Xfinity Home offers flexible options to customize your home security, including a myriad of smart home integration and home automation options for the tech-savvy homeowner. With both self-monitoring and pro-monitoring options at various levels and no contracts, you can get even more savings on home security plans when you bundle with Xfinity internet, TV and streaming, mobile and home phone services.
Xfinity Home offers two types of home security service plans: Self Protection (self-monitoring) and Xfinity Home Security (pro-monitoring). There are no service term contracts with Xfinity, so you can switch between Self and Pro-monitored security solutions at any time.
Xfinity Home Security requires an internet connection to provide communication with your home security equipment, as well as the company’s server, in case of alarm. You are able to subscribe to a different Internet service provider if you choose. In the event of a power outage or spotty Wi-Fi, your touchscreen controller, which is the primary equipment, has a cellular backup for up to 24-hours that provides connection to your home security system. Not all home security companies rely on Wi-Fi, specifically because it can be spotty, so if you aren’t secure in your internet connection, this may not be the home security provider for you.
Overall, Xfinity Home Security seems to be an effective choice if Xfinity is going to be your provider for Internet and other related services, as the bundled deals are going to make your dollar go the farthest. If not, there may be more cost-effective options out there, including more equipment choices, that also won’t lock you into a term contract.
Pros
- Excellent for integrating multiple smart home systems
- Self-monitoring starts at $10 per month; pro monitoring at $30 per month
- No term contracts
Cons
- Lack of transparency in equipment pricing online and lack of equipment choices
- Poor customer support
- Lots of initial equipment price add-ons in addition to monitoring costs
At a Glance
Xfinity’s parent company, Comcast, is a global technology company that offers Internet, TV and streaming, mobile, home and phone services.
According to the company’s history timeline, Comcast was founded in 1963 when Ralph J. Roberts, an entrepreneur, purchased a community-antenna TV system in Tupelo, Mississippi, which was named American Cable Systems. In 1969, the company rebranded as Comcast Corporation and incorporated in Pennsylvania. The company went public in 1972 and traded on the NASDAQ stock market for the first time. By 1988, Comcast had become the nation’s fifth-largest cable company.
In 2011, Comcast and General Electric completed their transaction to form NBCUniversal, LLC., in which Comcast acquired a 51% ownership stake. Two years later, Comcast announced their acquisition of GE’s 49% equity ownership interest and celebrated its 50th anniversary as a company.
With Xfinity, Comcast’s mission is “to deliver the best in internet, entertainment, voice, mobile and home management, all working together to give customers instant access to the things that matter most — anywhere, anytime.” Xfinity Home is an integral part of this technology system, operating best when powered by Xfinity internet and paired with other technology services under the same parent company.
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How Does Xfinity Home Security Work?
Xfinity Home offers a comprehensive security system incorporating door and window sensors, cameras and locks. The system is designed to be easy to install and use, with an intuitive interface providing information about your home’s security status.
Active 24/7, the security system will automatically trigger alerts to a central monitoring center during emergencies. Professionals at the monitoring center will promptly contact homeowners and dispatch emergency services if necessary.
With the dedicated Xfinity Security mobile app, you can remotely monitor your home, receive real-time alerts and control various aspects of your security system and smart home devices. This technology allows you to manage your home’s security and automation features from anywhere in the world.
Xfinity Home Security Equipment
Xfinity Home Security Equipment offers a robust suite of devices designed to fortify the safety and security of residences. From sensors that detect unauthorized access to cameras providing real-time monitoring and much more, the equipment encompasses a range of features.
Sensors
Xfinity’s advanced door and window sensors are made to help protect your home from unauthorized entry. These sensors can distinguish small and subtle movements, effectively identifying when doors or windows are opened or closed.
- Door sensors: Xfinity’s door sensors provide seamless monitoring of entry points, instantly detecting and notifying homeowners of any door activity.
- Window sensors: Xfinity’s window sensors step up your home security game by detecting any opening or closing of windows.
Cameras
Xfinity’s camera range includes a variety of wireless options for both indoor and outdoor surveillance. They also feature high-definition video recording, motion detection and two-way audio.
Locks
Remotely controlled door locks are another essential component of Xfinity Home Security. Like Xfinity cameras, these locks feature high-definition video recording, motion detection and two-way audio. These locks can be controlled through the system’s mobile app, enabling users to lock or unlock doors from a distance.
Fine Print
Xfinity Home Security offers a limited warranty, provided by its parent company Comcast Broadband Security, LLC.
