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Whether you’re looking for a TV and internet bundle deal, a custom channel lineup or the cheapest TV service available, we partner with reliable, local TV companies to find your best TV service options. Check out a list of TV companies that may be available in your area.
Best TV companies for 2019
As ranked by Reviews.com as of 07/23/19.
- Spectrum – No contracts
- Verizon Fios – Most customizable channel package
- Xfinity – Cheap bundle deals
Reviews.com is owned and operated by an affiliate of Allconnect, Inc. However, Allconnect, Inc. is not involved in or responsible for the production of Reviews.com content, including the rankings cited on this page.
Your “best” TV provider depends on what you and your family are looking for in a great home entertainment experience. Call today to shop popular TV companies near you.
Compare top TV companies
If you’re considering more than one TV provider in your area, compare details like contract agreements, installation fees, channel lineups and more. Our experts have done some in-depth research on major TV companies with similar service offerings to help make your decision easy.
Top TV companies at a glance
| Provider | Starting price* | Channel range | Simultaneous DVR recordings | Contract |
 AT&T U-verse | $19/mo. | 25-565+ | Up to four | One year |
 Cox | $25/mo. | 75-250+ | Up to six | Varies by plan |
 DIRECTV | $35/mo. | 155-330+ | Up to five | Two years |
 Dish | $59.99/mo. | 190-290+ | Up to 16 | Two years |
 Frontier | $62.99/mo. | 115-495+ | Up to four | None required |
 Mediacom | $49.98 (bundle only) | 50-270+ | Up to six | One year |
 Optimum | $59.95/mo. | 220-420+ | Up to 15 | One year |
 Spectrum | $44.99/mo. | 125-200+ | Up to two or five, depending on available device | None |
 Verizon | $64.99/mo. | 280-425+ | Up to six | Varies by plan |
 Xfinity | $20/mo. | 10-260+ | Up to four | None required for TV only |
*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 07/23/19.
Want a closer look at how TV companies in your area stack up? Click a comparison to see nationwide availability, bundle deals, add-on options and more from TV and internet providers in your area.
Get cheap TV service near you
TV service doesn’t have to be expensive. Many popular providers offer basic TV service that includes local channels and major networks for an affordable price. If you’re looking for the best value for your money, we’ll help you find some of the cheapest TV providers for your address. Here’s a list of TV companies that offer cheap TV service:
Cheap TV services
- AT&T U-Basic TV – Starting at $19/mo. for 15+ channels
- Cox TV Starter – Starting at $25/mo. for 75+ channels
- DIRECTV SELECT™ – Starting at $35/mo. for 150+ channels
- Xfinity Basic – Starting at $20/mo. for 10+ channels
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 07/24/19.
Call to see if these cheap TV services are available near you.
What types of TV services are available near me?
Although cable TV service is still the most popular connection type, your address may be eligible for fiber or satellite TV plans depending on where you’re located. Residents in rural areas, for example, can shop satellite TV providers which offer service in places that other providers do not. Take a look at some of the pros and cons of the TV connection types that may be available in your area.
Cable TV services
Many people use “cable” in reference to TV services in general, but cable TV is a specific type of TV service that uses coaxial cables. Since coaxial cable networks are nearly as commonplace as phone lines, cable TV is readily available in many areas.
Pros:
- Availability – Cable TV is available to roughly 89% of U.S. residents.
- Convenient bundling – Most cable TV companies also offer internet, home phone and home security services.
- Reliability – Cable TV is less susceptible to service interruptions due to inclement weather.
Cons:
- Cost – Standalone TV packages may be higher priced than satellite TV packages with similar channel lineups.
- Specialty channel options – Compared to satellite TV, cable often will not have as many regional sports networks, international channels or other add-on options.
Popular cable TV companies: Cox, Mediacom, Optimum, Spectrum, Suddenlink and Xfinity
Satellite TV services
Satellite TV service is one of the most popular and readily-available alternatives to cable TV. Satellite TV is available throughout all 50 states, but you will need a clear view of the southern sky and a place to mount a satellite dish to receive service.
Pros:
- Availability – Satellite TV is available nearly everywhere, making it an excellent TV option in suburban and rural areas.
- Package options – Satellite TV gives you numerous base package options and lots of add-ons for premium channels, sports and more.
- Picture quality – Satellite TV technology supports higher bandwidth than cable, which means you’re likely to get more HD and 4K programming with satellite TV.
