Find cable TV providers near you
There are so many different types of TV subscriptions nowadays that it can be hard to keep up with all the terminology. However, when we talk about cable TV, we are referring to any provider that uses cable technology to provide TV service. Find plans and special offers from cable TV providers in your area with Allconnect.
Search internet providers for plans in your area
Check availabilityOr call us today:
(844) 451-2720 (844) 451-2720
What is cable TV?
At Allconnect, we work to present quality information with editorial integrity. While this page may contain offers from our partners, our opinions are our own. Here’s how we make money.
Cable TV uses coaxial cables or, sometimes, fiber optic cables, to send radio frequency signals to your cable box which then turns the signals into the image and audio you get through your television.
Though many will refer to all subscription TV services as “cable,” cable TV is a service separate from streaming providers like Hulu or YoutubeTV and satellite TV providers such as DIRECTV and DISH. If you want information on more than just cable TV providers, you can consult Allconnect’s TV Provider page.
The best cable TV providers of 2021
Looking for the best cable TV deal in your area? First, determine which providers offer service at your home, then choose a package with the channels and features you want. The TV provider that has what you need for the best value is the one for you.
Shop TV packages near you
You’ll find a few of the top TV providers in your area below. For more accurate results, click Update location.
Compare top cable TV providers
| Provider | Starting price* | Available channels | Contract | Number of plans |
Cox | $25.00/mo. | 75-140+ | One year, no contract options may be available | 2 |
Mediacom | $39.99/mo. (internet and TV bundled price) | 50-170+ | One year | 5 |
Optimum | $74.99/mo. | 220-420+ | One year | 4 |
Spectrum | $44.99/mo. | 125-200+ | None | 3 |
Suddenlink | $40.00/mo. (internet and TV bundled price) | 200-340+ | One year | 3 |
Xfinity | $20.00/mo. | 10-220+ | One year, no contract options may be available | 4 |
*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 02/18/21.
Allconnect: Let us compare providers for you
Why should you choose Allconnect? We’re the #1 broadband marketplace in the U.S, meaning you can trust us to search, compare and order internet and TV service for your home.
Get started
Cable TV advantages and disadvantages
If you’re weighing cable TV against other types of home TV service, such as satellite or streaming, you might want to examine the pros and cons of cable TV to see if it may be a better choice over other TV options in your area.
What we like
Bundling convenience – Cable TV companies typically also provide internet and home phone, and may offer extra incentives for bundling.
Package selection – Most cable providers offer three or more different TV packages, plus lots of add-on options for sports, movies and more.
Reliability – Cable service is also not as susceptible as satellites to service interruptions during bad weather.
Things to consider
Equipment costs – Rental fees for cable boxes and the DVR or HD service they provide can inflate your cable bill by $30/mo. or more.
Package pricing – Cable TV tends to be priced about the same as satellite TV, but more expensive than streaming services.
Pressure to bundle – Some cable TV providers only make certain equipment or special offers available with TV and internet bundles. Others may not even offer standalone TV service, requiring you to get their internet if you want TV service with them.
Cable TV pricing and additional fees
Expect to pay more for cable than the listed starting price. Along with taxes and broadcast fees, equipment rentals and add-on packages can add to your monthly cable bill.
- Package pricing: $20-$125/mo. – The rate you pay for a set lineup of channels will vary, but starting prices for cable TV packages can range from $20-$125/mo. depending on the provider.
- Taxes and broadcast/regional sports fees: Varies – These are unavoidable and will vary by location. Broadcast and regional sports fees are costs the provider has to pay to air certain content, which are passed down to the customer and can add $10-$20/mo.
- Add-on packages: $10-$20/mo. each – If you want premium channels, extra sports networks or international channels, you can add individual packages for $10-$20 extra per month, each.
- TV boxes and DVR: $5-$15/mo. per device – Some providers include one TV box with their service, but most will charge you $5 or more a month per device. The cost typically goes up for more advanced equipment that comes with DVR capability.
