Xfinity’s fast speeds, variety of plans, and contract-free options make it one of our go-to internet providers.
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Xfinity is a cable provider that offers a wide variety of internet plans with speeds up to a jaw-dropping 6,000 Mbps in select areas. This provider is known for its high-speed plans, bundles, and nationwide availability across 40 states. Prices for Xfinity's internet plans start around $19.99 per month and may be even cheaper if you qualify for their low-income internet program1—Xfinity Internet Essentials—which costs $9.95 per month.
While Xfinity does impose data limits and most plans require a one- or two-year contract to get the best deal, unlike providers like SpectrumⓇ that have no data caps or contracts, the speed and value you'll receive with your internet is well worth it in our opinion. Read on as we cover everything you need to know about Xfinity, from prices and speed to finding the best deal for your needs.
Xfinity is a cable-based internet provider that uses existing infrastructure from cable television to deliver high-speed internet to homes and businesses. They are the product of the well-known cable television conglomerate, Comcast and CNBC2. With more than 40 years in the entertainment business, consumers can have the confidence that Xfinity is a reputable company that will be able to deliver great service at a fairly affordable rate for most budgets.
Xfinity’s fast speeds, variety of plans, and contract-free options make it one of our go-to internet providers.
Below are a few of Xfinity's most popular plans that we recommend for older adults.
Plan | Xfinity Internet Essentials | 75 Mbps Internet | 200 Mbps Internet | 400 Mbps + 125+ Channels |
---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $9.95 per month; free for low-income customers who qualify | $19.99 per month* | $25 per month* | $85 per month* |
Download Speeds | Up to 50 Mbps | Up to 75 Mbps | Up to 200 Mbps | Up to 400 Mbps + 125+ channels |
Data Limit | 1.2 TB | 1.2 TB | 1.2 TB | 1.2 TB |
Activation or Installation Fees | Included | None for self-install kits | None for self-install kits | None for self-install kits |
Equipment Rental | Included | $15 – $25 per month | $15 – $25 per month | $5 to $25 per month |
*Includes paperless billing/autopay discount.
Below, we'll give you the details of all of our favorite Xfinity internet plans for seniors.
Xfinity currently does not offer any senior discounts, per se. Instead, they offer an Internet Essentials plan designed and priced for low-income customers. The Internet Essentials plan offers enough data and speed to handle how most older adults use the internet, along with a few additional perks for just $9.95 per month. Customers who are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program can receive this plan for free!
The Internet Essentials plan includes:
While the Essentials plan is a great option for many seniors, especially those who do not need to keep multiple devices or people connected at the same time, it is not limited only to older adults. For comparison, AT&T Access offers a free alternative for the same speed of data; however, in most areas, AT&T is limited to the less-reliable DSL or 4G connection.
Eligibility for Xfinity's Internet Essentials plan is based on participation in select government assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or Social Security. Additionally, this plan is only available to new Xfinity customers who have not had an account with Xfinity or Comcast in the past 90 days and who do not owe a debt to Xfinity or Comcast.
Xfinity's 75 Mbps plan, starting at $19.99 per month, is a basic internet plan that's good for up to four devices connected simultaneously. This plan is best for older adults who are not eligible for the Essentials plan and use the internet in moderation for basic tasks like surfing the web and email. It features 75 Mbps download speeds, which is sufficient for most tasks, but will slow down with heavy use. Overall, it's a fairly priced basic internet plan.
Money-Saving Tip: Most plans are designed for families of multiple people using several devices. Many senior households have fewer people and fewer devices. We recommend starting with a smaller plan and upgrading later if needed based on your usage.
The next step up for households that use the internet a little more than what the 75 Mbps plan allows, like streaming television or using multiple devices at once, is the 200 Mbps plan priced at $25 per month. This plan is best for older adults who use the internet regularly for a variety of activities, including streaming TV from services like Netflix or Hulu. It features 200 Mbps download speeds which is true high-speed internet and should have no problem performing most tasks. Whether you're video chatting with the grandchildren, catching up on your favorite show, or ordering a prescription, you'll be good to go.
