What are Xfinity’s hidden costs?
There are costs involved in bringing you Xfinity’s hundreds of channels and thousands of on-demand titles, but the only price most customers consider is the advertised package price—unless they happen to read the fine print. As a result, Xfinity’s TV and internet hidden costs can be quite a shock when you get that first bill.
Xfinity fees can add up. To help you avoid any surprises on your upcoming Xfinity bill, we’ll explain each hidden fee and why you might see these additional charges.
Why is my Xfinity TV bill so high?
We’re gonna tell you all about Xfinity’s hidden fees—but here’s a table so you can see the fees at a glance before we go deeper.
| Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Broadcast TV fee | Up to $34.55/mo. |
| Regional sports fee | Up to $20.80/mo. |
| Professional installation | Typically $100 if needed |
| Self-installation kit | Starting at $15.00 |
| Self-Install Plus | $39.99 |
| DVR service | $10.00/mo. for an additional 300 hours |
| Additional DVR box | $14.00/mo. per additional box |
Data as of post date and subject to change.
Xfinity add-on channels
Xfinity allows you to add premium channels and specialty channels to your cable package of choice for an additional fee. Keep in mind that these fees are in addition to your regular cable package and that certain Xfinity TV plans include some of these channels. For a full list of Xfinity premium channels and on-demand add-ons, see our Xfinity channel lineup guide.
Wondering which of these are actually worth the extra cash? Our 2026 streaming review has the run-down.
| Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| HBO MaxTM | $18.49/mo. |
| Paramount+ Premium | $13.99/mo. |
| CINEMAX® | $12.00/mo. |
| STARZ® | $10.99/mo. |
| MGM+™ | $7.99/mo. |
| THE MOVIE CHANNEL (TMC) | $12.00/mo. |
Data as of post date and subject to change.
Xfinity TV prices increase by up to $30/mo. after promo period
Like most providers, Xfinity offers limited-time promotional pricing when you sign up for a new package—head over to our Xfinity TV review for a full list. Keep in mind, though, that Xfinity prices are guaranteed only for the first 12 months. Then Xfinity will switch you over to what it calls its “regular rate.”
The increased amount varies depending on your package and where you live, but it’s usually $20–$30 per month. The specific increase for each plan can be found in the offer terms when you sign up.
You may not be doomed to pay Xfinity’s new price after 12 months, though. It’s worth reaching out to Xfinity to see if you can get a new deal after your promo period ends.
Xfinity broadcast TV fees, taxes, and more depend on your package of choice
One hidden cost that’s usually mentioned only in the fine print is taxes. Exactly how much you’ll be on the hook for depends on the plan you choose and where you live. It’s not usually a hefty fee, but it’s annoying to see on your bill if you weren’t expecting it.
Regulatory fees are another couple-dollar fee you’re likely to see at the bottom of your bill. These stem from federally mandated fees on the provider, and to help recoup the costs, Xfinity passes a portion on to you. Xfinity, sometimes sharing is not caring.
You may also have to pay various service fees associated with different programming packages. Depending on the channels and services you order, you may see charges each month for broadcast TV fees, regional sports network fees, and more.
The Xfinity TV installation fee is typically $100, plus kit fee and priority shipping
Xfinity typically charges an $100.00 installation fee for a professional installation. The provider also offers a self-installation kit for $15.00. If you want priority shipping, you’ll have to pay $29.95.
You can also pay $39.99 for Self-Install Plus, which will have an Xfinity technician come by to check your home’s exterior connection and coordinate your self-installation. Learn more about Xfinity installation by visiting our installation guide.
Xfinity TV service includes equipment and DVR, upgrades available
Equipment-wise, Xfinity currently includes a 4K TV Box and its Xfinity Voice Remote at no additional cost for TV customers.
As for DVR, 150 hours are included with the Core TV plan, and 300 hours with all other packages. You can add $10.00 per month for 300 additional hours of DVR storage.
And if you want to add TV service to other rooms, that’s another $14.00 per month, per additional box.
Check out our Xfinity equipment review to learn more about these devices.
Why is my Xfinity internet bill so high?
Have a look at this table of hidden Xfinity internet fees, then we’ll explain ’em.
| Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Professional installation | $100.00 |
| Self-installation kit | $15.00 |
| Self-Install Plus | $39.99 |
| Late payment fee | $13.00 |
| Upgrade to Xfinity Pro Gateway | $15.00/mo. |
Data as of post date and subject to change.
Xfinity internet prices increase by up to $30/mo. after promo period
The price increase following the promo period depends on which Xfinity internet plan you choose. Generally, increases are similar to those for TV—about $15–$30 per month.
Xfinity internet taxes, regulatory fees, and more vary by area and package
Unlike TV packages, Xfinity internet packages don’t usually come with taxes and other superfluous surcharges. In general, the Internet Tax Freedom Act doesn’t allow federal, state, or local governments to charge taxes on internet service.
If you bundle your internet service with TV, though, your bill will still include TV taxes and regulatory fees.
Xfinity internet installation fees are typically $100.00 or $15.00 for self-installation kit
Amount: $100.00 for professional installation, $15.00 for self-installation kit, $39.99 for Self-Install Plus
Xfinity pushes its self-install kit for internet service, which costs $15.00—or $29.95 with priority shipping.
If you need professional help, the fee is the same as it is for TV: $100.00. (But depending on the time of year, Xfinity may waive installation fees as part of a sign-up promotion.) The good news is that if you bundle both TV and internet, you’ll pay only one installation fee.
In some areas, specific bundles may even include professional installation at no extra cost, but that varies too much for us to nail down. Ask your agent when you sign up to find out for sure. Check out our Xfinity installation guide for more information on installation.
Xfinity’s WiFi Gateway is included, but you can pay $15/mo. for an upgrade
Xfinity provides its Xfinity WiFi Gateway (modem + router) with its internet plans. You can also choose to use your own modem and router if you prefer. (Find the perfect ones for you with our list of compatible modems and guide to the fastest routers.)
If you want to upgrade to its elevated Xfinity Pro Gateway, you’ll pay an additional $15.00 per month.
Xfinity internet charges $13 late fees per missed payment
Xfinity internet customers are subject to a $13 late fee for missed payments. The fee is immediate upon missing a payment, but Xfinity gives you two weeks to pay before cutting off your service.
If you hit a rough spot and know in advance that your payment will be late (we’ve all been there), you can call ahead to possibly adjust the due date. There is also a late credit fee that can be applied to help out—learn more on Xfinity’s website.
Xfinity fees and hidden costs FAQ
Why is my Xfinity bill so high?
Like a lot of internet and TV providers, includes a lot of fees with your monthly bills, including equipment fees. The best thing you can do is educate yourself on where these costs are coming from so you can make the most of your money. Our hidden fees guide will help you get started.
What is the entertainment fee on my Xfinity bill?
The Entertainment Package, included with some plans, is a bundle of 20 channels including AMC, Comedy Central, and Syfy. For a full list of channels included with Xfinity’s plans, head over to our Xfinity channel guide.
What is a DVR service charge on Xfinity?
For Xfinity's DVR service charge, 150 hours are included at no cost with the Core TV plan, and 300 hours with all other packages. You can pay $10.00 per month for 300 additional hours of DVR storage.
