Is Xfinity A Good Internet Provider?
Xfinity also known as Comcast, is one of the premier cable and internet service providers in the United States. As a cable communications company, Xfinity serves millions of customers in 40 states providing internet, television, home phone, and home security. But is Xfinity a good internet service provider for home or business? Below are the benefits and drawbacks of Xfinity's internet service.
Speed
There are several reasons why one should choose Xfinity internet and one of them is the high internet speeds. In terms of speed, Xfinity offers some of the fastest internet speeds in comparison to other top ISPs like AT&T and Verizon.
A sample of the service offering includes internet service with speeds starting from 25 Mbps up to 2 Gbps through Gigabit Pro. Their top Xfinity TV package offers download speeds up to 200 Mbps. This fast speed is perfect for most households that have several devices connected for streaming, gaming, video calls, etc., and have no interruptions.
Xfinity Gigabit Pro offers up to 2 Gbps fiber optic speeds in some locations, and Xfinity is among the few providers that offer residential multi-Gigabit speeds. These lightning-fast speeds are ideal for modern home networks and many devices without compromising the connection.
Thus, for those seeking the fastest internet connection, for a smart home, online gaming, streaming UHD movies, and more, Xfinity offers some of the fastest consumer speeds available.
Reliability
First of all, it is for a good reason that Xfinity is known to offer fast speeds, but it also offers reliable connections. Xfinity has been rated favorably for internet reliability by its users as well as other authorities like JD Power. It means that outages cannot be a constant companion for most of the customers as they happen rarely. But when they happen, Xfinity most often tends to restore service fairly quickly.
Xfinity’s fast and stable connection ensures people remain connected at home or work, for learning, fun, and smart devices. Administrative and technical support teams are also deployed round the clock in the event of any complications. This way, users can rely on a stable Xfinity internet connection as the company tracks the availability of the internet.
Availability
Currently, Xfinity Internet has the second-largest coverage in the United States after Charter Spectrum, thus being readily accessible to millions of families. It is most available in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Pacific Northwest. However, Xfinity is an example of a company that maintains an aggressive stance to grow even more into different regions to increase the number of users of their fast and reliable internet connection.
Bundling Options
Another benefit of a large provider like Xfinity is package deals where you can get TV, Internet, home phone, and other services for less than they would cost if you signed up for them individually. Xfinity makes it easy to switch up your plan with the option of choosing different plans and you get to choose them.
In many Xfinity bundles, you can easily upgrade the internet speeds for a few $20-30 more and still get the bundle discount. That’s an affordable way to get a faster connection without incurring a hefty amount on your monthly bill. This option means that the households can pay only a single amount for the two services and save money on their bills from Xfinity.
WiFi Coverage
Xfinity offers robust in-home WiFi service via devices such as the Xfinity xFi Gateway modem/router and Xfinity xFi Pods which are mesh WiFi range boosters. The gateway device offers high speed and coverage good for most home spaces that do not exceed 5000 square feet. Users of larger houses can increase the coverage by placing additional xFi Pods that offer over 2,000 sq. feet of coverage.
xFi Advanced Security powered by Norton is one of the features that aim to enhance security for Xfinity internet customers by shielding them from online dangers, identity theft, and infected devices. Subscribers also have the added advantage of being able to connect to over 20 million Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country. In general, Xfinity provides satisfactory speeds, protection, and customizable options regarding its WiFi connection.
Drawbacks of Xfinity Internet Service
While Xfinity fiber-coax network provides fast and reliable internet for many households, there are some downsides to consider
Customer Service Issues
Many users have reported that Xfinity Internet has poor customer service as one of the biggest issues for them. Most customers have complained of being made to wait for long before they are attended to by either the representatives or technicians who fail to show up as agreed. Xfinity has a lower rating than the average for its customer satisfaction, based on both ACSI and JD Power surveys.
Thus, although the actual internet service works fine when operational, managing accounts or addressing issues with installation or billing through Xfinity support can be difficult for some users. Those requiring high-quality customer services may have to resort to local providers.
Overpricing
Another issue that customers raise is high subscription rates after the offer prices expire on the product. This is true with popular service providers where one is likely to be charged much more than a new person who is subscribing to the same service. Charges such as data overage fees also contribute to additional costs. Also, since Xfinity does not have the unlimited data packages that some fiber optic providers currently have, power users may hear a loud knock at the door in the form of a hefty overage fee.
Lacking Transparency
Other complaints that many customers have about Xfinity include the company’s inability to display its prices adequately. Actual regular rates are concealed and are not highlighted during introductory offers or the subscription process. Specific features such as limits on data usage can be hidden in poorly noticeable small print. Lastly, when customers attempt to comparison shop for the plans offered by Xfinity, the company’s website sometimes makes it unnecessarily difficult to identify the precise price and plan details. Customers also feel cheated when they realize that advertised rates are not permanent. There should be increased transparency from Xfinity.
Inconsistent Speeds
Although Xfinity boasts of very high maximum internet speeds, some users complain of not being able to reach those speeds at optimum traffic times. Limitations resulting from the network capacity, use of copper wires, congestion, or the means of communication between servers can limit the potential of attaining the optimum speed. Fiber optic competitors have a better performance, more consistent.
Is Xfinity Worth It For You?
Xfinity has been known to be a reliable internet service provider that offers internet service at a very fast speed and is widely accessible. Bundling ability also serves the purpose of making it financially cheaper for many households. But there are negative effects to it such as increase in prices, traffic and lack of good customer relation. For some families, Xfinity is more suitable than others. Even light Internet users may feel that Xfinity is over the top in terms of offering what they need and what they are willing to pay for.
Xfinity is one of the second largest ISP companies in America which offers powerful connections with rather wide availability of high speeds at many locations for rather low initial prices. Yet, quality may be compromised once these promotional rates lapse. Consumers who require powerful customer service or unmetered data should exercise caution before engaging in a price comparison race. In that case, the high-demand users seeking a noncomplex provider with straightforward billing, the obscure ISPs will suit them better. But in areas where the competition is not very high, the high-traffic internet users have no other option but to make use of Xfinity although it has its drawbacks.
In the end, it is up to the customer to decide which internet service provider is the best for them based on their needs, pocket, location, and interests. All in all, Xfinity can provide a positive online experience to the right household. However, know that with the said features, there are also advantages and disadvantages when subscribing to it.
Ready to elevate your home entertainment? Call us now at +1 844-345-0888 to explore the best Xfinity plans for your home! Enjoy fast internet and premium TV options. Don’t wait—get connected today!
