Xfinity TV is #1 because it has a fair dollar-to-channel ratio (keeping costs down!), a basic package that starts at the low price of $50 per month, and it’s the most widely available cable TV provider in the US—meaning its both cost effective and available to most Americans. At first glance, the monthly pricing doesn’t seem too high, however there are a few fees to consider before pulling the trigger on your service. Without further adieu, let’s dive into the details of Xfinity’s plans, channels, and excellent DVR so you can make an informed decision and get on with the TV watching and family time. This cable TV provider’s value is better than we’ve ever seen at only 40 cents per channel. We’re not kidding when we say that’s one of the best dollar-to-channel ratios on the market, even compared to live TV streaming services.
Spectrum TV’s 125-channel package is $10 more per month than Xfinity’s. Verizon Fios TV is one of those providers that has a great dollar-to-channel ratio, and you would have to get the $110 The Most Fios TV plan to reap those benefits. (It comes with over 425 channels.) But, you’d have to live in one of the eight states Fios TV services. Optimum also has a crazy good value with a packages ranging from $30–$115 for 50–420 channels. Here comes the “but” again. But, Optimum is only offered four states. Cox Communications lets you bundle TV, internet, landline phone, and home security. But it’s entry-level plan almost half the channels than that of Xfinity’s (for the same price.)
But make sure to check out cable’s unfortunate fees list below before you do any committing. Xfinity offers packages for Spanish speakers. Check out the two Latino TV and internet bundles Xfinity offers, and get 50+ Spanish-language channels on your TV (you’ll find these options at checkout). Cancel whenever you’d like without any worries of those dang cancellation fees. If you’re the average cable TV watcher, you’re likely to need to pay all of the fees in the table below. You’ll definitely need a TV box ($9/month). You’ll likely need an additional TV box for the TV room downstairs ($9/month). and you’ll probably want 150 hours of DVR storage for the family to share ($10/month), as well as news and sports channels ($37/month). For all of this, expect to pay an additional $65 per month. WHAT? This could be a deal-breaker because other TV providers don’t have outrageous fees like this. DISH’s service includes 125 HD hours of DVR storage, and there isn’t a broadcasting or regional sports fee. (Jump to the DVR section for more information on the TV box and DVR fees.) So why not take advantage of that along with a Wi-Fi connection that offers 75 Mbps download speeds for $50 per month? And keep in mind, that pricing is with the 1-year contract. Your pricing will increase to $60 per year after your contract is over. Update: We noticed something odd, but good, recently. If you choose to go the no-contract route, this bundle is actually $35 for your first year and then $60 for the following years of service. Jump on this deal before it changes! You’ll get access to all of the popular channels, like ESPN and Disney Channel, and who doesn’t need the internet for working on your computer or Googling on your smartphone? Might as well bundle and pay one bill for zero hassle. While the first year of your contract will be $85 per month, make sure to budget for $110 for the following year and onward. If you choose to forego the contract because you don’t want to be tied down, your first year will be $10 more per month. (Xfinity’s Superfast 800 Mbps internet plan is normally $65/month.) If you decide to go the 1-year contract route, you’ll be charged $138.50 monthly after your contract is over. Or you can opt out of the contract and pay $123 per month your first year of service as opposed to $110. You’ll want 800 Mbps download speeds if you have a big family who is likely to use Wi-Fi on their laptops or cell phones all at once. Or it’s beneficial for vloggers when they don’t want to spend hours uploading and downloading videos. Xfinity’s main entry-level package (Popular TV) has most, if not all, of the channels you’ll want. And let’s be honest, we like a good variety. Expect to find favorites such as Disney Channel, ESPN, Food Network, Hallmark Channel, Nickelodeon, TNT, and all of your local channels. When you upgrade to the Ultimate TV plan (for only $18.50 more than Popular TV, might we point out), you’ll find channels like Cartoon Network, Cooking Channel, FX Movie Channel, NFL Network, and Nick Jr. We recommend you check out the channel lineups, but we’ll give you a little sneak peek of which channels you’ll receive with each package. Oh, and scroll down a little for the best section—the sports channels. Xfinity’s Choice TV package includes the following channels: You won’t have to miss out on the best premium shows and movies on TV, nor on catching up on Westworld, Power, Shameless, Warrior, or any other favorite shows.
