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Comcast Xfinity Review

, Editor | Updated November 6, 2018
My3cents Rating: 3.9/5.0

Few names are more recognizable in the telecommunications industry than Comcast. Xfinity, the brand name for Comcast’s video, internet, phone and wireless offerings since 2010, operates in 39 U.S. states and Washington D.C., and has been around since 1963.

Close to 29 million people across the country use Comcast. They subscribe to a Comcast service like Xfinity TV or Xfinity Internet, or even both with one of Comcast’s bundles, which allow consumers to group multiple products in exchange for a discount. As of the beginning of 2017 there were 22.5 million Xfinity TV customers and nearly 25 million Xfinity Internet customers.

In a climate where more consumers of televised entertainment are choosing to end their relationships with cable TV companies, Comcast retains a loyal base of subscribers who appreciate that the company is at the leading edge of technology. Those who do “cut the cord” often stay on as Xfinity Internet customers, benefiting from some of the fastest speeds available.

In this article, we give an in-depth look at the TV and internet services from Comcast and offers advantages, disadvantages and bottom-line views of Comcast service.

We maintain strict standards of editorial integrity when writing our guides & reviews to help you make decisions with confidence. To help support our site, some of the products we highlight are from our partners and we may receive compensation when you visit their sites.

Comcast Services, Plans, Bundles and Cost

Comcast offers its Xfinity TV and Xfinity Internet services in a variety of formats, allowing customers to customize their subscriptions based on preferences and needs. Television and internet can each be purchased separately or as part of a Comcast bundle.

Xfinity TV

What Xfinity TV packages are available?

The options for Xfinity TV packages may vary depending on where you live. But generally you will have several different options, mainly differing by the number of channels you get.

Xfinity TV Packages

Choice TV Limited Basic Digital Starter Digital Preferred Digital Premier
Cost per month (first year) $30 $46.95 $59.99 $69.99 $84.99
# of Channels 10+ 10+ 140+ 220+ 260+
Premium channels None None ESPN/ESPN2/NBCSN STARZENCORE/Nat Geo WILD/NFL Network HBO/SHOWTIME/STARZ
Based on availability near Philadelphia, near Comcast headquarters

Which Xfinity TV package should I buy?

To determine which package you should buy, think about which channels matter most to you. Keep in mind that if you cancel and decide to rejoin, or you downgrade, you may lose the promotional rate that is typically given to new customers. Therefore it may make sense to start conservatively and add channels as necessary.

Xfinity Internet

What Xfinity Internet packages are available?

Although Comcast’s cable video revenue is decreasing, a trend due to cord-cutting and fewer residential Xfinity TV customers, its latest financial results, from Q3 2018, show a substantial increase in revenues from Xfinity Internet subscribers.

Xfinity offers a range of internet speeds, each of which is designed to accommodate a specific number of devices. Plans may include an Xfinity data plan that caps users at one terabyte of data per month, which more than 99 percent of customers do not exceed, according to Comcast. Overages are calculated in 50-gigabyte blocks at $10 each. An unlimited data plan is available.

Xfinity Internet Packages

Performance Performance Starter Extreme Pro Performance Pro Gigabit Blast! Gigabit Pro
Cost per month (first year) $39.99 $49.95 $79.99 $89.95 $89.99 $92.95 $299.95
Download speed 60 Mbps 15 Mbps 400 Mbps 150 Mbps 1,000 Mbps 250 Mbps 2,000 Mbps
Number of devices 5 1 12+ 6-8 Unlimited 8+ Unlimited
Based on availability near Philadelphia, near Comcast headquarters

Which Xfinity Internet package should I buy?

The decision will depend on how you (and others in your household) use the internet. If you stream on multiple devices, at least 100 Mbps is usually recommended, but if it’s only light streaming that matters, you can get away with less. Higher speeds are ideal for multiplayer gaming and heavy usage.

With Xfinity Internet, customers can purchase their own compatible modem or rent an xFi Gateway, Xfinity’s modem/router combo device. With an xFi gateway and the free xFi app, you can pause Wi-Fi access, see who is using your connection, protect your network from malware and more. Purchasing xFi Pods can help expand connectivity throughout your home.

Xfinity Bundles

What Xfinity bundles are available?

