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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 12/22/2015

BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA -- I have all the same complaints everyone else has. Hidden fees, promises you don't have to pay for things, being charged for things that you did not get or services you did not get. I have two employees on tape that said they know these things are happening. The best thing to do I think is to write to the BBB. I live in Minnesota but the BBB here said she didn't know what to do. So she gave me the address in Philadelphia Pennsylvania where Comcast is based.

So for anyone please write to BBB 1880 JFK Boulevard sweet 1330 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 19103. This business has got 1 star out of 5. It's never gotten higher than a 2 star. Why hasn't this business been shut down already? It's so bad such low ratings. I've never ever seen such a low rating. The American people have got to get rid of this company. Everyone please do what you can.

Posted on 11/22/2013

BOULDER, COLORADO -- I returned equipment over 4 months ago. I have not received check for $106 I was supposed to get. I tried to call Comcast and spent 45 minutes on the phone and only 1 human spoke to me - promised that she would transfer me to another human - no such luck. I went to chat - the chat person could not help me. OH BY THE WAY (!!!!) it took me 12 phone calls to Comcast to actually RETURN THE EQUIPMENT because there was no office opened on the weekend when I moved out of the condo.

This process has cost me hours of my time - HOURS AND HOURS - and is worth far more than $106. COMCAST customer service is a morass and I feel like taking an ad in the New York Times and telling everyone how much it SUCKS AND SUCKS AND SUCKS.

Posted on 08/31/2013

PEARLAND, TEXAS -- For the past 2 weeks, we've signed up with Comcast from AT&T. Our landline is out, they delivered incomplete equipment and has failed to show up to complete the job. Several appointments not kept and no communication whatsoever. The security system has been out from the get-go. Their customer service department not helping matters and will keep you on hold for ever, until you either hang up or call again for the same treatment. They make promises and never deliver. Appointments so spaced out . No concern for customer satisfaction. Will not recommend this company to my worst enemy. Full of liars.

Posted on 07/04/2013

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE -- Poor service, increasing charges, and longer and longer waits for service!! After continued increases in charges (over $50 in 3 months), we decided to cancel our service. We've been with Comcast for 20 years, but they couldn't seem to keep our payment or service consistent. We continually had problems with our internet and cable cutting in and out and now with the increase in the bill... it was finally enough!

They disconnected our phone 5 days before it should have been disconnected and it took 5 calls, 7 agents, and over an hour on my cell phone minutes to get it turned back on! They are so out of touch with their customers!! We didn't want to go through the hassle of changing services, but it was worth the hassle of staying with them!

Posted on 05/30/2013

CARNEGIE, PENNSYLVANIA -- OK, so let me tell what a horrible experience I've had with these idiots. First of all, two months ago I mailed in a check of $85 and it got "lost" for about a month. While this was going on, Comcast blamed me for their mistake, their customer service was argumentative and just flat out rude. Comcast then added late fees and threatened to shut off my service. I told them I'm not paying the bill twice so they could shut it off if they wanted. FINALLY the idiots found the check and it all got taken care of. But what really irritated me is Comcast didn't apologize for the mix up, didn't remove the late fees -NOTHING.

Next issue, I called Comcast about a week and a half ago to add phone service to my package and of course they tried to hit me with all the fees and crap to have someone come out to hook it up for me. I said, "No thanks I can plug things into my wall by myself." So I asked them to just mail the equipment out to me. The representative told me it would be at my house in about three days, so I canceled my cell phone service that weekend thinking I would have a house phone in a few days. Little did I know Comcast would screw up something as simple as mailing me the equipment.

So for a week now I haven't had a phone. I have used friends' and family members' phones to call and complain to Comcast about the issue, and every time they have a different excuse of why I still don't have a phone. Everyday I've been told by Comcast, "Oh it will be at your house tomorrow". It is now Thursday and there is no sign of it.

