Key Takeaways: These are the best VPNs for Comcast Xfinity
- ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Comcast
- NordVPN — Fastest VPN for Comcast
- Surfshark — Best Comcast VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections
- CyberGhost — Comcast VPN with automation features
- PrivateVPN — Comcast VPN with a free trial
Facts and Expert Analysis: What to know about Comcast Xfinity VPNs
- Comcast has the lowest customer satisfaction rating of any major U.S. fiber ISP according to 2023 data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).1
- Comcast customers have often accused the company of bandwidth throttling in the past 2, and the ISP was implicated in a 2021 report by the Federal Trade Commission that concluded that major ISPs are spying on customers. 3
- Bandwidth throttling is a common practice for many ISPs around the world, not just Comcast. Sometimes this is done simply to optimize load-balancing during times of heavy traffic, but sometimes the motives are more nefarious, ranging from cracking down on peer-to-peer downloads to favoring certain websites or platforms over others.
- If you’re with Comcast or another ISP with a reputation for anti-consumer behavior, a VPN can not only protect your privacy but also help you get the internet speed you pay for.
A VPN (virtual private network) helps you access the internet at the speed you pay for, secures your connection so your internet service provider (or the government) can’t spy on you and helps you access geoblocked content. Though our best VPN picks excel at these jobs, we’re interested in a specific use case today: the best VPN for Comcast Xfinity.
Comcast Xfinity is one of America’s biggest internet service providers (ISPs), but it’s earned a bad reputation for throttling bandwidth and spying on customers. The company claims it doesn’t throttle speeds, but customers continue to experience throttling. Using the right VPN for Comcast can solve both problems.
Though Comcast Xfinity has its own VPN, called Xfinity VPN, we don’t recommend it. If you’re looking for a VPN for your router, we have a guide on the best VPNs for routers you might find interesting.
-
10/18/2023
Updated the article to reflect ExpressVPN’s recent increase of 5 simultaneous connections to 8.
-
03/22/2024 Facts checked
We rewrote this guide with more detailed analysis and changed our recommended services based on effectiveness and performance.
Cloudwards Editor’s Choice: ExpressVPN, Best VPN for Comcast Xfinity
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Comcast because it offers excellent security, fast speeds and an unmatched ability to unblock geoblocked content. ExpressVPN tops almost every VPN list we’ve compiled. The best part is that trying it out costs nothing. Sign up for ExpressVPN, and if you don’t like it, claim a full refund with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
How to Choose a Comcast Xfinity VPN
It’s important to consider factors like speed, security, server network, feature set and unblocking capabilities when selecting a Comcast Xfinity VPN. Here’s an overview of features to look out for:
- Speed: VPNs can prevent ISP throttling and significantly improve speeds. However, you might not see a noticeable improvement in speed if you pick a slow VPN.
- Security: Encryption protects your data while it travels from your device to an external server. When your data is encrypted, nobody can read it — not even Comcast. Learn how to use Wireshark to make sure your VPN is encrypting what you need.
- Server network: A wide server network gives you more options. For example, if you want the option to stream a Chinese sitcom on Youku, you need a VPN with Chinese servers.
- Feature set: Features like split tunneling and obfuscated servers all contribute to your data’s security. VPNs without these features still secure your connection, but they’re nice to have.
- Unblocking capabilities: If you want to use a Comcast VPN to access geoblocked content, you need one that can effectively circumvent geoblocks on websites like Netflix. Check out our article on how VPN unblocking works.
The Xfinity VPN
Xfinity VPN isn’t an independent service but a built-in feature. The “advanced security on the go” option on your Xfinity router allows you to install a VPN profile on your Android or iOS device. Whenever you connect to an unsecured WiFi network using this device, Xfinity VPN will automatically switch on. If you need to disable the VPN, you can do so via the Xfinity app.