Cable TV package deals
Check for special offers, like Spectrum’s contract buyout offer, good for up to $500 to help you out of your contract with another provider. Be sure to read the fine print, however, as Spectrum’s buyout offer is only available when you sign up for select TV and internet bundles.
Bundling TV and internet together is a great way to potentially save on your cable bill. Along with saving you money on your monthly bill and possibly installation costs, bundling cable TV and internet could qualify you for extra equipment and package options.
Other common cable TV deals to lookout for are:
- Free equipment
- Free gift cards
- Free installation
- Free subscriptions to other services
Cable TV availability and service areas
Since cable TV operates entirely through wires, cable distribution lines must be installed above customers’ homes on their local utility poles or below customers’ homes on underground utility lines.
Since the cable lines must be installed over or below your home, which cable TV provider is available in your area is not only determined by your ZIP code but sometimes even by your specific address.
- Cox – Available in 19 states. Primary service areas include the Southwest, central U.S. and the Northeast.
- Mediacom – Available in 22 states. Primary service areas include the Midwest, central U.S. and the Mid-Atlantic.
- Optimum – Available in four states. Primary service areas include the Northeast and greater NYC area.
- Spectrum – Available in 46 states. Primary service areas include the South, Midwest and West Coast.
- Suddenlink – Available in 19 states. Primary service areas include the Ark-La-Tex region, most of West Virginia, eastern North Carolina and parts of Arizona, California, Idaho and Nevada.
- Xfinity – Available in 40 states. Primary service areas include the Northwest, Great Lakes area and eastern U.S.
Source: broadbandmap.fcc.gov
Available cable TV providers for your address will depend on where you live. Click “Find TV providers” below to see cable TV providers in your area. You can shop and compare plans from available providers, all in one place for free.
Cable TV FAQs
Who has the cheapest cable TV plan?
Xfinity offers the cheapest TV package at $20/mo. for 10+ channels.
Why are cable TV providers only in certain areas?
The main reason only certain TV providers are available in your area is to help keep costs low. With all the expenses that come with providing cable TV and internet service, attempting to offer new services where another cable provider is already established would not be cost-effective.
Is it cheaper to bundle cable TV and internet?
Quite often, yes. Most cable TV providers offer price discounts and other incentives, such as equipment upgrades, when you bundle TV and internet together. Call our cable TV and internet experts to hear about special offers from cable TV providers in your area.
Can you get basic cable TV for free?
Yes. One of the best ways to access the major Networks, such as FOX, NBC, ABC, PBS and your local channel, is through installing an HDTV antenna. You can also stream shows for free on many of these major Networks’ websites or by going to TV.com. However, you will probably not be able to stream these shows live like you would be with an HDTV antenna.
We value your feedback
Was this page helpful?
We value your feedback
We’re glad! Tell us what helped most on this page.
We value your feedback
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your insight helps, and we’ll do our best to improve your experience.
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
Related pages
What to read next
Read more- Featured
![Cable vs. streaming: Which is best for bringing you the channels you want?]()
Cable vs. streaming: Which is best for bringing you the channels you want? Joe Supan — 5 min read - Featured
![Is cord cutting starting to slow down? A new study shows surprising trends]()
Is cord cutting starting to slow down? A new study shows surprising trends Joe Supan — 3 min read - Featured
![Options for low-cost cable TV: How to slash your bill]()
Options for low-cost cable TV: How to slash your bill Samantha Cossick — 3 min read
Latest
Monday, April 12, 2021
Want the fastest internet in the world? Move to SingaporeJoe Supan — 4 min read
Sunday, April 11, 2021
Does this Tennessee city have the blueprint to solve the digital divide?Ari Howard — 8 min read
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Top connected college towns in 2021Ari Howard — 5 min read
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for internet news and promos
By subscribing, you agree to receive Allconnect newsletter and promotional emails. Your privacy is important to us.