This covers Xfinity-branded security, monitoring, automation or control devices and equipment that were purchased from or provided by Comcast and are connected to an Xfinity Home service at that same address. Covered equipment also includes security, monitoring, automation or control devices or equipment owned by the policy owner that are certified as an Xfinity Home technician as free from defects, (“Certified”) as part of an Xfinity Home system.
This limited warranty lasts for 30 days from the date the equipment was installed, fulfilled or “Certified” and automatically renews each month for the duration of Xfinity Home service of 12 months, whichever is shorter.
This warranty does not apply to the leased Xfinity Touchscreen, which is covered by limited warranty until your Xfinity Home service is canceled or terminated. The limited warranty is extended and applies only to the original purchaser or subscriber of Xfinity Home services.
If any equipment fails to operate due to a defect or “Operational Failure,” it is up to Comcast’s discretion to repair or replace the equipment with similar equipment of comparable features and functionality, which may include new, refurbished or remanufactured equipment. Comcast may require the return of the defective equipment in order to issue replacement equipment, but they will cover the shipping cost of the return.
This limited warranty does not cover equipment connected to Xfinity Home service that was purchased from a third party and that was not “Certified” and integrated into the home security system by an Xfinity technician.
Plan Pricing
Self Protection starts at $10 per month and offers live and recorded video, real-time motion notifications and 24/7 video recording. You can connect and check in on your cameras from anywhere with the Xfinity app. Equipment is sold separately, and only works with cameras purchased from Xfinity; a touchscreen controller is not an option with this plan.
NOTE: Since Xfinity has started consolidating all of its application support into a single smartphone app call xFinity app, there have been reports that most functionality no longer works especially in the Xfinity home security section.
Home Security/Plus with Professional Monitoring service options start at $30 per month and increase according to your add-ons, averaging around $40 to $50 per month. Security is powered by Xfinity Wi-Fi and comes with 24/7 monitoring and fast response times. Equipment costs are not included in this monitoring plan. The Professionally-monitored solution is installed by expert Xfinity technicians. Here are the most popular packages:
- Base Home System: $360. You have the option to divide payments into $15 per month for 24 months. This plan includes: three window/door sensors, one motion sensor and one touchscreen controller.
- Complete Home System: $480. You have the option to divide payments into $20 per month for 24 months. This plan includes: five window/door sensors, one motion sensor, one touchscreen controller, one wireless keypad and one camera.
- Ultimate Home System: $600. You have the option to divide payments into $25 per month for 24 months. This plan includes: 10 window/door sensors, one motion sensor, one touchscreen controller, one wireless keypad and two cameras.
Installation
The Pro-monitoring plans come with, and require, professional installation. (Your warranty on equipment will not apply with any other installation route.) The Self Protection plan does not offer professional installation.
Setup Process
The set-up process for you Xfinity Home Security system is designed to ensure a seamless installation experience that doesn’t require any technical ability, so you can get the system up and running without having to hire an electrician or IT expert. From unboxing the components to strategically placing sensors and connecting to your Wi-Fi network, Xfinity’s step-by-step guide guides you through the process, emphasizing a DIY approach.
- Unboxing: Upon receiving your Xfinity Home Security system, begin by unboxing the components to ensure all necessary devices, sensors and alarm panels are present.
- Connecting to Wi-Fi router: Xfinity Home Security systems leverage wireless connectivity. Connect the security devices to your home Wi-Fi network, ensuring continuous communication between devices and the central monitoring hub for an integrated and secure network.
- Strategically placing sensors: Strategically position Xfinity’s sensors in key locations around your home to secure entry points and areas prone to potential threats.
- Mobile App setup: Xfinity’s mobile app empowers users to manage and control their security system remotely. Download the mobile app to link it to your security system, enabling on-the-go management and real-time alerts.
- Testing the system: Prioritize system testing to ensure its proper functionality. Activate each sensor and verify prompt signals to the alarm panel. If professional monitoring services are included, test the connection to the monitoring center for comprehensive assurance.
- Customize settings: Xfinity’s user-friendly interface allows for easy customization of settings. Customize arming and disarming schedules, notification preferences and other security features to align with your specific needs and routines.
Add-ons and Upgrades
Additional cameras cost $120 each and can be added onto any plan with monthly payment options for up to 24 months.
Video Storage
Xfinity Home cameras enable 24/7 video recording. This allows you to review up to a week of footage with all the Self Protection or Home Security Plus options.
Smartphone Controls and Smart Home Integration
Xfinity Home offers two apps with which you can monitor and control your home security system from anywhere at any time: the Xfinity app or the Xfinity Home app. According to the Xfinity website, you can set real-time notifications for when doors or windows are opened or when motion is detected. You can also create home automation “scenes” to activate everything you need based upon your schedule, such as for bedtimes, mornings and more. (Think: unlock the door, turn up the thermostat or turn on or off lights before you enter and after you leave.)
