Best TV Service Providers of 2022

The TV industry is constantly evolving.

There are now five options for watching your favorite channels and content: satellite TV, cable TV, fiber TV, live TV streaming, and on-demand streaming. 

Satellite TV is best for those who live in rural areas or want 300+ channels. Cable TV is great for people who want traditional TV at a price that won’t break the bank. If you’re one of the lucky ones where fiber TV is offered, then you might enjoy 400+ channels with a guaranteed reliable connection.

If you don’t need 100s of channels and would rather save a little dough, live TV streaming is something to consider. Or, if you love binge-watching drama or crime TV series, there are loads of on-demand streaming services available. 

So between satellite, cable, fiber, live TV streaming, and on-demand streaming—which is the best TV provider for you? It's going to depend entirely on what kind of TV experience you are looking for and, of course, your budget.

Let’s get into the details of channel lineups, pricing, availability, and content. Here’s our list of the best of the best:

TV service providers offer a variety of plans, channel lineups, and technology to fit different families. We recommend checking out your options before deciding which is the best TV provider or streaming service for your needs.

But before you do, you should know what to look for when choosing a satellite, cable, fiber, or live TV streaming service.

Satellite TV will give you a traditional TV feel with the option to have access to loads of channels and lots of sports extras or add-ons. It’s very widely available across the US, making this the best choice for rural areas. 

Most satellite TV providers also offer free installation, so you won’t have to worry about climbing onto your roof to install the satellite dish. If you’ve seen The Holiday with Vince Vaughn, then you understand what you could be avoiding.

A standard cable TV service will give you a decent dollar-to-channel ratio and not too many fees (but expect to see them). 

Most cable TV services also provide either a no-contract option or a solid deal with a contract. You can also enjoy sufficient DVR storage space to avoid family … altercations.

When looking for fiber optic cable, you should be guaranteed speed and reliability. 

You'll most likely get double the channels than you would with standard cable, and for a reasonable price. The only problem is it's not widely available across the US. But we’re crossing our fingers that it will be in the future.

A great live TV streaming service will give a smooth user experience with easy navigation to the TV guide, on-demand content, and your recordings. 

It does require an internet connection, so be aware of that. 

As with all TV services, you'll want to take notice of the dollar-to-channel ratio. But bear in mind that you won't get access to as many channels as you would with satellite and cable TV.

Nowadays, a solid on-demand streaming service has a huge library of content (both network and original content) and an easy-to-use interface. 

Not all on-demand streaming services are created equal as they all have their purpose (for example, Disney+ gives you content from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, etc. Where a streaming service like Apple TV connect seamlessly to your other Apple devices). And if you don't care for live sports or news, on-demand streaming services are the go-to for most people (although some might have a few live channels, such as Paramount+).

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There are only two satellite TV providers that should even cross your radar at this point—DIRECTV and DISH.

DIRECTV has the largest number of channels and NFL SUNDAY TICKET, while DISH Network doesn't have second-year price hikes and is cheaper in the longrun.

If you're looking for the best all-around satellite TV provider, we choose DISH.

Unlike its competitor, the DISH Network doesn't jack up the monthly cost after your first year. You'll pay the same price for the life of your 2-year contract, and then your monthly bill go up by $20–$30. 

Yes, it's a bummer that DISH doesn't carry NFL SUNDAY TICKET, but we've got good news for college sports fans—DISH carries more college sports channels than DIRECTV, including the ACCN, SEC, PAC-12, Longhorn, and Big Ten Networks, along with ESPNU.

And if you're a huge fan of the Milwaukee Bucks or Golden State Warriors, we've named DISH the best satellite TV option for watching NBA games.

DIRECTV's top plan offers about 40 more channels than DISH's top plan if you're looking for abundance. Yes, it does cost a bit more. But if you and your family want lots of channels (like over 330), DISH won't be your pick.

View Plans | Read Full DISH TV Review

There are several cable TV options out there, but across the board, cable television providers suffer from not being available everywhere. 

