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Spectrum cable TV plans

By David Anders Last updated: May 24, 2022

Spectrum TV customers can add on packs of channels or premium networks to an affordable base program.

  • Spectrum TV Select ®

    125+ channels for:

    $49.99/mo.*

    *Limited time offer; subject to change; Spectrum TV® Select promotion price is $49.99/mo; standard rates apply after yr. 1. Taxes, fees and surcharges extra and subject to change; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra. Updated 04/25/22. See offer details

    Shop Spectrum TV

    or call to order: (844) 451-2720

Spectrum TV

Spectrum TV service shares availability with Spectrum Internet, covering more than a third of U.S. households across 41 states. It’s true “cable” TV, in that it uses coaxial cables to deliver service, as opposed to a satellite or fiber optic network. Spectrum offers a basic cable plan which allows for a variety of add-ons to create a package that includes your favorites shows, premium channels and sports.

Spectrum TV pros & cons

What we like

  • No contracts: Try Spectrum risk-free with no contracts and no early termination fees.

  • Streaming with Spectrum mobile app – The Spectrum TV App gives you access to thousands of on-demand shows and your full channel lineup at home and on the go.

  • Contract buyout: Spectrum will buy out your current ISP contract up to $500.

Things to consider

  • Unimpressive DVR – Expect recording conflicts with Spectrum’s DVR, which allows for only two simultaneous recordings.

  • No 4K capability  – Spectrum TV does not have live or streaming/on demand 4K programming.

  • Fees can run up your bill – After the Broadcast fee, DVR fee and charges for each TV box you need, monthly fees for Spectrum TV add up to over $30.

Expert tip: Spectrum is best for those looking for standard cable TV

If you’re looking for a standard cable TV service, Spectrum may be for you. It delivers all the essential channels and includes HD at no extra cost. If, however, you’re in search of a more unique viewing experience, with a state-of-the-art TV box and lots of features, Spectrum TV is likely to underwhelm.

Spectrum logo

Shop Spectrum cable TV plans

Spectrum offers high-speed internet, customizable TV packages and unlimited nationwide calling.

Order online
or call us today: (844) 451-2720

Spectrum TV channel lineup

Spectrum offers several tiers and premium options to add to the TV Select plan:

Channels included in Spectrum TV Select

Free HD channels: Picture resolution up to 1080p is included at no extra cost. HD channels include all major news networks, Disney, ESPN, HGTV, Hallmark Channel, Lifetime, NBC Sports Network and others.

Breaking news: CNN, CNBC, FOX News Channel and MSNBC.

Live sports: ESPN, ESPN2, FOX Sports 1 and CNBC Sports Network 

Family entertainment: Nickelodeon, Hallmark Channel and TV Land

On-demand shows: Spectrum advertises “thousands” of available on-demand titles, but the actual number will vary by package.

Mobile streaming: The Spectrum Stream TV App is available on iOS and Android devices for free and lets you stream live and on-demand content.

Should you choose Spectrum TV?

Spectrum TV is a solid choice for most people, especially if you’re already subscribing to Spectrum Internet service. Its bundles start at just $99.98/mo., which is one of the cheaper TV and internet combinations you’ll find. Spectrum also carries most regional sports networks, and in many areas, it’s the only way you’ll be able to watch your local MLB, NBA and NHL team’s games.

Spectrum TV equipment and fees

  • Broadcast fee: Up to $21.00/mo. All packages come with a Broadcast fee, which will vary depending on your package. With those two plans you will only have to pay $12.95. This fee seems a bit unfair, but you can expect a similar fee from virtually any traditional TV provider.
  • HD TV box fee: $9.99/mo. per box. You’ll need a Spectrum HD TV receiver for every TV you want service on, and each one will add to your bill.
  • DVR fee: $4.99/mo. for one device, $9.99/mo. for two or more. It’s a relatively small price to pay for DVR service, but you’ll have to schedule recordings strategically as you can only record two shows at once. You do have the option to pass on the DVR service, however, making this fee the only one you can avoid.
  • Installation: Spectrum charges a $19.99 Self-Installation Activation Fee. In some areas, self-installation isn’t available, and you’ll be charged a $49.99 Professional Installation Fee.
  • Price increase after promo period: After 12 months with Spectrum, your promo period will end and your Spectrum bill will increase up to $35/mo. You can expect for your TV bill to increase by $25/mo. and if you have a phone bill, that will increase by $10/mo. 
  • Late payment fee: $8.95 per late payment. However, this fee is not applied until 30 days after your original payment date, which is a fairly generous grace period. 

Stream live and On Demand with the Spectrum TV App

The Spectrum TV App takes your favorite shows, movies and sports from the TV to any screen.

What is the Spectrum TV App?

The Spectrum TV App allows Spectrum subscribers to watch live TV and On Demand, control DVR and alter settings like parental controls. Choose from over 40,000 titles and watch from any internet-connected device.

Which devices support the Spectrum TV App?

The Spectrum TV App works on Apple iOS, Android and Amazon Kindle devices, as well as Roku players, Xbox and Samsung Smart TVs that are 2012 edition or newer. If you want to watch on your computer, use the same username and password for the Spectrum TV App to log into Spectrum’s online TV viewing site.

How does Spectrum TV On Demand work?

Using the Spectrum TV app or Spectrum’s On Demand online library, you can watch On Demand movies, live TV shows and other featured entertainment. You can view available titles by logging in using your Spectrum username and password.

Compare Spectrum TV to other top TV packages

Depending on which TV service providers are available near you, you may be wondering how Spectrum compares to competitors. Select a competing provider to see starting prices, channel lineups and more.

Spectrum DIRECTV
Starting price at
$49.99/mo.* ENTERTAINMENT starting at $74.99/mo.1
Channels
125+ 160+
Streaming access
Spectrum TV App DIRECTV App
Records
2 shows at once 5 shows at once
Contract
1-year agreement 2-year contract

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 04/25/22.

For more details on how Spectrum TV compares to other providers near you, check out some deep dives from our experts:

Spectrum TV customer satisfaction ratings

Spectrum ranked in line with most other cable TV providers for customer satisfaction in 2021, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). They gave Spectrum TV an overall score of 64/100, one of the higher cable providers, but falling just short of the industry average (65/100).

Spectrum TV FAQs

Can you get Spectrum TV without internet service?

Yes. You can get Spectrum TV without an internet plan. Spectrum provides traditional, standalone cable TV plans that you can buy without buying Spectrum Internet. However, Spectrum streaming services, including TV Choice and TV Stream are only available when paired with Spectrum Internet service.

Right now, Spectrum TV service doesn’t have channels using Ultra HD 4K TV programming. However, Spectrum offers free HD programming in 1080p, so customers with HDTV can enjoy high-quality Spectrum HD entertainment.

Spectrum offers a self-install kit available for a one-time fee of $9.99. If you need professional installation, Spectrum may charge an added fee of $49.99.

One way to save on Spectrum TV service is to limit the number of HD boxes you use and pass on the DVR service. Each HD box costs $9.99/mo., so reducing the number of connected TVs could instantly reduce your bill. Additionally, DVR service can cost up to $9.99/mo., so electing to not have the service could save you some money.

Basic channels on Spectrum include your local networks — ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC — as well as other public access or government channels, including C-SPAN, the CW, HSN, MeTV, PBC and QVC.

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David Anders

Written by:

David Anders

Senior Writer, Broadband Content

David joined the Allconnect team in 2017, specializing in broadband and TV content. His work has been referenced by a variety of sources, including ArcGIS, DIRECTV and more. As a Senior Writer, David is motivate… Read more

Robin Layton

Edited by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband Content

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