Xfinity has a huge range of home compatible devices to pair with your lighting, locators, locks and thermostats.
Xfinity Customer Service & Support
Whether you need help with billing, technical support for your home security system or guidance on setup, Xfinity’s customer service team is ready to help you out. You can access all of this through multiple channels: phone, online chat or even in person at one of its local stores.
Additionally, users can access an extensive online knowledge base and community forums for self-help and community engagement.
How Xfinity Home Security Stacks Up
Here’s a look at how Xfinity Home Security compares to some of the other major players in the space:
According to an Xfinity Assistant via Live Chat, the new camera that Xfinity offers is a Sercomm SCHC2AEW, and it is designed specifically for use with Xfinity xFi or Xfinity Home. It can be used for indoor and outdoor security needs. This camera supports viewing live video, Self Protection, 24/7 video recording, motion notifications and two-way audio, which means that when the sound is turned on, you can talk and listen while viewing live video footage. To pair this camera, use the Xfinity app or Xfinity Home app.
Both the Self or Pro-monitoring plans enable you to stay connected with the Xfinity app or Xfinity Home app, where you can check in and control your devices. (You can also connect them to your TV with the Xfinity Voice Remote.) It is also easy to combine Xfinity products with other popular smart home devices.
Some potential drawbacks that we noticed are the lack of consistent quality and difficulty finding effective customer support via Xfinity’s Live Chat. When we entered the chat as a prospective customer, the Xfinity Assistant was unable to adequately or accurately answer basic plan and equipment questions that we had. This was an entirely different user experience when speaking with an Xfinity agent upon selecting the Live Chat as an existing customer, where more of our questions could be resolved. We found that the Xfinity website isn’t fully upfront or transparent about the additional cost add-ons or type of security equipment (the quality of your cameras matters), nor is it clear about customers’ ability to choose other Internet providers to pair with Xfinity Home Security (confirmed: you can have any internet provider).
Is Xfinity the Right Home Security Company for You?
If you love bundling all of your home technology in the same system, including and especially when it comes to smart home integration, Xfinity Home may be the right home security company for you.
If you’re an existing Xfinity customer and have Xfinity internet, bundling your home security in your plan will be a breeze, and likely a cost-effective option, too.
It’s also worth a glance-over if you love home automation services, such as controlling your lights, locks, thermostats and more with either your smartphone or via a scheduled routine.
Though the Self Protection plan is inexpensive, starting at $10 per month, you still do most of the heavy lifting and all of the monitoring yourself. Plus, you have to purchase Xfinity cameras.
The Pro-monitoring plans offer the benefits of agents monitoring your home security for you, and average only $20 to $40 more per month. If you can’t always be checking your home video cameras and want the peace of mind that a professional can sound the alarm and dispatch for help while you’re dealing with a potential emergency, those options offer the most security.
If you are looking for a no contract home security plan, but aren’t already an Xfinity customer, there are more cost-effective options with less expensive and more customizable equipment options.
To help you with your decision, we’ve reviewed more than 20 of the best indoor security cameras available and ranked the five top performers here.
Featured Partners
1
Vivint
Customer Reviews
Excellent
Contract Required
Yes
Lowest Monitoring Price
$19.99
2
Frontpoint
Customer Reviews
Great
Contract Required
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Lowest Monthly Pro Monitoring Fees
$34.99
3
Simplisafe
Customer Reviews
Great
Contract Required
No
Lowest Monitoring Price
$19.99
Methodology
Brief methods explanation: To determine this ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed third-party data on dozens of home security companies, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including:
- Cost/Contracts (20%)
- Customer Reviews and Reputation (BBB/Trustpilot/Customer Affairs) (20%)
- Options and Equipment (20%)
- Customer Support (15%)
- Features/Smart Home Integration (10%)
- App Reviews (10%)
- Warranty (5%)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Xfinity a good home security system?
Yes, Xfinity Home is a good home security system based on great customer reviews and home protection services. They currently seem to lack equipment options and customizations but cover basic home security needs (monitoring your home). They excel in their ability to integrate and automate with smart home devices.
How much does Xfinity cost a month?
Self-monitoring plans start at $10 per month, with the add-on cost of cameras.
Pro-monitoring plans start at $30 per month, with the add-on cost of cameras.
How long is Xfinity Security Contract?
There are no term contracts with Xfinity Home security plans.
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