Shopping Around for TV Providers?
You Are At Right Place
The experts at CableTV.com have scrutinized the best TV providers and packages from all over the US to help you choose the right TV provider for you.
Just remember, you’ll probably only have two or three TV providers to choose from in your area, so don’t forget to check your zip code to see what’s available.
Top recommended TV providers
- DISH—Two-year price lock keeps pricing transparent
- DIRECTV—NFL SUNDAY TICKET offers out-of-market games
- DIRECTV STREAM —Streaming TV available with internet bundles
- Frontier FiberOptic—Fiber technology delivers highest-quality video
- Spectrum—All channels HD for better viewing experience
- Xfinity—X1 Voice remote makes searching easier
- Cox—Channel Paks allow for plan customization
- Verizon Fios—Fios TV maintains a powerful and reliable signal
- RCN—DVR syncs with mobile devices for on-the-go viewing
Plug into TV deals
Enter your zip code to see what cheap cable deals and promotions are available in your area.
Compare TV providers
TV providers differ in everything from pricing to customer satisfaction. Some of the most important things to consider while comparing TV providers are price, channel lineup, and availability.
| Provider | Customer rating | Tech type | Max channel count |
|---|---|---|---|
| DISH | 3.81/5 | Satellite | 290+ |
| DIRECTV | 3.96/5 | Satellite | 330+ |
| DIFrontier FiberOpticSH | 3.89/5 | Cable | 200+ |
| Spectrum | 3.94/5 | Cable | 290+ |
| Xfinity | 3.86/5 | Cable | 260+ |
| Cox | 3.97/5 | Cable | 250+ |
| Verizon Fios | 3.89/5 | Fiber | 425+ |
| RCN | N/A | Cable | 285+ |
| Mediacom | N/A | Cable | 170+ |
| Optimum | 3.88/5 | Cable | 420+ |
| Sparklight (CABLE-ONE) | N/A | Cable | Up to 100 |
| Buckeye Broadband | N/A | Cable | 250+ |
To truly compare TV providers in your area, you’ll need to narrow down your options. Like we said, you’ll probably only have two or three TV providers that offer service at your address.
Cheap cable is possible
Yes, in spite of cable’s reputation, cheap cable exists. Basic cable will run you anywhere between $20 to $40 per month, but won’t get you much in terms of cable channels.
On the other hand, traditional cable and satellite TV packages start at around $64.99 per month (DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT is a great cheap TV package).
To learn more about cheap cable, check out our helpful guide.
View TV provider channel lineups
Before you sign up for cheap cable, make sure you’re getting the right TV package for you. These satellite, fiber, and cable TV companies have their full channel lineups listed online:
What channels come with cable TV?
The channels you get depend entirely on which package tier you go for.
Basic cable packages carry local channels, while mid-tier packages cover most cable favorites. A good premium package comes with all the best sports channels and big movie channels like HBO® and CINEMAX®.
Popular cable channels
Basic cable channels
- ABC
- CBS
- C-SPAN
- CW
- FOX
- NBC
- PBS
- QVC
- Telemundo
- Univision
Classic cable channels
- CNN
- Disney
- ESPN
- E!
- History
- HGTV
- MTV
- TLC
- TNT
- USA
Premium channels
- CINEMAX
- EPIX®
- HBO
- SHOWTIME®
- STARZ®
- TMC
*Channels may vary by location, provider, and package.
What about streaming live TV?
Not every live TV lover wants to commit to cable service. If you have fast internet, consider these streaming TV benefits:
- Lower monthly bill than traditional TV
- More control over channels
- Month-to-month contracts
Most live TV streaming services cost between $30 and $50 per month, with AT&T WatchTV being the cheapest at $15 per month for 35+ cable channels.
Livestreaming TV services come with free trials and you can cancel your service anytime. Some of our favorite live TV streaming services are Hulu + Live TV (best overall) and Sling TV (best for sports).
Best live TV streaming services
- Hulu Live—Best overall
- Sling TV —Best for sports
- AT&T WatchTV—Cheapest
- YouTube TV—Excellent DVR
- Philo—Good value
Of course, you’ll need fast internet service and a smart TV or streaming device to get the most out of streaming. Visit our best streaming services page to get started.
Don’t forget to save by bundling TV and internet
Most TV providers offer internet too—you can snag a great deal when you get TV and internet through the same company.
Not interested in cable TV? Then focus on high internet speeds that make streaming TV a breeze.
In addition to the companies above, we recommend checking out CenturyLink, Viasat, and Windstream if you’re on the hunt for internet. These three don’t offer TV, but their internet packages are worth a look.
Want to see which providers offer internet in your area? Enter your ZIP code below to see your options: