How much does Xfinity Internet Essentials cost?

$9.95/month (Internet Essentials) or $14.95/month (Internet Essentials Plus, faster speeds). Applying federal Lifeline drops the net cost to $0.70 or $5.70. No installation fee, no equipment fee, no contract.

Do I have to already be an Xfinity customer?

No. Anyone in Comcast's service area who qualifies can apply — whether you've been an Xfinity customer or not. Current Xfinity customers can transition from regular service to Internet Essentials if they become eligible.

Is Internet Essentials Plus worth the extra $5/mo?

If multiple people in your household stream video, attend online school, or work from home simultaneously, yes. The 50 Mbps standard plan handles 1-2 simultaneous video streams fine; the 100 Mbps Plus plan handles 3-4.

What equipment comes with it?

Comcast ships an xFi Gateway (modem + Wi-Fi router in one unit) at no additional cost. Self-installation is the default — no tech visit required. Professional installation is available for a fee.

Comcast / Xfinity · Updated April 2026

Xfinity Internet Essentials: low-income home internet explained.

Comcast's Xfinity Internet Essentials is the largest low-income internet program in the US — $9.95/month for standard speeds, $14.95/month for Internet Essentials Plus (faster). Qualifying households participate in any federal assistance program or have income at or below 200% FPG.

Apply at Comcast / Xfinity's site

Lifeline is free

You will never pay for the benefit itself. The government pays it directly to your chosen phone provider.

Keep your number

You can bring your current phone number over. Nothing you care about gets left behind.

No spam. No robocalls.

We use your email only for the provider list you asked for and your renewal reminders. We never sell it to advertisers.

Questions? Use our contact form or email [email protected]. We reply within one business day.

How Xfinity Internet Essentials works

Internet Essentials has been Comcast's flagship low-income internet program since 2011. Two tiers: Internet Essentials ($9.95/month, 50 Mbps down) and Internet Essentials Plus ($14.95/month, 100 Mbps down). Includes Wi-Fi equipment at no extra charge. No credit check, no installation fee, no term contract.

Eligibility is broad

Participation in any of these qualifies: SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Section 8 housing, WIC, National School Lunch Program, tribal programs, or households with income at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. Notably broader than Lifeline's 135% FPG cap.

Stacking with federal Lifeline

Yes — apply the $9.25/month federal Lifeline benefit to Xfinity Internet Essentials. Net monthly cost drops to $0.70 (on Internet Essentials) or $5.70 (on Internet Essentials Plus). Apply for Lifeline first via USAC's National Verifier, then transfer the benefit during Xfinity signup.

Coverage

Internet Essentials is available everywhere Comcast provides residential service: 39 states + DC. Unlike AT&T Access which requires AT&T fiber or DSL at your address, if Comcast serves your neighborhood, Internet Essentials is available to you.

Compare other Lifeline-compatible carriers.

$10-30/mo

Xfinity Internet Essentials FAQ.

Check Lifeline eligibility first.

You need federal Lifeline approval before the $9.25/month discount applies to Comcast / Xfinity service. 30 seconds to check.