Xfinity Stream App Review - Free Alternative to Expensive Cable Rental Boxes!

[@jeffreykoerber6595]

I work in IT at a university and we use the Xfinity Stream app for our resident students and they seem to like it and rarely need help. It’s so much easier to support than our old ClearQAM setup where students had to have a TV with a ClearQAM tuner (and it’s difficult to tell if a TV supports it because it’s typically only listed in the manual and not on the box) and they have to scan for channels and lots of other problems can crop up with that kind of a system.

[@eagles725]

Not all heroes wear capes. You are the best Lon!

[@MyYTUserID]

One thing that you did not mention is that when you are watching Live TV there is not a pause, rewind, or fast forward feature like you could with the X1 or other DVRs. It only works with recorded shows. But it will give you an option to restart a movie from the beginning if it is available to watch on demand.

[@chalabrooks5433]

This is true and a main reason I haven't given up the X1 DVR yet. Also, they need to add thumbnails when you fast forward and rewind so you can see where your at. These 2 things for me is why we still have our boxes. I've tried to give feedback to push the issue but I haven't found a good location to offer it.

[@jasonsfalsetto7343]

I have tried both FireTV and Roku for Xfinity Stream. I do have my primary X1 box on my main TV, but use a Roku in my bedroom. It works seamlessly, and has for three years now. I tried it on the FireTV platform, which has improved but is still lagging behind in comparison to Roku. One thing to note is Xfinity Stream works really well on Fire Tablets. Recordings at times can lag, but streaming or watching OnDemand work with little issue.

[@robwinemiller9712]

funny you stated this, we do the same exact thing as you do, just not ready to give up the dvr box and the use of instant live programs yet at my finger tips, lol. but we recently have had issues with the roku's buffering, and never did before. still have decent wifi signal, and have actually upgraded wifi stuff, and get better numbers but still buffer. wondering if these devices from roku only last couple years. not huge deal, but strange. tried the walmart version of streaming device called ONN, but found out the hard way that they do not except the xfinity app, uughghghghg. guess will try same old roku device, hopefully fixes my issues after weeks of rebooting, resetting, all our devices and no change.

[@morphingtime2000]

Thank you for posting this video lol. Had no idea this was part of my xfinity. Only thing I noticed is that 99 percent of the live channels are not free to watch. I do like how I can watch some free movies and shows though.

[@michaelkaiser5994]

I’m surprised that you didn’t speak about the Comcast Flex box. I believe you can drop cable if you use it. I believe you have to pay for tv if you just use the app (Roku),which I use in my bedroom. I also use a TiVo and my own modem.

[@daveschmarder-1950]

Hey Lon, so you got Comcast's no service guarantee? Fortunately I'm with the second worst cable company, Spectrum. In 2012 I found out that I could save $5 (at the time) if I bought my own modem, which I did. In early 2015 I discovered that I could buy a Roku box and send their stuff back to them. More savings. Between all this stuff, I have saved thousands! One thing to do is save the return of equipment records FOREVER.

[@sinusguy]

Is there no remote to directly type a channel in the stream app? Like to go from say channel 45 to channel 501?

[@gildaslefur2435]

I'm interested to see what will happen when her contract expires. If you end up switching her to something else, I will be interested to know what you have chosen.

[@cc103acs]

Hey Lon, I may have missed something. I have Comcast Internet only and downloaded this as I was excited to see our locals. When I brought it up there were just junk channels that I would never watch. So I suspect your mom is still under contract for basic TV with Comcast. Will she keep this or will you look for another option when her contract is up?

[@LonSeidman]

Yes you need a TV plan on your account.

[@bonny_grayson]

Was wondering what the junk channels were exactly because I was going to get internet only for my dad and just use the Xfinity stream for his old TV shows and news.

[@jaredhuang2225]

Lon, you could probably take a look at another relative's bill and do the same video. I really enjoyed it and have had similar experiences with my parents. I'm sure you could churn out a series on this but I think you could limit it to 2-5 videos per year on the subject, otherwise it would get somewhat repetitive. Maybe have a look at moving your relatives over to VOIP if they're still paying for a landline.

