Comcast Xfinity TV Service Review

Comcast Xfinity TV is a name most of us have heard. It’s widely known, reliable, and is an overall great cable TV provider. But is it worth the total amount at checkout?

Xfinity TV  is #1 because it has a fair dollar-to-channel ratio, a basic package that starts at the low price of $50 per month, and it’s the most widely available cable TV provider in the US, meaning its both affordable and available to most Americans.

At first glance, the monthly pricing doesn’t seem too hard to swallow, however there are a lot of fees to consider before pulling the trigger on your service.

Without further adieu, let’s dive into the details of Xfinity’s contract, channels, and excellent DVR so you can make an informed decision and get on with the TV watching and family time.

How much does Xfinity cost?

Xfinity is fair in terms of pricing and number of channels

We’ll start by clearing the pricing situation up, there are two options with a 1-year contract at a lower price, and two with no contract but they cost a bit more. The first two packages (Extra and Preferred Plus) require you to sign a 1-year contract, while Digital Starter and Preferred don’t require the contract (more on this below).

Now, in comparison to Spectrum and Cox, Xfinity is a little more expensive when it comes to the basic package, but when it comes to channels, you get the most out of your money with Xfinity.

Xfinity’s Extra package gives you more than 140 channels, while other competitors don’t offer that high of a channel count in their entry-level package.

Unless you live in one of the four states Optimum is offered, you won’t find another reliable cable TV provider that offers 220 channels for less than $100.

Xfinity is a trusted company that gives you all of the most popular channels, so if you’re ready to commit, we recommend signing the contract to save a total of $240-$360 throughout the year.

It’s 2021. It’s about time a TV provider offered international packages or add-ons. Xfinity offers international packages and add-ons (you’ll find these options at checkout) for the following languages:

Add these extras to your existing TV package for $6.99-$34.99.

Xfinity offers packages for Spanish speakers. Check out the two Latino TV and internet bundles Xfinity offers, and get 50+ Spanish-language channels on your TV.

Does Xfinity have a contract?

Xfinity has a contract, but it’s more beneficial than you might think.

If you sign a 1-year agreement, you’ll save $20-$30 monthly during your first year. We think that’s a pretty big deal.

But although you save money the first year with Extra and Preferred Plus, regular pricing will be applied to your bill for year two and onward. We’ll give you an idea of how much you’ll need to budget for next year.

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Does Xfinity have fees?

Ok, this is by far the biggest list of fees we’ve seen from a TV provider (sheesh, Xfinity).

And if you’re the average cable TV watcher, you’re likely to need to pay all of these fees in the table below.

You’ll need a TV box ($5/month), an additional TV box for the TV room downstairs ($10/month), HD channels ($10/month), DVR storage ($15/month), news channels ($15/month), and sports channels ($9/month).

Expect to pay an additional $65 per month. WHAT?

This could be a deal-breaker because other TV providers don’t have outrageous fees like this. DISH’s service includes 125 HD hours of DVR storage, and there isn’t a broadcasting or regional sports fee.

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Which Xfinity bundle is the best?

Xfinity has fancy names for their bundles

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Choice TV Select Double Play is perfect for money savers or small families

Xfinity actually offers a Limited Basic package with 10+ channels when you choose to bundle. But as you can see in our best cable basic packages list, this channel lineup can include close to 90 channels (locations vary).

So why not take advantage of that along with 100 Mbps download speeds for $45 per month? And keep in mind, that pricing is with the 1-year contract.

Your pricing will jump up to $65 per year after your contract is over.

On the bright side, the HD technology fee and a 20-hour DVR are included.

X1 Saver Pro+ Double Play is excellent for the average family

This bundle includes the Digital Starter package with more than 140 channels and download speeds of up to 200 Mbps.

With the contract, this bundle is only $20 more with internet in the mix. And who doesn’t need the internet for working on your computer or Googling on your smartphone? Might as well bundle and pay one bill for zero hassle.

