The Best and Cheapest Cable TV Providers of 2026

Best and cheapest cable TV providers at a glance:

• Best cheap TV provider: Xfinity TV ↓
• Best for New York tri-state locals: Optimum TV ↓
• Best no-contract option: Spectrum TV ↓
• Best for sports fans: Cox TV ↓

If you live in the Northeast, Midwest, or West Coast, you’ll likely have access to Xfinity TV, which is available in 40 states. This provider offers a low-cost TV Core package for $65 a month as a standalone service. If you like watching the news and local stations, this package may be a good fit. It’s limited to 10+ channels, but you can add streaming services, like Netflix and Apple TV+ at discounted rates to extend your viewing options. Since there’s no long-term contract for Xfinity or the add-ons, you can switch your streaming services around based on what you’re loving at the moment. In addition to TV Core, Xfinity also offers traditional, comprehensive cable TV packages with up to 185+ channels, at higher monthly costs.

TV Core includes up to 150 hours of DVR storage at no extra cost. Just be aware that Xfinity charges additional monthly broadcasting and equipment rental fees with all of its packages. Xfinity users mention being surprised by add-on costs at checkout. However, they appreciate Xfinity’s reliability, since outages are relatively rare.

Popular channels: CBS, The CW, C-Span, MeTV, and PBS

Optimum TV is available in 21 states, but its roots are in the tri-state. This provider has traveled with me to three Brooklyn apartments over the course of around 20 years. Its rates have increased over time but remain competitive with other local contenders like Verizon Fios.

I’ve downsized my cable TV packages multiple times to accommodate my budget. I’ve also been surprised by rate hikes that seem to come out of nowhere. A big plus to Optimum is its willingness to reduce its rates when you ask. I’ve gotten good deals just by picking up the phone. So if you decide to try Optimum, keep that in mind.

Optimum’s Basic TV package starts at $50 a month and gives you 40+ channels. If money’s no object, you can upgrade to packages that have 200–250+ channels for $170–$190, depending on your location. No matter which package you choose, you’ll need to bundle it with Optimum Internet. This will increase your monthly cost, plus eliminate your ability to pick and choose the cheapest internet providers in your area. 

Popular channels: History Channel, TBS, AMC, Bravo, CNN

Many cable TV providers, including Cox TV, require one-year or two-year contracts, locking you in and charging a hefty cancellation fee if you no longer want the service. In contrast, Spectrum is contract-free. This can give you peace of mind, especially if you’re on the fence about the provider you want to go with.

Spectrum’s cable TV packages range from $100–$145 a month. Each has tons of channels, plus free streaming services like Hulu and Paramount+. Users say they love the selection but hate the price hikes. If you’re currently paying out of pocket for multiple services, you may save money in the long run with Spectrum. Its top-tier package also includes dedicated sports channels like the NFL Network and NBA TV.

If you have your heart set on Spectrum but cash is tight, you may want to check out its budget-friendly streaming packages, which start at $40 a month. They don’t have the same level of extras, but they do offer a decent channel lineup. Like with its cable plans, Spectrum’s TV Stream is contract-free.

Popular channels: A&E, Lifetime, Disney Channel, Fox News, Food Network

Cox’s highly customizable cable TV packages start at $80 a month, plus fees. If you love sports, you’ll get solid coverage, but only if you go with the higher-priced, Contour TV Preferred package at $140 a month. This package gives you ESPN Unlimited and a wide range of channels to choose from. Users rave about Cox’s channel lineups, but bemoan the post-promotional rate cost increases. 

You also have the option to customize your lineup with add-ons like the Sports & Info Pack or Sports Pack 2. Channel lineups vary by region, but include fan favorites like NFL Network, NHL Network, and NBA TV. Cox also offers seasonal sports packages, which are non-refundable and renew automatically unless you cancel.

Popular channels: ESPN, Cartoon Network, Golf Channel, NBC Sports Network

Live TV streaming services range from $20 to $125 while cable TV ranges from $30 to $225. There’s a lot of variation between packages, add-on fees, and regional costs.

Americans pay nearly $100 a month for TV services like fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and DIRECTV. Most use live TV streaming services and cable TV services over satellite or local antenna.

You can get 125+ channels for up to $105 per month with Xfinity TV. Or you could spend as much as $184 per month with Cox TV for over 250 channels.