[@n1kkri]

Anyone that has this capability is really lucky. I have been asking COX for 5 years now for it. They always have some excuse why they can't do it. It's BS. I have seen this several years ago visiting some relatives in Florida who have Spectrum cable. With the cost of cable TV so expensive you would think the cable companies would want to do whatever it takes to save some money and not lose customers.

[@somemovingpictures]

I have my own cable modem and use Tivo for cable TV. It's costs much more up front, but after several years of doing so, I am on the positive side of things. But, there is a problem, as soon as my M-card goes belly up, I am out of luck. Comcast/Xfinity is no longer required by law to support or supply M-cards, and if they don't have to, you can be sure they won't. Here's hoping the thing will last a few years more. It is well beyond me why Xfinity seems to be hell bent on remaining something that consumers want to run away from.

[@jasonf87]

Broadcast TV is slowly going to be all IP based. Some areas it has already happened. The broadcasts will be similar to streaming, rather than feeds on specific RF frequencies. M-cards are old technology, so it wouldn’t make sense to keep supporting them. If anything, to keep supporting them would hinder any new technological progress.

[@josephfrechette9916]

I use a tablo for local TV. I get 48 over the air channels with two weeks of guide data, streaming / recording 4 channels at a time and commercial skip on recordings for $7 a month. Then I fill us apps like pluto and filmrise.

[@davidsalinas2776]

Thank you so much this really saves me money 💰

[@amorris1970]

I still say you could save a lot money by getting internet only from you internet provider. There would be a learning curve. But you would save a tin of money.

[@EthanReilly]

Why doesn't Comcast offer Xfinity Stream as a standalone without Xfinity cable Internet?

[@faengelm]

Great review. Is there a way to use this app to remotely help your mom watch a show? Will it also turn on/off her TV and remotely adjust the volume?

[@Eternal_Tech]

I have personally returned cable boxes to an Xfinity store, and Comcast still continued to bill me for them. Fortunately, I saved the receipts they gave me when I returned the cable boxes, so I was able to have the unjust charges removed from my bill, but of course they wasted my time with this. In addition, other people in my area (central New Jersey) have had the same problem. Furthermore, this has been an ongoing issue for years now. At this point, I do not think it is incompetence, but criminal behavior. The federal government would do a lot of good if they spent less time, energy, and money going after TikTok, but went after Comcast instead. After all, TikTok has never unfairly charged me, over-charged me, or charged me at all. I guess TikTok has not -bribed- lobbied as much as Comcast.

[@ebodelson]

Comcast (Commiecast the Communist company) I couldn’t agree more with your frustration. Comcast’s failure to acknowledge the return of your cable boxes and adjust the billing is incredibly disappointing. It’s a glaring example of the lack of effective customer service that many people experience. As a major service provider, Comcast should prioritize customer satisfaction and support. Their track record, including their stance on net neutrality and customer service issues, raises concerns about their commitment to consumers. It’s unfortunate to see a company with such a significant role in providing internet and media services falling short in these areas. This situation highlights the need for a broader reevaluation of how public companies, particularly those based in the U.S., approach customer service. Being publicly traded should come with a responsibility to provide excellent service and treat customers fairly, rather than focusing solely on cost-cutting measures. Thank you for shedding light on this issue. It’s crucial for companies like Comcast to improve their practices and uphold a higher standard of customer care.

[@Pbos209]

Great info. Question for you, do I have to keep the “main” comcast box, or can I get rid of all of them? I have a “main” box in the living room and 2 small boxes in other rooms. Thanks!!

[@danielcolon9291]

You can get rid of all boxes including the main box

[@bbgarnettTotallyNotABot]

Wish you could have a remote with number buttons and just type in the number of the channel. If they had that my Grandma might actually try it and like it since that's a requirement for her is being able to type in the channel number.

[@LonSeidman]

This is a big issue - the lack of numbers. I'm hearing this a lot from folks both on the consumer and industry side.

[@fred-youtube]

Can she use the guide just fine? If so, no problem, if not, show her that you press the button, move to the channel you want then press OK.

[@davedillehunt1807]

Great video. Is there any kind of integration with Plex?

[@samreisner]

So - do you still have Gigabit Pro / X6 Internet? The xfinity stream app on my Apple TV insists that I'm not on my home internet network when I am. I suspect it's because my IP address is effectively Comcast business. I've spent 20 hours on the phone, on chat, in twitter .. trying to resolve it, but no luck.

