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CNET digs into the latest Ookla speed test data to see what it says about the nation's largest cable broadband provider.


Trey Paul Editor
Trey Paul is CNET Senior Broadband Editor. His more than 20 years of experience as a writer and editor includes time spent at CNET's sister site, Allconnect, and working with clients including Yahoo!, Google, The New York Times and Choice Hotels. An avid film buff, Trey is also a film and television critic while studying in New York City.
Expertise Home and broadband internet, including subscriptions, providers, internet speeds and connection types. Film and film studies. Reference
- An M.A. in film studies from NYU plus interviews with Conan O'Brien, Stan Lee and some of his biggest childhood idols Star Trek
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Trey Paul
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Our internet connections are increasingly becoming the lifeblood of our households. No matter if you areHomework, take additional online courses, streamingThe last of usor redesigning your place with everyonebest smart home devices, frominternet service provideris almost as important as suppliers of gas, water and electricity. What's one of the best ways to make sure your ISP lives up to its promises? Run a speed test.
The speed test gives you a snapshot of the download and upload speed in megabits per second. second you get from your provider. There are a fewgood internet speed teststhere you can use. if you areComcast XfinityThe client, especially Xfinity, boasts its own speed test, available atSpeedtest.Xfinity.com. But as I dive into the Xfinity speed test results in more detail, this page will pretty much mirror the data fromSpeedtest.net. This is a tool from Ookla which publishes quarterly results collected from millions of users using its speed test.

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Where did Xfinity's speed test scores rank among the top US ISPs?
For the first quarter of 2023Xfinity has fallen from first place among the largest Internet providers in the country
. He landed right in frontspectrum, who held pole position in mid-2022.
The fastest internet providers in the US
Supplier | Average download speed |
---|---|
spectrum | 235 Mb/s |
Xinfinity | 233 Mb/s |
Coxswain | 219 Mb/s |
Optimal | 196 Mb/s |
Limit | 190 Mb/s |
Verizon | 186 Mb/s |
Internet AT&T | 180 Mb/s |
To qualify as one of the top ISPs in the country, an ISP must appear in at least 3% of all test data collected over a three-month period. E.g,EPB, a Chattanooga, Tennessee-based provider, boasts the nation's fastest residential Internet plan at 25 gigabits per second. However, since it is only available in that part of the country, it does not appear on the national list (although it has certainly been registered in Tennessee).
It should also be noted that the 3% threshold is based on data from customer tests throughout the country, not just whether the provider covers 3% of the country.T-Mobile Home Internet, for example, is currently available to 89% of the country, according to the Federal Communications CommissionNational broadband card. However, its customer base, which has grown to over 3 million subscribers, was not large enough to be considered for this top list.
Does that mean every Xfinity client gets 233 Mbps?
While Xfinity's speed test results from Ookla gave it an average download speed of 233 Mbps, that doesn't mean all Xfinity subscribers will get at least 233 Mbps. But it shows that most Xfinity customers want a consistent Internet experience. In fact, Ookla has a "Consistency" ranking — which shows the percentage of results recorded above broadband speed (25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload) — and Xfinity landed near the top of that chart, also with a 91.7% rating .
It can also be combined withLatest FCC resultsthat over 90% of participants experienced actual median download speeds that were at least 95% of their ISP's advertised download speeds. This is certainly another good way to define consistency for the client. But what are the advertised speeds offered by Xfinity?
Internet speeds available from Xfinity
Most ISPs offer three to five tiers of speed, but Xfinity is unique in that it offers seven to eight different internet speed options, depending on your location. There are slightly more choices for customers than usual.
Xfinity of speed levels
Plan | Maximum speeds |
---|---|
To combine | 75 Mb/s download, 10 Mb/s upload |
Connect more | 200 Mb/s download, 10 Mb/s upload |
Quickly | 400 Mb/s download, 10 Mb/s upload |
super fast | 800 Mb/s download, 20 Mb/s upload |
Gigabit | 1000 Mb/s download, 20 Mb/s upload |
Gigabit extra | 1200 Mb/s download, 35 Mb/s upload |
Gigabit X2 | 2000 Mbps download, 50 Mbps upload |
Gigabit Pro | 6000 Mbps download, 6000 Mbps upload |
Brian L. Roberts, President and CEO of Comcast,he said during the earnings call in Januarythat Gigabit Plus customers account for approximately one-third of Xfinity broadband subscribers. It's a little more than thatThe seneste OpenVault datafor internet customers across the US where gigabit (and above) usage is 15%. Overall, according to OpenVault, most customers (55%) choose a 200-400 Mbps plan. The rest of the data shows that 10% choose 100-200 Mbps, 8% fall into the 50-100 Mbps category, 7% choose 500-900 Mbps, and 5% have plans below 50 Mbps.
