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The Best Cable TV Providers
Picking a cable TV provider is highly address-specific. The largest U.S. cable operators concentrate service in multi-state footprints, and many neighborhoods still have only one or two wired TV options. As of late 2024, the seven biggest cable companies combined serve roughly 33 million traditional video subscribers, with Charter (Spectrum) and Comcast (Xfinity) accounting for about four-fifths of all cable video customers (Leichtman Research Group). The FCC’s 2024 Communications Marketplace Report also documents the continuing decline in multichannel video subscriptions as more viewing shifts to streaming.
The 5 Best Cable TV Providers
- Spectrum
- XFINITY
- Cox
- Frontier
- Mediacom
The Best Cable TV Providers: Summed Up
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What Makes a TV Provider Better
It’s hard to do apples-to-apples comparisons because plan names, channel mixes, and fees change by ZIP code. Use provider address tools and factor in required Broadcast TV and, in many markets, Regional Sports Network surcharges that are added to the advertised price. The FCC now requires standardized broadband “nutrition labels” that improve price and fee transparency at checkout (FCC Broadband Consumer Labels). Also consider where you actually watch: streaming has been the largest share of U.S. TV time in recent months, ahead of cable and broadcast (Nielsen’s The Gauge).
When comparing providers, weigh customer support (see ACSI and J.D. Power studies), plan flexibility, the specific channels you need (especially locals and sports), and bundle discounts with internet/mobile. If you want several premiums or RSNs, a higher tier that includes them may be cheaper than stacking many add-ons.
Pros
Bundled savings
Customer service
Cons
One TV-only plan
Why we chose it
Bundled savings
Charter Spectrum’s lineup centers on TV Select Signature and TV Select Plus, with optional add-ons like Sports View. Typical standalone prices are often advertised around the $70–$80 range before fees in many ZIP codes; equipment, a Broadcast TV surcharge, and any RSN fee are added at checkout (see Spectrum TV plans). HD is included; receivers and DVR service are extra. Bundling with Spectrum Internet and Spectrum Mobile can lower the overall bill in many markets (Spectrum).
Promotions change regularly. Confirm the current offer length, post‑promo price, and all surcharges during checkout (Spectrum).
Customer service
Subscription TV satisfaction tends to be middling across the industry. Check recent results from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and J.D. Power to see how Spectrum compares in your region.
Points to consider
Streamlined TV-only options
After Charter acquired Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks, it simplified to nationally branded plans. The company offers streamlined TV-only plans built around TV Select Signature and TV Select Plus, with add-ons for sports, Latino, and premiums. Pricing and channel availability vary by ZIP; expect a Broadcast TV surcharge and, in RSN markets, a separate RSN fee (Spectrum TV).
Why we chose it
The most channel packages
XFINITY offers three cable TV plans without requiring a bundle in many areas. Common tiers include Choice (locals/basic), Popular (~125+ channels in many markets), and Ultimate (~185+), with premiums and specialty sports available as add-ons (Xfinity TV plans). Equipment and Broadcast/RSN surcharges are typically added to the advertised price (Xfinity).
Nationwide availability
Xfinity is among the widest-reaching cable providers, serving large portions of 39 states and most major metro areas. Availability, pricing, and lineups are address-specific; use the provider’s lookup to see local offers (Xfinity TV).
Points to consider
Customer service reputation
Customer sentiment for subscription TV has been improving in some areas but remains mixed overall. Recent ACSI telecom reports and Comcast’s filings reflect ongoing video subscriber losses as customers migrate to streaming (Comcast Q3 2024 results). Expect bundling with internet and optional Xfinity Mobile discounts to feature prominently (Xfinity).
Pros
Online resources
Customizable plans
Cons
DIY fee
Why we chose it
Online resources
Cox Communications provides a robust online help center with self-install guides and videos. If you prefer DIY setup and troubleshooting, their knowledge base makes it straightforward to find step-by-step support.
Customizable plans
Contour TV ranges from entry-level local channel packages to Preferred and Ultimate tiers for broader entertainment and sports. Genre packs (sports, movies, Latino) and premium networks can be added to tailor your lineup (Cox Contour TV plans). Expect equipment and Broadcast/RSN surcharges in most markets (Cox).
Points to consider
DIY fee
Cox offers self-install and professional installation; fees vary by method and market. When comparing total cost, include installation, receiver/DVR equipment, and monthly surcharges (Cox).
Pros
Fiber-optic options
Promotional offers
Cons
Average customer service
Why we chose it
Fiber-optic options
Frontier today focuses on fiber internet; in many Frontier areas, live TV is delivered via app-based streaming partners rather than traditional coax. If you want a modern channel guide and cloud DVR without a cable box, compare live TV streaming bundles such as YouTube TV or DIRECTV via Internet alongside any local cable offer to see which best fits your channels and budget.
Promotional offers
Frontier periodically advertises installation and equipment promos with fiber internet. If you need live TV, look for any available discounts with supported streaming partners and compare all-in costs (including taxes/fees) to nearby cable options.
Points to consider
Average customer service
Frontier’s traditional TV availability is limited and varies by ZIP code. Review recent satisfaction research from ACSI and J.D. Power for the broader subscription TV category, and weigh whether a streaming bundle or local cable provider offers the channels and support you prefer.