[@LonSeidman]

Email me at [e-mail] I have a contact for it

[@pepethepatriot7524]

I dropped Xfinity cable years ago after they promised I would get a certain number of channels (they gave me a list of all of the channels I would get) then didn't enable those channels at all! They wouldn't turn the channels on for me as they said the "package changed" (it didn't change in the gap it took for me to look at their channel list they promised me and me paying for the package). I ended going all the way up to the state level (consumer protection) and the state actually FORCED Xfinity to turn those channels on for me. Talk about garbage customer service thinking they could get away with scamming me (and probably many others!). I will never give them a cent for cable ever again!

[@asan1050]

Thanks Much !

[@TheGhostPlanet]

I have a amazon fire stick and when I try to open the Xfinity App now (worked last week) it tells me to download new version so when I go to download it says its unavailable. I do have a Xfinity X1 box in the living room but I just want to view it in the bedroom using my firestick. Any suggestions?

[@JJHide-z4g]

I have xfinity TV service at home, but I wanted to use the stream product at a second home in a state that doesn't have xfinity. It seems you can not use a Roku to stream Xfinity, but does it work if I get a Firestick device?

[@OZRIC1985]

Does the remote control allow for simply typing in a channel number (on the remote itself) so that the TV goes straight to that channel? Going through menus to get to TV channels is tedious, unenjoyable, and a total drain on time. Is there no way to simply turn on the TV with the remote and have it go straight to TV as well as the last channel it was on before turning the TV off the previous time? Also, can an old TV box from a previous cable TV provider be used to get to the TV channels? I'm asking all of these questions because I'm working on getting Comcast Xfinity services (TV, Internet, Home Phone, and Mobile Phone) for my 86-year-old mom's house, and just simply trying to order these services has been a long-lasting nightmare. We have ordered the TV boxes and the modem, but it's not so clear when it comes to connecting the TV boxes and the Internet. We have connected to everything using ethernet cables with our existing (soon to be previous) provider. I don't know if we have all the coaxial wall outlets in the 4 rooms where we want to connect TVs. Do you know if there is a way to connect all of the TVs using existing only existing ethernet cables? Also, does the price for all of the services dramatically go up after a year or two? Thanks!

[@ricklawson5631]

I would use the stream app, except their are no thumbnails during rewind or fast forward, so you can’t tell when to stop.

[@JohnTessandori]

How can I scroll through the channels while they’re on not the guide? I want to scroll the channels while they’re on on Xfinity stream with Roku.

[@ak2112]

Have been using stream app on ROKU for years and it's gotten really bad. Volume issues, audio sync issues and the mini guide not working regularly. Comcast is aware of these issues and they say its a Roku issue. Roku says its a comcast issue. I'm about to give up on Roku and try the apple tv.

[@westondaniel]

Not really free, you still need a Comcast channel subscription.

[@BassRck50-xv8iz]

Yeah, Really Lon!

[@girliedog]

I want to make ALL CHANNELS from the Xfinity App the start-up page when I turn my TV on. Is that possible? (This is to make things easier for my husband who has dementia>)

[@jorgeb555]

Lon, I am confused. I have a ROKU tv and I see now that I have the Xfinity streaming App and it works. What I don’t get is if/how I am paying for it and what will happen if I cancel my Xfinity “cable”. Can someone help with this. I had a very bad experience trying to talk to Xfinity which is why I’m watching this. Thanks!

[@LonSeidman]

If you cancel the cable TV side it should stop working. I think they're able to connect your Internet account to your cable subscription based on the cable modem or assigned IP address.

[@jorgeb555]

@@LonSeidman Yeah, that’s what I figured. Seemed too good to be true. Alas, there seem to be benefits for using the streaming app, especially as we don’t watch that many channels. Thanks for your response!

[@n1kkri]

What channels do they block if your watching the app on your cell phone when your not at home? Has Xfinity mentioned anything about how much data per month your allowed. I think the cable companies will use this as a way to get more money.

[@radiodxer]

He mentioned this in the video. They won’t go against the data cap if you’re not watching the streaming channels at the bottom

[@AllenSchoepflin]

Warning this requires you to pay for an xfinity service to use.

