Why Is My Upload Speed Faster Than My Download Speed Fios
Verizon Fios vs. Astound Broadband
Apr 6, 2022 Share
Provider Comparisons (Versus)
Verizon Fios has positive customer ratings and superb cobweb technology—but Astound Broadband gets the edge on low prices and wide choice.
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Ultrareliable cobweb connections
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Symmetrical upload and download speeds
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Overpriced DSL plans
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Affordable prices
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Lots of choices
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Varying prices depending on region
w/ Auto Pay + taxes & equip. charges
Lesser line
Verizon Home Cyberspace is all well-nigh maximum speeds and superlative-notch tech. Running on a formidable fiber network, it has a plan that delivers up to 940 Mbps download speeds and options for symmetrical download and upload speeds—an impressive, rarefied feature that vastly boosts the forcefulness of your uploading capabilities (like teleconferencing and uploading files to cloud servers). It's not necessary for everybody, just if yous crave the fastest and most versatile internet for work or play, then go with Verizon Fios.
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN is better if yous're more than concerned near low prices and flexibility. It offers gigabit speeds (i,000 Mbps) over cable net at a lower cost than Verizon Fios. Merely yous don't have to get the fanciest speeds with Astound Broadband to become quality service. In that location are a bunch of other plans in a variety of speed tiers to cull from as well, with prices starting at just $19.99 per month.
Current cyberspace deals
Verizon Home Internet will give y'all a gratis yearlong subscription to the hot new streaming service Disney+ (and $6.99 per calendar month after) if you lot sign upwards for either the 200 Mbps, 400 Mbps, or Fios Gigabit Connection plan. Caput to Verizon Fios'due south Mix & Match bundles page for more details.
Verizon also waives the $99 setup accuse if you order online, with no coupon code needed. And starting on September 24, Verizon customers who sign up for the Fios Gigabit Connection program can take advantage of a cool deal. It includes the new Marvel'due south Avengers game, Disney+ for 12 months ($half-dozen.99/mo afterward), a gratis Stream Boob tube, and the router rental included at no actress toll.
Astound Broadband will hook you lot up with free installation if you redeem a coupon code while ordering online. Merely become to the Gratuitous Installation folio on Astound Broadband's website to discover the code for your area. Free installation coupon codes are also listed forth with the packages in the Features & Plans page.
Y'all can besides observe deals for different Astound Broadband markets on the visitor'southward Special Offers page.
If you're looking for more than bargains, discounts, deals, and steals with other cyberspace providers, make your way to our best cyberspace deals guide to see what's on offering.
Verizon Fios vs. Astound Broadband internet
| | |
| Type of service Cobweb and DSL | Type of service Cablevision |
| Price $39.99–$79.99/mo.* (Fiber) $69.99/mo. ‡(DSL) | Price $nineteen.99–$59.99/mo.† |
| Contract Month-to-month | Contract Month-to-calendar month |
| Download speeds 300 Mbps–up to 940 Mbps (Fiber) 0.five Mbps–15 Mbps (DSL) | Download speeds 25 Mbps–940 Mbps |
| Equipment fees $15.00/mo. (no monthly router rental fee when signing upward with Fios Gigabit Connection) | Equipment fees $2.00–$18.95/mo. (depending on equipment and service area) |
| Installation fee $99.00 (free if you sign up online) | Installation fee $49.95 (plus $ten activation fee) |
| Customer satisfaction (3.8/5) | Client satisfaction (three.7/5) |
| View Verizon Fios Plans | View Astound Broadband Plans |
| | Type of service Fiber and DSL |
| | Type of service Cablevision |
| | Price $39.99–$79.99/mo.* (Fiber) $69.99/mo. ‡(DSL) |
| | Price $xix.99–$59.99/mo.† |
| | Contract Month-to-month |
| | Contract Month-to-month |
| | Download speeds 300 Mbps–upwards to 940 Mbps (Fiber) 0.five Mbps–fifteen Mbps (DSL) |
| | Download speeds 25 Mbps–940 Mbps |
| | Equipment fees $xv.00/mo. (no monthly router rental fee when signing upwards with Fios Gigabit Connection) |
| | Equipment fees $ii.00–$18.95/mo. (depending on equipment and service surface area) |
| | Installation fee $99.00 (gratis if you sign up online) |
| | Installation fee $49.95 (plus $10 activation fee) |
| | Customer satisfaction (3.viii/v) |
| | Customer satisfaction (3.7/5) |
Data effective six/29/2020. Non all offers available in all areas.
