{"id":325095,"date":"2025-11-12T12:22:52","date_gmt":"2025-11-12T17:22:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/?page_id=95760"},"modified":"2025-11-12T12:22:53","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T17:22:53","slug":"best-cable-tv","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/utilities\/tv-providers\/best-cable-tv\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Cable TV Providers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n            <span class=\"b-toc-anchor\" id=\"best\" title=\"The Best Cable TV Providers\"><\/span>\n    \n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Best Cable TV Providers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leichtmanresearch.com\">Leichtman Research Group<\/a>). The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\">FCC\u2019s 2024 Communications Marketplace Report<\/a> also documents the continuing decline in multichannel video subscriptions as more viewing shifts to streaming.<\/p>\n\n\n            <span class=\"b-toc-anchor\" id=\"picks\" title=\"Our Picks\"><\/span>\n    \n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The 5 Best Cable TV Providers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Spectrum<\/li><li>XFINITY<\/li><li>Cox<\/li><li>Frontier<\/li><li>Mediacom<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<section id=\"block_303dc4d2a66bb\" class=\"block b-item-list b-item-list--\" data-js=\"b-item-list\" data-preamp=\"b-item-list\">\n    <ul class=\"b-item-list__list\">\n            <\/ul>\n<\/section>\n\n            <span class=\"b-toc-anchor\" id=\"chart\" title=\"Comparison Chart\"><\/span>\n    \n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Best Cable TV Providers: Summed Up<\/h2>\n\n\n<section id=\"block---\" class=\"theme-block c-table \">\n  \n<div class=\"row\">\n    <div class=\" h-width-100\">\n    \n      <div class=\"table-responsive table-responsive--with-summary h-shadow-2dp h-border-small\">\n        <table class=\"table table-striped table-bordered table--bordered-top table--rounded\">\n          \n          \n  <tbody>\n          <tr>\n                              <td class=\"&#x20;col-1&#x20;fixed\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-2\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allconnect.com\/providers\/spectrum\/tv\/?utm_mcid=3575221&amp;subid=r14222\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\">Spectrum<\/a><\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-3\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allconnect.com\/providers\/xfinity\/tv\/?utm_mcid=3574394&amp;subid=r14223\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\">XFINITY<\/a><\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-4\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allconnect.com\/providers\/cox-communications\/tv\/?utm_mcid=3574396&amp;subid=r14224\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\">Cox<\/a><\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-5\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allconnect.com\/providers\/frontier-communications\/tv\/?utm_mcid=3570451&amp;subid=r10981\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\">Frontier<\/a><\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-6\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allconnect.com\/providers\/mediacom\/tv\/?utm_mcid=3574516&amp;subid=r14462\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\">Mediacom<\/a><\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n          <tr>\n                              <td class=\"&#x20;col-1&#x20;fixed\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-2\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\">Flexible Bundle Deals<\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-3\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\">Widely Available<\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-4\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\">High Customer Satisfaction<\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-5\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\">HD Picture <\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-6\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\">Genre-Specific Add-on <\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n          <tr>\n                              <td class=\"&#x20;col-1&#x20;fixed\">\n              No. states available\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-2\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\">Multi-state footprint; address-specific<\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-3\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\">Multi-state footprint; address-specific<\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-4\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\">Multi-state footprint; address-specific<\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-5\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\">Limited TV availability; varies by ZIP<\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-6\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\">Regional; varies by ZIP<\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n          <tr>\n                              <td class=\"&#x20;col-1&#x20;fixed\">\n              Consumer Reports reader score\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-2\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/\">See latest<\/a><\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-3\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/\">See latest<\/a><\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-4\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/\">See latest<\/a><\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-5\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/\">See latest<\/a><\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-6\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/\">See latest<\/a><\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n          <tr>\n                              <td class=\"&#x20;col-1&#x20;fixed\">\n              No. channel packages\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-2\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\">2+ core plans with add-ons<\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-3\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\">3 main tiers (Choice\/Popular\/Ultimate)<\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-4\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\">3+ (Starter\/Preferred\/Ultimate plus packs)<\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-5\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\">Varies by market (streaming partners common)<\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-6\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\">3 main tiers with add-ons<\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n          <tr>\n                              <td class=\"&#x20;col-1&#x20;fixed\">\n              ACSI rating\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-2\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theacsi.org\/\">See current ACSI<\/a><\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-3\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theacsi.org\/\">See current ACSI<\/a><\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-4\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theacsi.org\/\">See current ACSI<\/a><\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-5\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theacsi.org\/\">See current ACSI<\/a><\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-6\">\n              <center><font size=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theacsi.org\/\">See current ACSI<\/a><\/font><\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n      <\/tbody><!