The 5 Best Cable TV Providers

The best cable TV services have a decent dollar-to-channel ratio, most of the popular channels in its entry-level package, and sufficient DVR storage space.

• Fair pricing
• Offers most of the popular live TV channels
• No contract options or a solid deal with a contract
• Few fees (no more than three)
• Ample DVR storage space

A solid cable TV provider starts with a dollar-to-channel ratio that can challenge the best in the business.

And the channel lineup must have most of the popular channels, even in its entry-level package, to be a strong competitor. A cable provider will also want no-contract options for those who don't want to be tied down or move a lot. But if they require their customers to sign a contract, it better be for an excellent deal.

And lastly, you'll want an easy-to-install set-top box that has a sufficient amount of DVR storage for you and the family to record everything you'd like.

If you're interested in bundling with internet, we have a list of the best cable and internet bundles. Who doesn't like the simplicity of one bill?

It has Netflix and Amazon Prime Video integration, can record up to six shows at once, and can hold 20, 150, or 300 hours of HD content (you can make the choice at checkout). Your family will be able to record Sesame Street, That ‘70s Show, and The Herd with Colin Cowherd all at once.

We don’t like additional fees, and Xfinity has quite a few. There’s a broadcast TV, regional sports, DVR service, and TV box fee. We’d rather have the fees included in the monthly service price, but almost all TV providers do this, so we can’t fault Xfinity.

And we do like how Xfinity doesn't require you to sign a contract.

Check out our Xfinity TV Review for the prices of the fees so you know what you're walking into.

All of these cable providers offer bundles that get you both TV and decent internet speeds. You'll likely save money by getting everything on the same network, and who doesn't like the simplicity of one bill?

Spectrum's DVR storage is not sufficient. Spectrum’s DVR only holds 35 HD hours or 80 SD hours.

Compare that to Xfinity, where you can record up to six programs at once and get 150 hours of HD or 300 hours of SD storage.

According to Spectrum, a DVR that records 150 hours and can record six shows at once (instead of two shows) is available. But we were uncertain as to why we couldn’t find this option at checkout. We’d suggest calling this cable TV provider and asking to get this enhanced DVR if you know 35 HD hours is too little for your family.

Spectrum TV is available in more than 41 states, so it's very possible either Xfinity or Spectrum will be available in your area.

• Fios TV Test Drive: Fios lets you “Test Drive” the plan that gives you 425+ channels for 60 days for $85 per month with AutoPay.
• Your Fios TV: This is the only Fios package that is customizable. You get to personalize your TV plan by picking five of your favorite channels from about 200 (including NFL Network, The Hallmark Channel, and The CW). Then, Fios will recommend a channel lineup based on your favorites.
• More Fios TV: This plan will give you over 225 channels for $109 with AutoPay. Now let’s compare that to our top TV provider: Xfinity gives you 185 channels for as low as $60 per month but will increase to about $90 afterward. 
• The Most Fios TV: There is no other cable television provider that can net you more than 425 channels. And for $129 with AutoPay? If you want loads of channels, this is the package to get. This is why we hope you live in one of the areas where Verizon Fios TV is offered.

Optimum is only available in three states and random cities.

Sorry if we got your hopes up about this cable TV provider. Optimum’s service area covers only New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and random cities in the US. Check out this availability map to see if you're one of the chosen ones.

If you are, we're jealous. No other cable TV service offers over 200 channels for only $75 per month!

Although Cox TV has an inexpensive option for people who only want a few live TV channels, Cox’s Contour TV Starter package will give you half the channels than other cable service provider's entry-level packages. Xfinity’s entry package gives you 125+ channels for the same price as Cox’s plan with 75+ channels.

But Cox might be the only TV provider in your area, and it's still a reliable option  (it did make our top 5). We recommend you check your availability since Cox TV is available only in 19 states.

Also, there's a 2-year contract (*eye-roll*).

One of the downsides to cable television is contracts, and Cox TV has one (unlike Spectrum). If you choose to cancel your service within 30 days of your sign-up date, you get out of your plan for free. If you wait until after that 30-day window, you’ll be charged a $240 fee to cancel.

• Xfinity TV: Xfinity is the best cable TV provider because of its wide availability across the US, its plans have great dollar-to-channel ratios, and Xfinity has a solid DVR in the X1. Xfinity's local-channel plan (Choice TV) is only $20 per month (or $10 per month in some regions). The entry-level plan, Popular TV, comes in at a low cost of $50/month for 125+ channels or upgrade for $20 more for 185+ channels with Ultimate TV.
• Spectrum TV: Spectrum is the best no-contract option with its fair pricing. Its only plan made itself to our favorite cheapest TV packages list next to Xfinity. You can't go wrong with the TV® Select Signature plan for $95 per month and 150+ channels, and you can cancel whenever you'd like. 
• Verizon Fios TV: With Verizon Fios TV, you’ll get the most channels you can possibly get with a TV provider. We're just crossing our fingers that you live in one of the nine states that it’s offered. Get a personalized channel lineup for $85 per month (with AutoPay) with Your Fios TV, 300+ channels for $109 (with AutoPay) for the More Fios TV plan, and a whopping 425+ for $129 per month (with AutoPay) for The Most Fios TV plan.
• Optimum TV: Optimum is best for the family because its set-top box allows you to record 15 shows at once. But this TV provider is also for the East Coast folks like Verizon Fios TV. Optimum offers the most inexpensive plan on this list at $35 for over 50 streaming channels with the Entertainment plan, but you can also get as many as 420 live TV channels for $125. If Fios isn't available to you, we think Optimum's Entertainment TV and Select TV packages are worth the price.
• Cox TV: Cox is best for those who like the simplicity of one bill to combine their service with TV, internet, landline phone, and home security. We're not a huge fan of the high pricing combined with the low channel count. However, it is the only cable TV service that offers customizable bundling.

Take a look at the top cable TV and internet bundles to save money on both services.

If you’re still unsure which TV provider to sign up with, check out our Best TV Providers review to compare more options.

And if you'd be interested in cutting the cord, we have a list of the best live TV streaming services to do so.

We compared and ranked the best cable TV providers based on five key factors:

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

To decide which cable TV services are best for you, we ranked each on these five important factors. We also consider reliability, customer service, and bill simplicity.

We don’t always get to take these companies for a test drive, but we do loads of research to give you the best recommendations possible. We've got your back when it comes to getting the most out of your money (because who doesn’t want to save money for summer trips and festivities?).