Xfinity is the best cable provider because it's widely available across the country, reliable, and decently priced.

With the entry-level package starting at $49.99 with more than 125 channels, Xfinity wins our "best all-around package" award out of all our recommended TV providers.

The channel selection for Xfinity's starter package is pretty similar to DISH's base-level package (including channels like ESPN, TNT, Food Network, and Disney Channel).

When you upgrade to Xfinity's Ultimate TV plan, you'll get Cartoon Network, Cooking Channel, Disney Junior, FX Movie Channel, and Paramount Pictures.

If you're an NFL fanatic, you'll like Xfinity because it's one of the best options for the NFL RedZone Channel. So if you decide to become an Xfinity customer and order this channel, you'll be set to watch all of the exciting moments of Sunday's games.

View Plans | Read Full Comcast Xfinity TV Review

As of right now, there aren't too many fiber cable TV providers out there, and only a few areas can reap the benefits of a fiber-optic connection. 

Verizon Fios is the number one fiber TV provider that we recommend, and it will guarantee you speed, reliability, and a ton of channels.

Verizon Fios TV uses a fiber-optic connection, which is actually a faster connection speed than traditional cable. It's super convenient when you're connecting multiple devices, bundling your TV and internet together, and for those who want a faster upload and download time.

In short, Fios is good for bigger families, people who work or go to school from home, and families that use the internet constantly.

Verizon Fios TV doesn't require an annual contract. So you can cancel your service if you move, switch over to a live TV streaming service, or want to cut back on bills.

View Plans | Read Full Verizon Fios TV Review

If you're looking to cut the cord or want to save some money, a live TV streaming provider is a great alternative to cable or satellite TV. 

fuboTV takes the crown for the best live TV streaming service. fuboTV has the best dollar-to-channel ratio, offers over 100 channels, and provides more sports channels than any other TV service in the industry. It's also one of our top picks for streaming NFL games this 2022 season.

Over time, fuboTV has renamed itself as an all-around live TV streaming service for the whole family rather than just sports fans. But it still towers over the competition when it comes to sports.

fuboTV caters to all types of sports fans. You'll get channels like ESPN, Big Ten Network, PAC-12 Networks, Tennis Channel, TUDN, and Zona Fútbol.

You'll also get all major national sports channels like NFL Network, MLB Network, NBA TV, and NHL Network.

View Plans | Read Full fuboTV Review

You don't get your sports, news, and lifestyle live TV channels with on-demand streaming services. So if you need a TV service to replace your cable or satellite provider, then a non-live TV streaming service isn't a great option.

But if you just want on-demand content (like Originals you can’t find anywhere else) and you’d like to save some cash, then an on-demand service will suffice for you. 

Netflix is king when it comes to on-demand streaming services. This big-time service has come in at the number one spot for our Top 10 Streaming Apps, Best On-Demand Streaming Services, and Best Streaming Services for Kids.

For $10 to $20 per month, Netflix is a cheap alternative for getting some of the best TV shows and movies ever made on your smartphone, laptop, or smart TV.

You'll get access to a vast 5,000-title library of TV shows, movies, Originals, and comedy specials (and it gets updated often).

Watch New Girl while you're working from home, distract the kids with CoComelon while you're talking to the landscaper, and enjoy Stranger Things on the weekend with some popcorn.

View Plans | Read Full Netflix Review

If you're an avid National Football League fan, you'll want DIRECTV over DISH.

DIRECTV is home to NFL SUNDAY TICKET, an add-on that allows you to watch all out-of-market games. So if you live in Cleveland, Ohio, but you’re actually a Seattle Seahawks fan, you’ll be able to watch all of the Hawks games with this subscription.

In the world of live TV, NFL games are number one.

And if you agree, then trust us on this—you're going to want NFL SUNDAY TICKET.

If you're an NFL fan (which you probably are if you're reading this), you really can't go wrong with DIRECTV. And if you get the CHOICE package or better, you get NFL SUNDAY TICKET included for one full season.