With Xfinity, all plans include a hybrid fiber-coax cable connection, so customers' download speeds will be significantly faster than their upload speeds. The only exception is the Gigabit Pro plan, which is 100% fiber connection. Although Xfinity is theoretically available nationwide,FCC numbersstates that it is only available to about 4% of Xfinity's customer base.
US states where Xfinity was the leading ISP
Land | Average download speed |
---|---|
Arizona | 237 Mb/s |
Colorado | 245 Mb/s |
Delaware | 237 Mb/s |
Kentucky | 245 Mb/s |
Massachusetts | 227 Mb/s |
Michigan | 237 Mb/s |
New Hampshire | 240 Mb/s |
The mexico | 233 Mb/s |
Oregon | 236 Mb/s |
Pennsylvania | 231 Mb/s |
Washington | 237 Mb/s |
Comcast's Xfinity Internet service is available in 39 states and the District of Columbia, giving it a decent chance to reach the top spot in more states. It posted the slowest in Massachusetts at 227 Mbps, and the fastest download speed was 245 Mbps in both Colorado and Kentucky.
US cities where Xfinity was the top internet provider
By | Average download speed |
---|---|
Albuquerque, New Mexico | 238 Mb/s |
Aurora, Colorado | 260 Mb/s |
Baltimore, Maryland | 209 Mb/s |
Colorado Springs, Colorado | 255 Mb/s |
Denver, Colorado | 232 Mb/s |
Fort Wayne, Indiana | 203 Mb/s |
Fremont, California | 207 Mb/s |
Fresno, Californien | 248 Mb/s |
Memphis, Tennessee | 185 Mb/s |
Miami, Florida | 202 Mb/s |
Portland, Oregon | 218 Mb/s |
Sacramento, California | 233 Mb/s |
San Jose and California | 237 Mb/s |
Seattle, Waszynton | 217 Mb/s |
St. Paul, Minnesota | 215 Mb/s |
Stockton, Californien | 244 Mb/s |
Tucson, Arizona | 245 Mb/s |
When it comes to city speeds, Ookla's numbers only count the 100 most populous cities in the country. On this list, Xfinity was the fastest provider in 17 cities, which again placed it in second placespectrum, which ranked first in 18 US cities. Memphis, Tennessee, followed Xfinity with a median download speed of 185 Mbps (also placing it at the bottom of the list of top 100 US cities). Xfinity achieved the highest average download speed in Aurora, Colorado at 260 Mbps.
Xfinity SpeedTest: Final Thoughts
If you've read any of CNET's home web coverage, you've heard us say itfiber optic internetadvantageCable internetin every way. This is certainly true. But most fiber ISPs with a large national footprint --,Century Link,Limit,OptimalIVerizon- doesn't just offer fiber internet plans. Their coverage areas also include a mix of slower connection types such asdigital subscriber line. The speed test results in these areas will be much lower than the fiber count, resulting in a lower overall supplier count. But Xfinity and other cable providers that don't have to deal with DSL downsizing will see much more consistent results across the country. In this way, the cable breaks through the fibre-to-DSL connection.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Xfinity Speed Test
Why would I bother running the Xfinity Speed Test?
If you feel that your Internet connection is weak, a speed test is one of the fastest ways to see if you are getting the speed advertised by your ISP. If you're getting the internet speed you're paying for, your struggles may mean you need to upgrade to a faster plan. However, if the speed test results show speeds below what you should be getting, further investigation is warranted. It could be a problem with your provider (especially if you ran the test while connected via Ethernet cable) or you discovered some problems with your WiFi connection.
How fast is the cheapest Xfinity plan?
