Comcast Internet for Seniors | Xfinity Internet Options for Seniors (2024)

Xfinity Internet: Key Takeaways

• Popular internet provider nationwide, servicing 41 states
• Wide range of internet plans with speeds up to 6,000 Mbps, with bundling options to fit most needs
• Plans available at multiple price points, with and without contracts

Xfinity offers various internet plans with speeds up to 6,000 Mbps (6 Gbps) in select areas. This provider is known for its high-speed plans, bundles, and nationwide availability across 41 states. Prices start at around $20 monthly. They may be even cheaper if you qualify for their low-income internet program — Xfinity Internet Essentials.

As a former Xfinity customer and SeniorLiving.org’s resident tech expert, I can attest to the provider’s reputation; I was quite pleased with my service for several years. I only switched providers because I moved to a neighborhood where Xfinity doesn’t offer service. My parents and partner are still Xfinity customers, so we are an Xfinity family through and through!

For this review, I tested Xfinity using multiple criteria, from pricing and ease of setup to speeds and availability. In this guide, we’ll go through our experiences with Xfinity’s internet plans for seniors and help you decide if Xfinity Internet is the right choice for you or a loved one.

Xfinity uses existing infrastructure from cable television to deliver high-speed internet to homes and businesses. They are the product of the well-known cable television conglomerates Comcast and CNBC. Xfinity is a reputable company known for its excellent service and affordable rates. Over 40 years of providing entertainment has helped give them a lot of credibility!1

» Compare Providers: Best internet service for seniors in 2024

Xfinity offers cable and fiber internet, cable television, home and cell phone service, streaming, and home security. It makes them one of the most diverse internet providers currently operating. Many of these different facets can be bundled. We’ll go into more detail below.

Xfinity: Our pick for fast speeds and reliable service

Xfinity’s fast speeds, variety of plans, and contract-free options make it one of our go-to internet providers.

Xfinity’s plans differ from competitors like Spectrum’s internet plans, as you must sign a contract (either for one or two years) to get the best deals. However, I appreciate that Xfinity still offers contract-free options. Below are a few of Xfinity’s most popular plans that we recommend for older adults. Remember the plan pricing below excludes taxes, and prices may vary by location.

*Plans are only available to low-income households that can provide proof of participation in certain financial assistance programs.

**Plan requires a one-year contract to secure these rates.

***Introductory prices for 24 months that include up to a $10 auto-pay and paperless billing discount.

Below, I’ll give you the details of my favorite Xfinity Internet and bundled plans for seniors.

Xfinity Internet Essentials: Best for Low-Income Households

Xfinity currently does not offer any senior discounts. Instead, they have an Internet Essentials plan designed for low-income customers. The Internet Essentials plan includes unlimited data and enough speed to handle emails, web browsing, and even streaming — all for just $9.95 per month.

» Find a Deal: Cheap internet for seniors

Customers who were eligible for the now-defunct Affordable Connectivity Program2 may qualify for this plan; also, those who qualify for programs like the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, and SNAP may qualify. Additionally, this plan is only available to new Xfinity customers who have not had an account with Xfinity or Comcast in the past 90 days and who do not owe a debt to Xfinity or Comcast.

The Internet Essentials plan includes:

• Download speeds up to 50 Mbps (good for email, social media, and web browsing)
• No activation or installation fees
• Option to purchase a low-cost computer starting at $149.99
• Free internet skills training online or in print
• Unlimited data usage
• Free installation
• No long-term contract
• No credit check required
• Unlimited access to Xfinity hotspots

While the Xfinity Internet Essentials plan is a solid option for many seniors — especially those who do not need to keep multiple devices or people connected concurrently — it is not limited to older adults. For comparison, AT&T Access offers a free alternative for the same speeds; however, Xfinity has a larger coverage area than AT&T, so you’ll want to see what’s available in your area before deciding. If you’re eligible for the plan and are looking for a budget-friendly computer, Xfinity Internet Essentials is the way to go.

Xfinity Internet Essentials Plus: Best for Light Internet Users or Those on a Tight Budget

Xfinity’s Internet Essentials Plus is the next step up from Internet Essentials. It costs $29.95 and is only available to those meeting the same eligibility requirements as Internet Essentials. The primary benefit of Internet Essentials Plus is that you get double the speed: 100 Mbps. Equipment and activation fees are included in the monthly premium, and there’s no credit check. Plus, unlike most higher-speed plans from Xfinity, you don’t have to worry about data caps or overage fees. That means you can use as much data as you like and still pay the same monthly price.