[@calm1047]

Ofcourse.

[@TheKingOfInappropriateComments]

Am I the only one that thinks about data caps? I was curious so I kept a TV on for 8 hours a day streaming HD video and I nearly hit the data cap 3 weeks into the month. And Xfinity kind of buries that usage so it's hard to keep an eye on it. You have to basically go through the chatbot now and ask it. Streaming is cool and all if you're a cord cutter but it's just too slow and laggy, the interface is a mess and it gobbles up way too much data.

[@LonSeidman]

They claim this doesn't count against the cap - are you sure you weren't on a TVGO channel?

[@TheKingOfInappropriateComments]

@@LonSeidman i was watching Bloomberg! Because I'm ultra sophisticated.

[@fred-youtube]

@@TheKingOfInappropriateComments If it has the "TV Go" label, then it does count, otherwise it doesn't.

[@KarenSmith-on6xo]

The only problem with the Xfinity Stream app on the ROKU and Firestick is the watching the DVR, on the Roku you can’t forward fast a recording to as the thumbnail on the screen doesn’t move to see where you can continue the recording. My IPAD has the smart resume on the xfinity stream but on Firestick and Roku it should have the smart resume but it doesn’t so it is impossible to really watch a recording and forward fast through commercials.

[@429Spark]

Hi, so my problem is that when I'm trying to DVR on Xfinity stream on my fire stick Max and Roku ,will not give me an option for recording 😢 only to watch and info or mini guide! ? I'm pretty good with this stuff and I went left and right and it's still not letting me do it.. Am o doing something wrong? I greatly appreciate any feedback.. thanks

[@429Spark]

Hmmm...i just noticed that everything is working properly an do do have a record icon but my Tennis Chanel is the only one that doesn't record but it did with platform X1 before... So probably I will have to call the Xfinity for them to check this issue.. great presentation and very knowledgeable for people that are not to savvy with technology 👍

[@igorfreytor1]

What if I have Altice or another cable provider. Everyone in the country could listen to you. Yet you only target a small segment that has Xfinity cable.

[@bobbyh15]

I know the feeling with Xfinity I really hate them I order a replacement router three times never got it called them and they still charge me for the replacement ones luckily a new internet service has just opened up in my area I'm canceling my Xfinity

[@elliothass7000]

Do you need cable to use this. I am in El Paso, Tx. I don’t have cable.

[@LonSeidman]

Yes

[@MrJuanJito]

You dont need any type of subscription?

[@mikestone140]

Hi I have a fire stick I put the Xfinity app on it but it's not working it says I need version 6.0 it worked the other day and now it's not

[@oaktownstunna]

Would it work on nividia shield ?

[@BlaqViper]

Does the Stream app stream any programming in 4K?

[@patshipp9195]

When I had cable before I would switch from the company I had to another one available for the savings. Once my contract was up for the new company I switched back getting a welcome back discount as well as an affordable bill, always keeping my bill under $100.00. 💖💖👍👍🙏🙏👍👍💖💖

[@SivanardJongvilai]

Watching this I'm so envious and pitied for Americans at the same time. they have first-class top-tier IPTV services but still, have to worry about internet data caps just to watch TV in the year 2023 😂

[@Eternal_Tech]

If you want to have real pity for Americans, just look into their healthcare system.

[@michaelwyckoff7593]

Hey Lon that ONN 4K streaming cube with Google is okay. Especially for the low price. I bought one myself and I like it.

[@robwinemiller9712]

how did you get the xfinity app, i tried last night and it said it was not available

[@each1-teach1]

will this work in the UK?

[@Charly_Z]

Why can't I log in to the app if I no longer have xfinity service I have movies bought through them

[@mannyteixeira2660]

Lon, you're a life safer

[@royboyll]

HL Lon can you please make the NFC Android video I'm looking forward to hearing how they work on that platform. Thanks great channel👍UK viewer

[@jasonluong3862]

Define “free”.

[@J1c80]

Cant find the app on my Google chrome tv

[@inquizative44]

I need a service with Regional Sports service.