-- tbody -->\n        <\/table>\n      <\/div>\n      \n    <\/div>\n    \n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What Makes a TV Provider Better<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s 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 \u201cnutrition labels\u201d that improve price and fee transparency at checkout (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\">FCC Broadband Consumer Labels<\/a>). 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 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nielsen.com\">Nielsen\u2019s The Gauge<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When comparing providers, weigh customer support (see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theacsi.org\/\">ACSI<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jdpower.com\/business\/press-releases\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"achor-toggles\">J.D. Power<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n            <span class=\"b-anchor\" id=\"spectrum\" > <\/span>\n    \n\n            <span class=\"b-toc-anchor\" id=\"Flexible_Bundle_Deals\" title=\"Flexible Bundle Deals\"><\/span>\n    \n\n\n\n                                                            \n            <section id=\"charter-spectrum\"\n         class=\"block b-item-list-card b-item-list-card--\"\n         data-js=\"block-item-list-card\"\n         data-preamp=\"block-item-list-card\">\n\n        <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card\">\n\n                <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left\">\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top\">\n                <span class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top--top\"><\/span>\n                <span class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top--top\"> Flexible Bundle Deals<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__bottom\">\n                                                    <a target=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allconnect.com\/providers\/spectrum\/internet\/?utm_mcid=3575221&#038;subid=a7abeb15-4bbb-481e-ad7a-a3b69c1e73de\"\n                        data-tag='product' data-tag-outcome='MONETIZABLE' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-product-id='325326' data-tag-product-name='Charter Spectrum' data-tag-brand='Spectrum' data-tag-price='0' data-tag-subscription='' data-tag-category=''\n                        aria-label=\"Spectrum button\" \n                        rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" >\n                                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Spectrum-Logo.jpg\" alt=\"Image for Spectrum Logo\" \/>\n                                            <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right\">\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__top\n                        b-item-list-card__card__right__top--line\">\n                Spectrum\n            <\/div>\n\n            <br>\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__topv2\" >\n                Charter Spectrum\n            <\/div>\n            <br>\n\n           <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__middle\">\n                                        <a class=\"reviews-btn--primary reviews-btn--large reviews-btn--expand\"\n                    disable-tagular\n                    target=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allconnect.com\/providers\/spectrum\/internet\/?utm_mcid=3575221&#038;subid=a7abeb15-4bbb-481e-ad7a-a3b69c1e73de\" type=\"button\"\n                    aria-label=\"Spectrum button\" data-tag='product' data-tag-outcome='MONETIZABLE' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-product-id='325326' data-tag-product-name='Charter Spectrum' data-tag-brand='Spectrum' data-tag-price='0' data-tag-subscription='' data-tag-category='' \n                    rel=\"nofollow sponsored\"\n                >\n                View plans<\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__bottomv2 h-margin-top-15\">\n                \n            <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info\">\n        <div class=\"grid-x\">\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line cell medium-auto \">\n                <p class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line--title\"> Pros <\/p>\n                <p>Bundled savings<br \/>\nCustomer service<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line cell medium-auto\">\n                <p class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line--title\"> Cons <\/p>\n                <p>One TV-only plan<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n      <div class=\"grid-x\">\n        <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-item-list-card__footer cell back_to_top\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' >\n            <p>Return to top\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"b-item-list-card__footer-image lazyload\" alt='Return to top arrow' style=\"height: 20px; margin-left: 5px;\"\n                data-src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/themes\/reviews-2020\/assets\/images\/Arrow.svg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/themes\/reviews-2020\/assets\/images\/LightGray-placeholder.png\">\n            <\/p>\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n    \n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why we chose it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bundled savings<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Charter Spectrum\u2019s 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\u2013$80 range before fees in many ZIP codes; equipment, a Broadcast TV surcharge, and any RSN fee are added at checkout (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.spectrum.com\">see Spectrum TV plans<\/a>). HD is included; receivers and DVR service are extra. Bundling with Spectrum Internet and Spectrum Mobile can lower the overall bill in many markets (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.spectrum.com\">Spectrum<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Promotions change regularly. Confirm the current offer length, post\u2011promo price, and all surcharges during checkout (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.spectrum.com\">Spectrum<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Customer service<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Subscription TV satisfaction tends to be