*due west/ Auto Pay + taxes & equip charges
†For the first 12 months.
Verizon Fios vs. Astound Broadband packages and pricing
Verizon Fios brings the appurtenances when it comes to speed and reliability. Information technology's got a deluxe fiber-optic programme featuring near-gigabit speeds and options for symmetrical upload and download speeds—perfect for the serious Wi-Fi connoisseur.
Astound Broadband is more than practical. Its prices vary slightly depending on your service area, but generally, it'south got a whole bunch of speed and pricing options—everything from a thrifty 25 Mbps plan to a well-priced 940 Mbps deal.
Verizon Fios and Astound Broadband both don't have data caps on their internet plans. With either provider, you lot can download, browse, stream, and game to your heart's content. You can besides cancel and switch providers whenever you want since both providers' contracts go month to month.
Verizon Fios packages
| Package | Price from | Speed | Internet type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net 300/300 | $39.99/mo.** | 300 Mbps | Cobweb |
| Internet 500/500 | $59.99/mo.** | 500 Mbps | Cobweb |
| Fios Gigabit Connectedness | $79.99/mo.** | Up to 940 Mbps | Fiber |
| High Speed | $69.99/mo.‡ | .5–15 Mbps* | DSL |
| Package | Cyberspace 300/300 |
| Cost from | $39.99/mo.** |
| Speed | 300 Mbps |
| Internet type | Fiber |
| Parcel | Internet 500/500 |
| Price from | $59.99/mo.** |
| Speed | 500 Mbps |
| Cyberspace type | Fiber |
| Packet | Fios Gigabit Connection |
| Price from | $79.99/mo.** |
| Speed | Up to 940 Mbps |
| Internet type | Fiber |
| Package | Loftier Speed |
| Cost from | $69.99/mo.‡ |
| Speed | .5–15 Mbps* |
| Internet type | DSL |
*Speed varies by service area
**westward/ Automobile Pay + taxes & equip charges
‡for one year plus taxes, equip. charges & other fees. Speeds at 1.one-3 Mbps, iii.ane-seven Mbps, or 7.one-15 Mbps.
We're impressed with Verizon's Fios Dwelling house Internet 300/300 Mbps and 500/500 Mbps plans. Both will get you matching upload and download speeds, bulking up your ability to practise upload-heavy activities like Zoom teleconferencing. And 300–500 Mbps is incredibly fast and will be more than plenty speed for most users.
Verizon'southward single DSL plan seems a bit pricey for its relatively limited speeds, but the deal comes arranged with a landline telephone plan (price included with listed packet toll). You should consider this only if your but other option is expensive satellite internet.
Otherwise, stick with Verizon's fiber plans—you can't go wrong with the sweet fiber.
