Choosing an internet service provider isn’t always an easy decision. If your address is serviceable by both, you may find that either Shentel or Xfinity internet matches your family’s lifestyle best. With our in-depth comparison, you’ll easily be able to narrow down your decision.

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  • Free internet security
  • Fast speeds
  • Extreme bundle savings
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  • Same-day installations
  • 8+ million free WiFi hotspots
  • Unlimited data available

Internet Plans

Our Picks

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Max Download Speed

10 Mbps5 Mbps – 35 Mbps

Starting Price

$40/mo.*$19.99/mo. – $299.95/mo.

Equipment Fee

$12.95/mo.$14/mo. – $25/mo.

Contracts

NoOptions Available

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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 6/09/22.

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 has everything one would need to stay connected. Enter your zip code here to see if Shentel offers internet in your area.

Xfinity Internet Plans

Xfinity is the largest cable internet provider in the US with availability 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.

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Internet Features

You won’t go wrong with either provider if speed is your end goal, however, Xfinity clearly comes out on top for internet service. While Shentel offers fiber speeds up to 1 Gbps, Xfinity offers double the plan options. Compare the following internet features to see which provider is right for you.

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Wide Availability in the North-East

Shentel provides internet to residential & commercial customers in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, with a combined 1 million customer base.

Fast Download Speeds

Enjoy download speeds up to 1,200 Mbps in select areas. Enjoy online gaming, working from home, and streaming 4K video with ease.

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 now has data allowances on its main internet packages for an additional $30/mo. Have peace of mind while working from home, if you have a large family, or are generally a heavy internet user.

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 time 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 Flex 4K streaming TV box free with any Xfinity internet plan. Plus, access tons of content on Peacock Premium and Xumo at no extra cost.

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Wide Availability in the North-East

Shentel provides internet to residential & commercial customers in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, with a combined 1 million customer base.

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 now has data allowances on its main internet packages for an additional $30/mo. Have peace of mind while working from home, if you have a large family, or are generally a heavy internet user.

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
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Fast Download Speeds

Enjoy download speeds up to 1,200 Mbps in select areas. Enjoy online gaming, working from home, and streaming 4K video with ease.

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 time of your internet plan.

Free Streaming Box

Get a Flex 4K streaming TV box free with any Xfinity internet plan. Plus, access tons of content on Peacock Premium and Xumo at no extra cost.

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We make it easy to find the best internet near you.

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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.

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Installation Fees

It costs $99.95 for a Shentel professional to come out and install internet in your home.

Installation Fees

Xfinity charges a one-time professional installation fee of $89.99, but you can opt to do self-installation through the Xfinity app for free.

Equipment Rentals

Renting a WiFi router from Shentel costs $8/mo., while a modem plus whole-home WiFi costs $12.95/mo. 

Equipment Rentals

Xfinity offers two options: XFi Gateway for $14/mo. or XFI Gateway Complete for $25/mo. You can receive a discount if you enroll in auto payments or opt to use your own equipment for free. Some plans also waive rental fees for the first year.

Price Increases

Your monthly fee will increase after your first two months of service. Increases start at $25/mo. depending on your subscription plan.

Price Increases

If you sign up for a promotion, your rate could increase by as much as $30/mo. after the term ends.

Data Overages

If you don’t purchase unlimited data, exceeding your data allowance will cost an extra $10 per 50 GB block of usage over the allowance.

Data Overages

Technically, Xfinity has a data cap of 1.2 terabytes (TB) of data per month, but a very small percentage of customers exceed this.

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Installation Fees

It costs $99.95 for a Shentel professional to come out and install internet in your home.

Equipment Rentals

Renting a WiFi router from Shentel costs $8/mo., while a modem plus whole-home WiFi costs $12.95/mo. 

Price Increases

Your monthly fee will increase after your first two months of service. Increases start at $25/mo. depending on your subscription plan.

Data Overages

If you don’t purchase unlimited data, exceeding your data allowance will cost an extra $10 per 50 GB block of usage over the allowance.

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Installation Fees

Xfinity charges a one-time professional installation fee of $89.99, but you can opt to do self-installation through the Xfinity app for free.

Equipment Rentals

Xfinity offers two options: XFi Gateway for $14/mo. or XFI Gateway Complete for $25/mo. You can receive a discount if you enroll in auto payments or opt to use your own equipment for free. Some plans also waive rental fees for the first year.

Price Increases

If you sign up for a promotion, your rate could increase by as much as $30/mo. after the term ends.

Data Overages

Technically, Xfinity has a data cap of 1.2 terabytes (TB) of data per month, but a very small percentage of customers exceed this.

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Picking a Provider

Shentel and Xfinity both bring unique offerings to the table, making your decision that much harder. It all comes down to your personal lifestyle and which provider meets your current needs. It’s best to consider availability, speeds, and price when deciding between these two providers.

Shentel: Best Local Customer Service

In places where both providers are available, Shentel internet has a reputation for offering reliable speeds with local support over Xfinity. Like Xfinity, Shentel offers flexible, no-contract plans and free security add-ons. 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 may be for you. While its equipment rental fee costs slightly more, it charges less per Mbps and gives you the option to install your own equipment for free. Plus, Xfinity is an excellent choice for heavy internet users as it offers speeds up to 1,200 Mbps.

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Marla Milano
Written By
Marla Milano
Written By
Marla Milano
Marla is a Contributing Writer for HighSpeedOptions, assisting in HighSpeedOptions’ coverage of satellite internet, streaming, and TV content. She comes with five years of experience writing for lifestyle and tech brands across multiple industries and has a BA in Marketing and MA in Digital Communication and Media Arts from DePaul University. Marla is passionate about not only integrating a creative edge into her work but also pulling data-driven insights to enhance her thought process.