✦ Edited and fact-checked by Managing Editor Mike Strayer, our editorial lead with more than 11 years covering TV and sports.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina are almost here, bringing the world’s best athletes to the stunning Italian Alps. For Xfinity customers, the experience is about more than just flipping channels. The provider offers a fully integrated, high-tech viewing experience that merges traditional cable with streaming.
Whether you’re looking for how to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics on Xfinity or trying to figure out if Peacock is free with Xfinity in 2026, we’ve got the breakdown on everything from the X1 Hub to the latest Xfinity TV price increases.
The X1 advantage: A unified Olympic experience
Xfinity remains a heavyweight in our annual CableTV.com TV Customer Satisfaction Awards, specifically for its top-tier user experience. The Xfinity X1 Olympics Hub features are the gold standard for sports fans who hate “app-switching fatigue.”
The Hub aggregates live broadcasts from NBC, USA Network, and CNBC into one seamless menu. You can search for “Skiing” or “Hockey” and see results from both traditional cable channels and Peacock streaming in a single, unified list.
For those wanting the highest visual fidelity, Xfinity historically offered 4K HDR coverage for the primary NBC broadcast and select USA Network events. Just use your Voice Remote and say “Olympics 4K” to find the crispest powder and sharpest skates on the mountain.
How to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics on Xfinity
To get the most out of the Games, you’ll need the right TV tier. Most Olympic coverage is housed on NBC and USA Network, meaning you should target the TV Plus ($95/mo.) or TV Premium ($125/mo.) plans.
If you’re a fan of the “dream teams” as NHL players return to the ice for the first time since 2014, these tiers ensure you won’t miss a single puck drop. You can also take the action on the go with the Xfinity Stream app, which lets you stream live on up to three devices outside the home.
For a deeper dive into the full schedule across all providers, check out our comprehensive guide on How to Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The Peacock pivot: Xfinity vs. Peacock integration
For potential Xfinity customers, one of the biggest questions this year remains: Is Peacock free with Xfinity in 2026? The answer is more complicated than it used to be.
Free Peacock Premium is no longer a universal perk; it is now reserved for Gigabit (1,000 Mbps+) internet customers for a two-year period or Diamond/Platinum Xfinity Rewards members with over seven years of tenure. For everyone else, Xfinity has introduced the StreamSaver bundle ($15/mo.), which packages Peacock, Netflix, and Apple TV to help combat “app fatigue.” We like this option the best because it delivers a lot of content, including every Olympic event, at a very low price.
To see if your plan still qualifies, read our full breakdown on Peacock free with Xfinity.
Real fan talk: The X1 Hub vs. the “loyalty tax”
If you spend any time on Reddit communities like r/Comcast or r/Peacock, you’ll find that the “X1 Hub vs. the paywall” debate is alive and well in 2026. While fans generally agree that the X1 interface is the best way to avoid “app-switching fatigue,” there’s simmering frustration over recent $10–$15 price hikes across most TV plans.
Long-time customers often describe the loss of “always-free” Peacock as a “loyalty tax,” especially when combined with the rising costs of the TV Premium package. But many savvy users have found a workaround: Upgrading to Gigabit internet just for the 24-month Peacock perk is currently the “smart move” to offset the high total cost of a cable contract.
The consensus among power users? The Voice Remote and 4K quality keep them loyal for massive spectacles like the Olympics, but they are increasingly wary of “cramming” and auto-billed add-ons.
2026 Winter Olympics on Xfinity FAQ
What channel is the Winter Olympics on Xfinity?
The majority of the 2026 Winter Olympics will air on NBC and USA Network. Additional coverage can be found on CNBC. You can find the full NBC Winter Olympics schedule on Xfinity by saying "Olympics" into your Voice Remote.
Can I watch the 2026 Winter Olympics in 4K on Xfinity?
Yes, Xfinity provides Enhanced 4K HDR coverage for the NBC primetime show and select events on USA Network. You will need an X1 4K-compatible set-top box and a 4K television to access this feature.
Is the Xfinity Stream app free for watching the Olympics?
The Xfinity Stream app is included with your Xfinity TV subscription. You can use it to watch all Olympic channels live while away from home, though you are limited to three concurrent streams on out-of-home devices.
How do I access the Olympics Hub on X1?
Simply press the "C" button on your X1 remote or say "Olympics" into the Voice Remote. This will take you to the centralized destination for live events, on-demand highlights, and the medal count.
Do I need Peacock to see every Olympic event?
While NBC and USA Network carry the marquee events, Peacock is the only place to stream every single one of the 116 medal events live. If you want to see the debut of ski mountaineering or every single hockey match, a Peacock subscription is highly recommended.