Astound Broadband packages
| Package | Price† | Speed | Internet type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Mbps Net | $19.99/mo. | 25 Mbps | Cable |
| 50 Mbps Internet | $29.99/mo. | 50 Mbps | Cablevision |
| 100 Mbps Internet* | $29.99/mo. | 100 Mbps | Cable |
| 250 Mbps Cyberspace | $29.99–$39.99/mo. (depending on service expanse) | 250 Mbps | Cable |
| 500 Mbps Net | $34.99–$49.99 (depending on service area) | 500 Mbps | Cablevision |
| Gig Internet | $49.99–$54.99 | 940 Mbps | Cable |
| Package | 25 Mbps Internet |
| Price† | $nineteen.99/mo. |
| Speed | 25 Mbps |
| Internet type | Cable |
| Packet | fifty Mbps Cyberspace |
| Price† | $29.99/mo. |
| Speed | l Mbps |
| Cyberspace type | Cablevision |
| Package | 100 Mbps Internet* |
| Cost† | $29.99/mo. |
| Speed | 100 Mbps |
| Cyberspace type | Cable |
| Package | 250 Mbps Internet |
| Price† | $29.99–$39.99/mo. (depending on service area) |
| Speed | 250 Mbps |
| Cyberspace type | Cable |
| Package | 500 Mbps Net |
| Price† | $34.99–$49.99 (depending on service surface area) |
| Speed | 500 Mbps |
| Internet type | Cable |
| Package | Gig Internet |
| Price† | $49.99–$54.99 |
| Speed | 940 Mbps |
| Internet type | Cable |
*Available in Philadelphia and Boston only.
†For the beginning 12 months.
Astound Broadband seems to take a piddling something for everybody. Are you a bankrupt college student in need of a quick-and-easy cyberspace program? The low-priced 25 Mbps Internet plan is the choice for you. Simply the all-time function is it won't cost you that much more to boost your speeds to a robust 100 Mbps—that'due south perfect if y'all're living with a lot of roommates or accept a family that loves to stream on x devices at once.
Higher-tier plans vary in price depending on your service area, only Astound Broadband still keeps the starting rates low. Its Gig Internet plan is a corking offering—it's the same speed as Verizon Fios's competing gigabit plan merely at a much lower toll.
Nonetheless, its availability is a bit more than limited compared to Verizon. Astound Broadband provides internet service in the cities of Boston, Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley. Verizon Fios casts a wider internet with coverage in New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Isle, Virginia and Washington, DC.
Deals and promotions: Verizon Fios vs. Astound Broadband
Verizon Fios vs. Astound Broadband: Who has the fastest internet speed (and more)?
Internet speeds
Both Verizon Fios and Astound Broadband offering plans with speeds up to 940 Mbps. Verizon'southward plan is on a fiber-optic network, which is the fastest and almost reliable kind of internet. But Astound Broadband'south 940 Mbps plan is significantly cheaper and yet enough reliable since it'southward cable.
But since Verizon Fios uses cobweb, information technology delivers two plans featuring symmetrical upload and download speeds.
Verizon Fios is one of the few internet providers that prioritizes upload speeds equally much as download speeds. Most of what we do online uses downloaded content, and so most internet providers tend to prioritize download speeds. But upload speeds are important for things like using Zoom or uploading YouTube videos.
Astound Broadband's upload speeds tend to be much slower than the download speeds—its Gig Net plan delivers 940 Mbps download speeds, but but 20 Mbps upload speeds. This is similar to the upload and download differences with most cyberspace providers, which is what makes Verizon Fios' symmetrical speeds so unique and absurd.
Test your speed:
Not certain what speeds y'all have on your current Wi-Fi? Run a quick diagnostic using our speed exam.
Net types
Verizon offers two types of cyberspace—fiber-optic and DSL. Cobweb runs through bundled fiberglass cabling, delivering a consequent connectedness at ultrafast speed. DSL runs over landline phone wiring, so it'south much slower only besides more than readily available and affordable.
Astound Broadband's network is cable internet, built on the same coaxial cables that deliver cable Television set.
Verizon Fios'due south fiber option is the fanciest and satiny-smoothest of these 3 internet types. Compared to cable and DSL, fiber is much less susceptible to betoken interference and network-wide bottlenecks.
Merely fiber'south availability is also a lot more limited. And recent changes in communications engineering accept allowed cablevision companies like Astound Broadband to ramp upwardly internet speeds over coaxial connections. Astound Broadband can deliver most-gigabit (940 Mbps) download speeds, though it can't match Verizon's upload speeds. Its cablevision network may wearisome during pinnacle hours, merely information technology's all the same fast and reliable.
