Table of Contents
Choosing the right internet service provider can feel overwhelming–especially if both Shentel and Xfinity internet are available at your address. Do you value local customer support, the fastest speeds, or the most budget-friendly bundles? This guide breaks down the key differences in plans, features, and fees so you can choose the provider that fits your household best.
- Free internet security
- Fast speeds
- Extreme bundle savings
- Same-day installations
- 8+ million free WiFi hotspots
- Unlimited data available
Internet Plans
Our Picks | | |
|---|---|---|
Max Download Speed | 1,000 Mbps | 2,000 Mbps |
Starting Price | $45/mo.* | $40/mo. – $100/mo. |
Equipment Fee | $14/mo. | Up to $15/mo. |
Contracts | No | Options available |
| Check Availability | Check Availability |
Pricing, speeds, offers, and availability vary by service address and are subject to change at any time. Additional fees, taxes, and terms may apply. As of 09/05/25.
Shentel Internet Plans
Shentel is a regional provider that offers internet options for residential customers. With speeds, plans, and pricing comparable to larger providers, Shentel offers reliable options to keep you connected. Enter your zip code here to see if Shentel is available in your area.
Xfinity Internet Plans
Xfinity is the largest cable internet provider in the US with a presence in 40 states. It offers a variety of internet plans that include contract-free options, quick installations, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, you can stay connected on the go with over 8 million free WiFi hotspots nationwide.
Internet Features
Both providers deliver fast speeds, but Xfinity internet service has broader availability. While Shentel offers fiber speeds of up to 1 Gbps, Xfinity offers double the number of plan options. Compare the following internet features to see which provider is right for you.
Wide Availability in the North-East
Shentel provides internet to residential & commercial customers in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania.
Fast Download Speeds
Enjoy download speeds up to 2,000 Mbps in select areas–enough to game online, work from home, and stream 4K video without lag, even in large households.
Competitive Pricing
Get great introductory rates with Shentel. You’ll get the same quality of service as a larger provider while supporting a local business.
Advanced Security
All Xfinity plans have complimentary security software that protects your devices from viruses, malware, and other cyber attacks.
Unlimited Data
Shentel offers unlimited data for an additional $30/mo.–a smart choice for households with multiple users, remote workers, online gamers, and heavy streamers.
Great Router Options
You have options with Xfinity. Either use a compatible router of your own or rent Xfinity’s top-of-the-line equipment for the duration of your internet plan.
Option to Prepay
Set up auto-pay or pay in advance with Shentel so you don’t have to worry about missing a payment or running into overage fees.
Free Streaming Box
Get a Xumo 4K streaming TV box free with any Xfinity internet plan. Plus, access tons of content on Peacock Premium and Xumo at no extra cost.
SHOW MORE
Wide Availability in the North-East
Shentel provides internet to residential & commercial customers in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania.
Competitive Pricing
Get great introductory rates with Shentel. You’ll get the same quality of service as a larger provider while supporting a local business.
Unlimited Data
Shentel offers unlimited data for an additional $30/mo.–a smart choice for households with multiple users, remote workers, online gamers, and heavy streamers.
Option to Prepay
Set up auto-pay or pay in advance with Shentel so you don’t have to worry about missing a payment or running into overage fees.
SHOW MORE
Fast Download Speeds
Enjoy download speeds up to 2,000 Mbps in select areas–enough to game online, work from home, and stream 4K video without lag, even in large households.
Advanced Security
All Xfinity plans have complimentary security software that protects your devices from viruses, malware, and other cyber attacks.
Great Router Options
You have options with Xfinity. Either use a compatible router of your own or rent Xfinity’s top-of-the-line equipment for the duration of your internet plan.
Free Streaming Box
Get a Xumo 4K streaming TV box free with any Xfinity internet plan. Plus, access tons of content on Peacock Premium and Xumo at no extra cost.
SHOW MORE
Internet Fees
It’s important to consider additional costs outside of your plan’s introductory rate. Pay attention to installation and rental fees, contractual expenses, and overage data charges, which can add up quickly.
Installation Fees
Shentel offers professional installation for $99.95.
Installation Fees
Xfinity charges a one-time professional installation fee of $100, but you can opt to do self-installation for $15.00.
Equipment Rentals
Renting a WiFi router from Shentel costs $8/mo., while a modem plus whole-home WiFi costs $25/mo.
Equipment Rentals
You can rent the Xfinity xFi gateway (modem and router in one unit) for $15/mo. Add xFi Pods for a one-time cost to create a mesh Wi-Fi network in your house.
Price Increases
If you sign up for a promotion, your rate could increase by as much as $30/mo. after the term ends. Xfinity is currently offering 5-year fixed pricing options.
Price Increases
If you sign up for a promotion, your rate could increase by as much as $30/mo. after the term ends. Xfinity is currently offering 5-year fixed pricing options.
Data Overages
Some Shentel plans include unlimited data, or you can add it for an additional $30/mo. If you exceed your data allowance, you will be charged an extra $10 per 50 GB block of usage over the allowance.
Data Overages
As of September 2025, Xfinity includes unlimited data on new plans. Some older plans have a data cap of 1.2 terabytes (TB) of data per month. This does not apply to all customers, but unlimited data is available for an additional $30/mo.
SHOW MORE
Installation Fees
Shentel offers professional installation for $99.95.
