How to Cut your Comcast Bill
I was 0-for-2 in previous attempts with Comcast to get a break on my cable bill. I had no leverage. Comcast (aka “Xfinity”) knows they’re the only cable provider game in town, which doesn’t give you much in the way of price negotiation power. But, in some locales, that’s not true anymore.
Recently, AT&T has rolled out their fiber internet and TV streaming bundles in my area. I decided to do some price comparisons. I found out that I could get an equivalent plan through AT&T for about $40 cheaper than what I was paying as a long-time customer with Comcast. A very similar service at a cheaper price? It turns out that’s Comcast’s kryptonite! Here’s how I got my total Comcast bill lowered and how you can too.
1. Replace your Comcast Modem with your Own
Comcast raised their modem rental fee to $15 per month ($180 per year) in 2023 for the privilege of paying them additional money to use their service. You can try to negotiate it away, but that just limits your ability to get other Comcast discounts to cut your bill. I recommend the Motorola MB8611 modem and TP-Link AX1800 router , which will give you just as good (or better) performance that Xfinity “xFi” gateway, but will be paid for in just over a year (vs leasing from Xfinity and never owning your own modem). However, any of the following modem/router combos will work:
Recommended Modems (to pair with routers below):
- Motorola MB8611: up to 2330Mbps (DOCSIS 3.1)
- Arris S33: up to 2330Mbps (DOCSIS 3.1)
- Netgear CM2000: up to 2330Mbps (DOCSIS 3.1)
If you want Xfinity Voice, go with either the Netgear CM2050v (up to 2330Mbps) or Arris T25 (up to 949Mbps). Note: you can just as easily (and at a big cost savings) add landline voice (VOIP) functionality by connecting an Ooma device to your router.
If you want a gateway (modem and router combined in 1 device), I don’t recommend that because they aren’t as reliable and you can’t upgrade one half, but the Arris G36 (up to 2330Mbps and Wi-Fi 6) and Netgear CAX30 (up to 949Mbps and Wi-Fi 6) are good value options.
Recommended Routers (to pair with modem above):
All offer great value and top speeds.
- TP-Link AX3000 – Wi-Fi 6: up to 3000Mbps (2402Mbps on the 5GHz band + 575Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band)
- TP-Link AX1800 – Wi-Fi 6: up to 1800Mbps (1.2 Gbps on 5 GHz band + 574Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band)
- Netgear Nighthawk AX1800 – Wi-Fi 6: up to 1800Mbps (1.2 Gbps on 5 GHz band + 574Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band)
These combos will allow you to cut your Comcast modem rental fee. The devices will usually pay themselves off in less than 2 years (vs leasing). Here’s more info on how to replace a comcast modem with your own.
I recently took a look at the new Wi-Fi 6E versus Wi-Fi 6 versus Wi-Fi 5 technology to determine if Wi-Fi 6E is worth the cost. Comcast has recently been advertising its Xfinity “Supersonic Wi-Fi” offering. Broken down, “Supersonic Wi-Fi” is really just Xfinity’s fastest (and highest cost) internet tiers (Gigabit or Ultrafast plans) paired with a new Wi-Fi 6E router (which they are marketing as the “Supersonic Gateway” as part of their package Xfinity “Supersonic Bundle” deal). Here are 2 of the most popular Wi-Fi 6E routers on the market at the moment:
- TP-Link AXE5400: up to 5400Mbps (2402 Mbps on the 6GHz, 2402Mbps on the 5GHz band, 574 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band)
- Asus RT-AXE7800: up to 5400Mbps (2402 Mbps on the 6GHz, 4804Mbps on the 5GHz band, 574 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band)
- Amazon eero Pro: up to 1300Mbps
2. Don’t Pay for Comcast Xfinity Voice
Comcast Xfinity Voice is simple VoIP (voice over internet protocol). And it costs significantly more than other alternatives. My favorite is the Ooma device. I’ve used an Ooma for over a decade with Comcast internet and it works just as well. Ongoing costs are only a few bucks per month in taxes, so you save significantly over Comcast Voice and allow yourself more negotiation power in the future. You simply plug the Ooma device in to the back of your router, plug your phone into the Ooma, and you’re all set.
3. Replace the Xfinity DVR or TV Box with Xfinity Stream
You can now replace your Xfinity DVR & TV Box with your own using Xfinity Stream and a compatible streaming device like a Roku Ultra, Amazon Fire TV stick, Apple TV, or Google Chromecast – saving $10 per month ($120 per year) per device.
