So you‘re signed up for Xfinity Internet and now want to add Wi-Fi throughout your home, hmm?
I‘ve been in your shoes, my friend. Opting for a separate router seems like the pro move until you face the hassle of security, dead zones, upgrades…no thanks!
Luckily, Xfinity makes it easy to turn your internet connection into a home-wide wireless network with xFi Gateway or xFi Complete add-ons.
But should you go for the basic $15/month Gateway plan or level up to the $20/month Complete package? Great question. Let me walk you through the nitty gritty so you can decide…
Decoding the Difference Between xFi Plans
First, what do these plans actually DO?
xFi Gateway rents you an Xfinity wireless gateway/router to broadcast Wi-Fi from your internet connection. Manage settings, parental controls, etc. from the xFi phone app.
xFi Complete also provides the gateway hardware but bundles extra goodies:
- Advanced security features to protect devices outside the home
- Upgraded gateway every 3 years to stay current
- 1 xFi Pod ($119 value) to expand Wi-Fi range
For me, having protections wherever I connect plus the latest hardware is worth $5 more a month. But let‘s peek under the hood…
Xfinity‘s Gateway Packs a Punch
The wireless gateway hardware used for both plans is Xfinity‘s latest technology – the XB8 model capable of…
- Wi-Fi 6 speeds up to 2.5 Gbps
- Supporting 100+ devices
- 4 Gigabit LAN ports
- Tri-band connections (2.4, 5, and 6 GHz) with range up to 1,800 sq ft
According to networking experts, this high-performance equipment matches or beats popular mesh routers from Nest, Eero, and Netgear in core features:
Xfinity XB8 vs Mesh Routers
| Features | Xfinity XB8 | Nest WiFi | Eero Pro 6 | Netgear Orbi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Version | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Max Speed | 2.5 Gbps | 2.2 Gbps | 1 Gbps | 1.8 Gbps |
| Bands | Tri-band | Dual-band | Tri-band | Tri-band |
| Ports | 4 Gigabit | 2 Gigabit | 2 Gigabit | 1 Gigabit |
The tri-band design prevents congestion, while beamforming focuses signals to penetrate walls and ceilings better. Bottom line – you get high speeds for 4K Netflix, gaming, Zoom calls and more throughout medium to large homes.
Let‘s now see what makes Complete the smarter choice…
3 Key Benefits of xFi Complete
While both packages deliver ample Wi-Fi coverage, Complete unlocks additional advantages:
1. Enhanced Security
Gateway comes with basic protections like firewall, malware scanning, and parental controls…sufficient but not robust.
Complete bundles advanced security extending safeguards to your smartphone, laptop, etc. whenever you access public Wi-Fi. So you avoid cyberthreats at the coffee shop or airport at minimal cost.
2. Regular Gateway Upgrades
Technology evolves quickly – just look at how much faster Wi-Fi 6 is than Wi-Fi 4! While Gateway delivers today‘s fastest speeds, Complete guarantees a fresh gateway every 3 years to maintain top performance.
3. xFi Pod Extender
Need to expand signals for a larger home? Complete includes one xFi Pod (normally $119 standalone) to enhance reach via mesh networking. You can always add more Pods or beacons to either plan.
Bundling a Pod is useful whether eliminating dead zones upstairs or extending the backyard patio coverage.
Making the Call: Gateway vs Complete
Okay, let‘s compare the Xfinity plans head-to-head and make the call:
xFi Gateway
- $15 monthly rental fee
- Latest gateway hardware
- Basic security protections
- Pay full price for upgrades and Pods
xFi Complete
- $20 monthly rental fee
- Latest gateway hardware
- Advanced + mobile security
- Free gateway upgrades every 3 years
- 1 xFi Pod Wi-Fi range extender included
The $5 jump nets you better security, long-term savings on upgrades/Pods and ensures maximal performance. Of course if budget it tight, Gateway still delivers solid Wi-Fi.
But Complete‘s enhanced protections and future-proofed technology make that small splurge worthwhile for most. Let‘s check a real-world example…
Jen has a 4 bedroom suburban home looking to equip the space for 4 kids gaming and streaming. HERE is why Complete makes sense:
- Advanced security keeps kids safe when using phones outside home
- Large house needs robust mesh Wi-Fi provided by gateway + Pod
- She‘ll want the latest speeds as more devices connect down the road
But if you‘re single in a compact apartment? Maybe save $5 and stick with Gateway for basic needs.
See how the context shifts the decision? Still, Complete satisfies MOST scenarios that demand solid whole-home Wi-Fi.
Bottom Line
For only $60 more yearly, Complete delivers considerably MORE:
- Protection for devices away from home
- A $119 Pod free as bonus
- Newest gateway every 3 years
That‘s tremendous extra value! Ultimately it provides the most complete (pun intended 😉) wireless solution for many dwellings.
The odd apartment-dweller or budget-focused user can settle for Gateway. But when investing in modern reliable home Wi-Fi, Complete is my recommendation.
Hope this detailed walkthrough helps you determine the best fit! Let me know if any other questions pop up. Happy connectivity my friend!