This bundle also comes with the HD technology fee and Cloud DVR 20 included, but you can upgrade to 150 hours of DVR storage for $10 per month or 300 hours for $20.

X1 Preferred Pro+ Double Play will give you the most channels and high download speeds

For $45 more than the Preferred Plus package by itself, you can get more than 220 channels on your TV, 800 Mbps download speeds, a Cloud DVR storage of 150 hours, and SHOWTIME.

Xfinity recently upped this bundle’s download speeds from 600 to 800 Mbps, and Xfinity kept the price the same (thank you, Xfinity).

You’ll want 800 Mbps download speeds if you have a big family who is likely to use the internet on their laptops or cell phones all at once. Or it’s beneficial for vloggers when they don’t want to spend hours uploading and downloading videos.

Which channels does Xfinity have?

The Starter package has most of the popular channels—you might not want to upgrade

Xfinity’s entry-level packages (Extra and Starter) have most, if not all, of the channels you’ll want. And let’s be honest, we like a good variety.

But we have to warn you: you might not want to upgrade to the Preferred Plus or Digital Preferred packages.

Xfinity has decided not to include many great channels from the entry-level packages in the higher-tier packages, like Disney Channel and HGTV. (We don’t know why they would do such a thing).

We recommend you check out the channel lineups, but we’ll give you a little sneak peek of which channels you’ll receive with each package that you won’t get in the other. Oh, and scroll down a little for the best section—the sports channels.

Xfinity’s Extra and Digital Starter packages include the following channels:

Xfinity’s Preferred Plus and Digital Preferred packages include the following channels:

Does Xfinity have premium channels and add-ons?

Xfinity has all of the premium channels. We like that convenience.

You won’t have to miss out the best premium shows and movies on TV, nor on catching up on Westworld, Power, Shameless, Warrior, or any other one-worded shows.

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You’ll find all of these options at checkout, but we’ll explain what some of these add-ons include:

• Xfinity’s Streampix is an add-on for streaming TV shows, hit movies, and independent films commercial-free.
• Xfinity’s More Sports & Entertainment add-on includes the NFL RedZone Channel, NFL Network, NBA TV, MLB TV, NHL Network, Turner Classic Movies (TCM), and more.
• Deportes gives you five Spanish-language sports channels.

Which Xfinity package is best for sports?

Just like the channels highlighted above, you might have to look at the sports channel lineup for both plans to decide which is best for you.

With the Preferred plans, you’re going to get all of your major sports channels amongst a total of 13 sports channels. But, unlike other TV providers, you’ll actually be losing some sports channels when upgrading from one package to another.

With the Extra and Digital Starter package, you’ll get a total of nine sports channels, including some that are hard to live without, like ESPN, ESPN 2, and FS1.

Xfinity’s Digital Starter package includes the following sports channels:

• ESPN, ESPN2
• FS1, FS2
• Golf Channel
• NBC Sports Network
• PAC-12 Network
• Local Sports
• Tennis Channel

Xfinity Digital Preferred package includes the following sports channels:

Does Xfinity have on-demand content?

Xfinity has a streaming option, and you’ll just have to get Xfinity internet to use it and bundling will save you a little extra cash.

Xfinity Flex is free with Xfinity internet for customers without TV service.

As an Xfinity internet customer, you’ll receive a free Flex 4K streaming device, a voice remote, and a subscription to NBC Peacock.

Xfinity’s TV box will allow you to stream thousands of movies, the latest episodes of the top 100 shows, and many kids’ TV programming.

Some of the on-demand movies and TV shows available to watch when you’re winding down for the day are the following:

With the Flex 4K streaming device, you’ll also be able to stream on Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, HBO Max, YouTube, and STARZ.

The X1 DVR has 500 GB of storage

The number of DVR storage hours (and pricing) is a big deal when picking a TV provider

No one is home 24/7, on time, and ready to watch their favorite show at 7 p.m. every Monday.

