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Bundling TV and internet can reduce your total bill, but the real cost now hinges on fees and local availability. In most markets, TV bills include a Broadcast TV surcharge (about $20–$30/month) and, where applicable, a Regional Sports fee (roughly $8–$15/month), plus set-top/DVR and gateway rentals that can add $10–$20 each to your bill (Xfinity; Spectrum). For the internet portion, the FCC’s mandatory Broadband Facts Labels (effective 2024) disclose the plan’s price, promo term, and recurring fees at checkout, improving apples-to-apples comparisons. At the same time, streaming has become the largest category of U.S. TV usage, making “internet + streaming” a viable alternative to traditional channel bundles (Nielsen The Gauge). Below, we compare common bundle types and explain the trade-offs using current data on speeds, fees, and satisfaction.
The 5 Best TV and Internet Packages
- Xfinity X1 Saver Pro+ Double Play — Best Balanced Bundle
- Xfinity Choice TV Select Double Play — Best Budget Bundle
- AT&T Ultimate + Internet — Best Bundle for TV
- Spectrum Double Play Select — Best for No Contract
- Cox Silver Duo — Best Bundle for Internet
The Best TV and Internet Packages: Summed Up
Why Trust This Review?
We evaluate bundles by verifying total cost of ownership in your market: internet promo vs. post‑promo rate (as disclosed on the FCC Broadband Facts Label), TV surcharges and equipment fees (e.g., Xfinity, Spectrum), and data policies (e.g., Cox). We corroborate availability at the address level using the FCC National Broadband Map, incorporate the FCC’s updated broadband benchmark (100/20 Mbps) from its 2024 Broadband Progress Report, and factor in satisfaction trends from independent indices (ACSI shows ISPs at ≈68/100 and streaming in the mid‑70s; source). We also account for consumption trends—streaming now leads TV usage (Nielsen)—to help you decide between a traditional bundle and internet + streaming.
Xfinity X1 Saver Pro+ Double Play — Best Balanced Bundle
Pros
Comparatively low price ($80/month)
Fast speeds, up to 200 Mbps
140+ channels
30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
Monthly fees
No premium channels
Xfinity’s mid‑tier X1 bundles typically combine a broad cable lineup with 200–300+ Mbps internet—ample for multiple HD/4K streams and gaming in most homes. Exact channels, speeds, and promo rates vary by ZIP. When comparing offers, factor in the Broadcast TV surcharge and any Regional Sports fee, plus TV box/DVR rentals and the internet gateway rental (fee details). If your market enforces a usage allowance (≈1.2–1.25 TB), an Unlimited Data option is available, often bundled with xFi Complete (Unlimited Data/xFi Complete). Always review the Broadband Facts Label at checkout for the internet plan’s promo term and recurring fees.
Good fit: households that want a familiar channel guide and a solid mid‑speed internet tier without paying for ultra‑premium channels. Note that streaming’s growing share of TV viewing means some homes can save by pairing internet with a live‑TV streaming service instead, depending on must‑have channels (Nielsen).
Xfinity Choice TV Select Double Play — Best Budget Bundle
Pros
Only $40 per month
Fast speeds, up to 100 Mbps
30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
Only 10 TV channels
Monthly fees
This slim‑channel bundle often posts one of the lowest advertised Double Play prices where available, typically pairing locals/basic cable with 100–200+ Mbps internet. It’s a cost-conscious option for households that mainly need reliable broadband and occasional live TV. Be sure to include Broadcast/RSN surcharges, TV equipment, and any gateway rental when you compare the total monthly cost (Xfinity fees explained).
If you rely more on streaming than on traditional channels, you may achieve better value by choosing an internet‑only plan and adding a live‑TV streaming service à la carte, as streaming now dominates TV usage in the U.S. (Nielsen; see also shifting customer preferences in Deloitte’s Digital Media Trends). Still, verify ZIP‑specific pricing before deciding.
AT&T Ultimate + Internet — Best Bundle for TV
Pros
Robust TV package
Industry-leading DVR system
Best bundle perks
Cons
Internet speeds and technology vary by region
Households that prioritize a deep live‑TV lineup and premium entertainment should consider AT&T bundles that pair AT&T Internet (fiber where available) with DIRECTV. Packages and included premiums change periodically, so focus on the full order summary: TV surcharges (broadcast and, if applicable, regional sports), TV equipment/cloud DVR, internet equipment, installation, and the promo term vs. the post‑promo price. The internet plan’s price, promo length, and recurring fees must appear on the FCC Broadband Facts Label at checkout.
Internet technology and speeds vary by address—some locations qualify for fiber with 300–1,000+ Mbps, while others receive lower-speed copper-based service. Verify availability using the FCC National Broadband Map. Also note the broader shift of premium live sports to streaming (e.g., the Venu Sports joint-venture app announced by ESPN/FOX/WBD), which can influence whether a traditional TV bundle or internet + streaming best fits your viewing (Venu Sports; Nielsen).