middling across the industry. Check recent results from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theacsi.org\/\">American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI)<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jdpower.com\/business\/press-releases\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"achor-toggles\">J.D. Power<\/a> to see how Spectrum compares in your region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Points to consider<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Streamlined TV-only options<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>After Charter acquired Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks, it simplified to nationally branded plans. The company <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spectrum.com\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"achor-toggles\">offers streamlined TV-only plans<\/a> 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 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.spectrum.com\">Spectrum TV<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n            <span class=\"b-anchor\" id=\"xfinity\" > <\/span>\n    \n\n            <span class=\"b-toc-anchor\" id=\"Lots_Of_Channel_Packages\" title=\"Lots of Channel Packages\"><\/span>\n    \n\n\n\n                                                            \n            <section id=\"xfinity-internet\"\n         class=\"block b-item-list-card b-item-list-card--\"\n         data-js=\"block-item-list-card\"\n         data-preamp=\"block-item-list-card\">\n\n        <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card\">\n\n                <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left\">\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top\">\n                <span class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top--top\"><\/span>\n                <span class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top--top\"> Lots of Channel Packages<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__bottom\">\n                                                    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allconnect.com\/providers\/xfinity\/internet\/?utm_mcid=3574394&#038;subid=5c7ad25d-e82a-42d8-9981-41105b838ce7\"\n                        data-tag='product' data-tag-outcome='MONETIZABLE' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-product-id='315555' data-tag-product-name='Xfinity Internet' data-tag-brand='XFINITY' data-tag-price='0' data-tag-subscription='month' data-tag-category=''\n                        aria-label=\"XFINITY button\" \n                        rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" >\n                                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Xfinity-Logo.jpg\" alt=\"Image for Xfinity Logo\" \/>\n                                            <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right\">\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__top\n                        b-item-list-card__card__right__top--line\">\n                XFINITY\n            <\/div>\n\n            <br>\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__topv2\" >\n                Xfinity Internet\n            <\/div>\n            <br>\n\n           <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__middle\">\n                                        <a class=\"reviews-btn--primary reviews-btn--large reviews-btn--expand\"\n                    disable-tagular\n                    target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allconnect.com\/providers\/xfinity\/internet\/?utm_mcid=3574394&#038;subid=5c7ad25d-e82a-42d8-9981-41105b838ce7\" type=\"button\"\n                    aria-label=\"XFINITY button\" data-tag='product' data-tag-outcome='MONETIZABLE' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-product-id='315555' data-tag-product-name='Xfinity Internet' data-tag-brand='XFINITY' data-tag-price='0' data-tag-subscription='month' data-tag-category='' \n                    rel=\"nofollow sponsored\"\n                >\n                View plans<\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__bottomv2 h-margin-top-15\">\n                \n            <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n        \n      <div class=\"grid-x\">\n        <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-item-list-card__footer cell back_to_top\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' >\n            <p>Return to top\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"b-item-list-card__footer-image lazyload\" alt='Return to top arrow' style=\"height: 20px; margin-left: 5px;\"\n                data-src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/themes\/reviews-2020\/assets\/images\/Arrow.svg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/themes\/reviews-2020\/assets\/images\/LightGray-placeholder.png\">\n            <\/p>\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n    \n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why we chose it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The most channel packages<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>XFINITY offers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xfinity.com\/learn\/offers\/plan-builder\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"achor-toggles\">three cable TV plans<\/a> 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 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.xfinity.com\/learn\/digital-cable-tv\">Xfinity TV plans<\/a>). Equipment and Broadcast\/RSN surcharges are typically added to the advertised price (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.xfinity.com\/learn\/digital-cable-tv\">Xfinity<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nationwide availability<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s lookup to see local offers (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.xfinity.com\/learn\/digital-cable-tv\">Xfinity TV<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Points to consider<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Customer service reputation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Customer sentiment for subscription TV has been improving in some areas but remains mixed overall. Recent <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theacsi.