This is where a DVR saves the day.

Xfinity’s X1 DVR lets you record and store 150 HD or 300 SD hours and keep them indefinitely—no accidental erasing of that must-watch show or event. You’ll also be able to record six shows at once. So if you go on a family vacation, your kid can record The Rookie, your spouse can record Mixed-ish, and you can record Saturday Night Live all at once.

If you want the option to record 300 HD hours, you’ll have to bundle internet with the Preferred package. Only then will you get the choice to upgrade for $10–$20 per month.

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And don’t forget, you’ll have to pay that $10 per month HD technology fee (because you need your HD viewing for ball games and action scenes).

Which devices are compatible with Xfinity?

Not all devices are created equal when it comes to Xfinity’s Stream app because not all have the necessary hardware requirements.

We hope that Xfinity changes this because we know we like to watch anywhere, anytime.

You can schedule and download DVR recordings or watch live TV with the following streaming devices:

• Amazon Fire TVs
• Roku TVs
• Roku Ultra, Roku Express, Roku Premiere
• Roku 2, 3, and 4
• Roku Smart Soundbar
• Samsung smart TVs
• LG smart TVs

Recap: Is Comcast Xfinity TV worth it?

It’s one of the best cable TV providers in the US, but you will have to budget for their silly fees

Xfinity is for you if you want a solid channel lineup, a decently-priced bundle, and a legit DVR. With this cable provider, you really do get what you pay for.

Xfinity isn’t for you if you’re looking for the cheapest cable package possible.

Xfinity might have a list of fees, but at least you won’t be disappointed by Xfinity’s service. This cable TV company is reliable, widely available, and you’ll get most, if not all, of the channels you and your family want.

We recommend the Extra TV plan because it’s only $50 per month for more than 140 channels.

If you’re looking for a bundle, we recommend the X1 Saver Pro+ Double Play with 140+ channels and 200 Mbps download speeds for $70. But for larger families, we recommend the X1 Preferred Pro+ Double Play with 220+ channels and 800 Mbps download speeds for $105 per month.

If Xfinity isn’t available in your area or doesn’t have the channel lineup you need, check out our top cable TV providers for other options. If you’re trying to save as much money as possible, check out the cheapest cable TV providers.

FAQs

Which is better, DIRECTV or Comcast Xfinity TV?

Comcast Xfinity TV is better than DIRECTV, and we’ll highlight their differences:

• Xfinity TV gives you the option to sign a 1-year contract for cheaper pricing, or you don’t have to sign a contract at all.
• DIRECTV requires a 2-year contract, which includes second-year price hikes.
• DIRECTV offers more than 330 channels, while Xfinity provides 220.
• Xfinity gives you most of the popular channels in the entry plan, which is $15 less than DIRECTV’s.

Which is better, DISH or Comcast Xfinity TV?

Comcast Xfinity TV and DISH both have their ups and downs, so you will have to decide which is best for you and your home:

• Xfinity gives you a 1-year and no-contract option, and DISH gives you a 2-year and no-contract option. If you go the contract route, you’ll save money each month.
• They’re about equal when it comes to dollar-to-channel ratio.
• DISH is available almost everywhere because it’s satellite TV, whereas Xfinity TV is available in about 40 states.

If you’d like to see how they compare, check out our DISH vs. Xfinity TV Review.

Does Comcast Xfinity TV offer senior discounts?

Xfinity doesn’t offer deals that are explicitly for seniors, but some may qualify for the inexpensive Internet Essentials plan.

Internet Essentials costs $9.95 a month for 25 Mbps download speeds, which are fast enough to keep a house of two using the internet for Facebook, email, and watching an occasional TV show on Amazon Prime Video.

For the full list of programs that may qualify you for the Xfinity Internet Essentials plan, check out Does Comcast Xfinity Offer Any Discounts?