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Best cable TV providers of 2024
Cable TV still offers a lot of value to the right consumer. Unlike live TV streaming providers, you have a greater selection of plans at more budget-friendly price points. Moreover, some cable providers will lock in your price so you don’t have to worry about price spikes like you do with streaming services.
The benefits extend further when you discover many providers bundle services with cellular, internet and more. In turn, this gives you a way to package service through one provider and save money on items you need. And this is where our guide comes into play. We’ll compare the top cable TV providers so you can find the right fit for your needs.
How we chose the best cable providers
We chose the best cable TV providers based on plans offered, pricing, personal experience with some of the services, other features like DVR capabilities, whether the provider imposes long-term contracts and customers’ overall satisfaction with the service. With these things in mind, here are the top cable providers:
Top cable providers
- Best for value: Xfinity
- Best for no-contract: Spectrum
- Best for DVR capabilities: Optimum
- Best for two-year price lock: Cox
- Best for customization: Verizon Fios
Best for value: Xfinity
Highlights:
- TV plans start from $20 per month
- No annual contracts
- Integrates with other platforms like Netflix
- Users of TV Stream receive Peacock for free
About Xfinity
Xfinity’s TV service offers a wide range of plans, making it perfect for any price point. Choice TV starts from $20 per month, offering more than 10 channels and all of your local networks. If you want access to more entertainment, the Popular TV comes with over 125 channels for $60 per month or you can do the Ultimate TV package with over 185 channels for $80. Best of all, you can cancel each package at any time.
If you want a smart recording device, you can’t get much better than the Xfinity X1 DVR. Not only does this device allow you to record in one room and watch in another, but it also features auto-extend. How this works is if your program runs longer than the scheduled time it adds another 15 minutes, so your recording doesn’t cut off just as the episode or sporting event reaches its peak.
Why is it the best?
Xfinity offers the best value because of its range of plans accommodating different viewing preferences and budgetary needs. On top of this, you don’t have any long-term contracts; the interface allows integration with other streaming apps like Netflix, and you can choose how much recording room you need. All in all, it makes it the perfect cable TV service for those looking for a mix of value and customization.
Best for no contracts: Spectrum
Highlights
- Doesn’t impose contracts
- Offers promotional pricing for the first year of service
- Packages start around $64.99 per month
- Stream content away from home with TV Anywhere
- With select TV plans, you receive Disney Plus basic for free
About Spectrum
Spectrum cable TV is a great option for viewers wanting value and the ability to cancel on their terms. With plans starting from $40 per month (for the Spanish language plan), it’s also an ideal service for those on a budget. Their TV Stream is more expensive than Xfinity’s at $39.99 per month, but it also includes more than 75 channels. And for those wanting more channels, the TV Select Signature comes with over 150 and a free subscription to Disney Plus basic for $64.99.
Why is it the best?
It’s the best not only because it offers you the chance to use cable TV and cancel on your own terms. They also offer great packages with tons of perks. In addition to receiving Disney Plus basic for free on select plans, you can add on entertainment sports channels for a fee to complement your viewing behaviors. Just beware that after the first year, Spectrum’s prices will jump.
Best for DVR capabilities: Optimum
Highlights
- Record up to 15 shows at once
- Choose your recording space starting from 150 hours
- Voice-activated remote
- TV plans start as low as $40 per month with autopay
About Optimum
Optimum offers affordability and ease of use. With packages starting as low as $40 per month, it makes it a good price point for a variety of budgets. Their Choice package, which is a step up from Basic TV, comes with over 200 channels for $85 per month. There’s also the Select TV plan featuring over 340 channels for $105.99 monthly or the Premier TV plan offering over 420 channels for $125 per month.
Why is it the best?
Optimum’s DVR capabilities are the star of the show, as you can record up to 15 programs at the same time. This makes it perfect for larger households with a lot of recording needs. On top of this, you receive a voice-activated remote, making it easier to navigate guides, record programs and more. Optimum is a great service for those who record a lot of content.
Best for two-year price lock: Cox
Highlights
- Lock in your price for two years
- Seamless integration with Netflix, Peacock and Amazon Prime
- Voice remote for easy controls
- With the Contour TV app, stream TV when you’re away from home
About Cox
Cox’s Contour TV offers a lot of entertainment and value for subscribers. The Contour TV Starter includes over 75 channels for $61 per month. The next tier is the Contour TV Preferred, offering over 140 channels for $115 per month. And the penultimate plan, the Contour TV Ultimate, includes more than 250 channels for $146 per month. With each plan, choose the DVR service that coincides with your needs. To demonstrate, record two shows at the same time for $13.50 per month. Or if you’re a larger household, you can record up to 24 shows at a time for $30 per month.
Why is it the best?
While Cox imposes a two-year contract, it also locks in your cable TV price too. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about price hikes after your first year like you will with Spectrum. Furthermore, Cox offers voice-activated remotes, which makes using their interface convenient. And with the Contour TV app, you’re free to stream your shows and movies when you’re away from home.
Best for customization: Verizon Fios
Highlights
- Plans offering as much as 425 channels
- No contracts
- First set-top box is free
- Unlimited streaming on your devices
About Verizon Fios
Verizon Fios is a cable TV alternative that offers a wealth of entertainment options. With three plans available, you’ll have access to a package that best fits your viewing needs and budget. The Most Fios TV plan comes with over 425 channels for $129 per month. The next tier down is the More Fios TV plan, offering over 300 channels for $109 per month. Lastly, you can choose Your Fios TV, giving you 125 channels with your choice of five of them for $85.
Why is it the best?
Another unique offering Verizon has is the Fios TV Test Drive. For 60 days, you’ll sample many channels, and then after the 60 days, Verizon recommends a plan based on your viewing needs. The package is $85 per month for the two months of test-driving the service. If you’re uncertain about which plan best fits your needs, this is a wise option to consider.
Final thoughts
When considering the best cable TV for your needs, consider your priorities first. If budget is the main concern, finding plans under a certain price point will be a wise option to consider as long as you’re aware of any price hikes or long-term commitments. Meanwhile, if you’re a larger home with many recording needs, DVR capabilities come more into play. By making a list of your two or three primary needs up front, it can help you select the best option for you.
FAQ
What TV provider is the cheapest?
Xfinity offers a basic streaming TV service for as low as $20 per month. Other providers like Spectrum and Cox also offer cable TV packages under $50 per month. Pay close attention to whether a provider has a contract because if you cancel early, you’ll receive an early termination fee.
How can I find a cable provider in my area?
You can find cable providers by going to Google and typing in which cable TV providers are near you. There are also services where you enter your zip code to find which service providers are near you. For renters, your landlord will have this information when you sign your lease.
Is cable still worth it in 2024?
Yes, it can be if you plan to bundle multiple services with one provider. On top of that, with some providers like Cox, you can lock in your price for two years, whereas streaming platforms continually raise their prices.
