A Comcast Xfinity internet review has to start with the most important factor – that this is the biggest high-speed provider in the US and has staggeringly fast top speeds of up to 2000Mbps (2Gbps), in areas connected to that top-end service. A tough offering to beat.
While Comcast Xfinity is one of best internet providers that is based largely on where you are. You'll likely need to be in a city or built up area to take advantage of those top-end speeds.
That said, Comcast Xfinity also offers lots on top of its internet offering, which is varied in speed options and pricing levels. You can bundle in cell phone and TV packages too. This isn't going to be your cheapest option but if you want to bundle up TV, internet and cellphone then you could make a saving while also making your billing life a lot easier.
Comcast Xfinity: Speeds and plans
Comcast Xfinity offers residential internet speed plans ranging from 15Mbps to 2000Mbps, and even includes its security software with entry-level products. All internet plans come with Norton 360, which can help you safeguard your devices. You'll also get parental control features too, to help you manage family internet use. While there is a 15Mbps plan, it's actually cheaper to be on the 100Mbps plan right now, which seems like a confusing offering - especially as neither plans appear to have a minimum term. Prices currently start around $29, and escalate to $299.
Not only does Comcast claim to offer some of the fastest internet speeds, it also tests well. In most third-party tests, it lands in the top 10% for fast, consistent internet speeds. The company provides speeds that can easily do what most home internet users want, such as streaming movies in 4K, downloading TV shows, playing games, reading the news, downloading software, shopping, and visiting social networking sites. You'll be more than capable of doing all this with even the basic 100Mbps connection, so the 2Gbps may be excessive.
Comcast's introductory product provides download speeds of 15Mbps for light internet use, and single-device streaming. Standard plans have speeds of between 100-200Mbps, which is perfect for most families who demand several connections all at once. Right at the top-end you have 1000-2000Mbps plans, which are for high-end users who have multiple devices downloading and streaming large files, and 4K+ content.
Comcast Xfinity provides home internet services in 39 states, and is available to 119 million Americans. For the most part, Xfinity services are available in large metropolitan areas around the country. Currently, Comcast misses most of the Midwest, and outside the continental U.S. Comcast also does not provide internet services. The top fiber plans for residential service are not available in all areas, and the cities that most benefit from the service are Houston, Chicago and Miami.
Bundling options are a popular feature. For discounts on other services, you can pair up your internet service with a cellphone, streaming services, and cable television. Xfinity from Comcast offers several bundling options, but you can choose internet solely. Comcast also offers home security services for a complete one-stop shopping experience. Overall, the TV packages are intimidatingly expensive, but you do get a lot for your money. Many include extras like Netflix, and Xfinity also carries Peacock Premium, the NBC streaming service, along with a bunch of others.
You'll get all new equipment when you sign up for Xfinity too. The xFi Gateway modem that comes with each package is powerful and easy to set-up, which is a big bonus, and it looks pretty good too. xFi Gateway also gives you access to mobile hotspots when you're away from home, which is a neat touch. So, while Xfinity plans may seem expensive (and they are), you do get a lot of extras and value for your money, so if you can afford it, you really should bundle plenty of extras in.
It's extremely difficult to rate Xfinity's customer support because different areas have access to different call centers and technicians. However, Comcast Xfinity does provide its customers with many contact options for help and is able to provide on-site technicians at relatively short notice. You can contact Comcast by telephone, email or live chat. Chat services are available 24/7 from Comcast's website. It also provides service centers in most metropolitan areas. In most external customer satisfaction reports, Xfinity comes slightly below average for its service, although it has been making improvements over the past few years.
The company's website provides volumes of information covering all of its products, including high-speed internet and mobile internet. You can find billing information and log in to pay your bill or transfer your services. Comcast hosts an active forum that covers a variety of topics, and you can find the company on Twitter and Facebook. Comcast's blog relays current product and company information to keep you up to date on its developments.
Comcast Xfinity: Mobile and bundles
One feature we love about Xfinity is the option to bundle in your cell contract too. In fact, we've listed Xfinity on our round-up of the best cell phone providers for exactly this reason. It works on Verizon's network, so you're getting the quickest and most reliable coverage in the US, and the prices are very good. Unlimited data and calls is $45 per month, and if you don't want to go all-in, you can simply buy data by the GB (starting at $15 for 1GB).
The range of phones is good too, and you can usually find a good deal on many of the latest handsets. Sure, you'll pay extra for them, which will add to the cost of your bills but, overall, bundling your mobile is a good way to save money in the long run.
Should you choose Comcast Xfinity?
When it comes to the internet providers, what really matters is whether the company can deliver what it promises, and Xfinity definitely can. In fact, Comcast can deliver some of the highest speeds available. It also provides extras like internet security, identity protection, parental controls and bundles in some of the best TV streaming services too.
Comcast has the means to improve and add infrastructure, create and purchase new technologies, and improve customer service across the country. It's the biggest and best provider for a reason and, as long as you can pay for it every month, Xfinity is definitely the internet package to beat.