Comcast bundles together internet and television and calls it the Xfinity Double Play. A bundle that adds a third Comcast service is a Triple Play, and a fourth, a Quad Play. Customers have over 10 options for the internet/television Double Play.

Xfinity Bundles

Choice Double Play Standard Double Play Select Double Play Signature Double Play Super Double Play
Cost per month (first year) $49.99-$64.99 $79.99 $89.99 $109.99 $139.99
# channels 10+ 125+ 210+ 219+ 250+
Download speed 100 Mbps 150 Mbps 150 Mbps 150 Mbps 250 Mbps
Based on availability near Philadelphia, near Comcast headquarters

Which Xfinity Double Play should I buy?

Even if you are considering joining the millions of Americans who have sworn off multichannel television from a cable or satellite company, it’s worth checking the math to figure out how much you’ll actually save. In some cases, for example, an Xfinity Double Play can cost less money than buying internet and paying for a live TV streaming service.

With a Comcast bundle, also consider that if you combine at least Performance Internet service with Digital Starter TV, you can use X1. An X1 TV box integrates your television and internet to offer 4K UHD and 4K UDH/HDR viewing, voice control and more.

Our Review: The Deep Dive

When it comes to availability, reliability and technological capability, few in the industry can stand shoulder to shoulder with Comcast. Xfinity TV is personalizing the television-viewing experience, giving consumers choices of over 300 channels (including over 100 in HD), Xfinity On Demand with more than 90,000 TV series and movies, mobile streaming, anytime-access of DVR recordings and the X1 Voice Remote.

Xfinity Internet comes in numerous tiers and is delivered through one of the largest fiber networks in the U.S. According to the FCC’s latest measures of consumer broadband performance, internet from Comcast delivered at least 95 percent of advertised speeds for at least 80 percent of customers, second among 13 internet service providers. And the Netflix ISP Speed Index, which measures the service’s prime-time performance, ranks Comcast first overall.

Despite its A- rating from the Better Business Bureau, Comcast reviews among customers are mixed. Those who give Xfinity low ratings most often cite poor customer service. This is not uncommon in the industry; ISPs and subscription television providers are the worst-performing business types for customer satisfaction, data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index shows. In 2018, Xfinity scored a 60 out of 100 in the ISP category and a 57 in television. The average in both categories was 62.

How does Comcast Xfinity rate?

Comcast Xfinity is a leader in the telecommunications industry. The company may not be the most affordable or have the best customer service. But Comcast's internet and television are dependable, available and at the front line of technological advancement, a fact that explains why Xfinity products are in millions of Americans' homes.

Benefits:

Available in a large part of the country; fast internet; wide choice of TV and internet plans; 30-day cancellation policy; services available without time commitments.

Drawbacks:

Prices can rise after promotional terms end; poor customer service; cheaper alternatives.

Bottom Line:

Always start by checking which providers are in your area, comparing plans and pricing. Comcast should be on the list. Xfinity is a safe, if not perfect, choice, likely to meet your TV and internet needs — and do it well.

Consumer Reviews

Posted on 07/07/2016

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA -- Comcast has the worst Customer Service I have ever had to deal with. My bundle package expired so I called to get a new bundle deal TV, internet & phone. The agent said she signed me up for a bundle package like I had before and there would be a credit to my bill to offset the month without a bundle deal, which was suppose to be about $40.00. Well I got my new bill and there was no bundle. Oh and guess what? There was no credit and the bill was another $10 higher.

The first person I talked to I had to explain everything to be said. He could get everything set up but he was putting me on hold to check out some prices. But what he really did was transfer me to someone else and I had to start all over. Hey Comcast doesn't care if they are pissing off their customers. The next guy said the reason I didn't get what I was told I'd get a month earlier is because the notes said I hung up before the service was completed. So now they have not provided the services they promised but are lying about why they didn't. I DID NOT hang up the phone before the call was over.

The agent said I was all set up and said there would be a credit. How could that not be the end of the phone call? I personally think Comcast trains their customer service people on how to upset the customers. Obviously they don't care enough to correct their agent's behavior. Unfortunately I have been a customer for over 5 years and these are the typical examples of the way their customer services has been, not any better than this. If I lived in an area where there was any other option I would never ever choose Comcast again. I really hate this company.

