ISP billing comparison
Centranet vs XenFi: Hotspot and PPPoE Billing Compared
XenFi is a WiFi and Hotspot billing platform popular with Kenyan Hotspot operators, with support for several router brands. Centranet focuses on MikroTik networks and adds full white label, reseller workspaces, WhatsApp self-service, TR-069 and remote Winbox. This page compares both using XenFi’s published Kenya pages.
Side by side
Centranet and XenFi, feature by feature
| Feature | Centranet | XenFi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | KES 500/month. Includes 30 PPPoE accounts, 2 routers, unlimited Hotspot users and 100 SMS. KES 20 per extra PPPoE account. 3% of collections applies only once monthly collections reach KES 7,000. | Free plan to start; transaction fees published on their fees page |
| Free trial | Yes, no card required | Free plan |
| PPPoE billing on MikroTik | Yes. Routers are managed over a secure tunnel, with no RADIUS server to maintain | Yes |
| Hotspot packages and vouchers | Yes. Branded login page builder, vouchers, roaming between your routers | Yes, with QR voucher printing |
| M-Pesa STK Push, Paybill and Till | Yes. Use the platform collection service or connect your own provider | Yes, M-Pesa built in |
| Automatic payouts to your M-Pesa, Paybill, Till or bank | Yes. Payout account verified by registered name before money is sent | Funds shown in one dashboard; payout terms on their fees page |
| SMS reminders | Yes. Expiry, renewal and payment reminders with one-tap renewal links | Voucher codes by SMS |
| WhatsApp for subscribers | Yes. Subscribers can renew, check balance and request help from WhatsApp | Not listed on their public site |
| White label and custom domain | Yes. Your logo, colours, portals and optional custom domain | Branded captive portal |
| Reseller business (client ISP workspaces) | Yes. Reseller portal, client performance, branded support and audited support access | Not listed on their public site |
| TR-069 router management (change customer Wi-Fi remotely) | Yes. Built-in GenieACS. Change Wi-Fi name and password, reboot, read optical levels | Not listed on their public site |
| Fibre OLT and ONU records | Yes. Any vendor, CSV import | Not listed on their public site |
| Remote Winbox from anywhere | Yes. Permanent public Winbox port per router, no VPN needed | Not listed on their public site |
| Per-subscriber data usage | Yes. Daily download, upload and online time per subscriber | Active users, bandwidth and top consumers |
| Technician jobs app | Yes. Jobs, status updates and equipment installation by serial number | Not listed on their public site |
Competitor details come from each vendor’s public website, checked on 12 October 2026. “Not listed” means we could not find it on their public pages, not that the feature is impossible. Prices and features change, so confirm with each vendor before you decide.
Fair comparison
Where XenFi is strong
- Support for MikroTik, Ruijie Reyee, TP-Link Omada and Ubiquiti UniFi, plus RADIUS for other routers
- A free plan to get started
- QR voucher batches and agent cash sales
- A Swahili or English captive portal
Why ISPs choose Centranet
Choose Centranet if…
- You want your own domain and fully branded portals, not just a branded login page
- You want to resell the platform to other ISPs under your brand
- You want WhatsApp renewals and help for subscribers
- You want TR-069 Wi-Fi changes, OLT records and permanent remote Winbox
- You want predictable KES subscription pricing
Verdict
Which one should you pick?
Pick XenFi if…
Your network mixes Ruijie, Omada or UniFi equipment and you mainly sell Hotspot time.
Pick Centranet if…
Your network runs on MikroTik and you want branding, reselling and remote router control in one place.
Good questions. Clear answers.
Let’s clear
a few things up.
A little clarity goes a long way.
Ask us something elseIs Centranet an alternative to XenFi?
Yes, for MikroTik networks. Both sell Hotspot and PPPoE packages with M-Pesa. Centranet adds custom domains, reseller workspaces, WhatsApp self-service, TR-069 and remote Winbox.
Does Centranet support Ruijie, Omada or UniFi?
Not today. Centranet is built for MikroTik RouterOS. If your sites run other brands, XenFi supports them directly.
Can I print vouchers in Centranet?
Yes. Create voucher batches for any Hotspot package, print them, and track which codes are used.