On top of NFL SUNDAY TICKET, DIRECTV offers à-la-carte programming for most major sports leagues, including:

• MLB EXTRA INNINGS
• NBA League Pass
• MLS Direct Kick
• NHL CENTER ICE

If you want to know more about which sports channels each DIRECTV package carries, check out our full DIRECTV review.

View Plans | Read Full DIRECTV Review

These cable TV services earned a spot on our favorite cable TV providers list.

Each provider has its purpose and qualities, such as specific location and channel lineups. We give a break down on each one below. 

Spectrum TV is available in 41 states, and we really like the pricing of its entry-level package. It's a bonus that this cable provider doesn't require a contract whatsoever.

The Spectrum TV Select package only costs $49.99 a month and nets you some great channels (ABC, ESPN, CNN, and HGTV).

 Not only will you get channels for sports, movies, and news, you’ll also get thousands of on-demand titles that you can watch whenever you’d like—whether it be Saturday night in your living room or on a roadtrip.

Just like Xfinity, Spectrum raises its prices after your first year of service. We’re here to give you a heads up that you’ll need to budget for $77 monthly after year one.

View Plans | Read Full Spectrum TV Review

Optimum was named one of the best for basic cable because its dollar-to-channel ratio is excellent, and this TV provider offers lots of channels similar to satellite TV.

All of Optimum's TV plans come with your favorite channels like ESPN, Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, Hallmark, and FOX News.

The best part about Optimum is you get more than 200 of these great channels for just $75 per month, which is a deal in the cable TV industry.

As you upgrade, you'll get more sports, movie, and entertainment channels for the whole family to enjoy. You can even get over 300 channels for a lower price than satellite TV and without a contract.

View Plans | Read Full Optimum TV Review

Cox TV gives you a personalized checkout experience you can't find with another cable TV provider. Bundle TV, internet, home security, and a landline for the simplicity of one bill.

Cox gives you the option to bundle TV, internet, home security, and a home phone at checkout. There are about four steps for signing up for each service—including selecting a plan, choosing your equipment, and add-ons.

You create your service, Cox delivers.

In a nutshell, you'll want the Starter TV plan if you just want local channels, the Preferred TV plan if you want popular channels like Disney Channel and Fox News, or the Ultimate TV package if you want premium channels in your lineup.

View Plans | Read Full Cox TV Review

Live TV streaming services give you live channels, on-demand content, and the ability to record TV shows and movies.

These live TV streaming services are the best behind fuboTV, and each is unique. We’ll get into the details to see which one you should subscribe to.

Keep in mind these prices don't include internet service charges (which you'll need in order to stream), but you can check those out in our best internet for streaming article.

YouTube TV is one of our favorite live TV streaming services on the market and is a very close second to fuboTV.

YouTube TV is well-rounded with a decent number of channels (including major sports channels) and many add-ons for everyone in the family. Like fuboTV, YouTube TV is one of our top picks for streaming 2022 NFL games.

With YouTube TV, you get the best of all things TV and streaming have to offer: live TV channels, on-demand movies, full seasons of popular TV shows, unlimited DVR space, YouTube videos, and the latest news clips.

Unlimited DVR space means you can literally record anything and everything you want. You also get a robust channel lineup with lots of top lifestyle and entertainment channels. 

You even get major sports channels like NFL Network, NBA TV, and MLB Network! (And this is the only live TV streaming service that gives you those three essential channels for $65 per month.)

View Plan | Read Full YouTube TV Review

Hulu + Live TV's service now includes the Disney+ bundle! This means you don't need to opt-in or order Disney+ and ESPN+ separately. How can we say no?

Hulu + Live TV gives you the best of both worlds: live TV channels and even more on-demand streaming. Along with over 75 channels, you get access to Hulu's entire streaming library.

As far as live channels are concerned, you get all the essentials, like ABC, ESPN, FOX, Food Network, and HGTV.

