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No matter what’s on your TV wish list, we’ve put together a list of reliable, local TV companies that may be available in your area. Find the TV service best suited for your address!
Best TV providers of 2021
- Cox – Best cheap TV plan
- DIRECTV – Best sports package
- DIRECTV STREAM – Best new streaming service
- DISH – Best hi-tech DVR
- Optimum – Best basic plan channel count
- Spectrum – Best skinny packages
- Verizon Fios – Best customization
- Xfinity – Best bundle deals
TV Start Price
Channel Count
Streaming Access
TV Contract Terms
DIRECTV
Best sports package
DIRECTV comes with HD programming, thousands of on-demand titles and a Genie DVR.
Learn moreTV Start Price
Channel Count
Streaming Access
TV Contract Terms
DIRECTV STREAM
Best new streaming service
DIRECTV STREAM lets you stream 65+ channels in high-quality resolution.
Learn moreTV Start Price
Channel Count
Streaming Access
TV Contract Terms
DISH
Best hi-tech DVR
DISH customers can enjoy the Hopper3 DVR, one of the most advanced devices on the market.
Learn moreTV Start Price
Channel Count
Streaming Access
TV Contract Terms
Optimum
Best basic plan channel count
Get hundreds of HD channels and the Altice One device for HD streaming.
Learn moreTV Start Price
Channel Count
Streaming Access
TV Contract Terms
Spectrum
Best skinny packages
Spectrum offers three regular packages and two skinny packages for you to choose from.
Learn moreTV Start Price
Channel Count
Streaming Access
TV Contract Terms
Verizon
Best customization
Verizon provides easy channel customization and no long-term contracts.
Learn moreTV Start Price
Channel Count
Streaming Access
TV Contract Terms
Xfinity
Best bundle deals
Save $10/mo. per service when you bundle Xfinity TV with Xfinity internet, voice and/or security.
Learn moreTV Start Price
Channel Count
Streaming Access
TV Contract Terms
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Summary of top TV companies
Compare details like contract agreements, installation fees and channel lineups when considering your TV provider. Our experts have done the in-depth research for you to make your TV decision easy.
Top TV companies at a glance
| Provider | Starting monthly price* | Channel range | Simultaneous DVR recordings | Contract |
Cox | $25.00 | 75 – 250+ | Up to 6 | Varies by plan |
DIRECTV | $64.99 | 160 – 330+ | Up to 5 | Two years |
DIRECTV STREAM | $69.99 | 65 – 140+ | Unlimited | None |
DISH | $64.99 | 190 – 290+ | Up to 16 | Two years |
Mediacom | $49.99 (bundle only) | 50 – 270+ | Up to 6 | One year |
| Optimum | $79.99 | 220 – 420+ | Up to 15 | One year |
Spectrum | $44.99 | 125 – 200+ | Up to 5, depending on available device | None |
Verizon | $56.00 | 125+ – 425+ | Up to 12 | None |
Xfinity | $20.00 | 10 – 260+ | Up to 4 | None required for TV only |
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of the contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices are subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 05/26/21.
TV channels
Click the links to learn more about each provider’s channel lineup.
- Cox TV – Free premium channels included with Cox Ultimate TV plan ($69.99/mo.) include HBO®, SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, CINEMAX® and EPIX®.
- DIRECTV – Free premium channels included with DIRECTV Ultimate TV plan ($84.99/mo.) include The Movie Channel and STARZ ENCORE®.
- DIRECTV STREAM – HBO Max included with CHOICE ($84.99/mo.), ULTIMATE ($94.99/mo.) and PREMIER ($139.99/mo.) plans.
- DISH – Free premium channels with DISH’s America’s Top 250 TV plan ($99.99/mo.) include STARZ®, STARZ ENCORE® and The Movie Channel.
- Frontier – Free premium channels with Frontier’s Premier TV plan ($119.99/mo.) include Cinemax, EPIX®, HBO®, SHOWTIME® and The Movie Channel.
- Mediacom – No free premium channels included but you can add any or all premium channels to an Mediacom plan for an additional monthly fee.
- Optimum – Free premium channels with Optimum’s Premier TV plan ($124.99/mo.) include HBO® networks, SHOWTIME® networks, STARZ® and STARZ Encore®.
- Spectrum – Free premium channels with Spectrum’s Silver TV plan ($74.99/mo.) include HBO® and SHOWTIME®.
- Verizon – Free premium channels with Verizon’s The Most Fios TV plan ($90/mo.) include SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, STARZ Encore® and The Movie Channel.
- Xfinity – Free premium channels with Xfinity’s Premier TV plan ($84.99/mo.) include HBO®, SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, STARZ Encore and The Movie Channel.
See how top providers compare
Take a closer look at how TV companies in your area stack up by clicking on a comparison below. Find nationwide availability, bundle deals, add-on options and more from TV and internet providers in your area.
Which cable TV provider do we think is best? Spectrum offers great values
Spectrum offers three TV packages between 125+ and 200+ channels. Spectrum’s cheapest plan, TV Select, is a particularly good deal as it offers 125+ channels, including five or more sports channels, for $44.99/mo. We are rating Spectrum first because it is one of the few providers that offers over 100 channels for under $50/mo.
Expert tip: Build a Spectrum TV and internet bundle to receive additional savings.
