If you've recently moved or just want to lower your monthly bills, it can be hard to find a good cable TV provider in your area. Not only do you have to find one that suits your region, but you also have to choose one of the many plans, each offering different channels, features, pricing, and more. For your convenience, here's our list of the best cable, satellite, and fiber TV plans for every budget and how to choose a TV provider near you.
1. Find out what cable TV providers are in your area
The first step in choosing a cable TV provider is to find out which ones are available in your area. you can use theplz-felling toolof cable television. with. You can also visit the official website of each cable provider to see if they have plans in your area.
Here is a list of the major cable providers with links to their respective service areas:
- Helmsman: 607 service areas in 17 US states.
- direct tv: All 50 States, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands
- Great: Parts of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania
- spectrum: 44 US states
- wires from verizon: Portions of 8 states, all on the East Coast
- Xfinity: 40 US states and Washington DC
Depending on where you live, cable TV providers offer different plans with different channels and prices.
2. Decide which channels you want
Laut NeilsonData, the average cable TV user only tunes in to about 13 of the nearly 200 channels they have access to. So make a list of your "must have" channels and try to pick a cable provider that offers them all.
Here's a list of the major cable providers, with links to their full channel offerings for each plan they offer:
- Helmsman: 75-250+ canales
- direct tv: 160-330+ canales
- Great: 220-440+ canales
- spectrum: 125-200+ canales
- wires from verizon: 125-425+ canales
- Xfinity: 10-220+ canales
Some providers will ask you to enter your postal code or address to view channel listings for each provider. If you do not live in the provider's coverage area, you may not be able to see what channels they offer.
3. Choose a plan that fits your budget
Most cable providers offer several plans to fit your budget. The cheapest plans can start around $25 per month, but usually only offer a limited number of channels. Premium plans can cost upwards of $100 a month and typically come with hundreds of cable channels like HBO, Starz, and more.
If you're considering signing up for a cable plan that costs $20-$25 per month, keep in mind that these plans usually only allow you to watch local TV channels. This may not be the cheapest option, as you can also buy an antenna for around $25-$30 that will give you access to the same channels.
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It's also important to note that many cable plans come with hidden fees that, according to 2019, add an average of 24% to your annual bill.learnconsumer reports. That means the typical cable TV plan costs $450 more than advertised.
In the review, Consumer Reports said the only real way to avoid these fees is to unplug the cable and use a streaming service. You'll need a smart TV or streaming stick for these services, but they'll only cost you $5-$15 per month.
Consult our list ofThe best streaming servicesto find the right one for you.
4. Look for offers and packages
If you also need Internet or phone service, many cable providers also offer bundles that can save you money. In fact, bundled cable users save an average of $15 a month on both services, according to alearnfrom cabletv. com.
You should also check to see if a cable TV provider has ongoing promotions or specials for new subscribers, seniors, low-income families, and more. However, it's important to note that many offers and packages have expiration dates, after which you may be automatically charged more.
The best cable TV plans
Cox: Best Affordable Cable Provider
Unless you need hundreds of channels, Cox is one of the best cable TV providers around. With the Contour TV Starter plan, you can watch over 75 channels for just $50 a month. However, most of them are ad-free Music Choice channels.
This budget plan gives you access to all your local channels, but you can also customize your plan by adding premium channels and DVR services. You also get a free cable box to watch live TV and streaming services. Or you can use the Contour app to watch your shows on your smartphone or tablet.
DirecTV: Best Satellite Provider
If you can't find a cable provider in your area, DirecTV is one of the best satellite providers in the US With the DirecTV Choice plan, you can watch over 185 channels for just $69.99 no matter where you live.
Because DirecTV works anywhere with a clear view of the southern sky, you can mount a satellite in virtually any home, apartment, RV, or even a houseboat. However, you are more likely to experience service interruptions with this plan, as weather and other obstacles can disrupt satellite reception.
Optimum: Best Cable TV Operator in the Northeast
If you live in or near the tri-state area, Optimum has one of the best cable TV plans you can get. With the Select TV plan, you can watch over 340 channels for $89.99 per month.
This cable plan is ideal for sports lovers with channels like NBA TV, NFL Network and more. It also has dozens of HD channels, and the set-top box lets you watch Ultra HD movies on Netflix and other streaming services, so you can get the most out of your new 4K TV.
Spectrum: Best No-Contract Cable Provider
Spectrum is one of the best cable providers that you don't need to sign a contract with. This means you never have to pay a fee to cancel your service. However, after a 12-24 month promotional period, Spectrum Bundle prices can increase significantly.
With the Spectrum TV Silver plan, you can watch over 175 channels for just $74.99 per month. And since Spectrum has no data caps on your internet service, you don't have to worry about paying "overage charges" if you want to combine your cable TV and internet plans.
Verizon Fios: Best Fiber Service Provider
If you're looking for the most reliable TV and Internet service, Verizon offers one of the best fiber optic TV plans on the market. Because fiber optic cable transmits data via infrared light, it's generally much faster than cable or satellite, which means you'll get better video quality.
The Most Fios TV plan lets you watch over 450 channels for $96 a month. That includes hundreds of HD channels and even 4K content, and you can record up to 50 hours of movies and shows with the included DVR. However, you also need a Verizon router to access certain basic features with this plan.
Xfinity: Best Overall Cable Provider
If you're a true TV lover, Xfinity offers one of the best cable plans you can get. With the Xfinity Preferred+ plan, you can watch over 220 channels for just $59.99 a month. Plus, with the Xfinity Stream app, you can download movies and TV shows to your smartphone or computer for offline viewing anytime.
Although inexpensive, this plan comes with a one-year contract. If you don't want to commit to the cable provider, pay 33% more for the same plan with no term contract. However, this plan also comes with a $10 monthly fee, so the plan is actually $69.99 per month.
How to cancel your cable subscription
To cancel or end your cable subscription, most TV or Internet service providers require you to call them within a certain period of time.
Some cable provider contact numbers to call:
- Helmsman:800-234-3993
- Direct TV:800-288-2020
- Ideal:718-860-3514
- Spectrum:833-267-6094
- Verizon wires:844-837-2262
- Xfinity:800-934-6489
If you don't want to stop service, it's a good idea to contact your new cable provider before canceling your current TV or Internet plan. Be sure to ask about special offers and do the math to find a package that will save you the most money.
Once you've chosen the best cable provider for you, check out our step-by-step guide.How to mount a tv on the wallto enhance your TV experience.
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