Posted on 12/03/2015

Long story that I will provide briefly (too long for me to type the entire story). In short, Comcast service in Champaign, IL is pitiful. Tried to sell me an internet/TV deal that I cancelled a few days later, but then charged me for installation and equipment. It took multiple calls but finally got that scam charge off my account.

I currently pay $39.95 plus new "technology fee" for 3.5 mbps, frequently less than 2.5 mbps. (Neanderthals had better speed than this.) This is the hometown for you of Illinois, one of the premier computer tech and computer engineering universities in the world--Netscape founder, Sergey Brin (google), and Steve Chen (youtube). But the local yokels can't seem to get a decent ISP into this town.

Anyway I cancelled completely todaythe Comcast representative tried to sell me on a cheaper and faster speed yesterday--I said to email it to me; I wanted to see it in writing because with Comcast what you are told over the phone is never what appears on your bill. Well, no email in 2 hours so I cancelled completely. I now have AT&T DSL at 5-6 mbps for $45 per month--still terrible but I am tired of dealing with corrupt Comcast. I look forward to moving from this cornfield town to an area where I can get modern internet access.

Posted on 02/08/2014

IRWIN, PENNSYLVANIA -- Trying to change to new triple play with HD salespeople told me no technician was needed, they would send equipment via UPS and will receive it in 3 to 5 days on 1/23. On 2/01, I called to find out where the customer service representative - said at UPS processing center somewhere in PA, not Pittsburgh. It should have been no later than Tuesday. I Called Wednesday evening and was told nothing had been shipped. The representative checked and said they had what was needed in Greensburg. I told her have them hold them and I'll pick it up on Saturday.

I went on Saturday morning, waited 45 minutes to be waited on and was told the equipment wasn't available. They haven't had any for 2 weeks also. I would need a tech at $50.00 charge to hook it up. That was not what I was told on 1/23. I now have to wait 3 to 5 days for equipment and still not have complete service. Someone needs to tell their sales reps 1) make sure what is needed for service is accurate 2) make sure equipment is at the office they send the customer to. This is the worst service I've had. 3 weeks 3 hours of my time and still not right.

Posted on 08/08/2013

LAKEVILLE, NEW YORK -- Beware of Comcast's latest gig to ramp up revenue... Earlier this year, they have informed all their triple play customers of the need to upgrade their modems to take advantage of service upgrades. There was no explanation of the cost or the benefit of the switch. Just a reference to the need to do so. Many existing Comcast customers had modems with a free backup battery. In February, the company decided to charge its new customers with new modems for the backup battery.

In order to be able to charge existing customers for the backup battery, they sent out a letter to advising the customers to change the modem as above, and then sent them a new modem that was without a backup battery, and then informing those customers that they needed to purchase a new backup battery at the cost of $35+ S&H of $5.95. Way to drive deceitful campaign to extort more money from their customers.

Several calls to their battery purchasing department and service departments went nowhere. They acknowledged that the recommended modem switch was not really necessary as there was nothing wrong with the prior modem equipment but now that I had new equipment, there was nothing they could do but sell me the battery and charge me for it. So I ended up with the option to put up and pay for something that I previously had free of charge. Way to go for Comcast to build a good customer-centric business model!

Posted on 08/08/2013

HOUSTON, TEXAS -- I had Xfinity/Comcast to come out to my home July 19, 2012 to install the bundle package. I had Uverse TV, telephone and internet when the inexperience technician arrived. When the inexperience technician left my home, I had no cable TV, telephone, nor internet. The inexperienced technician damaged a new laptop that was taken out of the manufacturer box. My television no longer would come on. The router that the Xfinity/Comcast installed, still belonged to a previous Xfinity/Comcast customer that had canceled. The Xfinity/Comcast technician even left my wires outside exposed on my home.

It took Xfinity/Comcast five days to get another technician back out to correct what the initial inexperience technician mistakes. The second Xfinity/Comcast technician was not any better as far as knowledge. I immediately contacted Xfinity/Comcast, a claim was given. I was told by the customer loyalty department to have a television technician to come out to my home to repair the TV, and fax the receipt to Xfinity/Comcast, and I would be reimbursed. I did as Xfinity/Comcast customer loyalty department requested. When I closed my Xfinity/Comcast, they sent a Maria out to collect the equipment.