Spectrum Double Play Select — Best for No Contract
Pros
No contracts
12-month price-lock
200+ Mbps
Cons
Tons of fees
Spectrum stands out for avoiding annual term contracts while offering fast cable internet (commonly 200+ Mbps) and broad TV lineups. That flexibility is valuable if you anticipate moving or want the option to change service without an early termination fee. Most promos include a 12‑month price lock, but verify the specifics for your ZIP at checkout.
Budget carefully for add‑ons: Spectrum lists a Broadcast TV Surcharge that varies by market, plus set‑top and DVR fees, and potential installation/activation charges. These can add tens of dollars to the monthly bill beyond the advertised price (fee details). Compare the full monthly total—including equipment counts—against internet‑only + streaming alternatives, especially as streaming continues to grow its share of TV viewing (Nielsen).
Cox Silver Duo — Best Bundle for Internet
Pros
940 Mbps
170+ channels
Month-to-month contracts available
Cons
Tiered pricing for DVR capacity
If top‑tier internet is your priority, Cox’s gigabit‑class bundles are attractive for multi‑user homes. Cox’s policy typically includes about a 1.25 TB monthly data plan with overage charges of $10 per 50 GB (monthly max applies) and an optional Unlimited Data add‑on (Cox data policy). Ongoing cable upgrades—including DOCSIS 4.0—are enabling multi‑gig downstream and much higher upstream capacity in select markets (CableLabs), bringing fiber‑like performance to many HFC neighborhoods.
TV tiers range from expanded basic to premium, and DVR is offered at multiple capacity/price points. As with other providers, include TV surcharges and equipment, gateway rental, installation, and any unlimited‑data add‑on when comparing bundle vs. internet‑only + streaming. Check your order summary and the Broadband Facts Label for the internet component’s recurring fees and promo term.
How We Chose the Best TV and Internet Package
When evaluating bundles from internet and TV providers, we looked at these features:
- Price: We compare total cost of ownership over 12–24 months, not just the promo rate—adding TV surcharges, equipment, installation, and the post‑promo rate disclosed on the FCC Broadband Facts Label and provider fee pages (e.g., Xfinity, Spectrum).
- Speed: We align with modern standards and real use. The FCC reported a current broadband benchmark of 100/20 Mbps, and U.S. median fixed speeds commonly exceed 200 Mbps, supporting multiple simultaneous 4K streams and video calls (Ookla Global Index). We favor bundles that meet or exceed these levels at a fair price.
- Channels: We assess whether lineups match common preferences (locals, sports, news, entertainment) and how easily gaps can be filled by streaming. With streaming now the largest category of TV usage, we weigh internet‑only + streaming alternatives when they deliver better value (Nielsen The Gauge).
- Perks: We award points for transparent labels at checkout, fee waivers, price locks, premium trials, and strong in‑home Wi‑Fi. We also consider infrastructure improvements (e.g., DOCSIS 4.0, Wi‑Fi 7) that enhance streaming and multi‑device performance (CableLabs; Wi‑Fi Alliance).
How to Find the Best Internet and TV Package
Your own search for a TV and internet bundle may yield different results. To figure out which bundle is best for you, we recommend the following:
- Check availability: Service providers have ZIP‑specific footprints; start by confirming what’s at your address using the providers available to you and the FCC National Broadband Map. Plans, speeds, and fees change block‑by‑block.
- Speed needs: Size your plan for peak‑hour concurrency. The FCC’s current broadband benchmark is 100/20 Mbps; step up for multiple 4K streams, cloud gaming, or frequent video calls. Use the matrix below and verify upload needs for conferencing and backups (FCC).
Light use: Email, web, social, and SD/HD streaming on a few devices. Aim for the FCC’s 100/20 Mbps baseline if possible (FCC).
Moderate use: Mix of HD streaming and some video calls; add headroom for device updates.
Heavy use: Multiple HD/4K streams and real-time apps. Typical per‑activity needs: Netflix 4K ~15 Mbps; YouTube 4K ~20 Mbps; Zoom 1080p ~3–4 Mbps up/down.
Very heavy use: Several 4K streams, large game/OS downloads, cloud gaming (GeForce NOW ~25 Mbps for 1080p/60; ~45 Mbps for 4K/60). Choose higher upload if you do frequent video calls or backups.
- TV channel preferences: List must‑have networks (locals, RSNs, news, kids, premiums). Consider that more live sports and major events are moving to streaming apps, and aggregation options are expanding (Venu Sports; Nielsen).
- Other priorities: Customer satisfaction for ISPs remains comparatively low (ACSI ≈68/100 for the category), so weigh reliability and support alongside price (ACSI). Verify fees and promo terms on the FCC Label and provider fee pages before ordering.
To learn more about shopping for the internet, you can check out our full guide to internet providers and review the FCC Broadband Facts Label shown at checkout for any internet plan you’re considering.
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