Unlike independent VPN services, you don’t have the option to change your encryption protocol, route your traffic via multiple tunnels or use features like smart DNS when using Xfinity VPN. It’s also counterintuitive to trust an ISP with your security when it’s already throttling your speed and may be able to trace your IP address.
The 5 Best Comcast Xfinity VPNs
| VPN | Price | Netflix | Speed | No-Logs | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
$6.66 per month (15-months plan) | Very fast | AES-256 ChaCha20 |
||
 |
$3.39 per month (two-year plan) | The fastest | AES-256 ChaCha20 |
||
 |
$2.29 per month (two-year plan + two months) | Very fast | AES-256 ChaCha20 |
||
 |
$2.37 per month (two-year plan) | Not very fast | AES-256 ChaCha20 |
||
 |
$2 per month (three-year plan) | Not very fast | AES-128 AES-256 ChaCha20 |
1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Comcast
92 Mbps
Very Fast
9 Mbps
Very Fast
5 ms
Very Fast
ExpressVPN offers fast connection speeds, allowing you to fully utilize the bandwidth you pay Comcast for. You’re unlikely to experience any buffering even when you stream content in 4K thanks to ExpressVPN’s lightning-fast speeds. It also has a huge server network and is our favorite VPN for obtaining a German IP address.
The VPN offers three protocols to choose from: OpenVPN, IKEv2 and Lightway (ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol). All three protocols, combined with either AES-256 or ChaCha20, ensure your data isn’t readable even if someone manages to intercept it — including Comcast.
ExpressVPN Hands-On Testing
The ExpressVPN app is easy to use. The home screen has a one-click connect button, and you can access the full VPN server list from the home screen. Everything else — general settings, VPN protocols and other options — is housed in a separate section, so the home screen looks clean.
Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Speed Test Results
Upload Speed (Higher is better)
Latency (Lower is better)
ExpressVPN is fast and keeps latency to a minimum when connected to a nearby server. This means you can stream your favorite content in high definition or play games over the VPN connection without worrying about lags.
Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Security Analysis
to an ExpressVPN server during our tests.
| Protocol | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | Windows MacOS Android Linux |
| IKEv2 | AES-256 | MacOS iOS |
| Lightway | AES-256 ChaCha20 |
Windows MacOS iOS Android Linux |
ExpressVPN offers three protocols: OpenVPN, IKev2 and Lightway. The app uses AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, depending on the protocol you choose. The app has built-in IPv6 leak protection, and our tests suggest that DNS leaks are unheard of on ExpressVPN. The app also offers various built-in security features like an ad blocker, a kill switch and split tunneling.
ExpressVPN Pricing & Value
If you don’t mind spending a little extra for superior performance, ExpressVPN is an excellent pick. The best deal (the annual plan) costs $6.66 per month, while the shorter-term plans include the six-month and monthly plans, which cost $9.99 and $12.95 per month, respectively. If you want to learn more about the service, give our ExpressVPN review a read.
- Unlimited GB
- 8
- Yes
2. NordVPN — The Fastest VPN for Comcast
94 Mbps
Very Fast
9 Mbps
Very Fast
3 ms
Very Fast
NordVPN is the fastest VPN on the market — if Comcast is throttling your speed, NordVPN will help you regain it in full. It also offers a massive server network and an extensive feature set.
NordVPN doesn’t use speed as a tradeoff for security — it is one of the most secure VPNs out there. It offers an extensive range of security features, has a widespread server network and gets into all the popular streaming websites. It’s a complete package that almost matches ExpressVPN in terms of performance and security but at a lower cost.
NordVPN Hands-On Testing
The NordVPN app’s home screen features a world map with the server locations marked. This allows you to quickly look for the closest server location as needed. Key features are stacked across the left sidebar for easy access, while other options, such as VPN protocols and split tunneling, are housed in the settings. The app is fairly intuitive and has a gentle learning curve.
Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Speed Test Results
Upload Speed (Higher is better)
Latency (Lower is better)
NordVPN is the fastest VPN you’ll find on the internet. Whether you’re trying to stream content online or just want to prevent Comcast from throttling your speed, NordVPN is your best bet. NordVPN’s latency increases on faraway servers, like with any VPN, but its download and upload speeds are consistently very fast.
Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Security Analysis
| Protocol | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | Windows MacOS iOS Android Linux |
| NordLynx | ChaCha20 | Windows MacOS iOS Android Linux |
NordVPN offers five types of specialty servers — dedicated IP, double VPN, obfuscated, Onion Over VPN and P2P — for additional layers of security. The app has a separate section for “threat protection” — a feature that protects your device against malware, trackers and ads, malicious downloads and vulnerable apps.
NordVPN Pricing & Value
NordVPN’s best deal is the two-year plan, which costs $3.39 per month. This is an excellent price given NordVPN’s feature set and performance. If you don’t want to commit for the long term, consider the annual plan for $4.49 per month or the monthly plan for $12.99 per month.
We recommend you give NordVPN a go to experience it firsthand. There’s no risk in trying — if you’re not fully satisfied, you can claim a full refund using NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee. If you need more information, head over to our comprehensive NordVPN review.
- Unlimited GB
- 6
- Yes
- Unlimited GB
- 6
- Yes
3. Surfshark — Comcast VPN With Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
96 Mbps
Very Fast
9 Mbps
Very Fast
121 ms
Good
Surfshark is one of the few VPNs that offer unlimited simultaneous connections. In addition to helping you access the internet at the full speed of your current internet plan, Surfshark ensures all your devices can use the secure VPN connection without any speed reduction thanks to its unlimited simultaneous connections and bandwidth.
The VPN provider offers excellent speeds, closely trailing behind ExpressVPN and NordVPN. It’s also a feature-rich VPN: Smart DNS lets you stream geoblocked content without encrypting your connection, which means it offers better speeds. You can use Surfshark to unblock all popular streaming platforms, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Surfshark Hands-On Testing
The app is well designed and practical. Most options you’ll need during regular use are available on the home screen. For example, the quick-connect button is at the right, as is information like your VPN IP address and the protocol in use. The server list is in the center, and you can switch between server types at the top. Other options are stacked vertically in the left sidebar.
Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Speed Test Results
Upload Speed (Higher is better)
Latency (Lower is better)
Surfshark offers impressive speeds, giving ExpressVPN and NordVPN a run for the top spots. It’s fast enough to stream content in 4K, but Surfshark’s latency isn’t impressive even on near-distance servers. This shouldn’t be a problem for most use cases, but you might face lags while gaming or video chatting.
Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Security Analysis
| Protocol | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | Windows MacOS iOS Android Linux |
| IKEv2 | AES-256 | MacOS iOS Android |
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 | Windows MacOS iOS Android Linux |
Surfshark came black clean when tested for DNS leaks. The VPN offers three protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard) and two encryption ciphers (AES-256 and ChaCha20). Your connection is secure no matter which protocol you use. Surfshark also offers a range of security features like CleanWeb (ad and malware blocker) and camouflage mode (obfuscation feature).
Surfshark Pricing & Value
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly VPN, Surfshark is an excellent pick. The two-year plan (the best value) costs $2.29 per month. Shorter-term plans are also available — the annual plan costs $3.49 per month, while the monthly plan costs $10.99 per month.
Like other VPNs on this list, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. However, if you want to learn more, give our Surfshark review a read.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
4. CyberGhost — Comcast VPN With Automation Features
87 Mbps
Very Fast
9 Mbps
Very Fast
37 ms
Very Fast
CyberGhost is a great low-cost VPN that you can use to prevent Comcast from throttling your bandwidth or spying on you. The VPN has more than 11,000 servers in more than 90 countries. Even if you want to stream content local to remote locations or from censorship-heavy countries like China, there’s a good chance you’ll find the right server location with CyberGhost.
