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What Is Xfinity?

Xfinity, a Comcast subsidiary, is best known for their internet and cable bundles, but they also offer home security systems and professional monitoring services. They also bundle their home security, internet, and cable services together.

Xfinity Home Security Service Area & Coverage Map

Xfinity Home, Xfinity's home security service, was introduced shortly after Comcast created the Xfinity brand. It doesn't have nationwide coverage, but it serves a pretty wide area across the U.S. In 2017, Xfinity launched new, self-branded devices that are better-looking and more functional than the system they used to offer.

Because Xfinity is a triple-play company, they encourage their customers to bundle home security with cable and internet services by offering low introductory prices. It's a good way to save money, but keep in mind that the introductory price is only good for the first year of service. If you decide to renew your contract, you'll be charged a higher monthly fee. To learn about more ways to save, check out our take on Xfinity Home's deals.

Why They're Different

Xfinity is one of the largest broadband and cable TV providers in the U.S. They are also among the very few companies that offer a triple-play service. If you want all your bills to come from a single company, Xfinity is an obvious choice.

Another thing that sets Xfinity apart is that they offer self-branded equipment manufactured exclusively for Xfinity Home. Is that a good thing? If you could look past the limited resources of information about Xfinity's products, it's a good thing. It allows Xfinity to update and upgrade the equipment instead of waiting for third-party manufacturers to push upgrades. Besides, Xfinity Home requires professional installation, so there really won't be much troubleshooting.

Who's It For?

Xfinity is rather picky with customers, so the real question is this: To whom does Xfinity offer Xfinity Home?

First, Xfinity Home is only offered in select geographic locations. If Xfinity offers internet or cable in your area, there's a good chance that your area is covered. To be sure, you may enter your ZIP code on Xfinity's website and see if they have deals for you.

Second, although Xfinity offers services both to homeowners and renters, most of the promotional prices are exclusively offered to homeowners. If you're a renter and you're considering Xfinity because of its deals, be sure you're eligible before signing anything.

Finally, all new customers are subject to a credit check. Ultimately, Xfinity will decide whether they want you as a customer or not. If your credit score is below Xfinity's expectation, they might require you to sign a longer contract. Check here if you're looking for alarm companies that don't require credit checks.

Xfinity Home Key Features

If you're wondering what features you'll get if you sign up for an Xfinity Home system, look no further. Here are Xfinity Home's key features and tech offers:

Broadband Monitoring

A high-speed internet connection in the installation address is required. That's what the system uses to communicate with the monitoring center. However, you can use Xfinity Home even if Xfinity is not your internet service provider.

Cellular & Power Backup

Unfortunately, broadband monitoring isn't the most reliable communication technology. It's prone to connection problems and it goes down when the power is out. The good news is that Xfinity offers backup cellular monitoring and battery backup. These contingency measures will kick in whenever your home loses its power or internet connection.

Equipment Packages

Xfinity Home offers several equipment packages and it's up to you to choose between two payment methods. You can either pay the entire price upfront or pay in 24 monthly installments.

The smallest package, inclusive of a touchscreen control panel, three door/window sensors, and one motion sensor is worth $360 upfront or $15 per month if financed. Larger packages are also available.

Complete Home System

Price: $480 upfront or $20 per month for 24 months

  • 1 x Touchscreen Control Panel
  • 1 x Motion Sensor
  • 5 x Door/Window Sensors
  • 1 x Wireless Keypad
  • 1 x Indoor/Outdoor Camera

Ultimate Home System

Price: $600 upfront or $25 per month for 24 months

  • 1 x Touchscreen Control Panel
  • 1 x Motion Sensor
  • 10 x Door/Window Sensors
  • 1 x Wireless Keypad
  • 2 x Indoor/Outdoor Camera

Smartphone Access

All paying customers get access to the Xfinity Home smartphone app. You can use the app to control, access, and monitor your security system and smart home devices on-the-go. The Xfinity Home app is surprisingly doing well. It holds a 4.5-star rating on iTunes and 4.3 stars on Google Play.

