Introduction
There is no doubt in the fact that the prices of the services, nowadays, are just too high, be it internet, cable TV, or online streaming subscription. In some cases, customers believe that the current package that they are using is a bit expensive and that there surely must be at least one such package out there that is an upgrade on their current one, for a much lesser price. If you’re one of those people, then rest easy as you are absolutely right.
In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the best cable deals and bundles for you to view and make up your mind. We’ll try to present clear and transparent insights into each company hoping that our hard efforts earn your praise. Here it goes!
Best Cable TV Providers
- Xfinity:
- Cox:
- Spectrum:
- Optimum:
Provider | Price/month* | Channel Numbers Available | To View Plan |
---|---|---|---|
Xfinity TV | $70.99-$89.49 | 220 | View Plans |
Cox TV | $25.00 - $69.99 | 140 | View Plans |
Spectrum TV | $44.99 - $89.99 | 200 | View Plans |
Optimum Cable TV | $64.95 - $104.95 | 420 | View Plans |
*Data collected on 1/9/2020. All prices and plans are subject to change at the company’s discretion and locations. All details should be checked before making any final decision from the company itself, whether by calling their customer support or by reviewing their website.
Factors That Determine Who The Best Cable TV Providers Are
- Price
- Contract
- Fees
- Channels
- DVR
- Availability
All There Is To Know About Xfinity
Xfinity is all about fair pricing coupled with no-contract options. It’s specifically great for people who are on the move a lot and don’t like to be tied down. In comparison, Xfinity's Digital Starter TV plan is relatively cheaper than Cox’s, Optimum’s, and Spectrum’s basic packages.
In case you’re wondering about the Digital Starter TV plan, which in our opinion is one of the cheapest options right now. The plan includes every channel from the top 25 cable TV networks i.e. ESPN, USA, TNT, Discovery, etc. this simply means that you won’t be missing out on many popular channels and shows.
The main attraction towards Xfinity has to be the no-contract option. Just for an extra $10 per month, you can avail this option and it's perfect for people who know that they’ll be on the move soon or who just want to try out a service before making a commitment.
Xfinity X1 DVR is not the best DVR out there but it’s still up there. It is already equipped with Prime Video and Netflix with the capabilities of recording up to 6 shows at one time or you could keep up to 60 hours of HD and 300 SD recordings. Who’s recording That 70’s Show? We’re coming over.
The only thing that we can point out about Xfinity that we don’t like is that they have a lot of additional fees. Fees like broadcast TV fee or regional sports fee can put an extra burden on a customer. However, mostly all TV providers have the same additional cost structure in place.
Xfinity Add on Premium Channels and Packages
Channel or Package | Price* |
---|---|
Sports Entertainment Package | $9.99/month |
HBO | $15.00/month |
Showtime | $12.00/month |
Starz | $12.00/month |
Cinemax | $12.00/month |
Epix | $5.99/month |
Xfinity Latino | $9.99/month |
Deportes | $5.00/month |
TMC (The Movie Channel) | $12.00/month |
*Data collected on 19/11/18. All prices and plans are subject to change at the company’s discretion and locations. All details should be checked before making any final decision from the company itself, whether by calling their customer support or by reviewing their website.
All There Is To Know About COX
Cox’s Record 6 DVR has a cost of $19.99/month which is the same as Xfinity X1 DVR but Cox’s DVR can store up to 340 HD or 1,000 SD hours which is a lot more than what the X1 can store. The Cox Record 6 DVR can also record up to 6 shows at a time.
If you are a Cox TV fan, then you’re no stranger to the amazing channel line-up that they have for you. Take movie buffs, sports enthusiasts, or even reality show addicts, everyone in your household will find something for them in the six TV channel lineups that they have as options.
The interesting part is that even though Cox TV is quite possibly one of the cheapest options out there with only a few channels, the Cox Contour TV packages cost a lot more than what other similar cable service providers are charging.
Moreover, there is also a fine in place if you decide to let go of the service after your 30 days of sign up. Yes, you can drop the service within 30 days for completely free. However, once you go beyond that and decide to change providers, you’ll be charged a $240 cancelation fee.