The app has a built-in automation feature called “smart rules.” You can create smart rules, which are action-based triggers, to automate specific VPN-related tasks. For example, if you’re in Washington, you can configure CyberGhost to automatically connect to a server in Washington every time you turn on your device.
CyberGhost Hands-On Testing
CyberGhost has one of the best desktop app interfaces. It is detailed and aesthetically pleasing. The layout is similar to Surfshark’s, with a quick-connect button to the right of the home screen, the server list in the center and other options in the left sidebar. However, it’s more detailed — for example, you can sort by server load or distance from your location to find an optimal server.
Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Speed Test Results
Upload Speed (Higher is better)
Latency (Lower is better)
CyberGhost isn’t as fast as other services on this list. However, it’s fast enough to help you stream content in standard definition. In addition, your speeds will improve significantly since Comcast won’t be able to throttle your bandwidth.
Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Security Analysis
| Protocol | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | Windows Android Linux |
| IKEv2 | AES-128 | Windows MacOS iOS |
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 | Windows MacOS iOS Android Linux |
You can switch between OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard depending on the device you’re using — all of them will adequately secure your connection. The app also comes with various advanced features, including a content blocker to block ads, trackers and URLs used for malware.
CyberGhost Pricing & Value
If you’re looking for a low-cost VPN with automation features and an easy-to-use interface, CyberGhost is worth considering. The VPN’s best deal (the two-year plan) costs $2.37 per month. Shorter-term plans include the annual plan, which costs $6.99 per month, and the monthly plan, which costs $12.99 per month.
CyberGhost offers a longer, 45-day money-back guarantee on all plans except the monthly plan (which comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee), so you can try the service risk-free. If you want to learn more, we discuss CyberGhost’s features and performance in greater detail in our CyberGhost review.
- Unlimited GB
- 7
- Yes
5. PrivateVPN — Comcast VPN With a Free Trial
PrivateVPN offers a seven-day free trial. If you want to try a VPN to prevent Comcast from throttling your speeds but don’t want the hassle of having to claim a refund, PrivateVPN is worth considering.
The VPN offers most of the basic features, including a kill switch and IPv6 and DNS leak protection. It’s not the most feature-rich VPN out there — it doesn’t even offer split tunneling — but it gets the job done to stop Comcast from throttling your speeds.
PrivateVPN Hands-On Testing
The interface is fairly straightforward. It looks different from top VPNs — the one-click button is placed at the bottom left of the home screen, as is the option to select the encryption protocol and cipher. The interface isn’t attractive, but it’s functional and easy to use.
compared to top VPNs, but it is easy to use.
Notes From the Lab: Private VPN Security Analysis
We didn’t see any DNS leaks while testing PrivateVPN. It’s a secure VPN that lets you switch between multiple protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, IPsec and IKEv2, depending on your device. The VPN also lets you choose between AES-128 and AES-256 encryption.
| Protocol | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 | Windows MacOS |
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | Windows MacOS iOS Android |
| PPTP | AES-128 AES-256 |
Windows Android |
| L2TP | AES-128 AES-256 |
Windows MacOS iOS Android |
| IPsec | AES-128 AES-256 |
iOS Android |
| IKEv2 | AES-128 AES-256 |
Windows MacOS iOS |
PrivateVPN Pricing & Value
PrivateVPN’s best deal (the three-year plan) costs $2 per month on the first billing cycle. There are shorter-term plans as well. The three-month plan costs $6 per month, while the monthly plan costs $9.90 per month.
You can use PrivateVPN’s seven-day free trial to test the service. Even if you’re not fully satisfied after you’ve paid for the subscription, you can request a refund using the 30-day money-back guarantee. If you need more information before signing up, head over to our PrivateVPN review.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
Can You Use a Free VPN for Comcast Xfinity?
Most free VPNs you’ll find on Google or your phone’s app store are unsafe. Many of these VPNs don’t work at all — they don’t encrypt your connection or help you unblock streaming platforms. They’re also likely to be useless in helping you deal with Comcast’s throttling. Some of these VPNs might even collect data or infect your device with malware.
