Xfinity Internet Plans for Seniors

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$19.99/mo. Starting Price
Up to 6 Gbps Download Speeds
SeniorLiving.org Rating:
4.9 of 5
30 Day Guarantee
40+ Years in Business

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.

About Xfinity

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.

What We Like About Xfinity Internet

  • Availability: Xfinity is widely available throughout 40 states because it utilizes existing cable TV infrastructure to deliver high-speed internet.
  • Fastest Speeds: Xfinity offers truly high-speed internet at speeds up to 6,000 Mbps in select areas (compared to DSL internet which averages around 25 Mbps).
  • Great Bundles: Xfinity is a trademark of Comcast Cable. When you bundle services, both the internet and cable TV come from the same provider for the same level of quality and service. You'll have access to hundreds of HD channels and thousands of on-demand shows and movies when you bundle TV + internet.

Things to Keep in Mind About Xfinity Internet

  • Price Hikes: Xfinity uses the common billing model that offers attractive, low monthly promotional prices for a set period (usually 12 or 24 months) and then increases pricing after the initial offer expires. While you'll be getting a great deal for the first year or two, make sure to consider these price increases when setting your internet budget.
  • Data Limits: Xfinity automatically bills users $10 per 50 GB for data overages with no choice to opt out. Luckily they provide 1.2 TB of data before users are billed for overages, and they offer a one-time fee waiver for the first overage in a billing period. This is more than enough data for almost any household.
  • Contracts: While Xfinity does offer contract-free internet plans, if you want to get the best deals and prices, you'll typically need to sign a one-year contract.

Xfinity: Our pick for fast speeds and reliable service

Xfinity’s fast speeds, variety of plans, and contract-free options make it one of our go-to internet providers.

Xfinity Internet Plans at a Glance

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.

Which Xfinity Internet Plan Is Best for Seniors?

Below, we'll give you the details of all of our favorite Xfinity internet plans for seniors.

Xfinity Internet Essentials

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:

  • 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
  • No long-term contract
  • No credit check required
  • Unlimited access to Xfinity hotspots available in many communities

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.

75 Mbps Internet: Best for Light Internet Users or Those on a Tight Budget

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.

200 Mbps Internet: Best for Heavy Internet Users

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.

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 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.

Add-On Services to Get the Best Xfinity Has to Offer

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 Streaming Device

Xfinity Flex

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

xFi Enhanced Gateway Security

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.

xFi Complete

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.

Conclusion

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Xfinity

  • Where is the best place to put my Xfinity router?

    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.

  • What do I do if my internet is acting buggy?

    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.

  • Do I have to buy a modem and router from Xfinity?

    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.

SeniorLiving.org Rating:
4.9 of 5
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