More people are working from home and using high-definition streaming video so find, reliable Internet access has never has never been more essential. For those of you already subscribed to Xfinity, Xfinity provides two of the highest internet speeds, which are 1200 Mbps and 5000 Mbps. But what are they, and which of them is better for? Here, we will discuss and compare Xfinity’s 1200 Mbps and 5000 Mbps broadband services because you need help in choosing between the two.
Speed
The most evident distinction across Xfinity’s 1200Mbps and 5000Mbps bundles is download and upload speed.
The 1200Mbps plan offers a download maximum speed of 1200 Megabits per second (Mbps) and an upload speed of 35 Mbps. The Gigabit Pro package provides much faster symmetrical speeds of up to 5000Mbps for download and upload.
For context, that means with a connection of 1200Mbps, one could download a 2-hour-long high-definition movie in roughly 34 seconds. But since 5000Mbps is available with us, you can download that same movie almost in 5 seconds.
That is why if you regularly download files that have huge sizes and/or require the highest speeds possible, then it is the clear winner of the plan. But a connection of 1200Mbps is still very fast and should be able to support a lot of devices downloading or streaming, gaming or doing video conferencing et cetera.
Reliability
In terms of reliability and consistency with given speeds, Windstream’s 5000Mbps Gigabit Pro plan has been established as the most faithful one. Since its technology connects with customers through direct fiber optic lines straight at their homes instead of shared coaxial lines, their speeds are rarely affected by congestion within one’s neighborhood.
The current 1200 Mbps plan is based on the consumers’ existing coaxial cable network. So they are still fast, but during evening hours when you have several households streaming video you might experience losses of speed. However, Xfinity remains a company that is conducting upgrades to increase the reliability of the networks.
Number of Devices Supported
It is important to note that both of these plans will allow for quite a number of smart devices to be connected simultaneously and this goes up to some 200 devices in each of the said networks. Thanks to the modern devices placed like powerful dual-band WiFi gateways and great technologies like OFDMA and Xfinity internet can cover multiple stream of devices like streaming, gaming, video calling, and much more.
Of course, if you are going to utilize the 5000Mbps speeds for large downloads and uploads, you’re going to need a better WiFi router that is capable of delivering wireless data rates. For Gigabit Pro customers, Xfinity offers the xFi Advanced Gateway, which boasts of the next-generation WiFi 6E performance. The 1200Mbps plan comes equipped with Xfinity’s modem which can be the worst for wireless needs and might require a separate purchase.
Cost
For the monthly tariff plans, the Gigabit Pro service at a speed of 5000 Mbps is far more costly than 1200 Mbps. The actual price may differ, however, with a base price of around $100 — $150 per month for 1200Mbps speeds depending on the bundle that you choose with Xfinity.
The 5000Mbps plan is available at $299-320 monthly. Still, Xfinity is currently offering the first year at $159 per month for Gigabit Pro which really is a fantastic offer.
You also need to consider the initial cost associated with the installation of the equipment. For the 5000Mbps plan, professional installation costs about $500 $1000 to bring the fiber line to your premises. Extra WiFi equipment like mesh systems to make the most of the fast speeds will cost even hundreds more. The 1200Mbps plan has more adequate $100-200 installation and equipment costs.
On the one hand, 5000 Mbps service translates into the best speeds available in the market but it also costs an arm and a leg – 1200 Mb saves a lot of money every month yet it still provides fast internet connection for the majority of families.
In summary, here's how the two plans stack up across the key metrics:
- Internet Speeds: 5000Mbps wins
- Reliability: 5000Mbps wins
- Device Support: Both are superb, but can need a better router for 5000Mbps.
- Monthly Price: 1200Mbps more cheaper for most
- Upfront Costs: 1200Mbps significantly less expensive setup and equipment rental cost
Thus, if the target audience is to choose an Xfinity offer for their households, the 1200 Mbps plan is the best balance between tremendous speed and affordable prices for the largest number of clients. However, customers who would like to experience the best speed and performance are encouraged to pay for the 5000Mbps Gigabit Pro package. For the price and offers in your area, check out Xfinity.com and see the available internet options. As for both options, you will receive a high-speed and stable Internet connection necessary for streaming, playing games, or conducting business remotely.
Call (844) 339-9555 to get an Xfinity connection now!