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"achor-toggles\">ACSI<\/a> telecom reports and Comcast\u2019s filings reflect ongoing video subscriber losses as customers migrate to streaming (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cmcsa.com\">Comcast Q3 2024 results<\/a>). Expect bundling with internet and optional Xfinity Mobile discounts to feature prominently (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.xfinity.com\/learn\/digital-cable-tv\">Xfinity<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n            <span class=\"b-anchor\" id=\"cox\" > <\/span>\n    \n\n            <span class=\"b-toc-anchor\" id=\"High_Customer_Satisfaction\" title=\"High Customer Satisfaction\"><\/span>\n    \n\n\n\n                                                            \n            <section id=\"cox-communications\"\n         class=\"block b-item-list-card b-item-list-card--\"\n         data-js=\"block-item-list-card\"\n         data-preamp=\"block-item-list-card\">\n\n        <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card\">\n\n                <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left\">\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top\">\n                <span class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top--top\"><\/span>\n                <span class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top--top\"> High Customer Satisfaction<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__bottom\">\n                                                    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allconnect.com\/providers\/cox-communications\/tv\/?utm_mcid=3574396&#038;subid=r14224&#038;rvitemid=316849-20\"\n                        data-tag='product' data-tag-outcome='MONETIZABLE' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-product-id='316849' data-tag-product-name='Cox Communications' data-tag-brand='Cox' data-tag-price='0' data-tag-subscription='' data-tag-category=''\n                        aria-label=\"Cox button\" \n                        rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" >\n                                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Cox-Logo.jpg\" alt=\"Image for Cox-Logo\" \/>\n                                            <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right\">\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__top\n                        b-item-list-card__card__right__top--line\">\n                Cox\n            <\/div>\n\n            <br>\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__topv2\" >\n                Cox Communications\n            <\/div>\n            <br>\n\n           <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__middle\">\n                                        <a class=\"reviews-btn--primary reviews-btn--large reviews-btn--expand\"\n                    disable-tagular\n                    target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allconnect.com\/providers\/cox-communications\/tv\/?utm_mcid=3574396&#038;subid=r14224&#038;rvitemid=316849-20\" type=\"button\"\n                    aria-label=\"Cox button\" data-tag='product' data-tag-outcome='MONETIZABLE' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-product-id='316849' data-tag-product-name='Cox Communications' data-tag-brand='Cox' data-tag-price='0' data-tag-subscription='' data-tag-category='' \n                    rel=\"nofollow sponsored\"\n                >\n                View plans<\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__bottomv2 h-margin-top-15\">\n                \n            <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info\">\n        <div class=\"grid-x\">\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line cell medium-auto \">\n                <p class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line--title\"> Pros <\/p>\n                <p>Online resources<br \/>\nCustomizable plans<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line cell medium-auto\">\n                <p class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line--title\"> Cons <\/p>\n                <p>DIY fee<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n      <div class=\"grid-x\">\n        <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-item-list-card__footer cell back_to_top\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' >\n            <p>Return to top\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"b-item-list-card__footer-image lazyload\" alt='Return to top arrow' style=\"height: 20px; margin-left: 5px;\"\n                data-src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/themes\/reviews-2020\/assets\/images\/Arrow.svg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/themes\/reviews-2020\/assets\/images\/LightGray-placeholder.png\">\n            <\/p>\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n    \n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why we chose it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Online resources<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Customizable plans<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>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 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cox.com\/residential\/tv.html\">Cox Contour TV plans<\/a>). Expect equipment and Broadcast\/RSN surcharges in most markets (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cox.com\/residential\/tv.html\">Cox<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Points to consider<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">DIY fee<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>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 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cox.com\/residential\/tv.html\">Cox<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n            <span class=\"b-anchor\" id=\"frontier\" > <\/span>\n    \n\n            <span class=\"b-toc-anchor\" id=\"Hd_Picture\" title=\"HD Picture\"><\/span>\n    \n\n\n\n                                                            \n            <section id=\"frontier-communications\"\n         class=\"block b-item-list-card b-item-list-card--\"\n         data-js=\"block-item-list-card\"\n         data-preamp=\"block-item-list-card\">\n\n        <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card\">\n\n                <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left\">\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top\">\n                <span class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top--top\"><\/span>\n                <span class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top--top\"> HD Picture<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__bottom\">\n                                                    <a target=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allconnect.com\/providers\/frontier-communications\/tv\/?utm_mcid=3570451&#038;subid=0ca381f8-3c0a-4c85-9d3b-bfb642d3007c\"\n                        data-tag='product' data-tag-outcome='MONETIZABLE' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-product-id='314430' data-tag-product-name='Frontier Communications' data-tag-brand='Frontier' data-tag-price='0' data-tag-subscription='month' data-tag-category=''\n                        aria-label=\"Frontier button\" \n                        rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" >\n                                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Froniter-Logo-328x154-2.png\" alt=\"Image for Froniter-Logo-328&#215;154\" \/>\n                                            <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right\">\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__top\n                        b-item-list-card__card__right__top--line\">\n                Frontier\n            <\/div>\n\n            <br>\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__topv2\" >\n                Frontier Communications\n            <\/div>\n            <br>\n\n           <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__middle\">\n                                        <a class=\"reviews-btn--primary reviews-btn--large reviews-btn--expand\"\n                    disable-tagular\n                    target=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allconnect.com\/providers\/frontier-communications\/tv\/?utm_mcid=3570451&#038;subid=0ca381f8-3c0a-4c85-9d3b-bfb642d3007c\" type=\"button\"\n                    aria-label=\"Frontier button\" data-tag='product' data-tag-outcome='MONETIZABLE' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-product-id='314430' data-tag-product-name='Frontier Communications' data-tag-brand='Frontier' data-tag-price='0' data-tag-subscription='month' data-tag-category='' \n                    rel=\"nofollow sponsored\"\n                >\n                View plans<\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__bottomv2 h-margin-top-15\">\n                \n            <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info\">\n        <div class=\"grid-x\">\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line cell medium-auto \">\n                <p class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line--title\"> Pros <\/p>\n                <p>Fiber-optic options<br \/>\nPromotional offers<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line cell medium-auto\">\n                <p class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line--title\"> Cons <\/p>\n                <p>Average customer service<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n      <div class=\"grid-x\">\n        <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-item-list-card__footer cell back_to_top\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' >\n            <p>Return to top\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"b-item-list-card__footer-image lazyload\" alt='Return to top arrow' style=\"height: 20px; margin-left: 5px;\"\n                data-src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/themes\/reviews-2020\/assets\/images\/Arrow.svg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/themes\/reviews-2020\/assets\/images\/LightGray-placeholder.png\">\n            <\/p>\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n    \n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why we chose it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fiber-optic options<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/tv.youtube.com\/welcome\/\">YouTube TV<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.directv.com\">DIRECTV via Internet<\/a> alongside any local cable offer to see which best fits your channels and budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Promotional offers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Points to consider<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Average customer service<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Frontier\u2019s traditional TV availability is limited and varies by ZIP code. Review recent satisfaction research from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theacsi.org\/\">ACSI<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jdpower.com\/business\/press-releases\">J.D. Power<\/a> for the broader subscription TV category, and weigh whether a streaming bundle or local cable provider offers the channels and support you prefer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n            <span class=\"b-anchor\" id=\"mediacom\" > <\/span>\n    \n\n            <span class=\"b-toc-anchor\" id=\"Genre_specific_Add_ons\" title=\"Genre-Specific Add-ons\"><\/span>\n    \n\n\n\n                                                            \n            <section id=\"mediacom\"\n         class=\"block b-item-list-card b-item-list-card--\"\n         data-js=\"block-item-list-card\"\n         data-preamp=\"block-item-list-card\">\n\n        <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card\">\n\n                <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left\">\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top\">\n                <span class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top--top\"><\/span>\n                <span class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top--top\"> Genre Specific Add ons<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__bottom\">\n                                                    <a target=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allconnect.com\/providers\/mediacom\/internet\/?utm_mcid=3574516&#038;subid=fb554fdd-b557-439b-8060-028c33deae0c\"\n                        data-tag='product' data-tag-outcome='MONETIZABLE' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-product-id='316848' data-tag-product-name='Mediacom' data-tag-brand='Mediacom' data-tag-price='0' data-tag-subscription='' data-tag-category=''\n                        aria-label=\"Mediacom button\" \n                        rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" >\n                                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Mediacom-Logo-Square.jpg\" alt=\"Image for Mediacom-Logo-Square\" \/>\n                                            <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right\">\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__top\n                        b-item-list-card__card__right__top--line\">\n                Mediacom\n            <\/div>\n\n            <br>\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__topv2\" >\n                Mediacom\n            <\/div>\n            <br>\n\n           <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__middle\">\n                                        <a class=\"reviews-btn--primary reviews-btn--large reviews-btn--expand\"\n                    disable-tagular\n                    target=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allconnect.com\/providers\/mediacom\/internet\/?utm_mcid=3574516&#038;subid=fb554fdd-b557-439b-8060-028c33deae0c\" type=\"button\"\n                    aria-label=\"Mediacom button\" data-tag='product' data-tag-outcome='MONETIZABLE' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-product-id='316848' data-tag-product-name='Mediacom' data-tag-brand='Mediacom' data-tag-price='0' data-tag-subscription='' data-tag-category='' \n                    rel=\"nofollow sponsored\"\n                >\n                View plans<\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__bottomv2 h-margin-top-15\">\n                \n            <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info\">\n        <div class=\"grid-x\">\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line cell medium-auto \">\n                <p class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line--title\"> Pros <\/p>\n                <p>Add-on channel packages<br \/>\nFlexible installation window<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line cell medium-auto\">\n                <p class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line--title\"> Cons <\/p>\n                <p>Poorly-rated customer service<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n      <div class=\"grid-x\">\n        <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-item-list-card__footer cell back_to_top\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' >\n            <p>Return to top\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"b-item-list-card__footer-image lazyload\" alt='Return to top arrow' style=\"height: 20px; margin-left: 5px;\"\n                data-src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/themes\/reviews-2020\/assets\/images\/Arrow.svg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/themes\/reviews-2020\/assets\/images\/LightGray-placeholder.png\">\n            <\/p>\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n    \n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why we chose it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Add-on channel packages<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019t watch. As with most cable providers, Broadcast TV and RSN surcharges and equipment fees apply; verify your ZIP for exact pricing (industry context: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leichtmanresearch.com\">LRG<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\">FCC 2024 Report<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Scheduling is flexible in many areas, including evening and weekend appointments; confirm current installation fees and arrival windows when you order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Poorly-rated customer service<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theacsi.org\/\">ACSI<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jdpower.com\/business\/press-releases\">J.D. Power<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n            <span class=\"b-toc-anchor\" id=\"search\" title=\"The Search\"><\/span>\n    \n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How We Chose the Best Cable TV Providers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Availability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leichtmanresearch.com\">LRG\u2019s pay\u2011TV tracking<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\">FCC\u2019s 2024 Communications Marketplace Report<\/a>, which detail the ongoing decline of MVPD video and the rise of streaming alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plans, pricing, and packages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2013$85 per month before taxes\/fees and equipment, and popular mid\u2011tiers often total $95\u2013$140 after Broadcast TV and RSN surcharges and DVR\/box rental (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.spectrum.com\">Spectrum TV<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xfinity.com\/learn\/digital-cable-tv\">Xfinity TV<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cox.com\/residential\/tv.html\">Cox Contour TV<\/a>). Always enter your address to see local rates, fees, and RSN availability. The FCC\u2019s labels can help you compare full costs up front (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\">Broadband Consumer Labels<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Customer service<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We referenced third\u2011party benchmarks from Consumer Reports, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theacsi.org\/\">American Customer Satisfaction Index<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jdpower.com\/business\/press-releases\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"achor-toggles\">J.D. Power<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n            <span class=\"b-toc-anchor\" id=\"guide\" title=\"Guide to Cable TV\"><\/span>\n    \n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Guide to Choosing a Cable TV Provider<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Find your options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike satellite, cable TV isn\u2019t nationally available. Building new wired TV infrastructure is capital-intensive, so operators typically expand where economics support it. New federal programs like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.internetforall.gov\/program\/bead\">BEAD<\/a> are funding builds that can add competition in unserved\/underserved areas, while the FCC\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\">Broadband Consumer Labels<\/a> require clearer pricing and fee disclosures at checkout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re 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 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\">Open Internet<\/a>), and digital discrimination rules aim to reduce inequitable deployment and pricing (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\">FCC<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Consider your viewing habits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Streaming now accounts for the largest share of TV time in the U.S., with cable and broadcast making up smaller shares (<a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nielsen.com\" target=\"_blank\">Nielsen\u2019s The Gauge<\/a>). 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 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www2.deloitte.com\">Deloitte Digital Media Trends<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.spectrum.com\">Spectrum TV<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xfinity.com\/learn\/digital-cable-tv\">Xfinity TV<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cox.com\/residential\/tv.html\">Cox Contour TV<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best for sports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Regional sports access is highly ZIP-code and provider dependent. In many markets, Spectrum\u2019s TV Select Plus includes local RSNs where available; Xfinity Popular\/Ultimate may include RSNs with a separate RSN fee; and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.directv.com\">DIRECTV Choice<\/a> 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 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.spectrum.com\">Spectrum<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xfinity.com\/learn\/digital-cable-tv\">Xfinity<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.directv.com\">DIRECTV<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watch for fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2013$45 per month depending on provider and market; equipment (boxes and DVR) often adds another $10\u2013$30 per month (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.spectrum.com\">Spectrum<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xfinity.com\/learn\/digital-cable-tv\">Xfinity<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cox.com\/residential\/tv.html\">Cox<\/a>). HD access is typically included with modern lineups; separate \u201cHD access\u201d fees are increasingly retired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To help you compare costs, we\u2019ve summarized common fee types below. Use the FCC\u2019s labels to see these charges up front (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\">learn more<\/a>), and remember new\u2011customer promos may waive installation or equipment for a limited time.