Which Xfinity Internet Plan Is Best for Seniors?
Below, we’ll give you the details of all of my favorite Xfinity internet plans for seniors.
Xfinity Internet Essentials
Xfinity currently does not offer any senior discounts at the moment. 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 eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program may receive this plan for free! Keep in mind, however, that Xfinity Internet Essentials is not available in all areas.
The Internet Essentials plan includes:
- Download speeds up to 50 Mbps (good for email, social media, and web browsing)
- No activation or installation fees
- Option to purchase a low-cost computer starting at just $149.99
- Free internet skills training online or in print
- Free installation
- No long-term contract
- No credit check required
- Unlimited access to Xfinity hotspots available in many communities
While the Xfinity Internet 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.
75 Mbps Internet: Best for Light Internet Users or Those on a Tight Budget
Xfinity’s Connect 75 Mbps plan, starting at $19.99 per month with a one-year contract, is a basic internet plan that’s good for up to four devices connected at the same time. This plan is best for older adults who are not eligible for the Xfinity Internet Essentials plan and use the internet 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. Keep in mind, however, that additional equipment fees may apply.
Money-Saving Tip: Most plans are designed for families using several devices. I recommend starting with a smaller plan and upgrading later if needed based on your internet usage.
200 Mbps Internet: Best for Heavy Internet Users
For households using more than what the 75 Mbps internet plan allows, the Connect More 200 Mbps plan might be a cost-effective option, starting at $55 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 or using multiple devices at the same time. It features 200 Mbps download speeds which is true high-speed internet and should have no problem performing most tasks. This plan is great for when you’re video chatting with the grandchildren, catching up on your favorite show, or ordering a prescription.
I currently have the 200 Mbps plan at my house, and I’m a big Netflix binger, while my partner loves to game. In our experience, we’ve been pleased with the plan’s speeds and consistent connection, even when we’re both using the internet at the same time.
400 Mbps + 125+ Channels: Best for Those Who Want to Bundle
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 TV, internet, and even phone bundles. One bundle that I highly recommend for older adults is the Fast 400 Mbps + Popular TV 125+ Channels package, starting at $83 per month for one year. 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 instead of buying the two services separately.
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. My parents currently have this plan (I guess it runs in the family), and it offers plenty of speed for my mom’s movie nights and my dad’s Zoom calls when he works from home.
Keep in mind that 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 to continue receiving the best price.
Xfinity Prepaid Internet
If you don’t want to be locked in a contract or a monthly bill statement, consider Xfinity Prepaid Internet starting at $45 for 30 days of internet service. It comes with speeds up to 50 Mbps, which is enough to let you check your email, social media platforms, and stream content. With this plan, seniors don’t have to worry about an annual contract or monthly bill. It’s great for seniors who want limited access to the internet for a short period of time. You can also “refill your service” by going to my.xfinityprepaid.com, using the Xfinity mobile app, or visiting a local retailer.
