Looking to level up your TV game without breaking the bank? Basic cable packages from providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox have all of your local channels, they’re straightforward, and they save you from the monotonous task of channel surfing through endless filler content.
Now, I’ve handpicked some basic and starter packages from five cable TV companies just for you. Most of these gems are widely available across the US, but to be certain that they’re available in your neck of the woods, feel free to use our zip finder tool below.
Sure, an HD antenna can do wonders for grabbing those local channels, but let’s face it, sometimes you need a little more.
So, let's get into the details to find the best cable provider for you.
See if these cable TV providers are available in your area.Why should you trust Reviews.org? Because we are real people writing these reviews, and we talk to real people in order to do our research.
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† * Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Spectrum TV Select Signature promotion price is $59.99/mo; standard rates apply after yr 1. Taxes, fees, and surcharges (broadcast surcharge up to $23.20/mo) extra and subject to change during and after the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra.
‡ Pricing for 1 year^ Taxes, fees and surcharges extra. Services may not be available in all areas and programming is subject to change. Rates subject to change.
° Internet w/Auto Pay & Paperless Bill plus taxes. Terms apply. Not available in all areas. TV: Offer for new residential customers. Plus taxes, fees and other charges. Includes Auto Pay and Paperless Billing.
The best basic plans from a cable TV provider have a fair dollar-to-channel ratio, local channels, and top channels in its lineup, and they are widely available across the country.
When looking for a basic cable plan, you want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck.
A basic TV plan will be low-priced with a fair number of channels, and these channels should include your local cable channels and could include some top channels, such as Disney Channel and HGTV.
It also helps a cable TV provider’s case when they’re widely available across the US, have easy-to-install equipment, and a decent DVR storage to record all of the live shows you might not be home for.
You should receive all of your local channels, such as ABC, CBS, PBS, FOX, and NBC with basic cable.
With a great basic cable package, you should also have access to entertainment and lifestyle channels like HSN, The CW, C-SPAN, ION Television, and Telemundo.
Cable TV is worth it if you like the traditional TV feel, want all of your local and popular channels, and like the simplicity of bundling with internet and paying one bill.
We’re noticing that cable TV can actually be cheaper than a live TV streaming service (which wasn’t the case when live streaming first came around).
Cable TV isn't worth it if you rather stream on your device or smart TV; you only need 30–200 channels (rather than the 200–300 channels that cable TV could offer you), and you want on-demand content.
If the latter sounds like you, we have a list of the best live TV streaming providers .
