TV service providers in 2021
Whether you're a die-hard GoT fan or you've gotta have your Sunday NFL games, finding the best TV service for your watching habits is a must.
In this guide, we'll answer the question "How do I find cable TV companies near me?" and we'll help you find the best cable TV deals in your area. Plus, you'll have access to the pros and cons of the major service options in our TV provider guides.
Stay tuned for details on the top TV options!
- Xfinity: Between $30-70 per month
- Spectrum: Between $45-95 per month
- AT&T: Between $70-95 per month
- Verizon FiOS: Between $56-96 per month
- Cox: Between $50-130 per month
- Optimum: Between $75-120 per month
- Sparklight: $84 per month
- Dish: Between $65-100 per month
- DIRECTV: Between $65-135 per month
Best Cable TV providers
Xfinity TV
- Download
- Channels
- 10-220
- Calls
- Monthly Price
- $30-70
Xfinity TV Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Basic TV | 10 Channels | $30.00 | ||
Extra TV | 140 Channels | $67.00 | ||
Preferred TV | 220 Channels | $70.00 |
Xfinity TV & Internet Bundles
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Peformance Pro Internet + Basic TV | 200 Mbps | 10 Channels | $60.00 | |
Blast! Internet + Basic TV | 400 Mbps | 10 Channels | $60.00 | |
Extreme Pro Internet + Basic TV | 800 Mbps | 10 Channels | $70.00 | |
Peformance Pro Internet + Extra TV | 200 Mbps | 140 Channels | $80.00 | |
Blast! Internet + Extra TV | 400 Mbps | 140 Channels | $80.00 | |
Gigabit Speed Internet + Basic TV | 1200 Mbps | 10 Channels | $80.00 | |
Peformance Pro Internet + Preferred TV | 200 Mbps | 220 Channels | $90.00 | |
Extreme Pro Internet + Extra TV | 800 Mbps | 140 Channels | $90.00 | |
Blast! Internet + Preferred TV | 400 Mbps | 220 Channels | $100.00 | |
Gigabit Speed + Extra TV | 1200 Mbps | 140 Channels | $100.00 | |
Extreme Pro Internet + Preferred TV | 800 Mbps | 220 Channels | $110.00 | |
Gigabit Speed + Preferred TV | 1200 Mbps | 220 Channels | $120.00 |
Xfinity Triple Play Bundles
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Peformance Pro Internet + Extra TV + Voice | 200 Mbps | 140 Channels | Unlimited | $90.00 |
Blast! Internet + Extra TV + Voice | 400 Mbps | 125 Channels | Unlimited | $90.00 |
Peformance Pro Internet + Preferred TV + Voice | 200 Mbps | 220 Channels | Unlimited | $100.00 |
Extreme Pro Internet + Extra TV + Voice | 800 Mbps | 140 Channels | Unlimited | $100.00 |
Blast! Internet + Preferred TV + Voice | 400 Mbps | 200 Channels | Unlimited | $110.00 |
Gigabit Speed + Extra TV + Voice | 1200 Mbps | 140 Channels | Unlimited | $110.00 |
Extreme Pro Internet + Preferred TV + Voice | 800 Mbps | 220 Channels | Unlimited | $120.00 |
Gigabit Speed + Preferred TV + Voice | 1200 Mbps | 220 Channels | Unlimited | $130.00 |
Pros
Flexible bundles
Month-to-month service option
Quality DVR choices
Mobile app
Cons
Less than stellar customer service ratings
Known for its occasional outages
Optional no contract plan
Great flexible bundle deals
Top quality DVR choices
Good add on channel options
Plenty of on demand content
Includes a voice remote
Online virtual support
24/7 customer support
Xfinity is available in 40 states. The best way of saving money with Xfinity is by going with their TV and/or internet and phone bundles.