Cons:
- Signal interference – Inclement weather, snow and heavy cloud cover can result in signal loss.
- Contract obligations – Satellite TV is likely to come with a two-year service agreement, a longer commitment than most cable or fiber-optic TV providers require.
Popular satellite TV companies: DIRECTV and DISH
Fiber-optic TV services
Fiber-optic TV service is becoming more popular as fiber-optic networks become more available. Currently, fiber-optic TV is primarily available in metro areas and less than a third of U.S. residents are eligible for service.
Pros:
- Package options – Like satellite TV, fiber-optic TV has a high bandwidth that will support many channels and high picture quality.
- Bundle options – If fiber-optic TV is available, it’s likely that you’ll be able to bundle with fiber-optic internet service, an emerging internet connection type.
- Reliability – Fiber-optic cables are more durable and resistant to interference than coaxial cables, giving fiber-optic TV superb reliability.
Cons:
- Availability – Fiber-optic TV is currently one of the least-available types of TV service.
- Cost – Standalone fiber-optic TV package may cost more than satellite or cable TV options. Plus, you may have to bundle with internet to qualify for certain TV packages or pricing.
Popular fiber-optic TV companies: Frontier FiOS and Verizon Fios
Internet-protocol TV services
Internet-protocol TV, or IPTV, uses an internet connection to deliver TV signals. A receiver takes the signals and converts them into TV images, similar to how your internet modem/router receives signals and converts them into Wi-Fi.
Pros:
- Bundling options and set up – Since IPTV uses an internet connection, adding services such as internet and VoIP are simple.
- Pricing – IPTV packages from AT&T U-verse are priced lower than many similar cable or fiber-optic TV options.
Cons:
- Availability – AT&T U-verse is the most popular IPTV provider, so service is limited to AT&T internet service areas.
- Dependence on internet quality – Like over-the-top streaming services, IPTV relies on your internet connection for service. A poor internet connection, often the result of too much distance between the home and provider, can result in a weak connection.
Popular IPTV companies: AT&T U-verse
Find out which TV service types and providers are available in your area. Click “Shop providers” below or call to speak with our TV experts about available options in your area.
Over-the-top streaming TV services
A cheap TV alternative is to simply purchase a fast internet connection and stream your favorite shows. Here are a few TV streaming options that you might find to be good substitutes or complements to traditional TV service.
AT&T TV NOW
AT&T TV NOW
AT&T TV NOW (formerly DIRECTV NOW) is a subscription over-the-top service that lets you watch live TV and On Demand programming. It’s a cost-effective way to “cut the cord” and still get many of the live channels you get with regular TV service. DVR service is now available with DIRECTV NOW and offers up to 20 hours of cloud storage for shows.
Netflix, Hulu & Amazon Prime
Netflix, Hulu & Amazon Prime
Popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime feature movies, hit series and original shows. For the most part, these services feature On Demand streaming, which makes them a great supplement to TV service, but not the best substitute for live programming.
Roku and other devices
Roku and other devices
There are many devices, such as the Roku, that let you stream TV from a variety of sources. However, like Netflix and Hulu, available content is limited. Such devices are ideal for viewers who just watch a few TV series and On Demand movies.
Frequently asked questions about TV companies
What’s the difference between satellite and cable TV?
What’s the difference between satellite and cable TV?
Cable service providers use a coaxial cable connection and a cable box, while satellite TV providers use a satellite dish to send the TV signal. With a satellite dish installed, satellite TV is available to most homes nationwide. Cable, on the other hand, is only available to homes connected to a cable network and may not be available in rural areas.
What TV companies are in my area?
What TV companies are in my area?
Availability for TV companies varies nationwide. Satellite TV companies are the most widely available, followed by cable, fiber-optic and IPTV. Call to hear about available TV service providers and plans in your area.
What is HDTV?
What is HDTV?
Also known as high definition television, HDTV is a digital television display that provides high-quality picture and sound. Standard definition television is usually broadcast in 480p, while HDTV programming is broadcast between 720p and 1080i. Most TV providers include HDTV service and HD channels with their TV plans.
Is TV service cheaper if I bundle?
Is TV service cheaper if I bundle?
Most TV companies offer discounts to customers who bundle services together. Because of increased competition between internet and TV companies, providers often give a discount for setting up all of your services through them rather than getting internet from one provider and TV from another.
Last updated on 07/24/19.
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