As of today August 07, 2013, I still have not been reimbursed by Xfinity/Comcast. I was told that the Xfinity/Comcast technician was a contractor. But when the inexperience technician came to my home, his truck had Xfinity/Comcast on it. Today these companies are really sorry!!! Please do not do business with them. None of these so call companies. The only thing these so call companies are doing is taking the consumers' money.

Posted on 07/30/2013

FORT COLLINS, COLORADO -- Comcast has been the worst internet and phone service provider I have ever used and I am an experienced user. If there is another choice for TV, Internet or phone services my advice is to go with it. Customer service from the Philippines is friendly but powerless to get anything done.

We have had service issues for a year and I've been patient but they promise and never come through. The internet goes down or is extremely slow practically everyday. I've gone to the supervisor level and get promises that regional engineering is going to contact us and come up with a solution and it NEVER HAPPENS; I'm not talking about the solution. I am saying they never even contact us. It is unbelievably bad, worst service ever!

Posted on 07/24/2013

MURFREESBORO, TENNESSEE -- I have kept Comcast for almost three years because every time I will get upset with their poor service they will "reduce" or give me a better deal for my service. I have had the following experience with this company: rate go up gradually for the same service, my internet stopped working (several times), being charged for a pay-per-view I did not purchase, being charged late fees for a bill that was paid in time, and finally they are taking away channels and limiting what I can watch (they take away about 2 channels a day).

We also kept this provider because we will be at the current location temporary. I am very happy to say that we are finally relocating to a different state and will not be needing this horrible service anymore. This is one of the most horrible cable and internet providers that I have personally dealt with. Do not recommend it to anyone.

Posted on 04/29/2013

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND -- You get a gift card for signing up for new triple play services. It's been going on six months. Have not received the card. Call an 800 number, no one ever picks up the call. The status information said card sent because I had met the requirements, still no card. Supposed to be after 16 weeks and no late payments from December 8th, 2012. Today is April 28, 2013 - No card, wrote a message, message said will reply in 5 days.

Posted on 02/07/2013

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA -- I just had XFINITY home triple play plus home security installed in my home. Installation was FREE and it states that on my contract. This was in November. However it's now FEB and I am still having problems getting my bill correct. I have a written contract saying 'zero' installation changes for triple play and home security... They keep billing me hundreds of dollars for installation.

I have FAXED the Contract, talk to the Business office. Talk to the guy that installed it (who says it was free installation and he will work to get it fixed). AND They have called me to tell me I am being cut off due to bill overdue which is all the installation changes. They told me today that I have to call the guy that installed it to have him fix my BILL. HELLO!!! I have a contract.... Don't you think Comcast would call the guy that installed it and fix my bill? THEY told me to do it... What is up with customer service?!

Posted on 01/24/2013

VIRGINIA -- I was thinking about becoming a new Comcast customer and made a call to XFINITY. I was routed to the Richmond Virginia office and reached a lady that had no business working anywhere let alone in a customer service call center. I have rocks in my garden that have more signs of intelligence than this person. Not only was she rude, laughing and couldn't answer ANY questions, but she flat out lied. Disgusted with this person I called XFINITY again to reach someone else and asked for a supervisor ** who flat out lied and was just as ghetto spoken as the first individual.

I was looking at a Triple Play package and was curious about two things. My first question to her was in this package it states "A Digital Voice modem is necessary to bring XFINITY Voice from Comcast into your home. Add $7.00 per month." I asked if this was included in the $199.99 or would this be in addition to my bill. She said it is included in the $199.99 which is a lie - it isn't.

Second question was in the check out it says that the package prices do not include applicable taxes and fees. So I asked her if I could get an approx. price of what these taxes and fees might be monthly. After her telling me no 20 times she finally goes hold on and 1 minute later gave me a figure of $18.28 and said we looked it up.

Why wouldn't you do your job as a supervisor in the first place and look it up. So instead of just the 2 questions I decided to ask her a final question and said to avoid the $7.00 monthly rental (the one she said was included) can I just purchase a voice modem and use it? Her answer was, "No you can't purchase a voice modem and use it," (another lie). I called back in hopes of getting someone with some kind of brain and got lucky. I was routed to a person in Washington state and she was able to really answer my questions in 30 seconds.

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