Xfinity Gigabit Internet Package
One of cable's fastest plans, Xfinity Gigabit is ideal for a small business or a very active family. For $85/mo, you get a hefty 1.1 Gbps of download speed (35 Mbps upload). That price is currently guaranteed for five full years.
Xfinity's second-fastest package, it almost doubles your internet speed from the Fast plan for just $15 more per month. That's quite a bump and in most cases it's worth the upgrade.
Regarding equipment, they offer the Xfinity Gateway and XFi Complete (better security). With their current specials, there's no cost for that equipment during the life of the 5-year guarantee period. That's a solid bonus and, assuming you don't have your own equipment, we recommend you go ahead and use theirs.
PERFECT FOR: a smaller business or households with 5+ folks.
Xfinity features six internet plans (Gigabit is the second-largest). Here's a look:
What you can do with 1.1 Gbps download and 35 Mbps upload
Basically, whatever you need. The most common high bandwidth usage in a home is streaming a video. A regular HD movie uses about 10 Mbps with 4K HD requiring ~25 Mbps. Even if a few different family members are watching YouTube or Netflix, you'll have plenty of extra bandwidth available with this plan.
See the table below for common uses and their bandwidth usage (per user)
Price, Fees and Discounts
Fast speeds and good equipment are all fine and dandy but if they don't come at a good price, it really hurts the overall value. The cost/speed of the Gigabit plan is $0.08. A comparable plan, Spectrum's Gig clocks in at a cost/speed of $0.07. So, Gigabit is just slightly more expensive but it's close and in-line with other internet providers that offer 1 Gbps plans.
Let's take a look at all the fees you'll expect to pay with this plan...
Xfinity Gigabit: Fees
Modem/Router (xFi)
When you order Xfinity, you'll have three equipment options:
- Use your own - if you have a compatible modem, always best to go this route. No monthly cost.
- Xfinity Gateway(xFi) - modem/router combo and their entry-level option. Costs $15/mo, though currently free for 5 years.
- Xfinity XFi Complete - their more advanced and secure modem/router combo and normally goes for $25/mo. Current specials also have it $10/mo for 5 years.
Not so long ago, Xfinity had data caps (1.2 TB) and the XFi Complete would remove those limits. Xfinity has completely phased out data caps so this is no longer a perk of getting the XFi Complete.
Installation Kit
Most homes in an Xfinity area already have coax wiring going into the home. Assuming that's the case, setup is a breeze. Simply connect the equipment (yours or theirs), boot 'em up and activate the service via the Xfinity app or by calling them. We recommend the app -- it's actually quite good and activation almost always goes smoothly. Either way, most accounts will need to pay a one-time activation fee of $15 (applied to first bill).
Monthly Tax
Based on where you live, you may be charged an additional sales tax. If that's the case, it's usually only a couple dollars a month.
Xfinity Gigabit: Credits
Autopay credit
With all Xfinity plans, they give you a credit of $10/mo discount when you enroll in autopay with a bank account. If you use a credit card instead, it'll drop that in half.
Sample Xfinity Gigabit Internet Bill
Some providers routinely hide line items/fees until your first bill -- that's generally not the case with Xfinity. The sample bill below assumes you're using their equipment (xFi Complete) and enrolled in autopay via a bank.
- auto-pay discount
- sign-up discount
- ($10)
- ($19)
(5yr discount)
What about hidden fees?
As mentioned, there aren't any. If you are late with a payment, expect the following...
- Late payment fee - if payment isn't submitted within 2 weeks after your due date, a $10 late fee might be added to your bill (though not always).
Xfinity Internet Features
Aside from the free equipment, Xfinity's biggest perk is the free WiFi Hotspot network. It's nationwide and availble to all customers...
With over 26 million customers in the states, Xfinity gives you access to the guest Wi-Fi of any customer home. The Xfinity app automatically checks for available networks and seamlessly connects when when in range.
As previously disussed, Xfinity offers two equipment options. They both work well and generally good options if you don't have your own equipment. Using your own is always better, however.
Xfinity Gigabit Data Cap: none
There used to be a 1.2 TB data cap with all Xfinity plans but, thankfully, that's no longer the case. Pressure from Spectrum and other no-cap providers likely motivated the move.
How to get this plan
As of today, the best price and promos for the Gigabit plan are below. Calling tends to be the best way to make sure everything is setup correctly, right from the start...
- Gigabit internet plan for as low as $85/mo
- 1.1 Mbps download, 35 Mbps upload
- $19/mo in credits for 24 months
- xFi Modem/Router available or bring your own
- Access to millions of Xfinity WiFi Hotspots
- Qualifies you for bundling deals with TV/phone
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I forced into a contract with Gigabit?
No. There used to be required contracts with most Xfinity internet plans but that's no longer the case. Prices are currently locked in for 5 years and NO contract is required (cancel anytime).
Am I guaranteed 1.1 Gbps with the Gigabit plan?
Due to a variety of factors, no internet provider truly guarantees their advertised speeds. However, if you get way lower than 1.1 Gbps and are using modern equipment, Xfinity will typically send a technician to your home to figure out why (at no cost to you).