4. Bundle, When it Makes Sense
If you want to become or stay a Comcast customer, it almost always saves money to bundle. Xfinity also frequently has deals that allow you to bundle Xfinity Mobile (see my Xfinity Mobile Review for more info) with Xfinity TV and Internet, lowering the combined total prices of those services. If you live with an Xfinity Internet/TV supported area, bundling Xfinity Mobile with those services will almost always offer you the lowest total versus buying from separate providers. You can find current Xfinity bundle offers here if you’re interested in bundling services.
5. Research Comcast & Competitor Deals
As I highlighted above, you want to know exactly how much your current plan would cost with other providers offered roughly in your area. This is your leverage. Knowledge is power. You can try the nice and charming route or raise your hands and scream and shout, but if you don’t have pricing leverage, you won’t get anywhere. Write down specifics to reference on the phone.
6. Ask for a Comcast “Loyalty Specialist” or “Retention Specialist”
These are the Comcast employees who have the power to cut you a deal. A regular customer service rep won’t do anything for you, nor are they incentivized to do so, like a “loyalty specialist” or “retention specialist” is. These specialists have access to deals and discounts that other reps will not.
7. Tell Comcast that you want to Cancel
Be resolute. You’re not “considering canceling”. You are going to “switch to a competitor because they have lower prices”. If you’ve been a long time customer, often times, the Xfinity rep will offer you a loyalty discount if you stay. Most recently, I was offered the “new customer promo”, despite being an existing customer.
8. Get Ready for the Negotiations
Since, I was already half way out the door, I was offered a $50/mo. discount immediately in the negotiation with Comcast. Not bad for starters.
9. Watch out for Add-Ons
You will probably get offered something you don’t want (e.g. Showtime or HBO Max). Realize that this is just an add on masquerading as part of a package deal. It’s not. If you don’t want an add-on, be adamant about it. I was given another $5 off. I didn’t fight the higher tier because there were a few channels I wanted.
10. If at First you don’t Succeed, Try Again
This was my third attempt before success. The good news if you don’t succeed is that you can always try back again later, with more experience and knowledge about the objections you will get. Some customer service reps are more difficult than others. Some are simply having a bad day. Whatever the case, don’t give up, simply try again (and again, if need be).
11. Leave and Come Back Later (Maybe)
Xfinity likes to offer new customers better prices than long-time existing customers. It’s how they get you in the door. If you have an alternative, don’t be afraid to switch and come back later (at the lower new customer rate), if it financially makes sense to do so.
Practice all of these steps and I promise you will save money with Comcast!
Comcast Bill Cutting & Discount Discussion:
- Have you had success in negotiating with Comcast or a similar cable provider?
- Have you given up cable completely due to their rigid price structure?
- Have you switched to AT&T or another Xfinity competitor, or will you at first opportunity?
- What tips do you have to save money with Comcast Xfinity?
Related Posts:
I switched to U-Verse over a year ago, as my monthly bill including cable and Internet was more than $30 less than with Comcast. Not only that, but the included DVR is great, the service includes 3 receivers, whole home DVR (watch recorded programs from any receiver), tons of HD channels, 4 recordings at once (including 2 HD), and I could go on. Competition is a great thing!
This techique works…. I’ve tried it with DirecTV with similar results… lower rates for a period of time, increased programming, free DVR reciever. You just have to be willing to walk.
Also, trying more than one rep and getting to the retention specialist is key. I’ve often found when dealing with a customer service rep that it’s easier to end the call and try again than to argue with a rep. I’ve ended a call as soon as the rep says hello because I can sense an attitude in their voice.
Treating it like a game is the only way to win.
@ Philip – let’s hope they just aren’t ‘introductory’ rates used to steal Comcast subscribers.
@ Do you – I think it’s kind of fun, actually. Most people hate any sort of negotiation though.
I just tried to get out of a contract with DirecTV. I called and canceled my service of $75/mo. They called back and said they’d give me free movie channels for 6 months at a price of $45/mo. I was happy, but when the bill arrived yesterday it was still at $75 a month. Needless to say I’m furious.
I am stuck with no cable option outside comcast (satellite is available but I don’t like satellite). I have gotten some introductory offers a couple times. I am sure it is coming up time that it will end again. Things is I am willing to cut off all television down to super basic 10 channels, but I must have my internet. They are ridiculous for just internet service alone!
