STAFF REVIEW

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Researched by

See research team

Reviewed by

Bri FieldAssigning Editor

Updated 2/7/23

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Hyper-gig download speeds and improving customer service

Xfinity is a fantastic provider overall. It offers fast speeds, reliable service, and reasonable prices. Some plans still require contracts, and others still have data limits. Watch out for Xfinity’s hidden fees and spotty customer service record, but it may not be as bad as it once was.

What we like

Consistently fast speeds
Wide availability around the country
Competitive pricing, especially for budget plans

What we dislike

Data caps on slower plans (unless you pay more)
Inconsistent pricing and speed availability
Reputation for poor customer service

Our expert assessment

Value

4.0

Budget broadband internet plans are a great deal

Xfinity is generally a very good value, especially at the middle and lower tiers. In fact, it offers some of the best budget plans of any of the major internet service providers, with a 50 Mbps Internet Essentials plan for less than $20 per month and a 400 Mbps plan for $50 per month in some areas. Those plans have a data cap of 1.2 terabytes per month, which is disappointing but common among cable internet service providers (ISPs). Removing it costs an extra $30.

The 400 Mbps plan, which is about right for an average family, is also a great price. It rings in at about 36% of the national benchmark in its range. (1) That means you're paying just $0.18 per megabit, with plenty of megabits to go around.

Faster plans are available, but they are pretty pricey compared to the best fiber internet competitors we reviewed. Some areas can get speeds up to 2 Gbps, and others can get plans as fast as 6 Gbps. That is ludicrously fast, but it’s also really expensive. Most households don’t need those internet speeds unless they’re streaming a ton of 4K content at the same time or have 10 or more users, so we don’t recommend them for most households. They do come with unlimited data, though, so might still be worth it for some households.

Performance

5.0

Some of the best internet reliability we found

Xfinity internet performance is excellent. Its speeds are fast and reliable. In fact, in many markets, it has one of the fastest internet speeds around. The service is reliable and consistent. If outages occur, Xfinity is responsive and generally restores service within hours. Xfinity internet is also highly rated for speed (2), and research from the US Federal Communication Commission (FCC) scored it among the top for reliability (3).

Equipment and installation

3.0

Typical installation fees and Wi-Fi equipment

Xfinity internet offers the usual choice of professional and self-installation. The professional option is often more affordable than competitors, at $100. It's required if you haven't had Xfinity service at the address for more than 12 months. The self-install kit is free, though you may pay for shipping and handling. If you have trouble installing yourself, you can contact customer service for help but may face long hold times.

As for equipment, the Xfinity xFi gateway is fairly typical (and costs a fairly typical $14 per month). You can also add a Wi-Fi extender (and unlimited data) if you bump up to xFi Complete for about $15 per month for the first two years (and $25 per month starting in year 3). This is a bit steep for just the extender—you can grab an excellent Wi-Fi extender for right around $50. However, using Xfinity's equipment gives you unlimited data, and you qualify for a free upgrade after three years.

Read more about how internet bills work.

If you use your own equipment, unlimited data costs an extra $30 per month for lower tier plans, but is included for plans of at least 1 Gbps.

Customer experience

3.5

Rapidly improving customer service scores

The Xfinity internet customer experience is kind of a mixed bag. On the one hand, you have reliable service, with the option for unlimited data if you want it. This makes for a great day-to-day experience.

On the other hand, Xfinity internet has a spotty customer service track record. Technically, it ranks above average on customer surveys (4). That said, we all remember the memes from a few years ago. While customer service seems to be improving (based on survey scores, at least), not everyone has a great experience, and we still see a lot of complaints about billing issues and miscommunication between the company and the techs it hires.

If you need to connect with the company, we recommend using its customer service portal and downloading the Xfinity app first before trying to reach reps by phone.

We stand by the validity of our reviews and are committed to transparency: Our team uses consumer sentiment software to source customer reviews, which are entirely unique to this website. Reviewers attest to being current customers of the providers they review and are not incentivized to speak positively or negatively about their experience. We do not alter the reviews in any way. Learn more about how we source reviews.

