focuses solely on home phone services.
Race Communications vs Xfinity: Main Takeaways
If you’re deciding between Race Communications and Xfinity, here are the key points to consider:
When Xfinity might work for you:
- You’re looking for bundled options that include internet, mobile phone plans, and entertainment services.
- You live in an area where Xfinity’s hybrid fiber-coaxial infrastructure can deliver speeds that meet your basic needs.
- You’re okay with promotional pricing but plan to cancel or switch providers once the introductory rates end.
Why Race Communications is the better choice:
- Truly unlimited data. No data caps, no overage fees, no need to pay extra for unlimited data. Stream, game, and work without limits.
- Consistent, transparent pricing: Flat rates across all markets, with no hidden fees or surprise price hikes after 12 months. What you see is what you pay.
- Symmetrical speeds: Enjoy ultra-fast upload speeds equal to your download speeds (up to 10 Gbps), perfect for remote work, gaming, and video calls. In contrast, Xfinity’s upload speeds are capped at just 35 Mbps, even on their fastest plans.
- Free equipment: Every Race plan includes a router at no extra charge—no monthly rental fees or fine print.
- Free professional installation: Unlike Xfinity, which charges $39.99 for self-installation or $100 for professional installation, Race covers the cost entirely.
- Local customer support: With Race Communications, you’ll experience responsive, reliable customer service with local representatives who actually understand your needs. Xfinity? Just ask Reddit about their support.
- No fine print confusion: Xfinity’s pricing, promotional offers, and service details are riddled with complexities, whereas Race offers simple, easy-to-understand plans.
FAQs
Is Race Communications available everywhere?
Race focuses on areas where it can deliver its fiber-optic network, so availability may be limited compared to Xfinity’s broader network.
See the Race Communications Service Areas here.
What is Race Communications customer support like?
Race’s community-focused approach may offer more personalized service than Xfinity’s larger operations.
We’re available 8 AM – 12 AM PST, Monday-Saturday.