AWESOME. I called to change from Comcast internet yesterday ($40/month? I think not) but had to hang up before I was done. Glad I stumbled across this today. They shall feel my wrath.
Success. I got another 6 months on my promotional rate and gave the “Retention Specialist” a commission in the process. A good day was had by all.
I’ll just flat out cancel Comcast, becoming an internet HoBo. If I really need TV, broadcast has gone digital.
I’ve tried twice in the past few months to negotiate my Comcast bill. I have the Triple Play package which runs me $150/month. Today, just randomly, I decided I was wasting money with my home phone (I only get wrong numbers and everyone calls my cell anyway) so I called up Comcast to drop that service. Didn’t expect any big changes but the rep was EXTREMELY helpful and looked up different pricing options for me and offered me $97/month for cable and internet (I still get all my channels and HBO) and am locked in for 2 years. I’m so psyched I’m saving around $50/month! I didn’t even plan on trying to negotiate my bill again but it just worked out in my favor this time!
Every 6 months, I stop at the local comcast office and ask what deal they can give me,
2months ago they gave me a $20.00 amonth discount for 12 vmonths plus HBO & Starz for a year for free.
Anytime I’ve gone in and asked, I’ve gotten a decent discount.
You have to ask. I’ve told my friends and they got the same deals.
Nice, useful site. Thanks. Several years ago when I switched from Comcast to Dish to save $$, I called Comcast to cancel and they switched me to what I later learned was a “retention specialist.” She offered me deal slightly better than what I’d just negotiated with Dish. But deal was done, so I stayed with Dish for a year, then switched back to Comcast. After the first year of promotional rate on cable with all the goodies at $47, I had to do it again, but got a retention specialist in a good mood (or with a retention quota) who upped the price to $53 but added more movies and a critical sports channel. Now I’m about to go into the trenches again. Wish me luck.
Yeah, @number 7, try again! Success doesn’t happen overnight! lol
I called Cox Cable a long time ago cause I was paying $130 a month. Complained and even had the service cancelled! But they called me back the next day and offered me the same thing for $75 a month (cable service AND internet).
When you call Comcast, make sure to choose the phone menu option for cancellation – You will often get to a human being on the first ring! I always bluff and tell them I’m switching to fios even though it hasn’t made it to my neighborhood yet [although it is about 300 yards from here]. Most of the promotions only last 6mo so you have to call twice a year. If you forget to call after 6mo, make sure they make the change retroactive to the time of your previous bill.
I can’t believe you had luck with Comcast. I don’t have a TV and I use the internet only, so you would think I’d have a good deal with Comcast and then you’d be wrong. For the past year my “internet only” service cost me $38.49 per month. I thought this was pretty high and I’d been watching my bills like a hawk because they’re notorious for raising rates without warning.
And then yesterday I opened a bill to find my rate had gone up to $65 a month. For internet ONLY! This is higher than the regular priced service mentioned on their website.They only give discounts to people who purchase bundle services. I totally confused the customer service rep when I told him I don’t have a landline and I don’t own a TV. After telling them I was going to switch to AT&T the best they could offer me was $45 a month. The rep said “we can’t do any *permanent* discounts”. I think they fleece people who buy one service only to cover those who get discounts on HD TV. Either that, or they’re thieves.
You got it, Robin … They’re thieves. Jimmy Crack Corn, and They don’t care.
I’m disabled, senior, and on a fixed income. My bundle has been OVER $200 a month!! I’ve fought with them, but to no avail. And they believe if you’re disabled, that means you are automatically retarded as well.
Comcast is utterly pathetic.. Evidently Unresponsiveness is a widespread communicable disease in some industries.
I am also in the same predicament as you are in. They just raised my comcast $30 a month paying $230 a month. This is downright raping of their customers with no conscience.
I am going to be getting into the trenchs with comcast as of tomorrow. THey had told me when I had changed my service to a better package that because of the missed appointments for installs and also not having anything other then the basic cable and internet. I had to wait for 1 1/2 months to finally get my service connected correctly they have now stuck me with a $500 dollar bill for all of the work and missed appointments and for all the services. Please I need to get some help and figure out how to win this battle with them.
@saikio08: calmly discuss the confusion, show how it was the business’s responsibility, not yours.
Tell them you would like to cancel your service because of the way you were treated (they will try to retain you). if that doesn’t work, tell them you’ll be taking your claim to the better business bureau. And then go on the BBB site and file it.