Verizon's DSL choice is the slowest of the bunch, simply capable of delivering max speeds of upwards to 15 Mbps.
Television receiver bundles
Verizon Fios allows you to "mix and match" your internet and Goggle box options to get the package that's but right for you lot. Pick the internet and TV plan you want, and they'll exist combined into 1 monthly beak.
Verizon's Fios cobweb network delivers broadcast TV channels. You besides have the option to pay for additional features similar premium channels (including ESPN and HBO®), a cloud DVR service, and a voice-activated remote.
Astound Broadband also offers TV and internet bundles. Its digital cable Idiot box service gives you hundreds of channels for news, entertainment, and sports. You can also get the usual premium favorites like HBO and SHOWTIME® also every bit options for on-demand content and cloud DVR. You tin employ Astound Broadband'due south TiVo® service (which comes with the Tv programme) to access apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Facebook through your Tv screen.
Editor's selection:
We think Astound Broadband's Television receiver and net bundles are a much meliorate deal than what you get with Verizon. You lot can go fast Wi-Fi and a agglomeration of channels for one ready price rather than paying for each plan individually equally you do with Verizon Fios—saving you a lot of coin in the long run.
Verizon Fios vs. Astound Broadband fees and contracts
Both Verizon Fios and Astound Broadband get easy on the customer when it comes to the fine print.
Neither of these providers requires yous to sign an annual contract. There are no early termination fees (ETFs) if you lot switch providers. At that place are also no information caps, and so you can employ equally much net as you want.
Still, there are some fees to await out for. Here'southward a breakdown of what to look if you sign up with Verizon Fios or Astound Broadband:
Verizon Home Internet fees
You'll need to add $xv a month onto your nib if y'all want to rent a router from Verizon Fios, just this monthly router fee will be waived if you sign upwardly for the Fios Gigabit Connection plan. You can also get a intermission on installation if yous sign up online.
All in all, these are pretty standard fees—no monkey concern here.
Astound Broadband fees
The price of renting a modem and router from Astound Broadband depends on your service area and the equipment you're getting. Prices run anywhere from $2 a month to $18.95 a month. The lowest cost covers the nearly basic modem while the higher price provides a DOCSIS three.i–compatible modem/router combo, capable of delivering 1,000 Mbps speeds.
Astound Broadband as well levies a $10 "activation fee" for getting your internet up and running. Activation fees seem a bit arbitrary to us, only they're not unheard of. The good news is you can notice coupon codes on Astound Broadband'due south website to waive the installation fee, and so information technology'due south not the terminate of the world.
Cyberspace contracts
Verizon Fios and Astound Broadband don't require any annual commitments on their internet plans. If you sign up for either of these providers, you'll be paying on a month-to-month basis and won't pay an early termination fee if you bail and switch providers.
This is helpful considering yous won't end upward paying extra to terminate your contract if you have to move somewhere that doesn't get coverage from the same providers.
Editor'southward selection:
We recollect both Verizon Fios and Astound Broadband deserve lots of credit for their month-to-month plans, but if you really had to option a favorite plan, we recommend Astound Broadband'due south 250 Mbps Cyberspace program.
Information technology starts off at a very reasonable $39.99 per month and blasts off at an incredibly fast internet speed that—while non the fastest on Globe—will still perform excellently if you're living with a big family or lots of roommates.
Verizon Fios vs. Astound Broadband equipment
Renting a modem and router
If you don't accept the patience for setting up equipment and troubleshooting Wi-Fi connections, y'all'll want to rent a modem or router from your internet provider. When yous lodge your internet, you tin simply opt for a rental choice. All the equipment you demand comes with the package when it's installed.
Buying a modem and router
Verizon Fios doesn't require a modem—its fiber internet instead uses an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), which comes free with your plan. But you'll too desire a router to become with your fiber plan, and Verizon Fios allows you to use your ain.
You tin can salve some money this way, since you won't be paying rental charges. And this also lets you lot be a bit more than selective about your needs. Merely keep in listen that—as posters on Verizon forums brand clear—it requires a tiny flake of technical knowhow to brand the switch from a Verizon Fios Router to your own wireless gateway or standalone router.