That said, there are a few free VPNs that can help you get around Comcast’s business practices, including Proton VPN, Windscribe and TunnelBear.
The Best Free VPN for Comcast Xfinity: Proton VPN
Proton VPN is an excellent VPN that offers unlimited free data and access to five server locations — the U.S., the Netherlands, Japan, Romania and Poland. Proton VPN is one of the most reliable VPN providers for dealing with Comcast’s bandwidth throttling. Our Proton VPN review has the whole story, or you can try it out for yourself.
Why Use a VPN for Comcast?
Comcast has been known to throttle bandwidth when users consume excessive data and to spy on its users. If you use Comcast’s broadband internet and have been dealing with these problems, VPNs can be a great way to protect your privacy. Here’s why:
- A VPN routes your internet traffic via an encrypted tunnel, anonymizing your online activity and keeping you off Comcast’s throttling radar.
- Encrypting your connection with a VPN protects you against Comcast’s spying attempts.
- VPN users can access their favorite geoblocked content from any location. However, make sure you select a VPN service with a proven track record of unblocking your preferred streaming site.
Can I Use a VPN on My Xfinity Router?
Yes, you can use a VPN on your Xfinity router, provided you choose a VPN that’s compatible with your router. Most VPNs compatible with a router have a list of routers and firmware they can be installed on. Check our list of the best VPNs for routers before choosing one.
Before you install a VPN on your router, you should know that you can’t use the VPN like an app. You’ll need to select a specific server location — you won’t have the option to change servers on the go like you can on a VPN app.
Installing a VPN on a router might be a little more complex than installing a VPN app on your device. However, if you want to install a VPN on your Xfinity router, read our guide on how to install a VPN on a router.
Final Thoughts
It can be frustrating when you can’t use the internet at the speed you pay for. Of course, there’s also the risk of Comcast spying on your online activity. VPNs can help you achieve peace of mind so you don’t have to worry about Comcast’s throttling or lax privacy practices. We recommend ExpressVPN, but you can’t go wrong with any VPN on this list.
Have you ever experienced bandwidth throttling on your Comcast connection? Have you tried to solve the problem with a VPN? If yes, which one, and what was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below, and as always, thank you for reading.
FAQ: Best Comcast VPN
-
Yes, VPNs work with Comcast. You should be able to connect to any server location using a VPN. If you face problems, you should contact the VPN service provider instead of Comcast, since the problem is likely with the VPN.
-
NordVPN should work with your Xfinity router provided it supports an OpenVPN client. If you’re not sure, contact support and ask if it’s possible to set up an OpenVPN client on your router.
-
Comcast has been known to throttle speeds during peak hours or when users consume excessive data. However, it’s unlikely that Comcast is specifically throttling VPN connections.
{“@context”:”https:\/\/schema.org”,”@type”:”FAQPage”,”mainEntity”:[{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Do VPNs Work with Comcast?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”
Yes, VPNs work with Comcast. You should be able to connect to any server location using a VPN. If you face problems, you should contact the VPN service provider instead of Comcast, since the problem is likely with the VPN.\n”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Can I Put NordVPN on an Xfinity Router?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”
NordVPN should work with your Xfinity router provided it supports an OpenVPN client. If you\u2019re not sure, contact support and ask if it\u2019s possible to set up an OpenVPN client on your router.\n”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Does Comcast Throttle VPNs?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”
Comcast has been known to throttle speeds during peak hours or when users consume excessive data. However, it\u2019s unlikely that Comcast is specifically throttling VPN connections.\n”}}]}
Sources:
- Internet Service Providers – American Customer Satisfaction Index
- Xfinity Speed Throttling – Xfinity Forums
- A Look At What ISPs Know About You – Federal Trade Commision
The post Best VPN for Comcast Xfinity 2024: Avoid Bandwidth Throttling on Your Internet Connection appeared first on Cloudwards.
