Comcast Xfinity X1 DVR Review

What’s so great about the Xfinity X1 DVR?

This set-top box gives you access to loads of entertainment, a decent DVR storage space, and top-notch technology.

You can stream Netflix, get what you want in seconds with a voice remote, and get daily access to news and weather.

But let’s take a deeper dive into the details to find out if the X1 is right for you.

How much does Xfinity’s X1 DVR cost?

Unfortunately, Xfinity has a big list of fees. And most of those fees are for the X1 set-top box.

Your first TV box is $5 per month, and the additional TV box for your living room downstairs will be $10 per month. And you’ll likely want crisp HD channels ($10/month) and DVR storage ($15/month).

So … your X1 experience will be $40 per month on top of the monthly package price.

At least Xfinity gives you a free self-install kit and shipping (*shrugs shoulders*).

^{*Data effective 12/2/2020.}

If you want to know more about other fees Xfinity has, check out our full Xfinity TV review.

How many hours of DVR storage does Xfinity’s X1 have?

The X1 can store 60 HD or 300 SD hours, and your recordings will save indefinitely.

This may be enough for a small family or a family who may just record programming here and there.

But if you want more storage hours because you’d like to record and store movies (so you have them at your demand), then you’ll want an additional TV box to double your storage space.

You’ll just have to pay $30 per month for the DVR service of both X1s.

But DVRs can be a lifesaver when you know you’ll be driving home during the kickoff for the first NFL game of the season or during Dancing with the Stars.

How does Xfinity’s X1 compare to other DVRs?

Well, the X1 is one of the best DVRs when compared to other cable TV providers. But not so much when compared to satellite TV DVRs.

The DIRECTV Genie holds 200 HD hours, and the DISH Hopper 3 holds 500 HD hours.

And DIRECTV’s DVR is included while the DISH’s is $5-$15 per month (but DIRECTV’s packages are pricier in the long run because of the second-year price hike).

But if cable TV or Xfinity is what you want, and you’d like more DVR storage hours, why not add an external hard drive starting at $48?

Then you won’t have to worry about creating more space for your Lifetime movies after your spouse recorded the Fixer Upper marathon.

How does Xfinity’s X1 work?

Pause, rewind, and fast forward live TV, or schedule a recording up to two weeks in advance (so you don’t miss the first episode of the last season of Last Man Standing).

Xfinity’s X1 has an easy-to-use guide, a hands-free voice remote, and some extra features you’ll likely use.

How does the X1’s Guide work?

Access the standard guide when you click the Guide button, but when you click the Guide button twice, you’ll get more options.

From left to right, you can choose to see the following:

• All Channels
• Free to Me (on-demand titles)
• HD channels
• Favorites (channels you’ve favorited)
• Trending (current popular shows)
• Movies
• Sports
• Kids

Some guide features you movie buffs might enjoy are cast and crew information and movie reviews and ratings.

When you hover over a program in the guide, click info. Here you’ll find Series and Movie Info to find more information about the actors. You can even set up recordings based on your favorite actors or directors!

Additionally, when you hover over the program, you’ll see a Rotten Tomatoes and audience ratings on the right-hand side. No one wants to waste their time watching a movie with a critic rating of 50% or less.

How does the X1’s voice remote work?

Say your command into the voice remote, and voila! You get what you asked for within seconds.

Just say “ESPN” or “Watch Paw Patrol.” You can also ask questions like “When is the next Chiefs game?” or “What’s on tonight at seven o’clock?”

Another convenient feature we like on the remote that we had to mention: when you click the Last button, a pop-up at the bottom of the screen lets you see the last eight or so channels or recordings you recently watched.

So you can just quickly jump to your favorite channel you watch every day or to the This Is Us recording you didn’t finish.

What extra features can I expect on my X1?

First of all, you can stream NBC Peacock, Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, YouTube, Amazon Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and NPR One.

And the X1 has some cool built-in features, such as sports stats, weather, and news. So if you’re looking to consolidate your daily activities from the couch, these features are convenient.

While you’re cleaning the living room or kitchen, you can throw on Pandora and listen to your favorite jams.

If you pause your movie because your spouse has to use the restroom for the third time, the X1 will keep you entertained with rotating images. There will be beautiful pictures of animals and landscapes while recent news headlines pop up on the bottom left corner.

Recap: Is Xfinity’s X1 worth it?

The X1 isn’t applauded for nothing

Xfinity’s X1 is worth it if you fall into the following categories:

• You don’t have a DVR (record those MLB games or cooking shows)
• You have Xfinity’s TV and internet service
• You like the idea of a Cloud DVR so you can watch your recordings on any of your devices anytime
• You want to record six shows at once (perfect for families)
• You want to set up a recording from your smartphone

If one of these categories made you raise your hand, the X1 would be worth it for you and your family.

If not, you can save money by not paying those pesky fees (and use it toward movie snacks).

Check out our Xfinity TV Review to find out more about channel lineups, bundles, and compatible devices.

What do you think?

Do you have Xfinity’s X1 DVR? What’s your experience with it been? Or do you like a different DVR better? Drop us a comment below!