Though more and more people are “cutting the cable cord” to save money, adults ages 65 and older are still more likely to be cable subscribers.1 Why? Cable TV remains one of the more reliable, straightforward ways to watch. To compete with streaming services like Hulu and Netflix, some cable providers offer their own streaming solutions in tandem with helpful tools that make watching what you want, when you want, much easier.
Xfinity, owned by cable giant Comcast, is a front-runner in this space. Available in 40 states, Xfinity offers a wide variety of packages and price options, including five TV-only packages and several bundle deals (combining TV and internet). But what sets it apart is its suite of senior-friendly features and benefits such as voice search, large-button remotes, and channel variety. Because Xfinity deals vary so widely depending on your location and package choice, we've narrowed down the company's most popular cable TV packages, prices, features, and savings tips for you.
Pro Tip: Some of Xfinity's simplest pleasures are free if you know where to look. Customers can receive a free, large-button remote, a talking guide for those with visual impairments, and a free streaming device called Xfinity Flex (for internet-only customers).
As we've mentioned, Xfinity's prices and packages will vary based on where you live and what you need (TV, internet, phone). The possibilities seem endless between bundles and channel options (do you want 30 or 260+?), but our patience isn't. Xfinity's website has a handy comparison tool organized by channels. While it's great for comparing prices and features, most people don't buy cable based on the number of channels alone. Below we'll cover Xfinity's most popular packages and our recommendations for each.
| Plan | Price | Channels | Highlights | Special Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choice Limited TV | $30 per month | 10+ | ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, Univision, local access | Add channels any time | People who want basic live TV, minimal On Demand, and reliable reception |
| Limited Basic TV | $46.95 per month | 10+ | ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, Univision, local access | Expanded access to On Demand movies and shows | Occasional On Demand viewers who stick mainly to live-broadcast TV |
| Xfinity EXTRA | $65.25 per month | 140+ | Local + FX, TLC, HGTV, Bravo | Thousands of TV shows and movies with Xfinity Stream app | Traditional “basic cable” viewers who like options but don’t need premium channels |
| Digital Preferred | $69.99 per month | 220+ | Regular lineup plus NFL Network, NBA TV, MLB Network | Expanded sports access | Sports fans |
| Digital Premier | $84.99 per month | 260+ | Preferred sports channels plus HBO Max, Showtime, TMC, Hitz, EPIX | Comes with X1 TV box, Voice Remote, and free Peacock ($4.99 per month savings) | Premium content fans |
Pro Tip: Choice Limited TV is essentially a glorified antenna. With a few exceptions, most of these channels are already available for free from your local TV stations. For basic TV watching, consider a bare-bones Xfinity internet plan that comes with the free Xfinity Flex box to stream On Demand programming.
If you're already an Xfinity customer, you may have both DVR and non-DVR cable boxes. DVRs now come standard with most new TV packages. What the DVR can handle depends on the version. You can compare DVR differences on Xfinity's website while you shop, but generally, Xfinity DVRs include:
Xfinity Flex
While there are no senior-specific discounts (boo), Xfinity has multiple bundling deals and other promotional offers throughout the year. Bundling (combining more than one service, such as TV, internet, and phone) is one of the best ways to get the most for your money. Xfinity offers several bundle deals just for TV + internet, for the same price as TV-only, in some cases. Below are our top picks for seniors.
Best overall deal for seniors
X1 is Xfinity's all-in-one entertainment service. Like Roku or Apple TV, it combines internet and TV through a “streaming dashboard” box with DVR. While it may have more bells and whistles than you need, the X1's voice remote and ease of use are what make it especially good for seniors. You can control almost anything on your TV with the Voice Remote. All your shows, movies, music, podcasts, and other apps are available across all of your screens.
FYI: If you do want to try cutting the cord, Xfinity offers Flex, an internet-only streaming device that lets you access On Demand and online content in one place from your TV. It comes with most Xfinity internet plans. On the downside, there are commercials you can't fast forward, and you can't add or remove apps like Roku or Amazon Fire Stick.
Best for seniors on a budget
This bundle combines the Limited Choice TV package with Xfinity internet. If you need internet and want reliable local channels without an antenna, this is an affordable option. It's best for seniors who just want basic channels.
Again, Xfinity does not have official senior discounts. But it does offer bundle deals and some handy features that set it apart for seniors.
Good news: Xfinity is pretty upfront (and blessedly brief) about its fine print. Click on any “Pricing and details” button on their website to quickly see what lurks in the wee font. Bad news: you may have to read it three times to understand fully. Here's what stands out:
Xfinity is best for entertainment-loving seniors who want multiple channels and services and an easy, all-in-one solution. It's especially great if you have emerging or ongoing challenges with your hearing, sight, or dexterity. Features (many of them free) such as voice-led search, large-button remote controls, and extensive closed captioning and braille services can go a long way in making everyday viewing easier.
While cable TV plans start at just $30 per month, Xfinity shines brightest if you need multiple services or live in a multi-generational or larger household. If you need an internet connection anyway, consider Xfinity's X1 digital package. It's tough to beat for internet, TV, and phone. Plus, you get a free Flex box that aggregates all of your programming (including podcasts and non-TV content) in one place.
It may not be the cheapest way to watch TV, but Xfinity is widely available, offers many options, and is backed by reliable customer service and one of the most well-known parent companies in the world. Inclusive, forward-thinking benefits such as Voice Remote, audio guides, large-button controls, and an extensive accessibility resource center make Xfinity a solid choice for seniors who want multiple entertainment choices but need added support. Whatever Xfinity package you choose, make sure you can handle the monthly bill after the promotional rates have ended, or renegotiate your bill with the provider a few weeks before that initial 12 months is up.
At $30 per month, Choice Limited TV is the cheapest Xfinity cable TV plan. It’s important to know that it’s mainly local networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX) and public access.
Xfinity does not currently offer any senior-specific discounts. But it does provide general assistance discounts that many seniors may be eligible for, such as Internet Essentials if you are on Medicaid, a VA pension, or have other qualifying circumstances. For veterans, Xfinity provides a $25 coupon you can apply to your bill or an On Demand rental or purchase and a $100 prepaid Visa card for new members.
Xfinity runs special promotions and bundled packages throughout the year. We’d recommend looking during the holidays, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday when people are more likely to upgrade their TV and services.
You can get Xfinity internet and cable TV bundles for as low as $50 per month. Cable TV-only packages can be as low as $30 per month. Prices will vary depending on where you live and the speeds you need.
Statista. (2020). Share of adults who subscribe to a cable TV service in the United States as of January 2020, by age group.
Internet Essentials. (2020). Homepage.
Xfinity. (2020). Comcast’s Accessibility Support Center for Customers with Disabilities.
