Xfinity is everywhere — 36 states — so there’s a decent chance it’s an option where you live. We tested their service for several months and came away impressed with the speed and frustrated with the fine print. The $40 starting price is genuinely competitive, but add the $15 equipment rental and a $39.99 installation fee, and suddenly you’re looking at a different number than the one in the ad.
That said, if you own your own modem (or are willing to buy one for around $60), Xfinity becomes one of the better values out there. Here’s our full breakdown. Still not sure? Drop us a line at [email protected] and we’ll help you sort through your options.
Editor’s Rating: 4.3 / 5
Xfinity Internet: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable entry point: $40 per month for 400 Mbps is one of the more competitive prices in the market.
- No long-term lock-in: Monthly contract options are available with no early termination fees.
- Free mobile service: Every Xfinity internet plan includes one year of Xfinity Mobile service at no charge.
- Strong satisfaction ratings: Xfinity ranked above average in J.D. Power’s residential internet satisfaction study across all U.S. regions.
Cons
- Equipment fees: Renting the Xfinity Gateway costs $15 per month. Using your own compatible modem eliminates this charge.
- Installation fees on some plans: Self-installation for the 400 and 600 Mbps plans carries a $39.99 fee. Professional installation runs $100. Faster plans offer free self-installation.
Xfinity Internet Plans and Pricing
| Speed | 1-Year Plan Price | 5-Year Plan Price |
|---|---|---|
| 400 Mbps | $40/month | $55/month |
| 600 Mbps | $45/month | $60/month |
| 1,100 Mbps | $50/month | $65/month |
| 1,300 Mbps | $70/month | $85/month |
Prices reflect a $10/month discount for enrolling in automatic payments via a checking or savings account.
Hidden Costs to Know
- Equipment: $15/month if you rent the Xfinity Gateway (free if you own a compatible modem)
- Installation: $39.99 self-install fee on 400 and 600 Mbps plans; $100 for professional installation
- Late payments: $10 fee per late payment — enrolling in autopay avoids this
- Autopay discount: $10/month off when billed to a bank account
Does Xfinity Have a Senior Internet Plan?
Xfinity does not currently offer a plan or discount aimed specifically at seniors. As of June 1, 2024, the Affordable Connectivity Program has also ended. The Lifeline program remains available for qualifying low-income households, providing up to $9.25 per month toward internet costs.
What It Is Like to Use Xfinity
Setup is straightforward. After ordering online, the Gateway arrives within a few days. Installation means plugging it into the cable outlet and wall, downloading the Xfinity app, and following step-by-step prompts — the whole process takes about 10 minutes. The Xfinity app lets you run speed tests, manage billing, troubleshoot connections, and monitor devices on your network. It holds a 4.3-star rating in the Apple App Store and 3.4 stars on Google Play.
In day-to-day use, Xfinity delivered consistent speeds even during peak hours, with only occasional minor dips. Speed tests confirmed performance close to — and sometimes exceeding — the advertised rate.
Xfinity vs. Verizon Internet
| Feature | Xfinity | Verizon |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $40/month | $49.99/month |
| Price Hikes | After 1 or 5 years | Guaranteed for 2–4 years |
| Overage Fees | None | None |
| Fastest Speeds | 2 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
| Equipment Cost | $15/month (or free if you own a modem) | Included |
Xfinity edges ahead on price and top-end speed. Verizon is the better fit for customers who want to avoid equipment rental fees and do not mind paying slightly more per month.
Bottom Line
Xfinity is a strong all-around choice for seniors who want fast internet at a reasonable price without long-term commitment. It is especially compelling if you already own a compatible modem (eliminating the $15 equipment fee) or if you want to bundle internet with mobile service. For those seeking the lowest possible cost, our guide to cheap internet for seniors outlines additional options.