Xfinity TV packages
| Package | Channels | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Xfinity Basic TV | 10 | $30 |
| Xfinity Extra TV | 140 | $67 |
| Xfinity Preferred TV | 220 | $70 |
Spectrum TV
- Download
- Channels
- 125-200
- Calls
- Monthly Price
- $45-95
Spectrum TV Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
TV Select | 125 Channels | $44.99 | ||
TV Silver | 175 Channels | $74.99 | ||
TV Gold | 200 Channels | $94.99 |
Spectrum TV & Internet Bundles
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Double Play Select | 400 Mbps | 125 Channels | $59.98 | |
Double Play Silver | 400 Mbps | 175 Channels | $89.98 | |
Double Play Gold | 400 Mbps | 200 Channels | $109.98 |
Spectrum Triple Play Bundles
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Triple Play Select | 400 Mbps | 125 Channels | Unlimited | $72.97 |
Triple Play Silver | 400 Mbps | 175 Channels | Unlimited | $102.97 |
Triple Play Gold | 400 Mbps | 200 Channels | Unlimited | $122.97 |
Pros
No contracts
Mobile TV app
Attractive bundling options
One-hour installation appointment window
Wide availability
Cons
Negative customer service reputation
No fiber option
No contract required
No extra cost for HD
Customer service online virtual chat
Good selection of bundles
Convenient self-install options available
200+ HD channels available
Free primetime on demand
Spectrum offers a typical array of channels, plus add-ons like NFL RedZone and other sports plans, plenty of PPV options, and over 10,000 on-demand titles.
Spectrum TV packages
| Package | Channels | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Spectrum TV Select | 125 | $44.99 |
| Spectrum TV Silver | 175 | $74.99 |
| Spectrum TV Gold | 200 | $94.99 |
AT&T TV
- Download
- Channels
- 65-130
- Calls
- Monthly Price
- $70-95
AT&T TV Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Entertainment | 65 Channels | $69.99 | ||
Choice | 90 Channels | $84.99 | ||
Ultimate | 130 Channels | $94.99 |
AT&T TV & Internet Bundles
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Internet + Entertainment | 100 Mbps | 65 Channels | $114.99 | |
Internet + Choice | 100 Mbps | 90 Channels | $129.99 | |
Internet + Ultimate | 100 Mbps | 130 Channels | $139.99 |
AT&T Triple Play Bundles
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Internet + Entertainment + Phone | 100 Mbps | 65 Channels | Unlimited | $134.98 |
Internet + Choice + Phone | 100 Mbps | 90 Channels | Unlimited | $149.99 |
Internet + Ultimate + Phone | 100 Mbps | 130 Channels | Unlimited | $159.99 |
Pros
User-friendly interface
Solid bundle offerings
Good plan selection
Cons
Data caps on some plans
Contract required for best deals
Pause and rewind live TV and sports
Record as many shows as you like at the same time
Thousands of on-demand titles
Access to Netflix, Pandora and more
Features a cloud DVR - record 500 hours worth of shows
Good selection of plans
Google Voice assistant
Easy to use
AT&T offers up to 470 channels and is available in 21 states.
AT&T TV packages
| Package | Channels | Price |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T Entertainment | 65 | $69.99 |
| AT&T Choice | 90 | $84.99 |
| AT&T Ultimate | 130 | $94.99 |
Verizon FiOS TV
- Download
- Channels
- 125-425
- Calls
- Monthly Price
- $56-96
Verizon FiOS TV Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Your Fios TV | 125 Channels | $56.00 | ||
More FIos TV | 300 Channels | $76.00 | ||
The Most Fios TV | 425 Channels | $96.00 |
Verizon FiOS TV & Internet Bundles
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Your Fios TV + Internet 200 | 200 Mbps | 125 Channels | $95.99 | |
More Fios TV + Internet 200 | 200 Mbps | 300 Channels | $115.99 | |
The Most Fios TV + Internet 200 | 200 Mbps | 425 Channels | $135.99 |
Verizon FiOS Triple Play Bundles
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Your Fios TV + Internet 200 + Digital Voice | 200 Mbps | 125 Channels | Unlimited | $109.99 |
More Fios TV + Internet 200 + Digital Voice | 200 Mbps | 300 Channels | Unlimited | $129.99 |
The Most Fios TV + Internet 200 + Digital Voice | 200 Mbps | 425 Channels | Unlimited | $149.99 |
Pros
No contract
Delivery on all-fiber network
High channel counts
Mobile app for on-the-go viewing
Multi-room DVR
Cons
Limited availability
Fees can add up
Test drive a plan for 60 days
Multi-room DVR
Personalized channel lineup with Your FIOS TV
No hidden fees
Fiber-optic network
Get direct access to Netflix and YouTube
Verizon FiOS offers fiber-only TV and internet service in nine states so far. Its high quality isn't surprising, and neither are the prices. The cool thing about FiOS TV is that you can order custom packages - things like sports, international channels, or kids and pop culture.