Xfinity’s Streampix is an add-on for streaming TV shows, hit movies, and independent films commercial-free. Xfinity’s More Sports & Entertainment add-on includes the NFL RedZone Channel, NFL Network, NBA TV, MLB TV, NHL Network, Turner Classic Movies (TCM), and more. Deportes gives you five Spanish-language sports channels.
With the Popular TV package, you’ll get a total of nine sports channels, including some that are hard to live without, like ESPN, ESPN 2, and FS1. Sports fans, you’re going to want the Ultimate TV plan. You’ll get all of your major sports channels amongst a total of 22 sports channels! Xfinity’s Popular package includes the following sports channels:
AT&T SportsNet ESPN, ESPN2 FOX Sports (FS1), FS2 Golf Channel PAC-12 Network Local Sports Tennis Channel
Xfinity’s Ultimate package includes all of the above and the following sports channels: Xfinity Flex is free with Xfinity internet for customers without TV service. As an Xfinity internet customer, you’ll receive a free Flex 4K streaming device and an Xfinity voice remote. Xfinity’s TV box will allow you to stream thousands of movies, the latest episodes of the top 100 shows, and many kids’ TV programming. Some of the on-demand movies and TV shows available to watch when you’re winding down for the day are the following: This is where a DVR saves the day. Xfinity’s DVR lets you record and store 20, 150, or 300 HD hours and keep them indefinitely—no accidental erasing of that must-watch show or event. You’ll also be able to record six shows at once. So if you go on a family vacation, your kid can record Phineas and Ferb, your spouse can record White Chicks, and you can record Saturday Night Live all at once. One thing we must point out though is that your first TV box with Xfinity is just a “TV box”. When you order an additional, only then will you have the choice to get an X1 TV box. To be honest, Xfinity’s website doesn’t specify what the “normal” TV box can and can’t do, but it lists out these features for the X1 TV box:
HD picture supported Component video supported Digital audio (optical) connector Pause and rewind 60 minutes of live TV
If you’re using Xfinity’s Stream app on an Android device, the device must run Android 5.0 or later. If you’re using an Apple device, the device must be running on iOS 13.0 or later. You can schedule and download DVR recordings or watch live TV with the following streaming devices: These devices are currently not supported:
Windows tablets or phones Android TV Apple Watch Nook devices
It’s also for you if you’re looking for the lowest-cost cable package possible. Xfinity might have a list of fees, but at least you won’t be disappointed by Xfinity’s service. This cable TV company is reliable, widely available, and you’ll get most, if not all, of the channels you and your family want. We recommend the Popular TV plan because it’s only $50.00 per month for more than 125 channels. If you’re looking for a bundle, we recommend Fast Internet + Popular TV with 125+ channels and 400 Mbps download speeds for $85. But for larger families, we recommend Superfast Internet + Ultimate TV with 185+ channels and 800 Mbps download speeds for $110 per month. If Xfinity isn’t available in your area or doesn’t have the channel lineup you need, check out our top cable TV providers for other options. If you’re trying to save as much money as possible, check out the cheapest cable TV providers.
Xfinity TV no longer requires a contract for their TV plans, and it’s still one of the cheapest traditional TV providers on the market. DIRECTV requires a 2-year contract, which includes second-year price hikes that nearly double your monthly bill.DIRECTV offers more than 330 channels, while Xfinity provides 185.Xfinity gives you most of the popular channels in the entry plan, which is $15 less than DIRECTV’s.
Xfinity is a great no-contract option, and DISH gives you a 2-year and no-contract option. If you go the contract route with DISH, you’ll save money each month.They’re about equal when it comes to dollar-to-channel ratio.DISH is available almost everywhere because it’s satellite TV, whereas Xfinity TV is available in about 40 states.
If you’d like to see how they compare, check out our DISH vs. Xfinity TV Review. For the full list of programs that may qualify you for the Xfinity Internet Essentials plan, check out Does Comcast Xfinity Offer Any Discounts?