I think I'm just going to turn my cell back on and say 'F these losers'. I tried to switch to Verizon, but they don't offer cable TV in my area. Comcast has my area of living on lock, so if people want TV they are forced to deal with Comcast... It's honestly sad, my neighbors and friends complain all the time about how horrible Comcast is. WE WANT VERIZON!!!

Posted on 05/13/2013

FREDERICK, MARYLAND -- I wanted everyone to know that Comcast will/is sending past due notices through your WiFi and that anyone with access to your WiFi will get the same notices. I was playing Angry Birds on my iPhone when saw a Past Due Notice from Comast where normally would be advertisements for Angry Birds add-ons. I took a screen shot picture of the notice. Comcast doesn't have my iPhone number nor did the message come in email or text form.

When I asked how they accessed Angry Birds and my iPhone and how they delivered this message to me, they said that it must be sent out through the WiFi. Then my next question was how do they know that I'm the only one receiving this notice or that someone else didn't receive that message since they have no idea who has access to my WiFi? They could not answer. This really sounds like a Class Action Law Suit to me as they are sending out personal info and they have no idea who is receiving it. Comcast really sucks!!!

Posted on 11/08/2012

ALEXANDRIA, PENNSYLVANIA -- The call center informed me I could get all of my call log on their website. But it only goes back 90 days. Knowing I had to go to court in two days. And I did not know I would have to have my lawyer contact the legal department until I went on an online chat with Joielyn the night before I was to go to court.

Posted on 04/02/2012

VERO BEACH, FLORIDA -- When I ordered telephone service from Comcast Cable Co., I was not informed that I had to have a cable outlet at the computer site. As a result it created a hardship and a delay of service to revert to my previous system. This complete disregard for the potential customer is both apathetic and almost malicious in attitude of the power that be...not to mention the four hours of waiting time for the belligerent "installer" to arrive.

Posted on 08/21/2011

About a year and a half ago I had a question about my Comcast cable service - not my telephone service, which was fine. I still have no idea why this happened but the employee I had spoken to, after dealing with my cable issue, took it upon herself to open a work order to change my phone number, which I had had for 17 or 18 years. By the time I caught the mistake Comcast was in the process of reassigning me a new number, but after much wrangling, I was able to get the original number back.

I have bundle service, phone, internet and cable, and things were fine until about a month ago, when I decided $176.00 a month was an unreasonably high cost in such a competitive market. I called to see if I could reach an agreement on a lower price, which I did, but once again, Comcast cut my phone service and proceeded to make my number available to the open market. Luckily, I caught it in time and once again got my number back before it had been assigned to someone else. I let them know I was highly displeased about this happening a second time.

Then, just five days ago, I began hearing from friends and business associates, wondering why I didn't have my phone anymore. Once again, Comcast had cut my service and could not explain why. Comcast's only explanation was that it was a "technical" mistake and therefore not their fault. By this time I was beyond irate, although I kept telling each representative that I realized it was not their personal fault, but they did need to know the level of my frustration.

I sit now waiting for a call, not knowing if I will get my number back because Comcast is now blaming it on AT&T. They said once my service was cut, the number was released to AT&T and that they have to wait for permission from AT&T to give the number back.

Please bear in mind my account is and always has been in good standing - paid in full every month. Comcast has absolutely no excuse for this repetitive termination of phone service and all I'm getting is the runaround. Comcast doesn't give a damn about its customers or providing quality customer service. I would love to rant extensively about how much I loathe them but since they're a corporate giant with a stranglehold on the market, venting will probably do no good.

I just wanted to warn other consumers that they're taking an enormous chance if they choose Comcast as their phone, internet and cable provider. I'm now looking for qualified legal representation and I hope the next time you hear from me, it will be to report Comcast's bungling has been exposed on a much larger scale and at long last they are being held accountable.

Posted on 06/20/2011

Comcast digital phone service is the worst. If it looks cloudy, the phone service is affected. Overall their service techs are confused, and seem to not know how to correct issues with Comcast digital services.

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