Verizon TV packages
| Package | Channels | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon FiOS Your Fios TV | 125 | $56 |
| Verizon FiOS More FIos TV | 300 | $76 |
| Verizon FiOS The Most Fios TV | 425 | $96 |
Cox TV
- Download
- Channels
- 75-250
- Calls
- Monthly Price
- $50-130
Cox TV Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Contour TV Starter | 75 Channels | $50.00 | ||
Contour TV Preferred | 140 Channels | $90.00 | ||
Contour TV Preferred Plus | 170 Channels | $110.00 | ||
Contour TV Ultimate | 250 Channels | $130.00 |
Cox TV & Internet Bundles
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Internet Essential 50 + Contour TV Preferred | 50 Mbps | 140 Channels | $129.99 | |
Internet Preferred 150 + Contour TV Preferred | 150 Mbps | 140 Channels | $149.99 | |
Internet Ultimate 500 + Contour TV Preferred | 500 Mbps | 140 Channels | $169.99 | |
Internet Gigablast + Contour TV Preferred | 940 Mbps | 140 Channels | $189.99 |
Cox Triple Play Bundles
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Internet Essential 50 + Contour TV Preferred + Voice | 50 Mbps | 140 Channels | Unlimited | $149.99 |
Internet Preferred 150 + Contour TV Preferred + Voice | 150 Mbps | 140 Channels | Unlimited | $169.99 |
Internet Ultimate 500 + Contour TV Preferred + Voice | 500 Mbps | 140 Channels | Unlimited | $189.99 |
Internet Gigablast + Contour TV Preferred + Voice | 940 Mbps | 140 Channels | Unlimited | $209.99 |
Pros
2 TB capacity DVR
Customizable channel packages
No contracts
Bundles available
Cons
Available in limited number of states
Slow upload speeds on some plans
Large range of packages
Extensive list of HD channels
Option for a 2 TB HD capacity DVR
Record up to two programs simultaneously
BYO device if it's compatible with a CableCard
Cox is available in 18 states. The channel selection isn't as extensive as some of the larger providers but they do offer high-speed internet if you're looking for cable TV and internet bundles.
Cox TV packages
| Package | Channels | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cox Contour TV Starter | 75 | $50 |
| Cox Contour TV Preferred | 140 | $90 |
| Cox Contour TV Preferred Plus | 170 | $110 |
| Cox Contour TV Ultimate | 250 | $130 |
Optimum TV
- Download
- Channels
- 50-420
- Calls
- Monthly Price
- $75-120
Optimum TV Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Core TV | 220 Channels | $74.99 | ||
Select TV | 340 Channels | $99.99 | ||
Premier TV | 420 Channels | $119.99 |
Optimum TV & Internet Bundles
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Internet 300 + Basic TV | 300 Mbps | 50 Channels | $50.00 | |
Internet 300 + Core TV | 300 Mbps | 220 Channels | $74.99 | |
Internet 300 + Select TV | 300 Mbps | 340 Channels | $99.99 | |
Internet 300 + Premier TV | 300 Mbps | 420 Channels | $119.99 |
Optimum Triple Play Bundles
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Internet 300 + Core TV + Phone | 300 Mbps | 220 Channels | Unlimited | $124.98 |
Internet 300 + Select TV + Phone | 300 Mbps | 340 Channels | Unlimited | $139.98 |
Internet 300 + Premier TV + Phone | 300 Mbps | 420 Channels | Unlimited | $159.98 |
Pros
Tons of channels
No contracts
DVR records 15 programs at once
Cons
Services only a few states
Limited plan selection
No contracts
Record 15 programs at once on DVR
Huge number of HD channels
Premium channel add ons available
Whole home DVR system
Optimum serves New York, plus limited areas of New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. Packages range from 220 to 420 channels, with no commitment necessary.
