What Channels Does Comcast Basic Cable Have
Comcast Xfinity Cable TV for Seniors
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Though more and more people are "cutting the cable cord" to save money, adults ages 65 and older are still more likely to be cable subscribers.1 Why? Cable TV remains one of the more reliable, straightforward ways to watch. To compete with streaming services like Hulu and Netflix, some cable providers offer their own streaming solutions in tandem with helpful tools that make watching what you want, when you want, much easier.
Xfinity, owned by cable giant Comcast, is a front-runner in this space. Available in 40 states, Xfinity offers a wide variety of packages and price options, including five TV-only packages and several bundle deals (combining TV and internet). But what sets it apart is its suite of senior-friendly features and benefits such as voice search, large-button remotes, and channel variety. Because Xfinity deals vary so widely depending on your location and package choice, we've narrowed down the company's most popular cable TV packages, prices, features, and savings tips for you.
What We Like About Xfinity
- Multiple plan options starting as low as $30 per month
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Helpful tools like voice-search and free Xfinity Flex with specific plans
- Comprehensive accessibility services – closed captioning, braille bills, sign language support, and more
- Low-income assistance
Things to Keep in Mind About Xfinity
- Minimum 12-month contract required
- Prices go up after the promotional period
- Some additional fine-print fees
- Extra installation charge for non-bundled TV
Pro Tip: Some of Xfinity's simplest pleasures are free if you know where to look. Customers can receive a free, large-button remote, a talking guide for those with visual impairments, and a free streaming device called Xfinity Flex (for internet-only customers).
Xfinity TV Packages
As we've mentioned, Xfinity's prices and packages will vary based on where you live and what you need (TV, internet, phone). The possibilities seem endless between bundles and channel options (do you want 30 or 260+?), but our patience isn't. Xfinity's website has a handy comparison tool organized by channels. While it's great for comparing prices and features, most people don't buy cable based on the number of channels alone. Below we'll cover Xfinity's most popular packages and our recommendations for each.
All Xfinity Plans Include:
- HD capability
- On Demand access
- Ability to download TV shows and movies with the Xfinity Stream app
Xfinity Plans and Pricing
| Plan | Price | Channels | Highlights | Special Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choice Limited TV | $30 per month | 10+ | ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, Univision, local access | Add channels any time | People who want basic live TV, minimal On Demand, and reliable reception |
| Limited Basic TV | $46.95 per month | 10+ | ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, Univision, local access | Expanded access to On Demand movies and shows | Occasional On Demand viewers who stick mainly to live-broadcast TV |
| Xfinity EXTRA | $65.25 per month | 140+ | Local + FX, TLC, HGTV, Bravo | Thousands of TV shows and movies with Xfinity Stream app | Traditional "basic cable" viewers who like options but don't need premium channels |
| Digital Preferred | $69.99 per month | 220+ | Regular lineup plus NFL Network, NBA TV, MLB Network | Expanded sports access | Sports fans |
| Digital Premier | $84.99 per month | 260+ | Preferred sports channels plus HBO Max, Showtime, TMC, Hitz, EPIX | Comes with X1 TV box, Voice Remote, and free Peacock ($4.99 per month savings) | Premium content fans |
Pro Tip: Choice Limited TV is essentially a glorified antenna. With a few exceptions, most of these channels are already available for free from your local TV stations. For basic TV watching, consider a bare-bones Xfinity internet plan that comes with the free Xfinity Flex box to stream On Demand programming.
Xfinity DVR and On Demand Content
If you're already an Xfinity customer, you may have both DVR and non-DVR cable boxes. DVRs now come standard with most new TV packages. What the DVR can handle depends on the version. You can compare DVR differences on Xfinity's website while you shop, but generally, Xfinity DVRs include:
- Up to 150 total hours of HD or SD recording capacity on the hard drive (box)
- 60 hours of cloud DVR storage
- Pause and rewind up to 60 minutes of live TV
Xfinity Flex
Xfinity Cable TV, Internet, and Phone Bundles
While there are no senior-specific discounts (boo), Xfinity has multiple bundling deals and other promotional offers throughout the year. Bundling (combining more than one service, such as TV, internet, and phone) is one of the best ways to get the most for your money. Xfinity offers several bundle deals just for TV + internet, for the same price as TV-only, in some cases. Below are our top picks for seniors.
Xfinity X1
Best overall deal for seniors
X1 is Xfinity's all-in-one entertainment service. Like Roku or Apple TV, it combines internet and TV through a "streaming dashboard" box with DVR. While it may have more bells and whistles than you need, the X1's voice remote and ease of use are what make it especially good for seniors. You can control almost anything on your TV with the Voice Remote. All your shows, movies, music, podcasts, and other apps are available across all of your screens.
Bundle Features
- $79.99 per month (for 12 months; $89.99 for months 13-24)
- Comes with a voice remote and the Flex "streaming dashboard" box (functions like Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire). That's $10 cheaper than competitor Spectrum.
- Two-year price lock
- 130+ channels
- Faster internet — up to 200 Mbps
- Includes phone
- Use the internet on up to eight devices at the same time
FYI: If you do want to try cutting the cord, Xfinity offers Flex, an internet-only streaming device that lets you access On Demand and online content in one place from your TV. It comes with most Xfinity internet plans. On the downside, there are commercials you can't fast forward, and you can't add or remove apps like Roku or Amazon Fire Stick.
Xfinity Choice Internet + TV
Best for seniors on a budget
This bundle combines the Limited Choice TV package with Xfinity internet. If you need internet and want reliable local channels without an antenna, this is an affordable option. It's best for seniors who just want basic channels.
Bundle Features
- 54.99 per month
- Internet + TV
- Internet speeds up to 200 Mbps
- 10+ channels
Top Xfinity Perks
Again, Xfinity does not have official senior discounts. But it does offer bundle deals and some handy features that set it apart for seniors.
- Three cheers for Voice Remote: Change channels, search for shows, or find out what song is playing. This remote requires an X1 plan or Flex streaming box. Both include integrated streaming, so you can access outside apps like Prime Video or Netflix in the same place.
- Internet Essentials: If you are on Medicaid, a VA pension, or have other qualifying circumstances, you can get internet for $9.95 per month through the Internet Essentials program.2 The 25 Mbps speeds with this plan are fast enough for email, social media, and streaming the occasional show or movie.
- No-penalty agreements: While Xfinity's plans require contracts, there are no extra charges to get out of them early. Just keep in mind, monthly rates go up after the typical 12-month contract period.
- Initial trial period: Xfinity offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, making their plans relatively low-risk as long as you decide (and cancel) within that time.
- Additional senior-friendly accessibility options 3
The Fine Print with Xfinity by Comcast
Good news: Xfinity is pretty upfront (and blessedly brief) about its fine print. Click on any "Pricing and details" button on their website to quickly see what lurks in the wee font. Bad news: you may have to read it three times to understand fully. Here's what stands out:
- Monthly service rates go up after the typical 12-month contract period. Even if other applied discounts apply for 24 months or more, they'll apply to the higher "regular" rate that kicks in after a year.
- Enroll in autopay and paperless billing within 30 days — seriously. This one's easy to forget, so mark your calendar and set an alarm. To get the $10 monthly discount, you have to enroll (it's not automatic when you join) in both autopay and paperless "ecobilling." If you don't do it within 30 days, you lose the discount.
- Budget for extra fees. TV-only customers may have to pay for installation. Most cable bills also include a broadcast TV fee (up to $14.95 per month), regional sports fee (up to $8.75 per month), and monthly taxes depending on your state.
Who is Xfinity Cable Best For?
Xfinity is best for entertainment-loving seniors who want multiple channels and services and an easy, all-in-one solution. It's especially great if you have emerging or ongoing challenges with your hearing, sight, or dexterity. Features (many of them free) such as voice-led search, large-button remote controls, and extensive closed captioning and braille services can go a long way in making everyday viewing easier.
While cable TV plans start at just $30 per month, Xfinity shines brightest if you need multiple services or live in a multi-generational or larger household. If you need an internet connection anyway, consider Xfinity's X1 digital package. It's tough to beat for internet, TV, and phone. Plus, you get a free Flex box that aggregates all of your programming (including podcasts and non-TV content) in one place.
Conclusion
It may not be the cheapest way to watch TV, but Xfinity is widely available, offers many options, and is backed by reliable customer service and one of the most well-known parent companies in the world. Inclusive, forward-thinking benefits such as Voice Remote, audio guides, large-button controls, and an extensive accessibility resource center make Xfinity a solid choice for seniors who want multiple entertainment choices but need added support. Whatever Xfinity package you choose, make sure you can handle the monthly bill after the promotional rates have ended, or renegotiate your bill with the provider a few weeks before that initial 12 months is up.
FAQs:
- What is the cheapest Xfinity package?
At $30 per month, Choice Limited TV is the cheapest Xfinity cable TV plan. It's important to know that it's mainly local networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX) and public access.
- Does Xfinity offer senior or military discounts?
Xfinity does not currently offer any senior-specific discounts. But it does provide general assistance discounts that many seniors may be eligible for, such as Internet Essentials if you are on Medicaid, a VA pension, or have other qualifying circumstances. For veterans, Xfinity provides a $25 coupon you can apply to your bill or an On Demand rental or purchase and a $100 prepaid Visa card for new members.
- What are Xfinity's best deals?
Xfinity runs special promotions and bundled packages throughout the year. We'd recommend looking during the holidays, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday when people are more likely to upgrade their TV and services.
- How much are Xfinity internet and cable TV per month?
You can get Xfinity internet and cable TV bundles for as low as $50 per month. Cable TV-only packages can be as low as $30 per month. Prices will vary depending on where you live and the speeds you need.
What Channels Does Comcast Basic Cable Have
Source: https://www.seniorliving.org/cable/comcast/