Kai Rivers
If you are an Xfinity customer, you may be wondering if you need to rent a cable box to watch TV. The good news is that you don't need a cable box to access Xfinity's streaming options. You can use the Xfinity Stream app, which can be downloaded on various devices, to watch their channel lineup. However, if you prefer to use a cable box, you can rent one from Xfinity for a monthly charge, although this may incur additional fees for HD technology and DVR service. Alternatively, you can purchase your own off-market TV box, but it must comply with Comcast's customer-owned equipment policy, and not all models are supported in every location.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is renting a cable box from Xfinity mandatory? | No, it is not mandatory. You can use the Xfinity Stream app or Xfinity TV partner devices instead. |
| Cost of renting a cable box | Xfinity charges $10 per month or $120 a year to rent a TV box. |
| Additional costs | There may be an additional $10 HD technology fee. There may also be charges for DVR service and HD technology for off-market TV boxes. |
| Buying a cable box | You cannot buy a cable box and use it with Xfinity services. |
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What You'll Learn
Renting a cable box from Xfinity is not necessary
Renting an Xfinity cable box is not necessary to access Xfinity's streaming services. Xfinity offers its Xfinity Stream app, which can be downloaded on many devices and used instead of a cable box. The app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and used on mobile phones, computers, and TVs.
The Xfinity Stream app provides users with access to the full TV service within their homes. It offers four tabs: Home, Live TV, My Library, and Browse. The Home tab suggests content based on user preferences, while the Live TV tab shows accessible channels. The My Library tab provides access to downloaded or purchased content, and the Browse tab allows users to search for specific shows or keywords.
Using the Xfinity Stream app on a partner device does not count against internet data usage plans. However, video services delivered over the internet, such as TV Go content accessed through the Xfinity Stream app or web portal, are treated as any other internet-delivered service and are subject to data usage plans.
By using the Xfinity Stream app instead of renting a cable box, users can save on rental costs, which are approximately $10 per month or $120 per year. Additionally, users can avoid unnecessary fees, such as the HD technology fee, by using their own equipment.
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The Xfinity Stream app is available on Google Play
If you're an Xfinity customer, you can watch TV without renting a cable box. You can access Xfinity Stream through your browser on your computer, or by downloading the Xfinity Stream app on your phone. The Xfinity Stream app is available on Google Play.
The Xfinity Stream app gives you access to 250+ channels of live TV on the go and your entire channel lineup at home. You can also schedule DVR recordings from any device and access thousands of shows and movies to stream on demand. You can even download your recordings and movie library to watch offline. If you want to watch on a bigger screen, you can cast from your smartphone or tablet to your TV with Chromecast.
To use the app, simply download it from the Google Play Store and sign in using your Xfinity account. Select one of the four tabs at the bottom of the page: the Home tab for suggested content, the Live TV tab to see available channels, the My Library tab for easy access to shows you've added, downloaded, or purchased, and the Browse tab to search for specific content. Tap the show you want to watch, and it will stream directly to your phone.
Note that video services delivered over the internet, such as TV Go content accessed through the Xfinity Stream app, are treated the same as any other internet-delivered services like Netflix or Hulu and are subject to data usage plans.
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Cable boxes are rented to customers by cable operators
Xfinity, for example, offers a range of TV boxes with different features for rent at approximately $10 per month, plus a possible additional $10 HD technology fee. This can add up to a significant cost for customers, especially when combined with other fees. However, Xfinity also provides streaming options that do not require a cable box. Customers can use the Xfinity Stream app or watch through their browser on various devices, such as phones, computers, or TVs.
Other cable companies, such as RCN, also charge a monthly fee for renting HD boxes, and this extra cost is something that customers may want to avoid. Aereo, a streaming service available in the New York area, offers an alternative to cable boxes and provides live broadcast TV and other channels in HD without the need for any additional hardware.
Overall, while cable operators commonly rent cable boxes to customers, there are alternative options available, such as streaming services or purchasing your own box, which can help customers avoid the additional cost of renting a cable box.
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Xfinity charges a monthly fee for cable boxes
Xfinity does charge a monthly fee for cable boxes, which can add up over time. The fee for renting a TV box from Xfinity is around $10 per month, or $120 per year. There may also be additional fees, such as an HD technology fee of up to $10 per month, and a DVR service fee of around $8.50 per month. These fees can be avoided by using your own equipment, such as a streaming device or computer, to access Xfinity's streaming app.
Xfinity offers a range of TV boxes with different features, but renting these boxes can be expensive. The monthly fee for the cable box, also known as the "TV Box fee", has increased over time. It was $5 per month in 2021, then increased to $8.50 in 2023, and is now $10 per month as of early 2025. This fee can be avoided by using a third-party streaming device or smart TV with the Xfinity Stream app, which provides access to Xfinity's channel lineup and live TV without the need for a cable box.
The Xfinity Stream app can be downloaded on mobile devices from the Google Play Store and accessed on computers through a web browser. It offers four tabs: Home, Live TV, My Library, and Browse. The Home tab suggests content based on user preferences, while the Live TV tab shows accessible channels. The My Library tab provides access to downloaded or purchased content, and the Browse tab allows for keyword or content searches.
In addition to the cable box fee, Xfinity also charges various other fees, including regulatory fees, broadcast TV fees, and regional sports network fees. These fees are often added to the bill on top of the regular cable package cost. Xfinity also charges an installation fee of $100 for professional installation, although cheaper self-installation options are available.
It is important to note that while the cable box fee can be avoided by using the Xfinity Stream app, there may still be other fees associated with the service, such as the HD technology fee and DVR service fee. These fees can add up, and it is recommended to be aware of them to avoid surprises on the Xfinity bill.
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Off-market TV boxes can be purchased from resellers
Cable operators typically purchase TV boxes from manufacturers, which they then rent out to their customers. However, some of these boxes make their way into the marketplace and are sold by resellers to consumers as "off-market TV boxes". These off-market TV boxes are distinct from retail CableCARD-compatible devices like TiVo, as well as streaming devices such as Roku and Samsung Smart TVs, which are compatible with the Xfinity Stream app.
If you've purchased an off-market TV box from a reseller, it's important to understand Comcast's customer-owned equipment policy. Comcast will only support devices that comply with the requirements outlined in this policy. You can contact Comcast to clarify whether your device meets these requirements. Additionally, activation and troubleshooting guidance can be sought from the reseller. It's worth noting that not all models are supported in every location.
Resellers typically don't provide an on-screen guide with the off-market TV box. However, if an on-screen guide is available in your location and compatible with your box, Comcast will make it available for download free of charge.
If your off-market TV box is HD-compatible and you subscribe to Xfinity TV, you may incur additional charges for HD service. Similarly, if your box is DVR-capable and your Xfinity TV subscription doesn't include DVR service, you'll be charged for DVR service and HD technology.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need to rent a cable box from Xfinity to watch TV. You can use the Xfinity Stream app, which can be downloaded on many devices, to watch Xfinity's channel lineup.
Xfinity charges approximately $10 per month ($120 a year) to rent a TV box. There may also be an additional $10 HD technology fee, depending on the system.
Cable boxes are generally not intended for retail sale to consumers. If you have purchased your own off-market TV box from a reseller, it must comply with Comcast's customer-owned equipment policy for it to be supported.
First, download the Xfinity Stream app from the Google Play Store. Then, sign in using your Xfinity account. Select one of the four tabs at the bottom of the page: Home, Live TV, My Library, or Browse. Tap the show you want to watch, and it will stream directly to your phone or device.