Xfinity customer ratings overview

Xfinity

4.2

(458)

5 Star

44%

4 Star

39%

3 Star

14%

2 Star

1 Star

Our reviews come from real customers who weren't incentivized to leave a review. The rating distribution typically shows a range of experiences and opinions that helps you get a sense for the average customer experience, not just extremes.

Top reviews from Xfinity customers

Oleksandrfrom Denver , CO

Xfinity Customer for Less than a year

Reviewed on: 2022-12-05

Quick response, Stable internet connection. I'm not using it so long to see any space for their improvement.

Drakefrom Eagan, MN

Xfinity Customer for 8+ years

Reviewed on: 2022-12-05

Xfinity has been very reliable for me. There are rarely, if ever, any drops or disconnection issues with service. Also, they have very fast and reliable connection speeds.

Rebeccafrom Houma, LA

Xfinity Customer for 1+ years

Reviewed on: 2022-12-04

Their internet has the speeds I need it for. The price is comparable to others even less. They were here for us through Hurricane Ida and helped us through.

Jackfrom Pleasant Grove, UT

Xfinity Customer for 4+ years

Reviewed on: 2022-12-02

Very reliable ‚ I rarely have a problem ‚ they contacted me when they had a new router available ‚ easily installed ‚ since I have all these services with them, my monthly bill is very expensive

Corey from Knoxville , TN

Xfinity Customer for 4+ years

Reviewed on: 2022-11-29

There customer service is great they just have to work on the signal

Nickfrom Preston, CT

Xfinity Customer for 1+ years

Reviewed on: 2022-11-29

Xfinity is reliable. They have simple payment options. And they provide the best and fastest internet at a reasonable price where I live

Steven from Jacobs, FL

Xfinity Customer for Less than a year

Reviewed on: 2022-11-28

They do their job, it's not great and it's not bad. I get what I pay for

Jontuefrom Waterbury, CT

Xfinity Customer for 4+ years

Reviewed on: 2022-11-26

The internet service is reliable. It is also high speed. Download and upload speed is remarkable.

Aaliyahfrom Atlanta, GA

Xfinity Customer for Less than a year

Reviewed on: 2022-11-24

I have no complaints with Xfinity

Laurafrom Hamden, CT

Xfinity Customer for 1+ years

Reviewed on: 2022-11-23

Internet speed is good but could be better Also a little high in price They provide a good assortment of programming and sevice

Jimmyfrom Tuscaloosa, AL

Xfinity Customer for 8+ years

Reviewed on: 2022-11-19

it is reliable it have good speed the price is a little high

Markfrom Columbia, MD

Xfinity Customer for 1+ years

Reviewed on: 2022-11-18

Though I wish the price was lower I have been very happy with Xfinity. Very few problems, good reliability, good audio and video. Fast internet speeds

Brenda from Norton Shores , MI

Xfinity Customer for 8+ years

Reviewed on: 2022-11-17

Xfinity is a pretty good internet provider. Sometimes their service is slow tho. When internet is down they should put a credit on my account for the time I don't have access to my internet, but they still charge me when it's down and their falt.

Richardfrom Baltimore, MD

Xfinity Customer for 4+ years

Reviewed on: 2022-11-16

I have had them for a long time and never really had any issues. If there are outages, they are usually resolved very quickly.

Garnettfrom Elkhart, IN

Xfinity Customer for 8+ years

Reviewed on: 2022-11-15

Xfinity has always worked fine and never any issues regarding service.

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Endnotes and sources

As an Amazon Associate, Switchful.com may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
1. "2022 Urban Rate Survey," FCC. Retrieved Dec. 7, 2022.2. "Speed Test Global Index," SpeedTest.net. Accessed 19 October, 2022.3. "Measuring Broadband America," Federal Communications Commission. Accessed 19 October 2022 4. "Internet Service Providers," American Customer Satisfaction Index. Accessed 19 October 2022.