<\/p>\n\n\n<section id=\"block---\" class=\"theme-block c-table \">\n  \n<div class=\"row\">\n    <div class=\" h-width-100\">\n    \n      <div class=\"table-responsive table-responsive--with-summary h-shadow-2dp h-border-small\">\n        <table class=\"table table-striped table-bordered table--bordered-top table--rounded\">\n          \n          \n  <tbody>\n          <tr>\n                              <td class=\"&#x20;col-1&#x20;fixed\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-2\">\n              <center>Installation<\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-3\">\n              <center>Broadcast TV <\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-4\">\n              <center>HD Access<\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-5\">\n              <center>DVR<\/center>\n            <\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n          <tr>\n                              <td class=\"&#x20;col-1&#x20;fixed\">\n              Charter Spectrum\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-2\">\n              <font size=\"2\"><center>~$60\u2013$100 (varies)<\/center><\/font>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-3\">\n              <font size=\"2\"><center>~$20\u2013$30\/mo.<\/center><\/font>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-4\">\n              <font size=\"2\"><center>Included<\/center><\/font>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-5\">\n              <font size=\"2\"><center>~$10\u2013$20\/mo.<\/center><\/font>\n            <\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n          <tr>\n                              <td class=\"&#x20;col-1&#x20;fixed\">\n              XFINITY from Comcast\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-2\">\n              <font size=\"2\"><center>~$60\u2013$100 (varies)<\/center><\/font>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-3\">\n              <font size=\"2\"><center>~$15\u2013$30\/mo.<\/center><\/font>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-4\">\n              <font size=\"2\"><center>Included<\/center><\/font>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-5\">\n              <font size=\"2\"><center>~$10\u2013$20\/mo.<\/center><\/font>\n            <\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n          <tr>\n                              <td class=\"&#x20;col-1&#x20;fixed\">\n              Cox Communications\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-2\">\n              <font size=\"2\"><center>~$25\u2013$100 (method\/market)<\/center><\/font>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-3\">\n              <font size=\"2\"><center>~$10\u2013$25\/mo.<\/center><\/font>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-4\">\n              <font size=\"2\"><center>Included<\/center><\/font>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-5\">\n              <font size=\"2\"><center>~$10\u2013$20\/mo.<\/center><\/font>\n            <\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n          <tr>\n                              <td class=\"&#x20;col-1&#x20;fixed\">\n              Frontier\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-2\">\n              <font size=\"2\"><center>~$50\u2013$100 (varies)<\/center><\/font>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-3\">\n              <font size=\"2\"><center>~$10\u2013$25\/mo.<\/center><\/font>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-4\">\n              <font size=\"2\"><center>Included<\/center><\/font>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-5\">\n              <font size=\"2\"><center>~$10\u2013$20\/mo.<\/center><\/font>\n            <\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n          <tr>\n                              <td class=\"&#x20;col-1&#x20;fixed\">\n              Mediacom\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-2\">\n              <font size=\"2\"><center>~$60\u2013$120 (varies)<\/center><\/font>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-3\">\n              <font size=\"2\"><center>~$15\u2013$25\/mo.<\/center><\/font>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-4\">\n              <font size=\"2\"><center>Included<\/center><\/font>\n            <\/td>\n                                        <td class=\"&#x20;col-5\">\n              <font size=\"2\"><center>~$10\u2013$20\/mo.<\/center><\/font>\n            <\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n      <\/tbody><!-- tbody -->\n        <\/table>\n      <\/div>\n      \n    <\/div>\n    \n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Be prepared to bundle<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Most providers encourage <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/utilities\/internet\/best-bundles\/\" class=\"achor-toggles\">bundling your telecommunication services<\/a> (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\u2013$25 per month in discounts. In general, bundling can save $20\u2013$30 per service compared to standalone rates, but promo terms typically last 12\u201324 months and then increase (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.xfinity.com\/learn\/digital-cable-tv\">Xfinity<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spectrum.com\">Spectrum<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cox.com\/residential\/tv.html\">Cox<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Streaming options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Live TV streaming services can be simpler and avoid separate Broadcast\/RSN surcharges in the base price. Popular options include <a class=\"achor-toggles\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/entertainment\/streaming\/how-to-stream-tv\/\"> streaming TV services<\/a> for on\u2011demand, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/entertainment\/streaming\/best-live-tv-services\/\" class=\"achor-toggles\"> streaming live TV<\/a> such as <a href=\"https:\/\/tv.youtube.com\/welcome\/\">YouTube TV<\/a> (national price commonly $72.99\/mo with unlimited DVR) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sling.com\">Sling TV<\/a> (lower base price with \u00e0\u2011la\u2011carte add\u2011ons). For sports, verify league and RSN coverage before switching (<a href=\"https:\/\/tv.youtube.com\/welcome\/\">YouTube TV<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sling.com\">Sling<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n            <span class=\"b-toc-anchor\" id=\"faqs\" title=\"FAQs\"><\/span>\n    \n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cable TV FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"block_b386d815a0fc5\" class=\"block b-accordion\" data-js=\"b-accordion\">\n    <div class=\"b-accordion__container\">\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__header\">\n            <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-accordion__title\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='ACCORDION' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' ><h3 class=\"b-accordion__title--h3\">How much is cable per month?