Home Automation

Home automation isn’t one of Xfinity Home's most important features, but you can use it if you have home automation devices. Xfinity Home offers the Zen smart thermostat and an outlet controller, but you can add third-party smart home devices to your system from partner brands, including Philips Hue, August, Nest, LIFX, Kwikset, and GE.

Video Monitoring

One of the best things about Xfinity Home is that they let you add security cameras without increasing your monthly fee As usual, there's a catch. Without increasing your fee, you'll only be able to use the camera for live streaming and recording short event clips. For most users, short clips won't suffice, which is why Xfinity offers a $50/month plan ($10 higher than the regular monitoring plan) that includes all the features of their basic plan plus 24/7 continuous recording. It stores rolling videos for up to ten days in the cloud so you can download, share, and playback important events.

Service Bundles

As mentioned earlier, you can get big-time savings by bundling your home security, cable, and internet service. For instance, we were able to get a $70/month quote for Xfinity Home, 25 MBPS internet, and basic cable channels. The total value of these three services would have reached over $100/month if they weren't bundled. For more details on Xfinity's plan pricing, head over to our Comcast Xfinity deals page which covers all of their home security offerings and promotions.

Xfinity Equipment Overview

Xfinity Home Touch

Home security isn't Xfinity's primary and most advertised business. Because of that, it doesn't have an extensive list of security equipment.

Control

  • Touchscreen Controller –Free
  • Wireless Keypad – Free
  • Keychain Remote – $49.95

Security Sensors

  • Door/Window Sensor – $49.95
  • Motion Sensor – $49.95

Environment Sensors

  • Smoke Heat Sensor– $99.95
  • Water Sensor – $39.95

Smart Home

  • Zen Thermostat – $199.95
  • Smart Outlet – $49.95

Camera

  • Indoor/Outdoor Camera – $199.95

Monitoring Plan Overview

Xfinity Home only has two monitoring plans. The first plan will cost you $40 per month while the other monitoring plan will set you back $50 per month.

The $40 Xfinity Home monitoring plan includes all the features offered by Xfinity Home except video recording. The plan only pays for the service, so you must purchase the appropriate equipment first in order to use features like home automation and video monitoring.

As for continuous camera recording, it will cost you an additional $10/month, raising your monthly fee to $50. It's optional; you can choose not to pay, but you'll only be able to use your cameras for live streaming and recording short event clips. If you pay the higher fee, you'll get a continuous recording that saves rolling videos to the cloud for ten days.

Awards & Recognition

Xfinity is a well-known company and it has been on the receiving end of several recognitions in the past, including:

  • IoT Innovation Award - Consumer Product Of The Year (2018)1
  • Automation Company Of The Year (2017)2
  • TecHome Brilliance Award (2017)3
  • B+ Better Business Bureau Rating4

Xfinity Home FAQs

  • Where is Xfinity Home offered?

    Xfinity Home is available in most parts of the U.S. If Xfinity offers internet and cable services in your area, there's a good chance that Xfinity Home is also available to you.

  • Do I need an Xfinity internet plan to use Xfinity Home?

    No; you can use Xfinity Home without an Xfinity internet plan. However, you need a high-speed internet connection.

  • How long are the contracts?

    Xfinity Home contracts usually lasts 2 years.

  • Can I self-install Xfinity Home?

    Xfinity Home requires professional installation. A $99 fixed-price installation fee will be charged to your account.

  • Can I return the equipment?

    Absolutely, as long as you do it within 30 days after you receive the system. If you return the system, you'll get a refund and your contract will be cancelled without penalties.

  • What's the equipment cost?

    Packages range between $360 and $600. You can make a one-time payment or pay in 24 monthly installments. Add-on devices are also available.

  • How much will professional monitoring cost me?

    About $40/month for a basic system plus $10/month if you want continuous recording.

  • Where can I learn more about Xfinity Home?

    Please head over to our Xfinity in-depth equipment and monitoring review.