Pros
Add-on channel packages
Flexible installation window
Cons
Poorly-rated customer service
Why we chose it
Add-on channel packages
Mediacom typically sells TV paired with internet. Entry bundles focus on locals and basics, with upgrades to broader packages for entertainment and sports. Genre add-ons for sports, movies, and kids can help you avoid paying for channels you don’t watch. As with most cable providers, Broadcast TV and RSN surcharges and equipment fees apply; verify your ZIP for exact pricing (industry context: LRG, FCC 2024 Report).
Scheduling is flexible in many areas, including evening and weekend appointments; confirm current installation fees and arrival windows when you order.
Poorly-rated customer service
Customer service remains a common pain point in subscription TV. If you choose Mediacom, track your promotional term, review bills for Broadcast/RSN surcharges, and confirm any quoted discounts in writing. For broad satisfaction trends, see ACSI and J.D. Power.
How We Chose the Best Cable TV Providers
Availability
Most addresses have fewer than two traditional cable choices. We prioritized providers with large multi-state footprints that are more likely to serve your ZIP. For market context, see LRG’s pay‑TV tracking and the FCC’s 2024 Communications Marketplace Report, which detail the ongoing decline of MVPD video and the rise of streaming alternatives.
Plans, pricing, and packages
We compared plan structures, typical channel counts, and bundling options. In late 2025, entry standalone cable TV tiers from major providers commonly start around $60–$85 per month before taxes/fees and equipment, and popular mid‑tiers often total $95–$140 after Broadcast TV and RSN surcharges and DVR/box rental (Spectrum TV, Xfinity TV, Cox Contour TV). Always enter your address to see local rates, fees, and RSN availability. The FCC’s labels can help you compare full costs up front (Broadband Consumer Labels).
Customer service
We referenced third‑party benchmarks from Consumer Reports, the American Customer Satisfaction Index, and J.D. Power. These sources rate subscription TV on performance, value, communication, billing, and support. Brands that score better tend to resolve issues faster and communicate pricing changes more clearly.
Guide to Choosing a Cable TV Provider
Find your options
Unlike satellite, cable TV isn’t nationally available. Building new wired TV infrastructure is capital-intensive, so operators typically expand where economics support it. New federal programs like BEAD are funding builds that can add competition in unserved/underserved areas, while the FCC’s Broadband Consumer Labels require clearer pricing and fee disclosures at checkout.
If you’re not sure who serves your address, use our tool above or enter your address directly on provider sites to compare local offers. Net neutrality rules were restored in 2024 (Open Internet), and digital discrimination rules aim to reduce inequitable deployment and pricing (FCC).
Consider your viewing habits
Streaming now accounts for the largest share of TV time in the U.S., with cable and broadcast making up smaller shares (Nielsen’s The Gauge). If you mainly watch a core set of networks, pick a plan that concentrates your favorites in a single tier to minimize add-ons and unused channels. Households often carry multiple streaming subscriptions and rotate them to manage cost (Deloitte Digital Media Trends).
Popular mid-tier cable plans (e.g., Spectrum Select Plus, Xfinity Popular, Cox Preferred) typically include ESPN/ESPN2, FS1, major entertainment/news, and locals. If your habits are sports-heavy or premium-focused, compare the cost of a higher tier that includes RSNs or premiums versus stacking multiple add-ons (Spectrum TV, Xfinity TV, Cox Contour TV).
Best for sports
Regional sports access is highly ZIP-code and provider dependent. In many markets, Spectrum’s TV Select Plus includes local RSNs where available; Xfinity Popular/Ultimate may include RSNs with a separate RSN fee; and DIRECTV Choice and higher packages are designed to cover many RSNs. Always verify your specific teams and channels before ordering, and expect a separate RSN surcharge in applicable regions (Spectrum, Xfinity, DIRECTV).
Watch for fees
Beyond your base plan, monthly surcharges can add up. Expect a Broadcast TV fee and, in RSN markets, a Regional Sports fee. Combined, these can add roughly $20–$45 per month depending on provider and market; equipment (boxes and DVR) often adds another $10–$30 per month (Spectrum, Xfinity, Cox). HD access is typically included with modern lineups; separate “HD access” fees are increasingly retired.
To help you compare costs, we’ve summarized common fee types below. Use the FCC’s labels to see these charges up front (learn more), and remember new‑customer promos may waive installation or equipment for a limited time.
| Charter Spectrum | | | | |
| XFINITY from Comcast | | | | |
| Cox Communications | | | | |
| Frontier | | | | |
| Mediacom | | | | |
Be prepared to bundle
Most providers encourage bundling your telecommunication services (TV + internet, sometimes with mobile). Comcast, Spectrum, and Cox offer TV and internet separately in many markets, and adding their mobile service can unlock an additional $10–$25 per month in discounts. In general, bundling can save $20–$30 per service compared to standalone rates, but promo terms typically last 12–24 months and then increase (Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox).
Streaming options
Live TV streaming services can be simpler and avoid separate Broadcast/RSN surcharges in the base price. Popular options include streaming TV services for on‑demand, and streaming live TV such as YouTube TV (national price commonly $72.99/mo with unlimited DVR) and Sling TV (lower base price with à‑la‑carte add‑ons). For sports, verify league and RSN coverage before switching (YouTube TV, Sling).
Cable TV FAQs
More TV/Internet Reviews
We’ve spent years researching and reviewing the telecommunications space. If you’re looking for other kinds of service, more tv options, or would like to dive deeper into a specific avenue, check out on of our other reviews:
- the best TV providers
- The Best Cheap TV Providers
- The Best Satellite TV Providers
- TV streaming review
- The Best Internet Providers
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