Nothing good on TV? Catch up on This is Us, The Bachelor, or Rick and Morty. You'll also get access to well-known originals, such as Little Fires Everywhere, The Handmaid's Tale, Only Murders In the Building, and Letterkenny.

View Plans | Read Full Hulu + Live TV Review

If you're looking to save money but still want to stream your favorite live TV channels, Sling TV might have a channel lineup you'll be happy with.

Sling TV truly understands what cord-cutting is all about—saving money without missing your favorite shows. Starting at $35 per month, Sling packages provide the best bargains around. Granted, Sling TV's channel selection is smaller, but it also goes for quality over quantity.

We recommend Sling Orange if you want more kids and lifestyle channels (like Disney Channel and Comedy Central), and you'll like Sling Blue if you want a TV package with more news and sports channels (like Fox News and NFL Network).

Sling Orange + Blue only gives you six more channels than the Sling Blue plan, but you'll get the Disney Channel, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, Motortrend, and Freeform.

View Plans | Read Full Sling TV Review

DIRECTV STREAM is the most expensive live TV streaming service, but if you like DIRECTV’s traditional TV experience, you’ll like this streamable version.

DIRECTV STREAM includes premium channels in all of its packages.

With any plan, you'll get the STARZ, SHOWTIME, and CINEMAX® channels in your lineup free for the first 3 months.

If you get the CHOICE package or above, you’ll get three free months of HBO Max. We guarantee you’ll want to marathon-watch Friends, The Nevers, or Mare of Easttown.

View Plans | Read Full DIRECTV STREAM Review

An on-demand streaming service gives you a massive library of content (both network and original content) that you can stream at any time of the day. You won’t be able to watch live channels, but you’ll be saving a buttload of money.

Watch Step Brothers while you’re waiting for your car to be serviced, or distract your kids with Spongebob Square Pants while you’re grocery shopping. 

Each on-demand streaming service is unique in its own way. For example, Disney+ gives you content from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and more. And Hulu has network shows available to stream the day after they air on television.

Let’s find out which one has the content you like most.

Disney+ is the best on-demand streaming service for families and one of the best for kids. You can enjoy heart-warming nostalgic movies—like The Sandlot or The Lion King—and your kids can enjoy, well, everything.

Disney+ delivers content that will make your day just a little brighter. Enjoy Disney movies and TV shows, Marvel superheroes, Pixar productions, The Simpsons, and Star Wars movies.

Throw on Moana or Toy Story when the kids eat lunch, watch Holes to bring back memories, or binge-watch all of the Iron Man movies if that's more your thing.

View Plans | Read Full Disney+ Review

If you've chosen to cut ties with your cable or satellite TV provider and you still need The Bachelor in your life, Hulu will be the best on-demand streaming service for you.

If you don't have access to live television, but you want to watch the latest episode of Chicago P.D. or The Bachelor before you read about spoilers, then Hulu is what you're looking for.

Hulu releases lots of recently broadcasted TV shows on its platform within hours.

You'll find other new episodes on Hulu from TV shows like Chopped, Bob's Burgers, Superstore, and Amy Schumer Learns to Cook.

On top of that, you can watch all of Hulu's terrific Originals, such as The Kardashians and Nine Perfect Strangers.

View Plans | Read Full Hulu Review

If you want to enjoy Warner Bros. movies from the quiet comfort of your home rather than a crowded theater, HBO Max has got you covered.

If you’re anticipating Black Adam, The Bob's Burgers Movie, Father of the Bride, and Bones & All,  HBO Max is a must.

All Warner Brothers movies released in theaters will also be released on HBO Max the same day (*subscribed*).

You don't even have to pay a fee to unlock one of these new movies. You just simply have to be a subscriber.

And you'll want to stay a subscriber because this new streaming service is two in one. It has all of HBO's content and HBO Max's new content in its library.