[@1mezion]

It won't work on Samsung and lg tv that's a large percentage of the tv viewing public

[@arciefan]

On mobile stream no full screen option on my samsung a54. Can you imagine you tube without full screen

[@fred-youtube]

Try turning on auto rotate then turn the phone sideways

[@arciefan]

@@fred-youtube I called xfinity and a tech told me to put it on hd(high definitiion) in settings and this worked. Also you can only stream the tv go channels, which there are quite a few of them.

[@GenX_US_Marine]

I hate this streaming app on my apple TV. It freezes up way to much for my liking. It's the only app on my apple TV that freezes up all the time. I've tried everything from wiping everything out and redownloading apps to different cables. I did a lot of research on this app and I'm not the only one experiencing this. That app needs to be fixed and adjusted, because right now it's in the complete garabge level.

[@calm1047]

That's a Apple problem!

[@GenX_US_Marine]

@@calm1047 Possibly, but you can’t download this app on a smart TV. I have a Sony Bravia TV and the app isn’t in the google store. For whatever reason you need a streaming device….Apple, Roku etc…

[@alliescannell8464]

Fire TV

[@larrywilkerson9987]

Comcast is Xfinity so you’re not getting rid of Comcast it’s still Xfinity is the same company

[@BenjermanKulandaisamy]

Why go through all this trouble to stay with a company that generally does not care about you?

[@MrX8503]

Most places in the US only have 1 ISP. You’re lucky to have 2.

[@CodeVenomSnakes]

@@MrX8503 that correct and I am in a area with only comcast as my isp.

[@Dracossaint]

Even sometimes when you have two, one is kind of a no option anyway. For instance I can have att or this small cable company. Att speed is . 75mbps for $90 a month while the cable company is $68 and offer 75 mbps. I'm glad my cable company is actually pretty okay though they're not like most companies they actually will listen and try to fix issues not just Band-Aid them. Even in this small town, there's also satellite internet and satellite TV but the satellite internet is horrible and don't get me started on starlink. Satellite TV they are charging $130, with no extra channels.

[@hatchtambu]

this isn't worth it, i just found out that comcast will begin getting rid of their local stations. that means that pretty soon, you'll need to begin paying for local channels. they are blocking all types of anntenna boxes and it will be encrypted so you will need to pay a fee!!!

[@LonSeidman]

See my most recent video on this topic

[@garrio33]

So confusing it’s unbelievable

[@meltorres21161]

Hey, I'm sure that they will choke their channel lineup.

[@UltimateBrownie]

This isn’t free. You have to pay for overpriced internet to get this “convenience”

[@poluticon]

@@FURDOG1961 yup.that alone is worth it.

[@69Dartman]

@@FURDOG1961 yep

[@mariannwest8909]

Yup! Plus you need to pay the fee to subscribe to the cable channels!

[@rabbitmaouh2236]

Nope, it's absolutely free. If they provide you $50 for internet, it's gonna be $50 for internet without the stream. I work for them for 1 year🤪 But pro tip for internet: their cheapest Internet without rental router for $61 and that for 150mbps. But some of yall my say i got 1000mbps for $60. Well it's a contract plan and many customer are not aware about this cause they are not told, but after some 12 month or 24 month, it's gonna go up to $111.☺

[@alliescannell8464]

TV

[@DebHaren-t2d]

Samara Shoals

[@DomingoPhillips-q5k]

Abraham Inlet

[@alliescannell8464]

Roku

[@alliescannell8464]

8:54

[@churblefurbles]

Interfaces for these things remain terrible, just a rental store and the rest is garbage.

[@prestond]

This app is garbage on Apple TV 4k. Constantly requires you to log in which is incredibly annoying.

[@alliescannell8464]

Xfinity Stream

[@FLOODOFSINS]

I noticed you didn't put any disclosures at the beginning of this video. Within the video you recommended people using Roku but didn't disclose whether you had a relationship with them or not. This isn't really a big issue with me since I have been a long time viewer but perhaps new viewers may not be aware.

[@LonSeidman]

I did neglect to do that in this one - I don't have a relationship with any of these companies though - The only thing disclosable here was that Roku had sent a few of their devices in for review from time to time.

[@strokes468]

Streaming box?

[@SheilaGill-o9i]

Jayne Stravenue