Xfinity is unique in that it offers at least seven different speed tiers. Additionally, it has different prices for these plans depending on the area of the country you are in. In some regions of the country, the cheapest plan is the 400 Mbps plan; in others, the cheapest solution is 75 Mb/s. Finally, Xfinity also offers a low-income option, Internet Essentials, for qualified customers. This plan is 50-100 Mbps.
What is a good speed for Xfinity?
During a recent earnings call, Comcast executives noted that nearly a third of its customer base subscribes to a 1200 Mbps plan. That said, Xfinity speed test data from Ookla shows that Xfinity's median download speed is 233 Mbps, and more recent data from OpenVault shows that the majority of US subscribers (about 55%) get 200-400 Mbps. Ultimately, "good speed" depends on your household's needs. The more users (and connected devices) you have, the more you need a higher level of internet speed.
FAQs
Is Comcast internet speed test accurate? ›
The Xfinity Speed Test is accurate, but given the number of variables that can affect your Internet speed at any given time, we recommend running several tests at different times of day to get a more accurate measure of your average speeds.
What are good Xfinity speed test results? ›You need at least 25 Mbps download speeds and 3 Mbps upload speeds to effectively stream, game, download, and Zoom online with minimal slowdowns and buffering.
How does Xfinity speed test work? ›The Xfinity Speed Test, also known as the Speed to Device Test, is a web-based speed test used to measure your real-time network connection. The test measures the download speed, upload speed, latency and activities that can be supported by the connection to your device.
How fast is Xfinity home internet? ›With speeds up to 3,000 Mbps, Xfinity ranks as one of the fastest internet providers around, but Xfinity's internet plans offer something for everyone. If you're simply looking for cheap home internet to check emails or browse Facebook, Xfinity's 75 Mbps and 200 Mbps plans offer great value.
Who has the most accurate WiFi speed test? ›- Ookla. An all-around excellent speed test. ...
- Fast.com. Great for streamers. ...
- M-Lab Internet Speed Test. As easy as speed tests get. ...
- Speedof.me. A solid test for consistency. ...
- Testmy.net. A good pick for testing your browser.
A good internet speed is at least 25Mbps download and 3Mbps upload. These internet speeds are the bare minimum for a broadband connection as defined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). But you'll get better results with an internet plan that supports download speeds between 40–100Mbps.
Does Comcast speed test lie? ›With so many variables that impact your Comcast Speed Test results, it's almost impossible to say it is 100 percent accurate. It's the same with other bandwidth testing sites as well—the uncertainty isn't a Comcast/Xfinity problem alone.
Why is my Xfinity speed test so slow? ›There are two possible reasons why your Xfinity speed is too slow: You're not signed up for a fast enough internet plan. You're signed up for a fast internet plan but aren't getting the speeds.
How do I know if my internet speed test is good? ›Depending on your connection type, a good speed test result is if the speeds are at least 50 to 200 Mbps within range of the top speed advertised for your service. Another important factor in understanding internet speed is that the speed your provider advertises is based on a wired connection.
Does Xfinity throttle your speed? ›Xfinity may be deliberately throttling your connection. The slowdown could be due to damage to the infrastructure or a change in frequency levels. Xfinity may send a technical support representative to investigate the problem. They can test the modem to determine the speed and diagnose potential issues.
Why does my internet speed test not match speed? ›
The speed available to a device can be affected by: Limitations of your device. Your device's WiFi capabilities. The number of devices online, using up speed, at the same time.
Is Xfinity 400 Mbps good? ›The Fast internet plan provides 400Mbps of internet speed for an affordable $55.00 per month—that's enough speed for the average household at a decent value. Larger families and heavy internet users should consider the Superfast internet plan.
Does Xfinity have a 55+ plan? ›Xfinity doesn't offer any discounted plans for seniors; however, for older adults, we'd recommend looking into Xfinity Choice TV, which offers over 10 channels at an affordable monthly price of $30.
How fast are Xfinity routers? ›Modem | Price | Speeds |
---|---|---|
NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000 | $197.00* | Up to 1,300 Mbps |
NETGEAR Nighthawk C7100V | $212.99 | Up to 1,300 Mbps |
TP-Link Archer A20 | $106.99* | Up to 1,625 Mbps |
xFi Gateway + Pods | $119.00* | Up to 500 Mbps |
A good internet speed is anywhere between 25 and 100 Mbps. Speeds of 25 Mbps allow up to 2 devices to stream, surf the web and check emails. 50 to 100 Mbps allow a few more people to stream in HD or even 4K, stream music, game, browse social media, and work from home.