Optimum TV packages
| Package | Channels | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Optimum Core TV | 220 | $74.99 |
| Optimum Select TV | 340 | $99.99 |
| Optimum Premier TV | 420 | $119.99 |
Sparklight TV
- Download
- Channels
- 100
- Calls
- Monthly Price
- $84
Sparklight TV Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cable TV | 100 Channels | $84.00 |
Sparklight Triple Play Bundles
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Elite Package with Starter 100 Plus | 100 Mbps | 100 Channels | Unlimited | $105.00 |
Pros
Solid channel lineup
No-commitment option
Phone and internet bundles
Cons
Low data limits on some plans
Available in limited locations
No contract
Good channel lineup
Choice of phone and internet bundles
Over 50 channels on standard TV
Sparklight (formerly Cable One) operates in 19 states. Package options are lacking, however, and they're on the pricey side.
Sparklight TV packages
| Package | Channels | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sparklight Cable TV | 100 | $84 |
Cable TV benefits
Cable is the most common form of TV service, with Comcast Xfinity holding onto the lion's share of the market, at 24% (Statista). Cable television is available in most areas.
You might be wondering about fiber internet and TV service. This is the fastest type of connection. While fiber-optic technology is not available everywhere yet, some of the top providers do offer it in limited areas.
Pros
- Economical basic plans available
- Not as vulnerable as satellite TV to weather disturbances
- Affordable cable TV and internet bundles typically available
Cons
- Can get pricey in the second year
- Commitment may be required to get the promotional price
Best satellite TV providers
Dish TV
- Download
- Channels
- 190-290
- Calls
- Monthly Price
- $65-100
Dish TV Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
America's Top 120 | 190 Channels | $64.99 | ||
America's Top 120 Plus | 190 Channels | $79.99 | ||
America's Top 200 | 240 Channels | $89.99 | ||
America's Top 250 | 290 Channels | $99.99 |
Pros
Transparent pricing
Strong sports offerings
Whole-home DVR
Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa
Cons
Whole Home DVR
Consistent pricing throughout contract
No contract option
Good sports coverage
Standard installation included
99% signal reliability - in all weather
Up to 80,000+ movies and shows available On Demand
Google Voice remote
Dish gives you up to 250+ channels, plus you'll enjoy use of the Hopper 3 HD DVR, which offers a huge amount of storage space compared to DVRs from other TV providers.
Dish TV packages
| Package | Channels | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dish America's Top 120 | 190 | $64.99 |
| Dish America's Top 120 Plus | 190 | $79.99 |
| Dish America's Top 200 | 240 | $89.99 |
| Dish America's Top 250 | 290 | $99.99 |
DIRECTV TV
- Download
- Channels
- 160-330
- Calls
- Monthly Price
- $65-135
DIRECTV TV Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Entertainment | 160 Channels | $64.99 | ||
Choice | 185 Channels | $69.99 | ||
Ultimate | 250 Channels | $84.99 | ||
Premier | 330 Channels | $134.99 |
Pros
Available virtually everywhere
Plenty of HD channels
NFL Sunday Ticket available
Cons
Great selection of channels - including NFL Sunday Ticket
Includes HBO and Showtime
Available in most areas
Good selection of bundles
Over 50,000 shows and movies on demand
DIRECTV is a subsidiary of AT&T offers packages with up to 330+ channels, plus NFL Sunday Ticket is included in the top four packages.