View Plans | Read Full HBO Max Review

Peacock has been killing it in the streaming service game, and they’ve recently become an excellent streaming services. Peacock has live channels for news, sports, and NBC programming fans, as well as 60,000+ hours of excellent on-demand content.

We like how Peacock offers three different tiers depending on your budget—free, $5, or $10 per month.

The free plan gives you access to 40,000+ hours of movies and TV shows with limited ads. If you upgrade to Peacock Premium or Premium Plus, you’ll be able to watch 20,000+ hours of more content, but get Premium Plus if you want zero commercials. 

Sports fans will benefit from either Premium plan because you’ll get access to live sporting events, such as Sunday Night Football, Premier League, and WWE.

View Plans | Read Full Peacock Review

Amazon Prime Video gives you a few perks you can get behind, especially access to the enormous on-demand library and the free Prime shipping.

Amazon Prime Video is a unique on-demand streaming service because your monthly payment gets you more than just access to streamable content.

This streaming service is great for kid's shows, for movie night (I Love You, Man or Hancock), and for original content you can't find anywhere else (Coming 2 America).

The other perks you'll get with Amazon Prime Video include free 2-day Prime shipping (just in case you like to buy last-minute gifts), rent and buy movies, access to Amazon Music, and a free Kindle book each month.

View Plans | Read Full Amazon Prime Video Review

Paramount+ has an on-demand library from multiple networks, such as CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, and Nickelodeon.

With Paramount+, you'll find your favorite past CBS shows like Big Brother, The Brady Bunch, Survivor, and FBI. You'll also be able to watch Paramount Pictures movies during your relaxing weekends.

CBS produces so many great TV shows, so they created an app to put it all in one place for you. And now, Paramount+ provides you with even more.

In the Paramount+ library, you're also going to find classic and original content from MTV, Comedy Central, The Smithsonian Channel, Nickelodeon, and BET.

View Plans | Read Full Paramount+ Review

• DISH has better pricing than DIRECTV (no second-year price hikes) and has a killer DVR in the Hopper 3. DISH is excellent for those who live in rural areas or want loads of channels. This satellite TV provider offers plans ranging from $70–$105/month with 190–290+ channels.
• Xfinity offers the best all-around service with affordable pricing, great channel lineups, and the X1 DVR. It struggles with pricey monthly fees, though. Xfinity gives you a great deal with $50–$60 plans for your first year, and then your plans will increase by $20–$30 during your second year (which is still not a bad price compared to other TV providers that might be in your area). 
• Verizon Fios TV will give you up to 425 channels! And this fiber-optic technology gives a fast, reliable network for both TV and the internet. If this provider is in your area, we very much recommend it. Get 125+ for as low as $70, or get that load of 425 channels for $110.
• fuboTV is not only one of the best streaming services for sports, but fuboTV now has lots of news, lifestyle, and kids channels, as well. Get over 50 sports channels with the Elite plan at $80, or order the Pro plan for $10 less for over 30 sports channels along with family channels. This live TV streaming service also has great plans for Spanish speakers who love watching their fútbol for $33/month.
• Netflix is one of the most popular on-demand streaming services with its vast TV show and movie selection (we're talking over 5,000 titles). This on-demand streaming service gives you critically acclaimed Originals, networks TV shows, and great movies for $10–$20/month.

We compare and rank TV service providers based on five key factors:

1. Channels
2. Price
3. Availability
4. Contracts
5. Equipment

To decide which TV providers are worth your attention, we have put loads of hours and a few years into our research. (I mean, this page is close to 8,000 words long).

We have personally tested out all of these services to come up with our own analysis of who the provider is best for and where the provider ranks amongst the competitors.

And finally, we have put in all of this effort to give you our true review of each cable and satellite provider, live TV streaming service, and on-demand streaming service.

Going with a satellite provider generally gives you more HD channels than cable or live streaming (especially movie channels). Satellite TV is also available in many rural areas where cable is not. So you can still keep up with The Bachelorette even if you live outside of your local cable company's area of service.

