Why choose Spectrum TV?
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Spectrum TV service shares availability with Spectrum internet, covering more than a third of U.S. households across 42 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 three main TV packages, which may seem low, but that’s right on par with other cable TV providers such as Xfinity and Cox. Spectrum also has a skinny TV package and a streaming-only package available to Spectrum internet customers.
What we like
The basics are there and then some – You’ll find all the top networks, plus premium networks, sports packages and international channels to be available with Spectrum.
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.
Spanish packages available – Three additional packages focused on Spanish-language entertainment are available.
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 costs for Spectrum TV will add up.
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.
Shop Spectrum TV plans near you
Spectrum TV packages and pricing
See the Spectrum TV packages and prices for your home and entertainment needs in the table below.
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Spectrum offers high-speed internet, customizable TV packages and unlimited nationwide calling.
Which Spectrum TV package is best for you?
Select package
Best for: Casual viewers who enjoy local networks, sports, entertainment and lifestyle programs.
Notable channels: Disney, ESPN, Freeform HGTV, SundanceTV, TBS, TNT and USA.
Silver package
Best for: Moderate viewers who enjoy local, sports and entertainment networks along with a handful of premium channels.
Notable channels: HBO Max®, SHOWTIME®, MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL Network and Olympic Channel.
Gold package
Best for: Avid viewers who like a little bit of everything including local, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and premium networks.
Notable channels: HBO®, SHOWTIME®, CINEMAX, STARZ®, STARZ ENCORE®, TMC, Boomerang, NHL Network, NFL RedZone and Willow TV.
Expert tip: Consider Spectrum add-on packs
Spectrum cable packages come with a variety of entertainment, but if you want more of a specific genre, such as sports or Spanish-language channels, consider Spectrum add-on packs.
Features included in all Spectrum TV packages
HD programming: Picture resolution up to 1080p is included at no extra cost. Actual picture quality will vary by channel and program.
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.
Spectrum TV equipment and fees
Whichever Spectrum TV package you choose, it will also come with its share of fees.
- Broadcast fee: $10-$15/mo. All packages come with a Broadcast fee, which will vary depending on where you live. This fee seems a bit unfair, but you can expect a similar fee from virtually any traditional TV provider.
- TV box fee: $7.99/mo. per device. 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 fee: $9.99 for self-install, $49.99 for professional install. The fee for the self-installation covers the cable-modem that you need. Self-install is fairly simple, so if you’re up for it and it’s available, go that route to save $40 off the upfront costs.
- 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.
Expert tip: Expect to pay an additional $30/mo.
If you are wondering how much these fees can add up to, here is an example. Starting pricing for the Spectrum TV Silver package is $74.99/mo., but that is just for the channels. By the time you add in extra costs such as broadcast and regional sports fees, equipment rental and DVR service, your actual bill is likely to be well over $100/mo.
Spectrum’s skinny TV package and streaming service
If you want to avoid some of those TV fees and don’t need a conventional TV package, Spectrum’s skinny package or streaming service may be for you. Spectrum internet is required to sign up for either service.
| Plan | Introductory price | Channel count |
| TV Choice | $24.99/mo.* | 10+ |
| TV Essentials | $14.99/mo.* | 60+ |
*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 02/26/21.
Spectrum TV Choice – locals and 10 channels of your choice
The TV Choice package is Spectrum’s answer to the fact that most of us only watch 10-15 channels and don’t like paying for all the channels we never watch.
How it works: Your locals are included. From there you can select 10 channels out of 100+ options and that’s your TV package. DVR and premium channels are available as add-ons.
The cost of Spectrum TV choice is $24.99/mo., which is half the price of Spectrum’s cheapest package. A broadcast fee of up to $8.95/mo. still applies.
Spectrum TV Essentials – a low-cost streaming alternative
Available to new Spectrum internet customers who don’t sign up for a TV package, Spectrum TV Essentials lets you stream 60+ channels for a low monthly price.
How it works: Your locals are not included, but 60+ live channels and on-demand content are. Cloud DVR is also available, but premium channels are not.
Spectrum TV Essentials cost $14.99/mo. There are no hidden fees or additional costs.
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.
Spectrum TV add-on packages
Spectrum cable packages come with a variety of entertainment, but if you want more of a specific genre, such as sports or Spanish-language channels, consider Spectrum add-on packs.
Premium networks
HBO® and SHOWTIME® are included with the Silver and Gold packages, but you can add them to the Select package for an added fee. Cinemax® and STARZ® are also available as add-on packs. Plans start at $4.99/mo.
![A family watching TV]()
Sports packs
The Spectrum Sports Pack includes NFL Network, Redzone Channel and Golf Channel. You can also add major pro sports packs, such as MLB Extra Innings, NBA League Pass and NHL Center Ice. Plans start at $5.00/mo.
![Three people watching TV]()
International channels
Spectrum TV offers a Spanish-language base package, Mi Plan Latino TV, with 75+ Spanish channels, or you can add the Latino View pack. Hindi and Punjabi international packs are also available. Plans start at $4.99/mo.
![Man using his cell phone while on a train]()
Expert tip: Sometimes a package upgrade is more cost-effective than add-ons
If you need two or more add-on packs to get all the channels you want, your best option may be to upgrade to a better package. For example, if you chose Spectrum TV Select then added HBO Max® and SHOWTIME®, the starting cost would come to $74.99. For the same price, you could choose the Spectrum TV Silver package, which includes HBO Max® and SHOWTIME®, plus NFL Network, MLB Network, Science Channel and many others not included with Spectrum TV Select.
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 | |
| $44.99/mo.* | ENTERTAINMENT starting at $64.99/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 |
- Provider
- Spectrum
- Starting price at
- $44.99/mo.*
- ENTERTAINMENT starting at $64.99/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 02/26/21.
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 2020, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and J.D. Power.
The ACSI gave Spectrum TV an overall score of 61/100, falling just short of other cable providers Cox (62/100), Xfinity and Optimum (both scored 63/100). J.D. Power was also somewhat critical of Spectrum, assigning relatively low marks for Performance, Cost of Service, Features and Programming.
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.
Does Spectrum TV have 4K?
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.
Does Spectrum charge an installation fee?
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.
What is Spectrum’s cheapest TV package?
Spectrum TV Essentials is a streaming package with 60+ live TV channels starting at $14.99/mo. This package must be bundled with Spectrum Internet. The cheapest standalone TV package is Spectrum TV Select, which starts at $44.99/mo.* for 125+ channels.
Can I save additional money with Spectrum?
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 $7.99/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.
Bundling is also a popular way to save money on TV and internet services, but Spectrum bundle discounts are lower than you’ll find with many other cable providers.
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Written by:
David AndersSenior 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
Edited by:
Robin LaytonEditor, Broadband & Wireless Content
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