Filing a complaint with the FCC is more effective. I filed a complaint about a bogus hook up charge and a Comcast public relations guy called me and apologised profusely and rescinded the charges. For whatever reason they seem to be afraid of the FCC. The online form is on the FCC website.
I’m a Comcast Retention Specialist. You guys are so funny.
Im a former cable watcher and I think this guy is funny. He doesnt get that: most shows can be watched online, digital local programing isnt half bad if you have a decent antenna, and that with a powered usb hub Magicjack is more then reasonable at 20 bucks a month (the only real differnce if find is putting in area code). btw wait for the magicjack plus which plugs into your modem not computer (power saver) works on my yahoo DSL.
Back to topic. I believe it s a sign of nerviousness and a attempt to discredit the posters.
Most channels will post their current shows online. Hulu. The Windows media center has online television and has a TVo aspect to it which is useful with a TV. tuner inside.
One last thing I have parents that have comcast still. While I lived there I got a email address. Now that I dont live there I still can watch the Xfinity. Whom get their shows from 3rd parties ironicly lol
To quote some one a favored television show: Its not a threat. Its a promise.
Hi Retention Specialist,
Comcast has told me more than once that they don’t have a Retention Specialist or Retention Dept. In fact, one time, someone at Comcast told me that the Rentention Dept had been discontinued and “does not exist anymore.” Why will Comcast lie to their customers like this? Futher, why tell lies that are obviously untrue??
Yeah.the same sentiments about retention specialist. Trained with the consumers funds and empowered to mock the very source that keeps you in business. Wow, simply…wow.
Yep there in lies the problem. Xfinity/Comcast customers who are trying to get service at a reasonable rate are a big joke to you. Thanks for your honesty
Maybe “whom” is lying?
G.E., how do you get through to Comcast reps? If one works an 8-6 job, like I do, yet Comcast (our, in my case, Cox) only bothers to answer the phone from 8-6, how do you suggest someone call and argue? I’m all for doing that, but my problem is, even if I take an hour for lunch, I’m usually on hold for longer than an hour just trying to talk to them.
And, of course, they’re not open on the weekends. What do you suggest? Take a day off work?
To their credit, Comcast has chat, and they are pretty quick about getting someone on the line, so I usually just call from a conference or phone room at work or Saturdays from home. May take a bit of maneuvering, but it’s worth the time spent. I just did it again this last weekend. =)
Actualy Comcast is 24/7 365 with service reps. Retention is 9-8:30 Mon-Sat in most areas.
1-800-Comcast and listen to all of the prompts to make sure you get where you need to be. It will avoid transfers.
Do not call any “local” numbers someone gave you for something. Only call 1-800-Comcast from an area code that is in your area.
I heard that Comcast has a special internet deal for college students, but that they don’t advertise or make it readily available on purpose. I have spent two days trying to locate information on this. I have found info that it does exist, but no real proof to have on hand when I decide to call in. The only thing I keep running into is the low-income program for parents that have a student in school – that’s not me.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Lori,
Did you find that deal yet? I’m also in the process of trying to find it, and any help would be appreciated.
https://www.xfinity.com/student
A form pops up and must be filled out before you enter the site. It may be for Internet only. Not sure. I cannot fill out the form as I am not a college student.
Hello,
I wanted to reach out and let you know I found your articles to be very high quality and incredibly helpful!
I also wanted to find out if you offer any sort of advertising or link placement on your site? If so, could you send me some sort of pricing information if possible?
Thanks!
Debbie
Dynamite post. I was able to go from paying $60 per month for 25 mbps internet with Comcast to a package with 75 channels, HD package, 100 mbps internet, DVR & HBO for $66 per month. As always, many thanks G.E.
we pay$186.00 a month for the package of 3 and they say we have a lower payment than most people. that’s bull we are 66 on a fixed income and this takes alot out of our budget. we have been with comcast for around 20 years never late with payments or anything. i have called and they won’t help at all to get it cheaper. it’s a rip off.
Nancy,
Ask for the loyalty dept. That s who I go through ever year. Is the price great not really but it’s good enough. What I resent is the government makes us pay for Broadcast TV
fee- in my area $8. and Regional Sports fee of 6.50 which I totally resent as I don’t watch sports. So those charges plus a few more come to $17. tacked on my bill…… And all the other taxes that California imposes… another $8. Time to move if I could but I’m a retired senior on a limited budget.