The downsides are that you need to have a satellite dish installed on your roof, which can mean extra installation fees, and satellite just isn't as reliable. Sometimes your signal can get interrupted by bad weather, like harsh snow or wind.

Cable is all about consistency. You won't have the same service interruptions that you see with satellites (bad weather, for example) because cable TV is connected directly via, well, cables. Underground.

And even though the monthly price can sometimes start off higher than satellite, you usually won't see second-year price hikes, or you can avoid a contract with cable. This makes it easier to budget upfront since you won't fall for sweet promotional deals that come back to haunt your bank account in 12 months.

Live TV streaming provides some of the lowest prices out there while still offering you a lot of the programming you're looking for. You can also watch it on the go.

Seamless and uninterrupted live TV streaming relies on your internet service. To stream content, you need an internet connection fast enough to handle it. This means if you live in a more rural area, you may not get a strong enough internet connection speed to livestream TV.

And remember, streaming costs aren't bundled into the cost of internet. So you'll be paying for internet and for any streaming service you sign up for, like Hulu, Amazon Prime, or Netflix.

Early termination fees only when you've signed a long-term agreement that you're trying to get out of. (We're looking at you, satellite providers.) ETFs aren't a problem for services like cable and live streaming that don't require traditional contracts.

If you cancel a DIRECTV contract, DIRECTV will charge you a $20 fee for every month remaining on your contract.

So if you need to get out of your contract, but you still have nine months left, you're looking at a hefty fee. It's steep, for sure, but it's all in the contract agreement. Make sure to ask your provider about early termination fees before you sign, just in case.

There are two reasons your monthly bill might increase—your promotional pricing has expired, or if you didn't sign a contract, some companies are subject to increase their service by pennies.

For example, when you get DIRECTV, you'll receive a promotional price for the first 12 months, and then your monthly price will increase in year two.

It's definitely not good for your blood pressure, but if you're careful, it shouldn't come as a surprise. Make sure to ask about any price changes that may happen after your promotional period ends so that you're not blindsided with a giant bill.

The cheapest live TV streaming service, cable TV provider, and satellite TV provider are the following:

Sling TV: $35–$50/mo. for 35–50 channels

Xfinity TV: $49.99–$59.99/mo. (for the first year of your service) for 125–185 channels

DISH TV: $69.99–$104.99 for 190–290 channels

If you want more details on the pros and cons of these services, check out our Sling TV, Xfinity TV, and DISH TV reviews.

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If you can find the right mix of streaming services, cutting the cord can be a convenient way to cut down on costs while still seeing all your favorite shows and movies.

According to our earlier report, the average American spends $48.25 a month on streaming, which is still (barely) cheaper than a basic package from one of the best TV providers.

In our recent survey, we found 46% of Americans have cut the cord. But some states have more people making the switch than others.

We broke down our recent streaming service survey and found which states have the most people ditching cable TV.

Cord-cutting correlates with rural populations, which typically have fewer options for cable TV. You can find the highest percentage of cord-cutters in rural, western states, like Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. Even on the East Coast, rural Maine stands out for having a higher percentage of people using streaming services.

Conversely, states with more urban populations have the lowest percentage of cord-cutters. (For example, Idaho has over 2.5x more cord-cutters than New Jersey.)

Fewer people in an area usually translates to fewer cable TV options (it's less cost-effective for the cable companies to build out in rural areas).

And while satellite TV providers are still one of the best options available for rural areas, most people are switching to streaming.

Since 2015, Americans have dropped their cable or satellite television viewership from 76% down to 56%.² Most people who don't use cable or satellite TV service say it's because they can get the shows and movies they want online, and 69% say that cable or satellite costs are too high.

The convenience and cost of streaming services has led to almost half of Americans dropping cable and satellite.

Reviews.org surveyed 316,174 Americans and asked them about their streaming service and cable TV service subscriptions and costs. We then determined the percentage of cord-cutters on a statewide and national basis.

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