» Helpful Resource: Internet for seniors on low and fixed incomes

Internet Essential’s Plus is best for low-income seniors who want to get a bit more out of their plan. If you don’t meet the eligibility requirements of this plan or want more speed, check out the plans below.

Xfinity Connect: Best for Moderate Internet Users on a Budget

Xfinity’s Connect 150 Mbps plan costs $20 monthly for 12 months, with no term contract. It’s a basic internet plan that works on up to four devices simultaneously. This plan is best for older adults who are not eligible for the Xfinity Internet Essentials plan, but still want a low-cost internet plan. It features 150 Mbps download speeds – sufficient for most tasks but may slow down with heavy use. Overall, it’s a decently priced basic internet plan.

Remember, however, that you must sign a one-year contract to get the best rates. If you don’t want a contract, rates increase to $54 monthly. Additional equipment fees may also apply. If you want to save on equipment rentals, bring your own modem/router.

Xfinity Connect More: Best for Heavy Internet Users

For households using more than what the 150 Mbps internet plan allows, the Connect More 300 Mbps plan might be a cost-effective option; it starts at just $30 per month.

This plan is best for older adults who use the internet regularly for various activities, including streaming TV from services like Netflix or Hulu or using multiple devices simultaneously. It has up to 300 Mbps download speeds. My partner has this plan, and it has more than enough speed for Zoom calls, watching YouTube videos, and many data-heavy activities. I often binge-watch Netflix while my partner plays online games, and we’ve never had any issues with lagging. You should have no problem performing most tasks on this plan. It’s great for video chatting with the grandchildren, catching up on your favorite show, or online shopping.

One of my favorite things about Xfinity is how easy it is to get your package set up. My partner and I called to order his plan. Once we signed up, we made a same-day appointment at a local Xfinity store. There was no wait, and our equipment was ready to be picked up when we got there. Previously, I’ve experienced long wait times at internet stores, even with an appointment, so I appreciate this. Once we returned to his house, we downloaded the Xfinity app and followed the set-up instructions. Everything was up and running in about 10 minutes. Piece of cake!

Xfinity Fast

The Xfinity Fast plan lives up to its name, offering advertised speeds of up to 500 Mbps. If you just want internet, the Xfinity Fast plan costs $55 per month without a contract. However, if you want to bundle your internet and TV, you can add NOW TV; it comes with 40+ channels and access to thousands of on-demand titles for an extra $20 per month. That’s a great deal for seniors who want fast speeds for streaming but aren’t ready to completely ditch traditional cable TV. The only downside is that the bundle requires a two-year contract.

My parents have Xfinity Fast, and I’ve always been impressed with the speed and reliable connection. I took a speed test and found they were getting download speeds of about 367 Mbps. While this isn’t the full speed their plan advertises, it’s still plenty of speed for connecting to several devices at once. My dad can take Zoom calls, I can work on my laptop, and my mom can stream Netflix without issue!

One important tip to remember with your Xfinity equipment: always place your router in an open, central location away from the walls, and don’t put it in a cabinet or behind a door. My parents used to keep their router in an upstairs closet, and they experienced much slower speeds.

Xfinity Prepaid Internet: Best for Seniors Who Don’t Want Contracts

While some of Xfinity’s standard internet plans don’t require contracts, you’ll often have to commit to a year or more of service to get the best prices. Fortunately, that’s not the case with Xfinity Prepaid Internet. If you don’t want to be locked into a contract or a monthly bill statement, Xfinity Prepaid Internet starts at $30 per month for 100 Mbps or $45 per month for 200 Mbps. Either one is a great value for a no-contract plan. They’re also great for seniors who want limited access to the internet for a short time. You can also “refill your service” online, using the Xfinity mobile app, or visiting a local retailer.

Xfinity offers a full range of products and services to help seniors get the most out of their internet.

Xfinity Flex Streaming Device

You probably already understand Xfinity Flex if you’ve used devices like Roku. It’s just another way to stream television to your TV through your internet connection. The Xfinity Flex device is compatible with most major streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Plus, it includes Peaco*ck Premium for free, which is NBC’s exclusive content app. Xfinity Flex comes with any Xfinity internet plan at no additional cost. When my partner purchased his plan, the streaming device was included with his equipment package.