Why is my internet speed test different? ›Devices (phones, tablets, PCs, etc…) can have very different Wi-Fi and cellular radio capabilities. This means you might get one Speedtest result on one device and a different result on another, even using the same provider. Some devices may not be able to measure the full speed of your internet service.
What internet speed do I need for Netflix? ›Video resolution | Recommended internet speed |
---|---|
HD | 3 Mbps |
Full HD | 5 Mbps |
4K/UHD | 15 Mbps |
- Prepare for video calls. ...
- Work remotely (and efficiently) ...
- Know when to upload large files. ...
- Troubleshoot your connection. ...
- Negotiate with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) ...
- Compare mobile service. ...
- Choose a mobile operator. ...
- Save your data.
Is 100 Mbps good for working from home? Yes, 100 Mbps is a good internet speed for working from home if you plan to use Zoom, send emails, surf the web, and stream video in 4K. A download speed of 100 Mbps should be adequate for a household of 4 members or more.
Do internet speed tests really work? ›WiFi speed tests are generally accurate, but many factors can affect WiFi speed test results. Speed test results might vary depending on factors like where your mobile device is in relation to your router or mesh system and how many connected devices are actively using bandwidth.
Can I sue Comcast for slow internet? ›
Yes, you can sue your internet service provider, but almost all ISP subscriber agreements require you to file any lawsuit in small claims court. If your dispute is over more than the amount that your local small claims court handles, you have to resolve it outside of the courts using a process called arbitration.
How can I make my Xfinity faster? ›- Move Closer to Your Gateway. Speed and coverage diminish over distance. ...
- Clear the Way. Place your Gateway or router off the floor, avoiding cramped spaces like cabinets, closets or drawers. ...
- Avoid Interference. ...
- Manually Restart Your Gateway. ...
- Relocate Your Gateway. ...
- Try Our Internet Troubleshooting Tool.
Older hardware limits the speed of old devices. For example, a typical WiFi 6 router with Gigabit Ethernet ports can deliver 1200 Mbps per wireless stream in ideal conditions, or 1000 Mbps per wired connection. An older device that only has WiFi 4 (Wireless N) and 100 BASE-T Ethernet cannot reach those speeds.
Is Xfinity 200 Mbps good? ›The 100–200 Mbps speed range is considered “fast,” but not “very fast.” In other words, it is an average speed in urban and suburban areas. It's particularly common as an entry-level speed for cable providers like Xfinity.
Why does Xfinity speed fluctuate so much? ›Computer. If your Comcast Internet connection is fluctuating, you should make sure your computer meet's Comcast's minimum system requirements. Check to ensure your processor speed is at least 1.5 GHz for PCs and 800 MHz for Macs. In regard to memory, the more you have, the better.
What is a good upload speed on a speed test? ›25 Mbps is a good standard for upload speeds, but if you are frequently sending data then consider a fiber-optic connection to increase your speed even more.
How do I bypass throttled internet? ›- Subscribe to the VPN of Your Choice. ...
- Download and Install the VPN. ...
- Sign in to the VPN App. ...
- Complete the Setup. ...
- Connect to a Preferred Server Location. ...
- Enjoy Throttling-Free Streaming.
No Limit to Data Usage
Your use of the Xfinity Internet service remains subject to our Acceptable Use Policies for residential services. To learn more about our policies, see Customer Agreements, Policies & Service Disclosures.
What is considered slow internet? Download speeds less than 25 Mbps are too slow to be considered broadband or good home Wi-Fi. With these speeds, users may experience buffering when streaming video, difficulty connecting multiple devices and other internet connectivity issues.
Is 50 Mbps fast enough for Netflix? ›50Mbps is usually fast enough for Netflix, but if there are multiple people in your home attempting to use it at once, there may be interruptions. You will likely not have access to HD or 4K streaming if there are multiple users.