DIRECTV packages
| Package | Channels | Price |
|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV Entertainment | 160 | $64.99 |
| DIRECTV Choice | 185 | $69.99 |
| DIRECTV Ultimate | 250 | $84.99 |
| DIRECTV Premier | 330 | $134.99 |
Satellite TV benefits
With Satellite television, you don't have the limitations of location. The best satellite TV providers offer service in all 50 states.
Pros
- Available everywhere, including rural areas
- Competitive channel selection and equipment
Cons
- Contract required
- Higher potential for weather disruptions
- Lack of cheaper, basic service plans
Cable provider availability by ZIP code
Best streaming services
If you're trying to figure out how to find cheap TV service, then cutting the cord might be right for you. As long as you keep your subscriptions under control, it's very affordable to get just the shows you want without paying for hundreds of channels you don't.
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Sling TV
- YouTube TV
- Fubo TV
- Philo TV
- CBS All Access
TV streaming services can provide the extras you want like NFL Network and HBO. They also allow you to get HD picture quality.
Compare cable provider packages
| Provider | Channels | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | 10-220 | $30.00-70.00 |
 Metronet | 100-295 | $30.00-105.00 |
| Spectrum | 125-200 | $44.99-94.99 |
| Cox | 75-250 | $50.00-130.00 |
| Verizon FiOS | 125-425 | $56.00-96.00 |
 Suddenlink | 200-340 | $58.00-124.99 |
| Dish | 190-290 | $64.99-99.99 |
| DIRECTV | 160-330 | $64.99-134.99 |
| AT&T | 65-130 | $69.99-94.99 |
| Optimum | 220-420 | $74.99-119.99 |
Considerations when comparing TV providers
Before we look at specific providers, we'll go over some tips to help you make the right decision. There are several things you should take into consideration.
Pricing
The introductory promotional period that's typically available for first-time customers doesn't usually last. You'll want to know how long you get that rate and what you'll be paying once it expires.
Contract
While satellite TV providers require a contract, most cable companies allow you to pay month-to-month if you want (this is typically more expensive than the rate if you get with a service agreement).
Extra fees
Additional fees may be tacked on to the advertised monthly price. For example, some providers charge a Regional Sports Fee, while others include this in their package pricing. You want to calculate these ahead of time so you aren't the victim of sticker shock when the monthly bill comes.
DVR & equipment
Whether you choose a cable service, satellite service, or you're in search of the best streaming sites, you want to know that the DVR or set top boxes you receive are capable of handling your viewing and recording habits. Storage capacity, for instance, can vary widely from provider to provider.
Channel packages
Will you get decent sports coverage? What about premium movie channels and Pay-per-View? Are your kids' favorite channels available within your budget? What about add-on plans like NHL Center Ice?
Mobile viewing
Is there an app that allows you to watch live TV shows or your recorded content on your mobile devices? What about mobile content management?
Customer satisfaction
The American Customer Satisfaction Index provides ratings each year reflecting consumers' attitudes about how well subscription TV services are doing. This includes areas like customer service, price, and product quality.
Most cable and satellite companies offer decent HD channel lineups. Make sure you check out which ones are available if that's a major sticking point for you.
TV providers FAQs
Who has the best internet and TV bundles?
The best internet and TV bundle is one that fits your budget and needs. There's a variety of bundles available with fiber-optic plans, satellite, or the most popular cable.
Who has the cheapest TV and internet packages?
Xfinity offers internet and basic tv packages starting from $30.
What TV and internet providers are in my area?
The best way to check which tv and internet providers are available at your address is by using the ZIP code checker.
Recap
Whether you go with cable TV service, satellite, or streaming - or you're lucky enough to have fiber TV in your area, you can locate service in your area by using our handy tool to find cable providers by zip code.
Want to measure these providers up side-by-side? Check out our TV service comparisons:
- Dish vs DIRECTV - which is better?
- DIRECTV vs AT&T U-verse
- DIRECTV vs Comcast XFINITY
- DIRECTV vs Spectrum
- Dish vs Comcast XFINITY
MoneySavingPro also has you covered if you're wondering "How do I find internet providers in my area?" And finally, for the old-school fan, check out the best home phone service in our list of landline phone service providers.
