There are many reasons to love public WiFi hotspots: ease, access, convenience. They help you stay connected so you never miss a beat — whether you’re streaming sports in a cafe, video-chatting at the airport, or sending an email in transit. That said, public WiFi hotspots are different from your traditional home internet connection and may not be the best solution for everyone.
There are several factors to consider when using public WiFi for home internet. For example, is there a consistent WiFi signal available, and will you be able to access it in your home? How many other people are accessing that WiFi signal in the area? Do you need a connection for high-bandwidth activities like streaming and gaming? What are the needs within your home – how many people do you live with, and how many and what devices are you connecting?
Xfinity offers a variety of internet options to help you decide based on your needs — including NOW WiFi Pass and Xfinity Internet, among others.
(Need a refresher on what a WiFi hotspot is? Learn more here.)
Get to know your options
For just $20, NOW WiFi Pass features unlimited data and access to over 22 million Xfinity WiFi hotspots nationwide for 30 days. There’s no equipment required (other than your device), no commitments, and no cancellation fees. It’s flexible and connecting to your service is simple.
Xfinity Internet, meanwhile, provides fast, reliable broadband internet (including gig speeds!) and 99.9% network reliability. Internet plans also include access to Xfinity WiFi hotspots — plus enhanced security features — at no additional cost, so you can connect seamlessly wherever you are. Simply sign in once and automatically join whenever you’re in range.
Does using a WiFi public hotspot for home internet make sense for you?
Let’s start with a few questions:
How many devices do you need to connect?
- With NOW WiFi Pass, 2 devices can be connected at one time. (Think: your laptop and phone, or tablet and desktop computer.) In contrast, your Xfinity Internet service can support multiple devices, depending on which speed you select.
Where is your home located?
- To purchase and connect your device to NOW WiFi Pass, you’ll need to be in range of an Xfinity WiFi hotspot. Luckily, there are over 22 million hotspots nationwide and you can view our interactive map to find one near you.
How do you like to use your home internet?
- NOW WiFi Pass includes unlimited data so you can surf, play, work, and more. With Xfinity Internet, you can pick the speed to fit your needs — whether it’s gig-speed internet for pro-level gaming or lower tiers for everyday connections and a great value.
Your answers to these questions will inform the best WiFi selection for you, but rest assured: Both options provide instant WiFi connections to keep you online at home and on the go.
