Figuring out Xfinity's TV packages is like navigating a maze. The offers often change, the plan names differ per location, and the additional fees are notoriously written in the finest of prints, so sometimes it's not until checking out (or even after!) that you learn about the required broadcast fee, for instance, or the need for TV boxes.
Enter this explainer. In this guide, we'll try our best to explain the Comcast internet provider's most popular live TV package, Xfinity Choice TV, and clarify who can get it, how to get it, and what comes with it. With this, we hope not only to simplify the scattered information about Xfinity Choice TV out there, but also to help you decide whether or not this is the cord-cutting service best suited to your needs.
Summary:
- Price: $53.8 per month ($20 base fee + $26.30 broadcast fee + $7.50 DVR rental fee)
- Channels: More than 10 channels, including ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC
- How to sign up: You can sign up on their website
What is Xfinity Choice TV exactly?
Xfinity Choice TV (known as "The Basic Plan" in some regions) is the most affordable of the three TV plans Xfinity offers. It includes all local and some national channels, including ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, and it comes with 20 hours of cloud DVR. It is as basic as live TV gets, so if you're gunning for something simple, this could be an ideal option for you.
Who can get Xfinity Choice TV?
Anyone with a subscription to Xfinity Internet and access to a TV box can subscribe to Choice TV.
If you don't have the latter just yet, you can include one when checking out the Xfinity Choice TV plan online. Previously, Xfinity Flex was the most popular TV box the service offered, but since it's been discontinued, the X1 TV box is now the most likely TV box you'll be asked to get.
How much does Xfinity Choice TV cost?
Despite being advertised as a $20/month plan, a subscription to Xfinity Choice TV requires you to pay a broadcast TV fee, which costs around $26.30/month, and rent a TV box, which starts at $7.50/month. This means that the price of Xfinity Choice TV is exactly $53.8 per month.
Keep in mind, however, that the price is still exclusive of taxes, which can range from $3 to $4. You'll also need to agree to paperless billing to enjoy the $20/month price. Otherwise, you'll be billed an extra $10. Finally, if you go beyond the allocated 20 hours on your DVR, you will be charged another $10.
Can you get Xfinity Choice TV without a TV box?
No, you'll need a receiver of some kind to access the channels on your plan. It doesn't have to be an Xfinity device, though we'd argue the Xfinity X1 is actually good value for money, as far as DVRs go.
Can you get Xfinity Choice TV without local channels?
No, Xfinity Choice TV comes with local channels, so whether you want to or not, you'll have to pay the monthly $26.30 broadcast TV fee.
Channel lineup
Xfinity Choice TV promises "10+" channels, but that varies per region. For the purposes of this guide, we used an address located on the West Coast to find available channels.
- CBC
- C-SPAN
- C-SPAN2
- Discovery Channel
- FETV
- Family Movie Classics
- Gem Shopping Network
- Hallmark Channel
- Home Shopping Network
- Jewelry TV
- PBS
- Catchy Comedy
- MeTV
- True Crime Network
- Quest
- Cozy TV
- Telemundo
- CW
- Charge!
- Music Choice
- QVC
- SonLife
- The Weather Channel
What channels can I add to my base Xfinity Choice TV package?
You can enhance your lineup by adding any of the premium and sports channels listed below. If you're more of a sports person, you can explore Xfinity's $10 sports package here, and if you're interested in international content, you can explore their foreign channel packages here.
- HBOMax
- Starz
- Showtime
- Cinemax
- The Movie Channel
- Epix
- NFL Network
- NBA TV
- ESPN Goal line
- MLB Network
- GOLF
- NHL Network
- NASCAR
- HBO Boxing
How to subscribe to Xfinity Choice TV?
You can subscribe to Xfinity Choice TV online on their website. You can also call them, live chat with them on their site, or visit a branch.
Which local channels are available on Xfinity Choice TV?
Depending on your area, Xfinity Choice TV is likely to come with ABC, CBS, Fox, PBS, and NBC local channels.
What is the difference between Xfinity Choice TV, Popular TV, and Ultimate TV?
Choice TV is the most basic TV plan Xfinity has to offer. The next tier, Popular TV, makes a giant leap from offering 10 channels to 125+ channels, including ESPN, Bravo, and TBS. Meanwhile, Ultimate TV offers more than 185+ channels, including NBA TV and the Disney Channel. They cost $50 and $68.50 per month, respectively.
Does Xfinity Choice TV have a trial period?
Yes, sort of. Instead of billing it as a free trial, though, Xfinity calls it a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not happy with what you have, you can cancel it within the time period and get a refund. But as is the case with Xfinity, you'll have to read the fine print very carefully here to avoid surprise payments.