XFINITY Stream

Xfinity Stream is the app that lets XFINITY customers watch TV and on-demand videos on their mobile devices. If you watch Xfinity TV or use the Cloud DVR, this app will bring the TV experience to your smartphone or tablet. Download XFINITY Stream for iOS or Android and make your mobile device a portable TV!

Design 5/5

Like most TV-oriented apps, Xfinity gives most of the screen to the stream. The interface includes a long list of channels available. On-demand videos are presented as a virtual shelf with covers; tapping on any lets you see the poster, the description, cast, rate, and other info. There is also a special section for records saved on your Cloud DVR. The dark background perfectly tints the preview videos.

Usability 5/5

It’s enough to tap the channel or the show you want to watch to start it, with a little delay necessary for buffering. The player is quite basic, with controls hiding automatically after some inactivity. You can pause or resume the playback, turn subtitles on or off, rewind or fast forward the video with a single tap.

With casting feature, you can watch your TV on a large screen even if you’re away from home. It takes a Chromecast, an Apple TV, or any device able to receive the broadcast from your phone. This sets you free from your home setup and lets you watch Xfinity channels even when visiting someone without a subscription.

System requirements are rather low; the app will run on devices with Android 4.4 or iOS 11.0. That means most smartphones and tablets manufactured after 2013 support it. Much more depends on the bandwidth, but the app can work with Wi-Fi, LTE, and even a decent 3G connection.

Features 5/5

The content available in the app includes 200+ TV channels marked as “Available out of home”. You can also watch lots of TV shows and movies available for streaming, and access the videos recorded to your Cloud DVR (if you use X1 or Instant TV DVR service). The movies and shows you have purchased for viewing at home are available within the app too.

In-app purchases 5/5

The app requires no special subscription; you can enter with the same credentials you use at home to access Xfinity services. In addition to streaming subscription, you can purchase certain shows and movies separately; they will be stored in a special section, always available for you to watch.

The Bottom Line

In theory, the Xfinity Stream app delivers you the same experience you have at home, with your TV logged in. In fact, it depends on the bandwidth and on compatibility with your device, but issues are rare. That’s why the app is rated relatively low, but its popularity (10M+ on Android only) is speaking for itself.

• Graphics 5
• Gameplay 5
• Controls 5
• Replay Value 5

Pros

All the channels and movies from your subscription available;
No separate subscription required;
TV casting enabled;
Works all over the US.

Cons

Doesn’t work abroad;
Depends on your Internet connection heavily.