To set your own gateway or router on a standalone Verizon Fios cyberspace plan, you'll demand to determine how your habitation is connected to Verizon's ONT. In some cases, Verizon volition rely on your existing cable TV lines and use a splitter that connects your new gateway and Verizon'due south TV box to the cable jack in the wall. In other cases, the ONT connects to Ethernet wiring installed in your home. For Ethernet, be sure to plug the cable into the ONT or WAN port, depending on the router or gateway you buy.
Astound Broadband as well lets y'all buy your own modem and router for use on its network. Make sure you get equipment that's certified for use on Astound Broadband networks—information technology will be labeled so on the box, and if not you tin can call Astound Broadband to double-check.
It's besides important to get something that can meet the capabilities of your net plan. Avoid using a dusty old router that'due south been sitting around the firm, because it may non be up-to-appointment plenty to evangelize the speed on your program.
If you're on a cable gigabit plan, then yous can shop effectually for a solid gigabit modem with actress Ethernet ports. If you're living in a house with a circuitous layout and lots of rooms and hallways, then a long-range router or mesh network could be just what you need. And y'all may be able to shave even more than expenses off your Wi-Fi budget by investing in a combination modem and router.
Pro tip:
If you live in a big firm or apartment, you tin pay a little more than to get set upward with Astound Broadband'southward mesh Wi-Fi system, which uses Amazon's Eero mesh routers to carry a point across every nook and cranny of your humble dwelling.
Verizon Fios vs. Astound Broadband client service
Verizon gets some of the best ratings out of all the providers, landing third for overall satisfaction in our latest client satisfaction survey. Astound Broadband doesn't perform besides. Customers consistently rated it averagely in our survey, simply information technology did become higher-than-boilerplate scores for customer service.
Installation and setup
Installation fee: $99.00 (waived if you lodge online)
Installation type: Pro and self-install
Schedule an Installation
Verizon Fios and Astound Broadband offer ways to become free installation, which is spectacular. To go gratuitous installation and setup from Verizon, all you have to do is order online. Then you tin schedule an appointment for a technician to install an optical network terminal in your home and then you lot can access those sweet, sugariness cobweb speeds.
Astound Broadband offers complimentary installation coupon codes for all internet, TV, home phone, and bundle services. The codes are location-specific, so make sure to grab the correct one for your city.
Customer satisfaction
Overall customer satisfaction rating:
(iii.8/five)
Overall customer satisfaction rating:
(3.7/5)
Customers were pleased with Verizon Fios—it's ranked third overall out of 12 providers in our latest annual client satisfaction survey. It has great ratings in all of the other categories as well—customers rated information technology the second-highest in speed, price, and reliability, and it'southward in the summit three for customer service.
Astound Broadband is in the middle rankings for client satisfaction, coming in sixth out of 12. Simply its customer service ranking is almost identical to Verizon's. Then customers announced equally satisfied with either provider'southward support.
Verizon Fios vs. Astound Broadband availability
Verizon Fios is available mostly in New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and Washington, DC.
Astound Broadband's coverage likewise extends to large cities beyond the East Declension but extends to the Midwest as well. Information technology'southward bachelor in Boston, Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. Astound Broadband also has a network in the Lehigh Valley metro area, covering the Pennsylvania cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton.
Run a search to see if Verizon Fios or Astound Broadband have net in your area:
Verizon Fios vs. Astound Broadband pros and cons
Pros
- Incredibly fast speeds
- High client satisfaction ratings
- Symmetrical upload/download speeds
- Free installation if y'all gild online
Cons
- High prices
- Slow and costly DSL plans
Pros
- Lots of options
- Low prices for fast speeds
- Calendar month-to-month contracts
- Free installation with coupon
Cons
- Lower customer satisfaction ratings
- Inconsistent pricing and availability
Our verdict: Verizon Fios wins for deluxe performance—but Astound Broadband has slap-up prices.
