Bryant Veney - Copywriter, CableCompare
Date Modified: December 16, 2025
Cable TV deals start as low as $20/month when bundled with internet service, with top providers like Spectrum, Xfinity, Astound, Cox, and Optimum offering various channel packages and flexible contract terms to meet different household needs and budgets.
The best cable deal depends on your priorities, whether that's low pricing, a wide channel selection, or bundle savings. Xfinity's NOW TV plan is one of the cheapest at $20/month, but this price requires bundling with an Xfinity internet plan. Currently, the most competitive offers come from major providers who focus heavily on bundled packages.
Here's how the top providers compare:
| Provider | Starting Price | Channel Range | Bundle Options | Contract Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | $20/mo.* | 125+ | Internet, Mobile | 1-2 years |
| Spectrum | $40/mo. | 125+ | Internet | No contract |
| RCN | $30/mo. | 100+ | Internet, Phone | No contract |
| Cox | $45/mo. | 75+ | Internet, Phone | 1-2 years |
| Optimum | $35/mo. | 80+ | Internet | Month-to-month |
*Requires bundling with Xfinity internet service.
Disclaimer: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location. The starting prices listed often require bundling and do not include taxes or additional fees.
Remember that advertised rates often exclude extra fees. These can include:
These charges can increase your monthly bill by $30–$50, so be sure to factor them into your budget.
Choosing the right provider comes down to what you value most, whether it's bundle savings, premium channels, or contract flexibility. Here’s a breakdown of what each top provider does best.
Xfinity excels in bundle value, offering significant savings when combining TV with internet and mobile services. Their cable packages range from 125+ channels (NOW TV) to 260+ channels (Ultimate), with prices starting at $20/month when bundled.
Key benefits:
Spectrum stands out for its straightforward, no-contract approach. This gives you the freedom to change or cancel your plan without facing early termination fees. Their TV Select package starts at $40/month.
Key features:
RCN delivers exceptional value in select metro markets, particularly in NYC, Boston, Chicago, and Washington D.C. Known for competitive introductory pricing and flexible contract terms.
Advantages:
Cox offers customizable cable packages starting with basic channel lineups that can be expanded with premium add-ons. Their Contour Stream Player provides modern viewing features at competitive rates.
Notable features:
Optimum provides extensive channel variety across their cable packages, ranging from 80+ channels in basic plans to 200+ channels in premium offerings, with no long-term contracts required.
Key offerings:
Yes, cable bundles typically save $10-30 monthly compared to purchasing TV and internet services separately. Bundling simplifies billing while often providing better overall value for households needing both services.
| Service Type | Availability | Starting Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cable (Spectrum, Xfinity, RCN) | 85% of U.S. | From $20/mo. | Reliable connection, bundle savings, local channels | Regional price variation, equipment fees |
| Streaming (YouTube TV, Sling) | 100% (internet required) | From $9/mo. | Flexibility, no contract, easy cancellation | Requires high-speed internet, multiple subscriptions needed for full channel access |
| Satellite (DIRECTV, DISH) | 99% of U.S. | From $89/mo. | Broad rural availability, extensive sports content | Weather interference, higher costs, long contracts |
Cable remains competitive when bundled with internet, especially if you want reliable local channels, live sports, and news programming without depending entirely on internet connectivity for television viewing.
When evaluating cable TV deals, focus on these essential factors:
The cable TV landscape is always changing, with deals and prices shifting over time. While there’s no single "best" bundle for every household, understanding your viewing habits and budget can help you find the right fit. We hope this guide provides the information you need to choose a plan that works for you.
Xfinity NOW TV offers 125+ channels for $20/month when bundled with internet service, making it one of the most affordable cable packages from major providers. However, remember to factor in additional fees for equipment and broadcast channels.
Yes, RCN (now Astound Broadband) provides digital cable TV with local HD channels and competitive cable bundles in select cities including New York, Boston, Chicago, and Washington D.C. They're known for flexible no-contract options and promotional pricing.
For households wanting reliable service, live sports coverage, local news, and extensive channel variety, cable TV remains valuable—especially when bundled with internet service for overall savings and convenience.
Spectrum, Optimum, and RCN offer no-contract cable TV options, allowing customers to cancel service without early termination fees. This flexibility appeals to renters and customers who prefer month-to-month arrangements.
Cable bundles typically save $10-30 monthly compared to purchasing TV and internet separately. The exact savings depend on your provider, location, and selected services, with promotional periods offering additional first-year discounts.
Common additional fees include HD equipment rental ($5-15/month), broadcast TV fees ($15-25/month), regional sports fees ($8-12/month), and installation charges ($50-100). Always ask for total monthly costs including all fees when comparing cable packages.
Yes, several providers offer contract-free cable TV. Spectrum operates without annual contracts across most markets, while RCN and Optimum provide month-to-month options in their service areas, giving customers flexibility to change or cancel service.
Start by checking availability from multiple cable TV providers in your ZIP code, compare promotional rates and regular pricing, factor in equipment and fee costs, and consider bundle savings if you need internet service as well.
