If you’re one of the 93 percent of Americans who use the internet and you want home broadband service, Xfinity Internet is probably on your list of options. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of Xfinity’s internet service offerings from sign-up to set up to speeds and service. We’ll also take a look at their coverage area, plans and pricing, contracts, customer service, equipment, plus the pros and cons of their bundles and extras.
| Highlights |
|---|
| Some of the fastest internet speeds |
| Wide availability—coverage in 40 states |
| Free exclusive access to public Wi-Fi hotspots |
| Good bundling options with TV & phone services |
| No-contract plans available |
What is Xfinity Internet?
Xfinity Internet is a broadband internet service that delivers high-speed internet to homes. It offers a variety of plans to cater to different needs, ranging from basic plans with speeds around 75 to 200 Megabits per second (Mbps) to super-fast plans with speeds of up to 1,200 Mbps—and even as high as 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps) in select areas. Xfinity also offers prepaid and subsidized internet plans with slower max speeds for an ultra-low cost, making reliable internet accessible to all.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reliably fast internet speeds | Can be expensive compared to some providers, but service is superior to many |
| Available in 40 states | Slower upload speeds than some fiber networks |
| Innovative, next-gen cable and fiber optic network | Contracts may be required for some plans |
| Exclusive access to Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots | Additional fees for equipment and installation may apply |
| Great for streaming and entertainment | |
| Discounted bundle options with TV and phone services | |
| Regular sign-up discounts and promotions | |
| No-contract plans available | |
| Low-cost plans and rebates for eligible customers | |
| Highly-rated, 24/7 customer service |
Xfinity Internet Coverage
Xfinity Internet is widely available across the U.S., with coverage in more than 40 states. However, the availability may vary depending on the area and may not be available in certain locations. You can quickly check the availability in your area by visiting Xfinity’s website and entering your zip code.
Xfinity Internet Packages, Plans & Pricing
Xfinity offers a variety of internet plans to suit different needs and budgets. The pricing of the plans varies depending on the speed and plan you choose and plans may vary in speeds and cost slightly based on your location.
Xfinity offers regular promotional pricing and discounts for new and existing customers, as well as to military and students, so it’s always good to check their website or call to ask about their latest specials. Xfinity also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides qualified households with a credit of up to $30/mo towards internet and mobile services.
There are often promotional rates that give new customers discounted monthly fees for the first year. You can also chat with a representative 24 hours a day, seven days a week on their website.
Contracts, Equipment & Any Additional Monthly Fees
Xfinity requires a contract for some of its plans (particularly the higher speed options), which can be a drawback for customers who prefer flexibility, but there are options to choose from if you want to remain contract-free. Some Xfinity Internet plans also come with a monthly equipment rental fee for the modem and router. Currently, their Xfinity Gateway device adds up to $15 per month to your bill. Customers can choose to use their own equipment, but this requires some knowledge to set up correctly. Xfinity also charges additional one-time fees for installation on some packages.
Xfinity Mobile and Internet Bundle, Xfinity TV and Internet Packages & Other Extras
Xfinity offers several other services that some customers may want to add on to their internet service, including mobile phone, TV, home security, and home phone. There are lots of bundling options with one or more of these services, which are often part of their regular promotional pricing offers and can be a great way to save significant money. Additionally, Xfinity provides free access to over 20 million Wi-Fi hotspots and access to its mobile app, which makes it easy to manage your account and devices.
Subsidized & Pay-As-You-Go Plans
While some of their plans require a contract, Xfinity does offer a pay-as-you-need it home internet plan that isn’t tied to a monthly contract and is $45 for 30 days, paid up front. They also have a low-income household Internet Essentials plan that gets your bill under $10 per month but is subject to eligibility application and qualification. If you have concerns about paying for home internet, Xfinity also partners with the U.S. government to provide rebates up to $30 per month on home internet service through the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Xfinity Speed and Data
Xfinity Internet offers multiple plans to meet your needs, providing some of the fastest internet speeds available in the market. Xfinity’s plans range from 75 or 200 Mbps up to 1,200 Mbps in most service areas, with select regions even getting to experience speeds up to 10 Gbps on the Xfinity 10G network.
Most Xfinity Internet plans have high data limits and you can purchase unlimited data usage, which means you can stream and download as much as you want without worrying about additional charges.
Comcast/Xfinity: Company Information
Comcast/Xfinity is one of the leading internet service providers in the U.S., with a customer base of more than 32 million subscribers in 2022. It was founded in 1996, and is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pa.
