Luna Harper
Xfinity offers a range of TV boxes with various features, but renting one is not the only way to access their services. You can stream content directly to your phone or computer via the Xfinity Stream app, or by using a streaming device such as a Roku Stick, Apple TV, or the Xfinity Flex streaming box. These options can help you avoid the monthly rental fee for a TV box, which can add up to significant costs over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rental Fee | $10 per month ($120 a year) |
| HD Technology Fee | Nearly $10 per month |
| Alternatives | Xfinity Stream App, Roku Stick, Roku TV, Apple TV, Fire Stick, Smart TV |
| Data Usage | Streaming does not count against internet data usage |
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What You'll Learn
Streaming Xfinity without renting a cable box
Using the Xfinity Stream App
You can stream Xfinity content on your phone, tablet, or computer using the Xfinity Stream app, which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. The app provides access to live TV, your library of purchased or downloaded content, and the ability to browse and search for specific shows or keywords. However, note that the Xfinity Stream app is not compatible with all devices, and some features may not be available when using third-party devices.
Using a Smart TV
Most smart TVs are compatible with the Xfinity Stream app, which can be downloaded directly onto the TV. This allows you to access Xfinity content without the need for a separate streaming device or cable box. Some compatible smart TV brands include Samsung, Sony, LG, Roku TV, and Vizio.
Using a Streaming Device
If you don't have a smart TV, you can use a streaming device such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, or Google Chromecast to access the Xfinity Stream app. Simply connect the streaming device to your TV via HDMI and use the device's app store to download the Xfinity Stream app.
Using the Xfinity Flex Box
The Xfinity Flex box is a free option for customers with Xfinity internet. It connects to your TV via HDMI and allows you to subscribe to live TV. However, it only offers basic channel groups as add-ons to your internet service, and you may not be able to access all the channels available with a traditional cable box.
By utilising these options, you can stream Xfinity content without renting a cable box, saving you the monthly rental fee. However, it's important to note that you will still need to pay for a channel package or TV plan to access Xfinity's content.
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Using the Xfinity Stream app
Xfinity Stream is available to customers with postpaid internet and/or video services. The app can be downloaded on mobile devices from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. It can also be accessed through a web browser on a computer.
Xfinity Stream offers live TV, on-demand movies and TV shows, and DVR capabilities. Users can schedule recordings from any device and download recordings and their movie library to watch offline. The app is also voiceover accessible for visually impaired users.
Xfinity Stream is not compatible with every device. It can be used with a Roku Stick, Roku TV, Apple TV, and the Xfinity Flex streaming box. The Xfinity Flex box connects to a TV via HDMI and is an option for customers with only Xfinity internet.
While the Xfinity Stream app provides access to hundreds of free channels, most popular and in-demand content is locked behind a subscription. Users cannot sign up through the app and must have an account beforehand.
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Compatibility of the Xfinity Stream app
It is not mandatory to rent an Xfinity TV box to access Xfinity channels. The Xfinity Stream app can be downloaded on mobile phones from the Google Play Store and used to watch content. The Xfinity website also states that the app can be used on a partner device such as a Roku Stick, Roku TV, or Apple TV, without counting against your internet data usage.
However, it is important to note that the Xfinity Stream app is not compatible with every device. For example, one user reported that their Amazon Firestick 2nd Generation was not compatible with the app.
If you choose to use the Xfinity Stream app without a cable box, it is recommended that you have unlimited data. This is because streaming content will use data, and without a cable box, all content will be streamed through your internet connection.
Additionally, while there are hundreds of free channels available on Xfinity Stream, most of the popular and in-demand content is locked behind a subscription. You cannot sign up for a subscription through the app, so you must ensure you have an account with Xfinity beforehand.
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Cost of renting an Xfinity box
The cost of renting an Xfinity TV box is $10 per month per box, which is $120 per year per box. This fee is charged regardless of how old or new the box is. In addition to the rental fee, there may also be an HD technology fee of nearly $10.
Xfinity has been criticised for raising the cost of renting TV boxes and modems by almost 20%. However, it is not necessary to rent an Xfinity box to access their content. Xfinity offers a streaming app that can be used on devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire, Chromecast, and Firestick, which can provide access to the Xfinity Stream app instead of a box. By using their own streaming device, customers can avoid the rental fee and only pay the channel package fee each month.
Xfinity also offers the Xfinity Flex streaming box, which is an option for customers with only Xfinity internet. This box connects to a TV via HDMI and works with the Xfinity Voice Remote, offering access to Xfinity's on-demand library and paid subscription services.
For customers who prefer to use a traditional cable box, Xfinity offers a range of different TV boxes with various features. While renting a box can be expensive, it may be a more convenient option for those who do not want to purchase their own streaming device.
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Buying an Xfinity box
If you want to save on rental costs, you can buy your own equipment, although it doesn't have to be from Xfinity. You can use a smart TV or streaming device (like a Roku stick or Apple TV) and use the Xfinity Stream app. You can also buy Xfinity cable TV boxes from third-party stores, although Xfinity doesn't officially endorse these vendors. You can also use your phone or computer to access Xfinity Stream through your browser.
Xfinity charges roughly $10 per month (or $120 a year) to rent a TV box, with a potential additional $10 HD technology fee. The Xfinity Gateway is another option, but it is even more expensive at $14 per month, and it cannot be bought outright. The Xfinity xFi Pod is another option, priced at $119 each or $199 for two, but these require an xFi Gateway to function.
The only Xfinity equipment that can be bought is the xFi Pods. The Xfinity X1 cable box, which includes a voice remote, on-demand content, and streaming apps, is available for $8.50 per month and requires an Xfinity TV plan. Only two X1 models (the ARRIS XG1v4 and ARRIS Xi6) support 4K video.
If you want to watch Xfinity TV in 4K, you will need a 4K-capable X1 box. If you don't need 4K, a standard set-top box will suffice. For Xfinity internet, you can rent a modem/router or an xFi Pod mesh Wi-Fi system, or you can buy your own equipment.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you can watch Xfinity with nothing more than an internet connection and a streaming device. You can download the Xfinity Stream app on a streaming device such as a Roku stick, Apple TV, or Fire Stick.
Using the app means you avoid the monthly rental fee for the box, which is around $10 per month, and you may also avoid the $10 HD technology fee.
The Xfinity Stream app is not compatible with every device. You cannot sign up for a subscription through the app, so you need to have an account beforehand.
You can buy a smart TV with apps such as Sony/Android, Samsung/Galaxy, or LG/Content. You can also get an external streaming box or stick, such as a Roku, Fire, or Apple TV, and plug it into any TV with an HDMI cable.