Cox TV Packages
Plans | Price* | TV Channel Count | To View Plan |
---|---|---|---|
TV Starter | $25.00/month | 75+ | View Plans |
Contour TV | $69.99/month | 140+ | View Plans |
*Data collected on 19/11/18. All prices and plans are subject to change at the company’s discretion and locations. All details should be checked before making any final decision from the company itself, whether by calling their customer support or by reviewing their website.
All There Is To Know About Spectrum
Unlike Cox TV, Spectrum cable has a no-contract policy running for them and it’s one of the most important factors that customers look at when making a decision. With Spectrum Cable there is absolutely no need to step into a multi-year contract when you start with your service. In fact, you are pretty much free to change service providers at will, for example when Spectrum decodes to increase its base prices after the first year, you may want to re-evaluate your options and if you choose to do so then you won’t have to face any stringent fee. You’re pretty much free to go!
The thing that Spectrum doesn’t fit the bill is the equipment category. Every area has a different type and quality of equipment. So, this means that if you live in a particular area that has a DVR with up to 12 hours of storage on it, in another area someone might have a DVR with quite possibly a 150-hour storage on it. Seems a tad bit unfair, to be honest. However, what seems to be consistent is that you could only record two things at once. Not a sweet deal.
Oh and one more thing. Spectrum is only available in about 25% of the United States so before you decide on availing the no-contract and low prices option by Spectrum, you better check to see whether the service provider operates in your area.
Spectrum Cable TV Packages
Plans | Price* | TV Channel Count | To View Plan |
---|---|---|---|
Spectrum TV Select | $44.99/month | -- | View Plans |
Spectrum TV Silver | $69.99/month | -- | View Plans |
Spectrum TV Gold | $89.99/month | -- | View Plans |
*Data collected on 19/11/18. All prices and plans are subject to change at the company’s discretion and locations. All details should be checked before making any final decision from the company itself, whether by calling their customer support or by reviewing their website.
All There Is To Know About Optimum
What if we tell you that we know of a service provider that can help resolve all the fights that happen in your home with regard to the TV and its remote? Well, you’ll love us more, hopefully. The best thing about Optimum Cable is that you can record up to 15 shows all at the same time. That is, wait for it, LEGENDARY!
However, since there is a DVR cap of up to 75 hours of HD storage, you might have to set your priorities straight and only record the shows that are really important, like Criminal Minds or Monday Night Football.
The good news for all residents of the Big Apple is that Optimum offers all its NY residents with HD sports channels for every New York sports team. Good news, right?
Moreover, the main issue with Optimum is that the cable TV service provider only operates in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. So availability is a big issue about Optimum.
As all cable companies go, Optimum too adds unforeseen fees to your bill. So, just like with any other service provider, be prepared for a bill that has an additional $15 - $30 added to it.
Optimum’s Cable TV Packages
Plans | Price* | TV Channel Count | To View Plan |
---|---|---|---|
Optimum Core TV | $64.95 | 220+ | View Plans |
Optimum Select TV | $74.95 | 340+ | View Plans |
Optimum Premier TV | $104.95 | 420+ | View Plans |
*Data collected on 19/11/18. All prices and plans are subject to change at the company’s discretion and locations. All details should be checked before making any final decision from the company itself, whether by calling their customer support or by reviewing their website.
Best TV And Internet Deals Provider
Best Deal For | Packages/Bundle | Starting Price* | Channels/Speed | Cost Per Channel/Megabit | To View Plan |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sports Fan | DIRECTTV XTRA + SPORTS PACK | $83.98/month | 275+Channels | $0.31 Per Channel | View Plans |
Budget Shoppers | DIRECTTV SELECT | $59.99/month | 155+ Channels | $0.39 Per Channel | View Plans |
Channel Surfers | Verizon The Most FiOS TV | $90.00/month | 425+ Channels | $0.21 Per Channel | View Plans |
Streamers | Hulu + Live TV | $54.99 - $60.99/month | 65+ Channels | $0.85 - $0.94 Per Channel | View Plans |
Internet-Only Shoppers | CenturyLink Fiber Internet | $65.00/month | Up To 940 Mbps | $0.07 Per Megabit | View Plans |
*Data collected on 18/03/2020. All prices and plans are subject to change at the company’s discretion and locations. All details should be checked before making any final decision from the company itself, whether by calling their customer support or by reviewing their website.