Xfinity Internet Customer Service
Xfinity regularly has above average satisfaction ratings from their customers that puts them near the top of the list with other major internet providers such as AT&T and Verizon. Their customer service can be reached via phone or online chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Customers also have access to the Xfinity Community forum, which provides helpful information from other Xfinity customers on common topics. In many areas, Xfinity also has physical stores where you can pick up and drop off equipment or speak with customer service staff.
Comparing Xfinity to Other Internet Providers
Now that you know what Xfinity is and what it offers, let’s compare it to some of the other popular internet service providers.
Xfinity vs. Verizon Fios
Both Xfinity and Verizon provide mobile, TV and internet service plans though Xfinity Internet service is more widely available than Verizon’s Fios internet. Both providers offer a wide range of plans with different speeds and price points as well as bundles with their other services, so it can be difficult to decide which is the best deal and the best option for your needs.
Xfinity offers faster maximum download speeds than Verizon and has more promotional offers for new customers, though upload speeds are usually faster with Verizon plans. Additionally, Xfinity provides free access to Wi-Fi hotspots and an easy-to-use mobile app.
Verizon also doesn’t have data usage caps on most of their plans while Xfinity has a (very generous) 1.2 terabyte (TB) cap unless you pay $30 monthly for their Unlimited Data Plan add-on.
Xfinity vs. AT&T
When comparing Xfinity to AT&T, the main difference is that AT&T is only available in 21 states while Xfinity plans reach homes in 40 states. Xfinity also tends to offer lower-priced plans to a wider range of customers, and more bundling options with TV and mobile services.
Overall, both providers have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to compare the different plans and choose the one that fits your needs the best.
Bottom Line: Why We Love It
Xfinity Internet is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and fast connection with unlimited data usage. It offers some of the fastest speeds in the market and provides access to over 20 million Wi-Fi hotspots and its mobile app. Additionally, their customer service is available 24/7, highly rated and they have an extensive FAQ section on their website. They also offer promotional offers for new customers, so if you’re new to Xfinity, you may be able to get a year or two of a highly discounted plan. Compared to other providers, Xfinity has some of the best prices considering they usually have the highest maximum speeds available in most areas. If you’re looking for a reliable, fast internet connection and competitive pricing, Xfinity is a great choice.
FAQ
How do I connect to Xfinity Wi-Fi Hotspots?
Connecting to Xfinity Wi-Fi at one of their many hotspots away from home is easy, and you can do so in just five simple steps.
- Open the Wi-Fi icon located on your device’s taskbar or from within your Settings menu.
- Select “XFINITY” from the list of available networks, if it appears; if not, refresh the list and select it then.
- Enter your Xfinity username/email address and password when prompted to do so (if asked multiple times for a password or email address, enter them twice).
- Once connected to the network, open a browser window such as Chrome or Safari on your device; you should automatically be redirected to an Xfinity page asking you to either Activate Your Device by entering valid information that ties back to an existing Xfinity account.
- Follow instructions provided via screen prompts until completion (this process will take several minutes depending upon how quickly information is entered). Enjoy!
Does Xfinity offer internet only plans?
Yes, Xfinity does offer internet-only plans. These plans typically provide fast speeds ranging from 75 or 200 Mbps to 1,200 Mbps in most areas, with different options for data usage and pricing structures (there are also prepaid, low- or no-cost internet plans available to those who qualify).
Depending on your location, you can choose from a variety of packages that are tailored to fit your specific needs. In addition to home internet service, some Xfinity deals also include additional features such as parental controls, cybersecurity, Wi-Fi hotspot access and more.
What is the best Xfinity Internet plan?
The best Xfinity Internet plan is ultimately dependent on your location and specific usage requirements. If you’re looking for just basic web browsing and sending emails, then the lowest Connect plan with max speeds of around 75 or the Connect More plan with speeds up to 200 Mbps should be plenty (plans will vary based on coverage area). For streaming movies, playing online games and other heavier bandwidth activities like downloading large files, then you’ll want to consider one of the faster plans. The best service from Xfinity in most areas will be their 1,200 Mbps plan via Xfinity’s new Hybrid Fiber-Coax (HFC) network, though a handful of limited locations may qualify for the Xfinity 10G network featuring lightning fast download speeds up to 10Gbps.
Of course, if cost is a concern, then look into one of their pay-as-you-go, Internet Essentials, or subsidized service plans. Ultimately, finding what works best depends on factors like where you live, how many people are in your home using devices connected to the Wi-Fi network plus exactly what kinds of online activities everyone will be doing regularly. Because their prices vary by region, you’ll need to use the Xfinity website to get pricing specific to your area.
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