» Related Reading: Best cable TV for seniors

Before spending money on a third-party streaming device, find out if this add-on (including the Xfinity Voice Remote) is available with your internet package. I tested out my parents’ Xfinity Voice Remote and think it’s a great option for seniors with dexterity, mobility, or vision issues. I could just hold down the blue button and say what I wanted to do or watch. It’s that easy!

xFi Advanced Security

Older adults are frequently the target of scammers. So much so that it has its name — elder fraud.3 Customers can get extra peace of mind with xFi Advanced Security. It only requires a compatible xFi Gateway with no additional hardware or software to install. Once xFi Advanced Security is enabled, you can benefit from enhanced security features. To learn more about how xFi Advanced Security works, read the provider’s support page.

xFi Complete

Boost your current internet package with added security, unlimited data, and expanded in-home Wi-Fi coverage for an additional $25 per month. This add-on is good for seniors who live in a large house and want to stay connected throughout the home. Sometimes, the primary router struggles to reach certain bedrooms or basem*nts in bigger houses. With xFi Complete, you can get additional equipment, called xFi pods, that extend your Wi-Fi coverage throughout the house for the most reliable connection possible. Plus, the unlimited data is great for those worried about data caps.

Xfinity Storm-Ready Wi-Fi

Xfinity’s new Storm-Ready Wi-Fi helps keep your devices powered should a power outage or storm occur. This device costs $252 (or $7 per month for 36 months) and comes with a backup battery to power your devices for up to four hours after an outage. It operates on 4G LTE for backup power and requires Xfinity Internet and a compatible Gateway. Power outages may reduce speeds to 30 Mbps.

While my partner hasn’t experienced any major storms that caused outages, he has had a few outages during exceptionally hot summer days (likely due to power grid issues beyond Xfinity’s control). Fortunately, Xfinity was really proactive about notifying him when outages occurred and getting things up and running in less than 24 hours.

I’d highly recommend calling Xfinity to learn about any current promotions that could help you save on your internet plan. When we called to order my partner’s plan, the representative informed us that the Connect More plan was on sale for the same price as the Connect plan, and that the equipment fees would be waived. Getting twice as much speed for the same price was a no brainer!

Another great way to save is to bundle with services you would otherwise purchase separately. Xfinity offers a variety of TV, internet, and even home and mobile phone bundles. You can often save on monthly rates by signing up for two or more services simultaneously.

My family and I have always had pleasant experiences with Xfinity’s customer service team. I rarely have to wait more than five minutes to connect with a representative, and the people I speak with are always kind, patient, and helpful. I’ve connected with representatives on the phone, in person, and using the company’s online chat feature and had similar experiences. As mentioned, when my partner purchased his plan, the representative we spoke with helped us score a great deal without us even asking!

In the table below, we’ll see how Xfinity stacks up to some of its top competitors.

I’ve found that Xfinity offers some of the best introductory rates, the lowest starting prices, and the fastest speeds in the industry. Xfinity’s Connect More 300 Mbps plan is about $20 less monthly than a comparable . That said, AT&T is a great choice to avoid pesky equipment fees.

If you’re eligible for a low-income internet plan, you can get twice as much speed for the same price when you choose Cox Internet. The issue is that Cox doesn’t have nearly as much availability — Xfinity is available in more than twice as many states as Cox.

While we don’t particularly like that Xfinity puts data caps on nearly all of its plans, other providers often do the same. At least the data cap for Xfinity is quite high (1.2 TB) and would be difficult to exceed for most senior households. My partner, a heavy internet user and gamer, has never hit that limit. However, if you want a provider that doesn’t institute any data limits, Spectrum is a solid option.

» You Might Like: Spectrum internet for seniors

In my experience, Xfinity offers fast and reliable speeds, great deals, and excellent customer service. However, always consider the drawbacks: You may need to sign a contract for the best deal, and most plans have data cap limitations (though these caps are very high).

With prices starting at $20 per month, or even less for eligible low-income seniors, Xfinity offers several affordable options. Their robust add-on features and bundles featuring TV, internet, and phone services are great for those who want even more entertainment at home.

Read About Our Panel of Experts

As SeniorLiving.org’s tech expert and editor, Taylor has years of experience reviewing products and services for seniors. She is passionate about breaking down stigmas related to seniors and technology. She loves finding innovative ways to teach seniors about products and… Learn More About Taylor Shuman