Verizon Fios is the mode to go if you lot require loftier-performance internet for gaming or work—or if yous just desire loftier-quality internet service that volition stream and download without a hitch. Otherwise, stick with Astound Broadband and its affordable prices and multiple speed options.
Astound Broadband has lower prices than Verizon Fios, a wider range of speeds to cull from, and can nevertheless deliver impressive bandwidth capacity without breaking the wallet. At that place are no information caps and no annual commitments. And you can apply a coupon lawmaking when signing up to get a intermission on installation costs—sweet deal, for sure.
Even so, it's articulate that Verizon Fios takes the cake on performance alone. Yes, it will definitely price you lot more coin, but it also has no information caps or contracts. It has splendid customer satisfaction rankings and provides a highly reliable fiber-optic connection. Some plans likewise feature symmetrical upload/download speeds, which are perfect for treatment upload-heavy activities like Zoom videoconferencing and uploading files to content hubs like YouTube.
Want to sign up for some juicy internet? See if Verizon Fios or Astound Broadband are in your surface area:
Verizon Fios vs. Astound Broadband FAQ
Are Verizon Fios and Frontier FiberOptic the same company?
No, Verizon Fios and Frontier FiberOptic are two separate internet providers. In 2015, Borderland purchased Verizon'south broadband and landline networks in Florida, Texas, and California. But Verizon Fios still maintains fiber and DSL internet networks under its own name in other states.
Is Astound Broadband cobweb optic?
No, Astound Broadband's service isn't completely fiber optic. Like other major cable internet providers, Astound Broadband uses fiber upwardly to a betoken—like upward to the entrance of a large neighborhood. From in that location, Astound Broadband relies on the neighborhood'due south existing Tv cable lines to deliver internet to homes.
Is Verizon Fios better than Astound Broadband?
Verizon Fios is meliorate than Astound Broadband when it comes to functioning and speed considering it provides internet service over a state-of-the-art fiber network and offers incredibly fast upload speeds.
But it's also a lot more expensive than Astound Broadband, and nearly users won't need pinnacle-of-the-line internet. Astound Broadband's capabilities and bandwidth are even so slap-up, and its plans accept a lot of options to choose from.
Is Verizon Fios'due south fiber internet faster than cable internet?
Verizon Fios's fiber cyberspace and Astound Broadband'due south cable internet are both capable of achieving 940 Mbps download speeds—the fastest speeds bachelor to many residential Wi-Fi customers. However, Verizon Fios delivers much faster upload speeds compared to Astound Broadband. This comes in handy if you do things like videoconferencing and uploading files, which puts more strain on your upload bandwidth.
What kind of internet is Astound Broadband?
Astound Broadband delivers net over existing cable TV lines. Parts of its network use fiber-optic infrastructure and DSL lines, only it's mainly cable, which is fast, reliable, and easy to bundle with a Goggle box plan if you like.
Author - Peter Holslin
Peter Holslin has more than than a decade of experience working equally a writer and freelance announcer. He graduated with a BA in liberal arts and journalism from New York Metropolis's The New School Academy in 2008 and went on to contribute to publications like Rolling Stone, VICE, BuzzFeed, and countless others. At HighSpeedInternet.com, he focuses on covering 5G, nerding out nigh frequency bands and virtual RAN, and producing reviews on emerging services similar 5G home internet. He as well writes virtually internet providers and packages, hotspots, VPNs, and Wi-Fi troubleshooting.
Editor - Cara Haynes
Cara Haynes has been editing and writing in the digital infinite for 7 years, and she's edited all things internet for HighSpeedInternet.com for v years. She graduated with a BA in English and a modest in editing from Brigham Young University. When she's not editing, she makes tech accessible through her freelance writing for brands like Pluralsight. She believes no one should experience lost in internet land and that a good internet connexion significantly extends your life span.
Source: https://www.highspeedinternet.com/resources/verizon-fios-vs-astound-broadband