Xfinity Internet Plans for Seniors

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

SeniorLiving.org is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews. Read our Editorial Guidelines here to learn more about our review process and to learn more about how we are compensated.

SeniorLiving.org Rating:
4.9 of 5
taylor shuman
Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert & Editor Read About Our Panel of Experts

Xfinity Internet Key Takeaways

  • Xfinity is a popular internet provider throughout the country, offering services in 40 states.
  • Customers can choose from a variety of internet plans with speeds up to 1,200 Mbps, and you can even build your own bundle to fit your needs.
  • Xfinity is our favorite internet provider for seniors. Want to learn how they beat out the competition? Head to our list of the best internet providers for seniors.

Cable provider Xfinity offers a wide variety of internet plans with speeds up to 1,200 Mbps in select areas. This provider is known for its high-speed plans, bundles, and nationwide availability across 40 states. As an Xfinity customer myself, I can attest to the provider’s reputation, and I’ve been very happy with my service over the past several years. 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.

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 my opinion. Read on as I cover everything you need to know about Xfinity, from prices and speed to finding the best internet deals.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? You might be overspending on your internet without even realizing. Our guide to internet for seniors covers all the tips and tricks you need to know to get the best deal on your internet plan.

About Xfinity

Xfinity 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 delivers great service at a fairly affordable rate for most budgets.

Pros About Xfinity Internet

  • Availability: Xfinity is widely available throughout 40 states.
  • 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: Get access to hundreds of HD channels and thousands of on-demand shows and movies when you bundle TV and internet.
  • Prepaid Internet: This provider offers Xfinity Prepaid Internet, which starts at just $45 for 30 days of internet, with speeds up to 50 Mbps and no contract.

Cons 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.

4.9 of 5

Xfinity Internet Plans at a Glance

Below are a few of Xfinity’s most popular plans that I recommend for older adults.

Plan Xfinity Internet Essentials Xfinity Internet Essentials Plus 75 Mbps Internet 200 Mbps Internet 400 Mbps + 125+ Channels Xfinity Prepaid Internet
Price $9.95 per month; free for low-income customers who qualify $29.95 per month $19.99 per month* $35 per month* $85 per month* $45 for 30 days
Download speeds Up to 50 Mbps Up to 100 Mbps Up to 75 Mbps Up to 200 Mbps Up to 400 Mbps + 125+ channels Up to 50 Mbps; upload speeds up to 10 Mbps
Data limit 1.2 TB 1.2 TB 1.2 TB 1.2 TB 1.2 TB 1.2 TB
Activation or installation fees Included Included None for self-install kits None for self-install kits None for self-install kits Requires self-installation
Equipment rental Included Included $15 – $25 per month $15 – $25 per month $5 to $25 per month n/a

*Includes paperless billing/autopay discount.

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:

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.

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 may not need any extra services that 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. You can use the Xfinity Voice Remote to make browsing for your favorite shows and movies easy. This can be a game changer for seniors with mobility issues or arthritis.

xFi Advanced 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 extra peace of mind with Xfi Advanced Security. All you need is a compatible xFi Gateway with no additional hardware or software to install. Once xFi Advanced Security is enabled, you can benefit from enhanced security features. To learn more about how xFi Advanced Security works, read the provider’s support page.

The xFi router helps block cyber threats, like hacker attacks or fake scam websites, to keep your connection as secure as possible. This is a great add-on for aging adults as they can benefit from enhanced security features, especially with the flood of advanced scammers and sweepstake-like scammers who often find ways to extort money from seniors. You can also protect yourself online by reading our list of the most common scams that target older adults.

xFi Complete

Boost your current internet package with added security, unlimited data, and expanded in-home Wi-Fi coverage for an additional $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.

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 for keeping older adults connected. Many seniors are easily frustrated with the internet due to poor connections and slower speeds. Neither is a common issue with Xfinity, as they offer speeds up to 1,200 Mbps in select areas 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 month4, or in some cases free for eligible low-income seniors, 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 affordable internet services and add-ons to keep older adults well connected with their loved ones.

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.

Written By

Taylor Shuman

Senior Tech Expert & Editor

As SeniorLiving.org’s tech expert and editor, Taylor has years of experience reviewing products and services for seniors. She is passionate about breaking down stigmas related to seniors and technology. She loves finding innovative ways to teach seniors about products and… Learn More About Taylor Shuman
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