One of the best ways to save money on internet services is to bundle with services that you would otherwise purchase separately. Xfinity offers a variety of bundles with TV, internet, and even phone. One bundle that we highly recommend for older adults is the 400 Mbps + 125+ Channels package, starting at $85 per month. This package comes with internet download speeds up to 400 Mbps and a cable TV package with over 125 channels. It's great for older adults who love to entertain or have family members visit frequently. We'd also recommend it for seniors who pay for a separate TV package, as this bundle will help you save on your bill when compared to buying the two services separately.
Important Note: Most promotional pricing is for new customers and is good for the first 12 months only, after which pricing is likely to increase. At that time, you should contact Xfinity and inquire about current customer specials in order to continue to get the best price available.
With speeds up to 400 Mbps, you can connect several devices to the internet at one time; even if your grandkids are playing video games while you and your children stream a movie in the other room, your connection should remain steady. Plus, with a wide variety of HD channels to scroll through, you'll be able to stay up to date on all of your favorite shows and movies as soon as they air.
Xfinity offers a full range of products and services to help seniors get the most out of their internet. Many older adults do not need any extras and they can easily drive up the price of otherwise affordable internet. But if you are paying for these services elsewhere, it can be more convenient and budget-friendly to add them to your internet service with Xfinity.
Xfinity Flex
If you have heard of Roku or Fire TV Stick, then Xfinity Flex is just another way to stream television to your TV through your internet connection. The Xfinity Flex device is compatible with most major streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Plus, it includes Peacock Premium for free, which is NBC's exclusive content app. Xfinity Flex is included with any Xfinity internet plan at no additional cost. Before you spend money on a third-party streaming device, find out if this add-on is available with your internet package.
xFi Enhanced Gateway Security
The internet can be a scary place, especially for older adults who often fall prey to hackers and scammers. Older adults are the target of scammers so frequently, it actually has its own name — elder fraud3. Get a little extra peace of mind with Xfinity's xFi modem with enhanced security features.
Prices start at $14 per month for device rental. The xFi router helps block cyber threats, like hacker attacks or fake scam websites, to keep your connection as secure as possible. Alternatively, users can use their own modem and router, but will not be able to take advantage of the enhanced security offered with Xfinity's xFi modem and router. This is a great add-on for aging adults as they can really benefit from enhanced security features, especially with the flood of advanced scammers and sweepstake-like scammers who often find ways to extort money from less tech-savvy seniors.
Boost your current internet package with added security, unlimited data, and expanded in-home Wi-Fi coverage for $25 per month. This add-on is good for seniors who live in a large house and want to stay connected throughout the entire home. Sometimes the primary router has difficulty reaching certain bedrooms or basements in bigger houses. With xFi Complete, you can get additional equipment, called xFi pods, that will extend your WiFi coverage throughout the house for the most reliable connection possible.
Pro Tip: Want to compare Xfinity to other top internet providers? Head to our list of the best internet service for seniors.
Plus, the unlimited data is great for those worried about data caps. Just keep in mind that Xfinity includes 1.2 TB of data with all of its internet plans. Unless you are particularly tech-savvy and run multiple data-intensive devices, most people will never reach this amount of data. Unless you need the pods to extend wireless coverage in a large home, xFi Complete may be an unnecessary upgrade. Most users will be happy with the less-expensive xFi Gateway option.
Xfinity internet is a solid provider choice to keep older adults connected. Many seniors are easily frustrated with the internet due to poor connections and slow speeds. Neither is a common issue with Xfinity, as they offer speeds up to 6,000 Mbps and a reliable cable connection. However, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind: You'll need to sign a contract for the best deal and there are data cap limitations.
With prices starting at $19.99 per month, or in some cases free for low-income seniors who qualify, Xfinity offers several affordable options for older adults. Their robust add-on features and lineup of bundles, featuring TV, internet, and phone services, are great for those who want even more entertainment at home. Overall, Xfinity offers solid internet service to keep older adults well connected.
Whether you rent an Xfinity Gateway or purchase your own modem and router, finding the best location is important to maintaining quality service. A central location, in the open that is not blocked by furniture or walls, is the best. Many homes place their gateway in the living room near the entertainment center.
If you have an Xfinity voice control remote, you can speak the command ‘refresh’ to restart your connection. If not, power off your gateway for 30 seconds and then restart. If this does not solve the problem, Xfinity’s dedicated customer support staff is available by phone to assist.
No, you are free to purchase your own modem and router and avoid the additional expense of renting a gateway from Xfinity. However, you will forgo the added security features that Xfinity offers with its xFi Gateway.