Cheapest TV and Internet Bundles
One thing that you’ll have to make way with is a compromise. In other words, when you decide to pay less for something that would automatically result in missing out on something as well, an opportunity cost occurs.
Most service providers that offer cheap prices or bundles do so with sub-broadband speeds or limited TV service.
Provider | Plan Name | Starting Price* | Maximum Download Speed | TV Channel Numbers | Bundle Savings* |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AT&T | Internet and AT&T TV Entertainment | $84.99/month | 100 Mbps | 65+ | $10.00/month |
Cox | Bronze Duo | $109.99/month | 150 Mbps | 140+ | $34.99/month |
Mediacom | Internet 60 + Essential TV | $79.99/month | 60 Mbps | 125+ | N/A |
Optimum | Core TV and Optimum 300 | $65.00/month | 300 Mbps | 220+ | $49.99/month |
RCN | 100 Mbps and Signature TV | $105.95/month | 100 Mbps | 280+ | N/A |
Spectrum | Two Xfinity Products | $89.89/month | 200 Mbps | 125+ | $5.00/month |
Suddenlink | Value TV and Internet 100 | $55.00/month | 100 Mbps | 225+ | $38.00/month |
Verizon FiOS | 200 Mbps + Your FiOS TV | $89.99/month | 200 Mbps | 125+ | $0.00/month |
Xfinity | Performance Starter + TV Extra | $70.00/month | 25 Mbps | 125+ | $15.00/month |
*Data collected on 24/09/2020. All prices and plans are subject to change at the company’s discretion and locations. All details should be checked before making any final decision from the company itself, whether by calling their customer support or by reviewing their website.
Some TV Packages And Channels
If you want to take our word for it then there is no other service provider that showcase channels and packages the way AT&T and DIRECTV do.
The AT&T TV’s 65 channels are considered to be quite less, right? Remember, its quality and not quantity. In this case, you get only the most popular channels at your disposal instead of all those digital music channel count fillers that no one seems to watch. AT&T TV’s 65 channels also disregard having one channel showcased twice i.e. one channel having an HD platform and a regular viewership platform, these should not be counted as two!
The good news for sports fans is that with DIRECTV you get many sport network options and amazing packages as well which includes the exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket.
Since you’re already planning on saving your money and making the most out of it. You can just as easily go for Spectrum’s Silver TV Package, which is equipped with HBO Max and Showtime. This premium channel lineup will definitely make your TV experience better.
No Saving Bundles From Mediacom, RCN, and Verizon FiOS
The main reason for this is that Mediacom and RCN have TV packages that only come as part of a bundle and there is no standalone TV pricing system in place hence comparisons for bundle pricings can’t be done.
Verizon FiOS TV and its internet packages also don’t have any saving bundles since they are already priced at quite possibly the lowest introductory rate and that’s regardless of the fact if you bundle or don’t.
FAQ
Should I bundle with cable internet?
In our opinion, a bundle does cost more than having just one of the services installed at your place. If your household requires constant use for a phone, internet service, and cable then maybe getting a bundle is the way to go. However, that does put an extra cost on your income so why not get a high-speed internet service that could allow you to utilize all of the above.
How to lower my cable and internet bill?
So if you want to save money and still want to be consuming both the perks that come from cable TV and the internet. Then quite possibly the best solution is to cut cable TV completely out and get a fast and reliable internet service coupled with a live streaming TV service. This way you get the best of both worlds for less of the price. If you’re looking for our recommendations, then Hulu Live TV has one of the most economical deals. You get, for $54.99 - $60.99, 60 popular channels that are inclusive of sports channels and local channels. This deal is a lot better than what cable or satellite providers give.
Looking into YouTube TV and Sling TV for their channel lists is also a good idea but they don’t have Hulu’s on-demand and original viewing options.