Internet and Cable Provider First, Security Company Second
Comcast Corporation is a multinational media and technology company. Xfinity is the TV/Internet provider operating under the Comcast company name.
In addition to providing cable, high-speed internet, and internet security, Xfinity Home security systems are also offered with home automation services via its wireless broadband network.
Xfinity Home is convenient for current Xfinity customers in that it can be bundled with other services, and typically at a lower-than-average rate. For non-Xfinity customers, there’s little reason to switch as the rates tend to rise quickly after the first year. Most of their work is subcontracted to reduce costs.
Former and current Xfinity Home customers have written detailed accounts of service delays, billing issues resulting in additional costs, and mediocre customer service.
While the company has several equipment packages and up-to-date technology available—it comes at a price. Based on our analysis of hundreds of user reviews, common customer complaints include: installation problems and delays, billing issues resulting in fees, and poor customer service.
You won’t find any old-school equipment with Xfinity Home Security; the company utilizes cutting-edge technology in each of its packages, including: touch screen wireless keypads, remote thermostat control, window and door sensors and mobile video monitoring via the Xfinity Home app.
Xfinity Home is a bundled feature of Comcast Xfinity and requires users to use Xfinity internet. Whether you have an existing alarm system or would like to add security devices such as window sensors or a motion detector for added protection, Xfinity technicians can help.
Aside from the in-home control panel, customers can arm or disarm their system with the Xfinity mobile app. Live video monitoring, smart thermostats, light control, and more are available with additional equipment.
| Installation | Professional |
| Equipment Manufacturer | Sercomm, Visonic, SMC, Zen, Lutron, august, Chamberlain, Sengled, Philips, Kwikset, GE |
| Ability to Reallocate System | |
| Wireless Sensors | |
| Control Panel | |
| Event Triggered Siren/ Alarm |
Every Xfinity home security system includes 24/7 professional monitoring service. You will also be able to arm, disarm and control your system remotely via the mobile app. With a one-time equipment fee, features like smoke monitoring, live video monitoring via security cameras, additional sensors and devices can be added to your plan. 24/7 video recording with the ability to record, rewind, and review up to ten days of video footage can be added for an additional $9.95/month per camera.
| Monitoring Options | Professional Monitoring |
| Monitoring Technology | Cellular Broadband |
| Monitoring Center Type | Outsourced |
| Professional Monitoring Services | 24/7 Professional Monitoring 2-Way Intercom Fire Department Dispatch Police Dispatch Medical Dispatch |
Although Xfinity’s home security technology is impressive, it comes at a price. For the most part, the company’s monthly rates, equipment, monitoring, and installation fees are higher than leading competitors. Additionally, if anything goes wrong with the system, maintenance and repairs are not covered. Xfinity Home Security offers a variety of different security and home automation packages to best meet each customer’s individual needs. The cost of a 2-year service agreement starts at $39.99. Xfinity Home Security requires a two-year minimum contract, regardless of the package.
Although this contract length is shorter than the industry average of three years, there are some companies that offer a variety of service agreement lengths or do not require a contract at all. A customer’s monthly fee is not locked in for the entire length of the service agreement. Xfinity Home Security reserves the right to increase the fee after the first year of service. Xfinity Home Security offers decent equipment with flexible installation options. However, those who are not existing Xfinity customers will be required to utilize other Xfinity services in order to take advantage of the company’s home security features.
Additionally, customers are required to sign into a two-year contract with no price-lock guarantee, so they may experience rate increases after the first year. If you are comfortable installing your own system and would like to save a little cash, Xfinity Home Security gives you the option to perform a DIY installation at no cost. However, if you would prefer to have professional installation for your home security system, Xfinity offers professional installations for its customers at $99.
| Monthly Fee (min) | $24.99 |
| Monthly Fee (max) | Undisclosed |
| Number of Available Packages | 1 |
| Installation/ Activation Fee | $50.00 |
| Equipment Starting Cost | $0.00 |
| Contract Required | |
| Minimum Contract Length | 24 months |
| Cancellation Policy | If you cancel or downgrade any services included with your package before the agreement expires, you will be billed the early termination fee specified in the agreement, unless you cancel within the first 30 days after installation or activation, as applicable. |
| Warranty | 30 days after the installation |
Contract & Price Fine Print
Comcast only offers one plan for its Xfinity Home Security monitoring services.
Comcast systems can be accessed and controlled remotely via their iOS and Android apps, which send email and text alerts, as well as live surveillance feeds for packages including cameras, and remote arm/disarm. Comcast also provides some home automation features in their plans. Their devices are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Zigbee.
Comcast only has an Underwriter’s Laboratory certification. Their BBB grade is A.
| Trust Pilot Rating | 6.1 out of 10 |
| BBB Rating | A |
| Number of BBB Positive Reviews | 308 |
| Number of BBB Neutral Reviews | 35 |
| Number of BBB Negative Reviews | 1,292 |
| Date Collected | 2017-08-17 |
| Year Founded | 1963 |
Overall Score