I’m confused. Whenever I try to search U-Verse TV, it goes to AT&T’s website but it appears to only have DirecTV. Even if I click on the “U-Verse” option under the TV tab, it goes to a page about DirecTV.
Your article has a green hotlink for the TP-Link Wireless N Router that points to the TP_Link_N450_Wireless_N_Router. When I click on the green hotlink for the list of Comcast modems, it only lists the TP_Link_TC-W7960. Is this an update to the list or a replacement? Do you still recommend the N450 which is ~$20.00 at Amazon versis $70.00 for the W7960
Thank you for the well written article
Comcast’s articles are misleading b/c they want you to purchase their modems. The products I link to will work fine.
Thank You
On another subject, do you have some recommendations for HDTV antenna’s. I need both indoor for an apartment in San Francisco that’s about 16-25 miles from the regional antenna, and another from a suburb about 25 miles from the regional antenna. Both locations have hills and building between the homes and the regional antennas.
Well, I have consistently asked for discounts for senior citizens, Veterans. I was told by many customer service reps, supervisors, and so called customer service reps at the headquarters. They do have a different phone number, you can get that number by asking Google on your phone. They have helped me a couple of times. I was told by several people that there is a test market for senior citizens in the country. Naturally, I asked them why i can’t take advantage of the discount, since you offered to tell me about it. Well it didn’t work. They also use third party installers most of the time. Bad, Bad, Bad service, and my bill is always wrong. I feel like I’m backed in a corner, and can’t move. Ive gone back and forth with Comcast on the phone, now for over 3 years. I never get angry, because that won’t get you anywhere, and always pay on time, regardless of how angry I am. I still pay my bill on time. I get a Army pension, senior citizen. Comcast is nothing but a big bully. I just might go back to the antenna, and get 50 HD channels for free. Good luck all
I just called and talked to retention and asked for a reduced rate and was told the only package she could give us would cost more than we pay today. So, I may try going into the comcast store to see what they can do. We are retired, and there is no discount in our state. We are paying $255.99 for phone, tv, and internet. dropping the phone is even more expensive.
I’ve been looking at the Comcast deals, the low price states low download speeds, does this really matter if I purchase my own Modem and Router that rates a high speed download??
I’m paying $111 a month for internet only. I don’t watch t.v. but had to add on a basic local TV package to keep the internet price from being higher, and I have a cell phone that cost me $45 a month.
Income is abt $900 a month, so with rent, gas, electricity, car ins. there’s not a lot left.
I just found an awesome deal on cell phone plans, they offer a week free to test run them, so far they are outstanding as far as signal, reception and not a single dropped call. I am in a pretty good area for signals though. I had to pay for 3 months in advance, “$45.00”
YES, that’s for the 3 entire MONTHS!!! Sweeeet. Includes 3 GB a month for data. No big deal, I don’t use that much anyway, I’m home and connect to wifi. I can also choose to pay $180 for the whole year, but has to be in advance, BOOOOO!
But, weee haaa, I’m so happy with them, and they use T-Mobile towers.
Do I need a modem AND router if it’s only internet I’m gonna use? I don’t know much in that area.
@Danielle If you have a Kroger/Fred Meyer/(one of the other stores owned by Kroger), you can get service through Kroger Iwireless. The store rewards program not only applies to gas discounts, but it also accrues seperately as a credit you can use to buy minutes for their cell phones. I rarely have to buy minutes for my phone. TBH, I don’t use my phone much, so the $10 for 100 minutes for a month works great for me.
@Robert, Now that would be something worth looking in to.
We don’t have Kroger around here, I wish we did, that would really be a nice incentive.
TV and Phone have the highest taxes so I stayed away and since Google Voice lets me make free calls with my Hackintosh and Android phone plus see shows for free on Xfinity’s site or Popcorn Time, I get the Gig plan and use my own router and modem.
The only drawback is the wait to patch the modem so make sure you avoid combos.
Comcast changes the rules as you are talking to them. My bill shot up to $213, I called and the best they could do was offer me a plan for $193 and took away my company 15% discount.
Comcast, I know things are very difficult right now with the CoronaVirus. You might want to consider doing some good will/customer service and open up all your premium channels free of charge as so many people are home and most with children. This would be great advertising for you. Also, please look at your packages. There is no reason why I and others cannot get the triple play package for a better price. We are all hurting and now is the time to solidify your place in at-home entertainment and hang onto the customers you have.