What is the average internet speed on WIFI? ›
A speed between 50 Mbps and 100 Mbps is pretty average for homes with three or four people. If it's a household that frequently streams 4K video and does a lot of competitive online gaming, you want a speed that's closer to 100 Mbps.
What to do if speed test is low? ›Check whether you're streaming or downloading anything that might be using bandwidth during the Speedtest, and then try testing again. If your Speedtest result still seems slow, try rebooting your device or your router, and ensure that your router does not have any Quality of Service (QOS) features turned on.
What if Xfinity speed doesn't match plan? ›If your speed test results are lower than 90% of the speeds included with your Xfinity Internet plan, you'll be presented with one of two options: Gateway Upgrade: If the Speed to Gateway Test determines that your gateway is not able to match your Xfinity Internet plan, we'll provide a new one at no additional cost.
Why does my internet speed not match what I pay for? ›Oversubscription of networks
Most internet providers oversubscribe their connections. This implies that not every customer in your area will get the maximum speeds if they attempt to do use their connection at the same time. As a result, you experience a substantial slowdown during peak usage periods.
As of December 2022, Xfinity Internet customers' median monthly data usage was 397 GB during the past six months.
Does Xfinity offer 5G home internet? ›Nationwide 5G network access is included on both our By the Gig and Unlimited data options, no matter which one you choose. Once you have your device, activate it in your account, over the phone or visit an Xfinity Store. To get 5G access, you'll need to be on our latest data plan.
What is the difference between Comcast and Xfinity? ›Xfinity is the TV and internet service provider for consumers, while Comcast is the company that owns Xfinity (and other brands, like NBCUniversal).
Will Xfinity lower my bill if I threaten to cancel? ›"Threatening to cancel will get you further than outright asking for a discount." So just say "I'd like to cancel my service please." You'll almost certainly be transferred to a "retention specialist" whose job it is to change your mind.
Why did my Xfinity bill go up 2023? ›Even if you are on a Comcast Xfinity promotional rate, your bill will be going up! Why? Because Comcast Xfinty is increasing the price of the sneaky fees, which can make up more than 40% of your bill now. The fees in the chart are up and above the monthly charge for TV service!?!
Does Xfinity give free upgrades? ›Get an upgraded gateway after three years at no extra cost. Request your equipment upgrade through the Xfinity app, and we'll notify you when your upgrade is available.
How often should I replace my Xfinity router? ›
How Long Does An Xfinity Router Last? An Xfinity internet router lasts around 2-3 years since Xfinity usually upgrades the internet equipment for the customers after a couple of years of service.
Is the new Xfinity modem a router too? ›When you lease an Xfinity Wireless Gateway, the router is built into it. The Wireless Gateway acts as a modem (connection to the Internet) and a router (connecting multiple devices within the home).
Is Xfinity speed test false? ›The Xfinity "speed test" cannot be reaching speeds of 1250Mb/s; it is fraudulent and meant to instill a sense of complicity and confidence in angry customers. It's also a good way to cover the techs from getting chastised by every single customer they're failing.
Why is my internet speed test so bad? ›It might be because of an outdated router or a less-than-ideal router location. You might be able to solve slow speeds with an easy fix, like upgrading to a mesh network (which also has to be set up in the right spot) or simply restarting your modem and router.
Why is my internet speed test wrong? ›Several factors involved in the test can result in unexpected speeds. Devices (phones, tablets, PCs, etc…) can have very different Wi-Fi and cellular radio capabilities. Some devices may not be able to measure the full speed of your internet service.
How do I increase my Comcast speed? ›- Move Closer to Your Gateway. Speed and coverage diminish over distance. ...
- Clear the Way. Place your Gateway or router off the floor, avoiding cramped spaces like cabinets, closets or drawers. ...
- Avoid Interference. ...
- Manually Restart Your Gateway. ...
- Relocate Your Gateway. ...
- Try Our Internet Troubleshooting Tool.
There can be several possible reasons for the bad connection of Xfinity internet. It can be due to network congestion, local network outage, bandwidth restriction or excessive data usage.
What is the Comcast speed lawsuit? ›The suit alleged that Comcast is guilty of false advertising for advertising high speed service yet deliberately using technology to interfere with access speeds. The suit also claimed Comcast's actions violated established Federal Communications Commission policies on Net Neutrality.