Equipment Rentals
Renting a WiFi router from Shentel costs $8/mo., while a modem plus whole-home WiFi costs $25/mo.
Price Increases
If you sign up for a promotion, your rate could increase by as much as $30/mo. after the term ends. Xfinity is currently offering 5-year fixed pricing options.
Data Overages
Some Shentel plans include unlimited data, or you can add it for an additional $30/mo. If you exceed your data allowance, you will be charged an extra $10 per 50 GB block of usage over the allowance.
SHOW MORE
Installation Fees
Xfinity charges a one-time professional installation fee of $100, but you can opt to do self-installation for $15.00.
Equipment Rentals
You can rent the Xfinity xFi gateway (modem and router in one unit) for $15/mo. Add xFi Pods for a one-time cost to create a mesh Wi-Fi network in your house.
Price Increases
If you sign up for a promotion, your rate could increase by as much as $30/mo. after the term ends. Xfinity is currently offering 5-year fixed pricing options.
Data Overages
As of September 2025, Xfinity includes unlimited data on new plans. Some older plans have a data cap of 1.2 terabytes (TB) of data per month. This does not apply to all customers, but unlimited data is available for an additional $30/mo.
SHOW MORE
Comparison Summary of Shentel vs. Xfinity Internet Plans
| Feature | Shentel | Xfinity |
| Starting Price | Around $65/mo | $30/mo. |
| Max Speed | Up to 1,000 Mbps in select areas | Up to 2,000 Mbps in select areas |
| Data Caps | Varies by plan; $30/mo. for unlimited data; Overage charges: $10 per 50 GB | Most plans have a 1.2 TB cap; $25-$30/mo. For unlimited data; unlimited data is included on new plans |
| Contracts | No contracts | No contract required; 5-year fixed price available |
| Availability | Regional — available in parts of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania | Xfinity is available in over 40 states |
| Equipment Fees | Router rental: $14/mo; modem + whole-home WiFi: $25/mo | Xfinity xFi Gateway rental: $15/mo |
| Feature | Starting Price |
| Shentel | Around $65/mo |
| Xfinity | $30/mo. |
| Feature | Max Speed |
| Shentel | Up to 1,000 Mbps in select areas |
| Xfinity | Up to 2,000 Mbps in select areas |
| Feature | Data Caps |
| Shentel | Varies by plan; $30/mo. for unlimited data; Overage charges: $10 per 50â¯GB |
| Xfinity | Most plans have a 1.2 TB cap; $25-$30/mo. For unlimited data; unlimited data is included on new plans |
| Feature | Contracts |
| Shentel | No contracts |
| Xfinity | No contract required; 5-year fixed price available |
| Feature | Availability |
| Shentel | Regional â available in parts of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania |
| Xfinity | Xfinity is available in over 40 states |
| Feature | Equipment Fees |
| Shentel | Router rental: $14/mo; modem + whole-home WiFi: $25/mo |
| Xfinity | Xfinity xFi Gateway rental: $15/mo |
Picking a Provider
Shentel and Xfinity each have unique advantages, so the right choice depends on your internet lifestyle, current needs, and what’s available in your area.
Shentel: Best Local Customer Service
In places where both providers are available, Shentel internet offers reliable speeds with local support. Like Xfinity, Shentel offers flexible, no-contract plans and free security add-ons. For the best savings, bundle Shentel internet with its TV and home phone services. With Shentel, you have the advantage of working with a company that’s been giving its customers personalized service over the past 100 years.
Xfinity: Best for Budget Shoppers
If you’re shopping on a budget, Xfinity internet has affordable starter plans. The xFi gateway, in conjunction with the xFi app, provides customizable security for all devices on your network. Save money as Xfinity rolls out unlimited data, and save more by bundling cable TV, home phone, mobile, and home security services. Xfinity is an excellent choice for heavy internet users as it offers speeds up to 2,000 Mbps.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shentel vs. Xfinity Internet
How fast is Shentel internet? (Shentel speed test)
Shentel internet offers speeds up to 1 Gbps on its fiber network in select areas. A Shentel internet speed test will show that performance depends on your plan and location, but customers generally experience reliable download and upload speeds suitable for streaming, online gaming, and remote work.
What Shentel internet plans are available?
Shentel internet plans range from entry-level packages for light browsing to gigabit-speed fiber internet plans for heavy use. Options include contract-free choices, with the ability to add unlimited data for an extra monthly fee. Availability varies by region, so entering your ZIP code is the best way to see which Shentel internet plans are offered in your area.
How much does Shentel internet cost? (Shentel prices)
Shentel prices start around $40 per month, with higher-speed or unlimited data plans costing more. Equipment rentals, such as a router or whole-home WiFi system, add between $14 and $25 per month. Promotional pricing is available, but rates typically increase by about $25 per month after the introductory period.
What is the Shentel Flex Plan?
The Shentel Flex plan is called Shentel Prepaid Internet. It is a contract-free, pay-as-you-go service that starts with a $99 starter kit, which includes installation, a modem, and 30 days of internet for $45/mo. After that, you simply refill your service monthly online, by phone, or in-store—no credit check or long-term contract required.
How much is the Xfinity installation fee?
Xfinity charges a one-time professional installation fee of $100. However, you can save money by choosing self-installation, which Xfinity offers for free. Shentel also charges an installation fee—$99.95 for professional setup.
Find providers in your area
Share this post:
