Did you recently get an email from Xfinity proudly announcing that your broadband speed just got faster? You’re not alone. Every year, Xfinity sends out these emails, claiming they’ve increased your internet speed at no additional cost. It sounds great at first—who wouldn’t want faster internet for free? But, as with many things involving Xfinity, there’s a catch.
The Real Cost Behind the Hype
Xfinity reports an average broadband price of $74, which has increased by 3% since last year. While they may boast about giving you a speed boost, the truth is that Xfinity still charges more than almost all other major internet providers. Xfinity’s four largest competitors—Verizon Fios, AT&T Fiber, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, and Frontier Fiber—offer starting prices between $30 and $55, and most importantly, their prices don’t increase drastically after the first year.
Xfinity, on the other hand, might start you off at $30, but once you add in hidden fees, equipment rentals, and annual price hikes, that introductory rate can quickly balloon to $90 or more. Suddenly, that “free” speed boost doesn’t sound so appealing.
Why the Speed Boost Doesn’t Matter
Xfinity’s strategy relies on convincing you that higher speeds are necessary for your everyday internet usage. The reality is that most common online activities require far less bandwidth than they want you to believe. For example:
- HD Netflix streaming: 5 Mbps
- Zoom video calls: 3 Mbps
- Online multiplayer gaming (like Call of Duty): 3 Mbps
If your household isn’t doing all of these at the same time, even Xfinity’s old speeds were more than enough. Most people will never notice the difference between 100 Mbps and 200 Mbps unless they’re running a data center from their living room.
Don’t Fall for the Gimmick
Don’t let Xfinity trick you into justifying their high prices with supposedly “generous” speed increases. The real benefit here isn’t going to your experience—it’s going straight to Xfinity’s bottom line. Be an informed consumer and explore your options before sticking with a provider that’s more interested in your wallet than your internet speed.
Looking to see what other options are out there? Check your zip code on Wifi Shark to find the best internet deals available in your area.