Top cheap cable providers near you
TV service doesn’t have to be expensive. Many popular providers offer basic cable service that includes local channels and major networks at 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 services:
Cheap TV packages
- Cox TV Starter – Starting at $25/mo. for 75+ channels
- Spectrum TV Select – Starting at $44.99/mo. for 125+ channels
- Verizon Your Fios TV – Starting at $56/mo. for 125+ 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 05/26/21.
These prices are low, especially for cable TV plans, but consider the additional monthly charges that you may incur with service. Cox TV Starter, for example, starts at $25/mo.* but increases as you add things like TV receivers ($10/device), DVR service ($12.99/mo.) and Complete Care protections ($10/mo.)
Things get more expensive as you add premium channels and channel paks to customize your service. Personalizations and equipment fees are common among major providers, so consider your plan price as a starting point.
Which provider should you choose? Cox TV Starter is best for cheap cable TV
If you are looking for cheap cable TV, but still want a good selection of channels, go with Cox TV Starter. Although Xfinity offers a slightly cheaper cable TV plan at $20/mo. for 10 channels, the Cox TV Starter is only $5/mo. more and you get access to significantly more channels.
Search TV providers for plans in your area
What types of TV services are available near me?
Cable TV service is the most popular connection type, however, your address may also 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.
Streaming TV services ![]()
To find all the channels and movies you want, consider a combination of traditional TV service plus a streaming provider (or two). With almost a dozen live TV streaming services to choose from, streaming can be a great option to supplement all your household’s TV needs.
Pros:
- Availability – Streaming TV is available everywhere
- Price – Plans starting at $9/mo., depending on the provider.
- Flexibility – Switch between multiple user profiles.
Cons:
- Sports – Fewer live sports options available.
- Internet – Requires a stable internet connection with plenty of data.
Popular streaming companies: DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV and Philo TV
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.
Fiber optic TV services ![]()
Fiber optic TV service is becoming more popular as fiber optic networks are expanded. 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 and Verizon Fios
Bundling ![]()
Regardless of what type of TV service you end up with, you almost always have the option to bundle other services, such as internet or home phone, with your TV subscription. Bundling services together is not only convenient, it can also save you money with certain providers. While nearly all internet, tv providers offer a bundling option, this is not always the case for streaming providers.
Over-the-top streaming TV services
A cheap alternative to cable TV 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:
Live TV streaming services ![]()
Live TV services, such as DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV and fuboTV, are becoming an increasingly popular option over cable TV. These services tend to be less expensive than cable TV and they require less of a commitment.
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 ![]()
Many devices, such as the Roku and Amazon Fire TV Stick, 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.
Tips on choosing the best TV provider
You can find the best deal out there as long as you know what to look for. Here are a few quick tips to find the TV provider and plan that’s best for your household:
- Shop around: Make sure you’re considering every provider in your area before narrowing down your options.
- Consider bundling: Bundling home service plans with a single provider will almost always save you money. You’ll also simplify your monthly bills.
- Add in equipment fees: Surprise bills aren’t fun bills. Look at how many TVs you’ll need receivers for, if you’ll want DVR service and if add-ons are a necessity. All of these things will increase your monthly bill.
- Check your channel lineup: Do a little digging on the channel lineup that’s included with your plan instead of relying on the number (125 channels). If your favorites aren’t included, it won’t be worth the money no matter what.
If you need assistance shopping, we’re here to help. Contact us today for more information on providers in your area.
Search TV providers for plans in your area
Understanding the contract
Most cable TV providers require a one- to two-year contract for its service. Make sure you understand what you are getting into before you sign that contract.
Early termination fees
If you sign a one- or two-year contract and want to back out of the contract early, you will likely have to pay a fee. This is known as the early termination fee. Most providers charge around $15 for every month you have left in your contract.
Price changes
One of the most frustrating aspects of a cable TV contract is that even though you are often locked into a two-year contract, the cost of your service isn’t locked in as well. This means there is a good chance your bill will increase after the first year. Expect that this will happen unless your cable provider specifically says the price is locked in. It is worth asking before you sign a contract so you know how much you could be paying after the first 12 months.
Hidden fees
Another thing you will want to watch out for before you sign your contract are hidden fees. Most cable TV providers have fees on top of their service and equipment fees, such as activation fees, broadcasting fees, regional sports fees, etc. Make sure you have the full picture of how much you will actually be paying each mont
FAQs on TV providers
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? ![]()
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 4K TV? ![]()
4K TV, also called “Ultra-HD”, is a picture resolution with 3840 x 2160 pixels, roughly four times the 1920 x 1080 you get with HD resolution. The result is a sharper image, but you need a 4K TV and a service that offers 4K programming to experience it.
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 providers, these companies often give a discount for setting up all of your services through them rather than getting internet from one provider and TV from another.
Which is the cheapest cable company? ![]()
Cox offers the cheapest cable TV plan at 75+ for $25/mo. Other cheap plans include Xfinity’s 10+ channels for $30/mo. and Spectrum’s 125+ channels for $44.99/mo.
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Written by:
Lisa IscrupeWriter, Broadband & Data Content
Lisa uses years of experience in sales and customer service for internet-TV providers to inform her writing on broadband. Her work has been referenced by CNN and other national sources. In Lisa’s Words: Ever… Read more 
Edited by:
Robin LaytonEditor, Broadband Content
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