<\/h3><\/a>\n            <span class=\"b-accordion__toggle chevron-arrow-down\"><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__content\" style=\"display: none;\">\n            <p>Your monthly cost depends on your plan, fees, equipment, and whether you bundle services. As of late 2025, entry standalone cable TV tiers from major providers typically start around $60\u2013$85 per month before taxes and fees, while popular mid\u2011tiers often land around $95\u2013$140 per month after Broadcast TV and any RSN surcharges plus DVR\/box rental. Always enter your address to see local pricing and surcharges (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.spectrum.com\">Spectrum TV<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xfinity.com\/learn\/digital-cable-tv\">Xfinity TV<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cox.com\/residential\/tv.html\">Cox Contour TV<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_5e7a39adad4a4\" class=\"block b-accordion\" data-js=\"b-accordion\">\n    <div class=\"b-accordion__container\">\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__header\">\n            <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-accordion__title\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='ACCORDION' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' ><h3 class=\"b-accordion__title--h3\">What is fiber-optic TV?<\/h3><\/a>\n            <span class=\"b-accordion__toggle chevron-arrow-down\"><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__content\" style=\"display: none;\">\n            <p>Fiber-optic networks use thin glass strands to transmit data at very high speeds and low latency, supporting high-quality video alongside fast internet. While fiber improves internet performance more than TV picture quality, many providers bundle TV over the same fiber connection. Both&nbsp;<span data-tagular-tag=\"productViewed\" data-tagularposition=\"1\" data-tagularlocation=\"SHORTCODE\" data-tagulartext=\"AT&amp;T U-Verse\" data-tagularproductid=\"267380\" data-tagular-event=\"ProductViewed\" data-tagular-uid=\"25\" data-tagular-index=\"26\"><a class=\"external-link go-link go-link-cta go-link-cta-shortcode \" href=\"https:\/\/go.reviews.com\/?dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.allconnect.com%2Fproviders%2Fatt%2Ftv%2F%3Futm_mcid%3D3570449%26subid%3Dr14227&#038;product_id=267380&#038;outcome=monetized&#038;referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reviews.com%2Ftv-providers%2Fcable-tv%2F&#038;anonymous_id=b1aa1f2a-9303-4396-954f-051028522c96&#038;instance_id=c698367e-8d1b-4dfb-b8ec-aef565f70631&#038;session_id=af7063cd-74a0-40cb-a2d0-dfce8e91f595&#038;position=1&#038;location=content_reveal&#038;text=AT&#038;T%20U-Verse\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-tagular-tag=\"productClicked\" data-tagularposition=\"1\" data-tagularlocation=\"content_reveal\" data-tagulartext=\"AT&#038;T U-Verse\" data-tagularoutcome=\"ExternalLink\" data-tagular-event=\"productClicked\">AT&#038;T U-Verse<\/a><\/span>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<span data-tagular-tag=\"productViewed\" data-tagularposition=\"2\" data-tagularlocation=\"SHORTCODE\" data-tagulartext=\"Verizon FiOS\" data-tagularproductid=\"267381\" data-tagular-event=\"ProductViewed\" data-tagular-uid=\"26\" data-tagular-index=\"27\"><a class=\"external-link go-link go-link-cta go-link-cta-shortcode \" href=\"https:\/\/go.reviews.com\/?dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.allconnect.com%2Fproviders%2Fverizon%2F%3Futm_mcid%3D3574515%26subid%3Dr14228&#038;product_id=267381&#038;outcome=monetized&#038;referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reviews.com%2Ftv-providers%2Fcable-tv%2F&#038;anonymous_id=b1aa1f2a-9303-4396-954f-051028522c96&#038;instance_id=c698367e-8d1b-4dfb-b8ec-aef565f70631&#038;session_id=af7063cd-74a0-40cb-a2d0-dfce8e91f595&#038;position=2&#038;location=content_reveal&#038;text=Verizon%20FiOS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-tagular-tag=\"productClicked\" data-tagularposition=\"2\" data-tagularlocation=\"content_reveal\" data-tagulartext=\"Verizon FiOS\" data-tagularoutcome=\"ExternalLink\" data-tagular-event=\"productClicked\">Verizon FiOS<\/a><\/span>&nbsp;operate over fiber, and many cable providers are also migrating TV to IP apps with cloud DVR and 4K support (e.g., Spectrum TV on Xumo Stream Box).<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_5e7a39adad4a6\" class=\"block b-accordion\" data-js=\"b-accordion\">\n    <div class=\"b-accordion__container\">\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__header\">\n            <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-accordion__title\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='ACCORDION' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' ><h3 class=\"b-accordion__title--h3\">What is the best streaming service?<\/h3><\/a>\n            <span class=\"b-accordion__toggle chevron-arrow-down\"><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__content\" style=\"display: none;\">\n            <p>The &#8220;best&#8221; service depends on your channels, budget, and devices. For live channels, leading options include <a href=\"https:\/\/tv.youtube.com\/welcome\/\">YouTube TV<\/a> (broad national lineup, unlimited DVR) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sling.com\">Sling TV<\/a> (lower base price with \u00e0-la-carte add-ons). DIRECTV Now was rebranded; compare <a href=\"https:\/\/www.directv.com\">DIRECTV via Internet<\/a> if you want a more cable-like bundle. We compare more choices in our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/entertainment\/streaming\/best-tv-services\/\">TV streaming review<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More TV\/Internet Reviews<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve spent years researching and reviewing the telecommunications space. If you\u2019re 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:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"list-items\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/utilities\/tv-providers\/best\/\">the best TV providers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/utilities\/internet\/best-cheap\/\">The Best Cheap TV Providers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/utilities\/tv-providers\/best-satellite\/\">The Best Satellite TV Providers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/entertainment\/streaming\/best-tv-services\/\">TV streaming review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/utilities\/internet\/best\/\">The Best Internet Providers<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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) [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":345,"featured_media":0,"parent":2268,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/template-reviews.php","meta":[],"categories":[1306],"tags":[],"post_author":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Best Cable TV Providers - Reviews.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We have reviewed The Best Cable TV Providers\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/utilities\/tv-providers\/best-cable-tv\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Best Cable TV Providers - 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