![\"xfinity](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/xfinity-coverage-map.jpg\")
<\/span>Here is a list of the major cable providers, with links to each of their service areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Cox<\/a>: 607 service areas in 17 states across the US<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- DirecTV<\/a>: All 50 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Optimum<\/a>: Parts of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Spectrum<\/a>: 44 states across the US<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Verizon Fios<\/a>: Parts of 8 states, all on the east coast<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Xfinity<\/a>: 40 states across the US and Washington DC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Depending on where you live, cable providers will offer different plans with varying channels and prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Decide Which Channels You Want<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
According to Neilson data<\/a>, the average cable user only tunes in to around 13 out of the nearly 200 channels that they have access to. So, make a list of your \u201cmust-have\u201d channels and try to choose a cable provider that offers all of them.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"how](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/how-to-choose-a-cable-provider-tv-lineup-1024x717.jpg\")
<\/span>(Image Source: Xfinity<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Here is a list of all the major cable providers, with links to their full channel lineups for each plan they offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Cox<\/a>: 75-250+ channels<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Direct TV<\/a>: 160-330+ channels<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Optimum<\/a>: 220-440+ channels<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Spectrum<\/a>: 125-200+ channels<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Verizon Fios<\/a>: 125-425+ channels<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Xfinity<\/a>: 10-220+ channels<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Some providers will ask you to enter your zip code or address in order to see the channel lineups for each provider. If you do not live in the provider\u2019s service area, you might not be able to see which channels they offer. <\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Audio](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Audio-and-Video-Home-Theater-Need-help-with-a-home-theater-device-SQUARE.png\")
<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n3. Choose a Plan That Fits Your Budget<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Most cable providers offer several plans to fit your budget. The cheapest plans can start at around $25 a month, but they usually only offer a limited number of channels. Premium plans can cost over $100 a month, and they usually offer hundreds of cable channels, like HBO, Starz, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re thinking of signing up for a cable plan that costs $20-$25 a month, you should know that these plans usually only let you watch local TV channels. This might not be the most cost-effective option because you can also buy an antenna that gives you access to the same channels for about $25-$30.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n\n \n \n\n U MUST HAVE Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna Long 180 Miles Range - Support 4K 1080p Fire tv Stick...<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n \n![\"U](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51z2cfpyxHL._SL160_.jpg\")
<\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n\n U MUST HAVE Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna Long 180 Miles Range - Support 4K 1080p Fire tv Stick...<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n out of stock <\/div>\n \n \n \n\n\n as of May 4, 2026 11:37 am <\/i> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n BUY NOW<\/span><\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n \n Amazon.com <\/small>\n <\/div>\n \n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt is also important to note that many cable plans include hidden fees, which add an average of 24% to your annual bill, according to a 2019 study<\/a> from Consumer Reports. That means the typical cable TV plan will be $450 more than the advertised price. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"cable](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/cable-plan-hidden-fees.jpg\")
<\/span>(Image Source: Consumer Reports<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n In the analysis, Consumer reports said that the only real way to avoid these fees is by cutting your cable and using a streaming service instead. These services require you to have a smart TV or streaming device, but then they will only cost you around $5 to $15 a month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check out our list of the best streaming services<\/a> to find one that\u2019s right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Look for Sales and Bundles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you also need internet or phone services, many cable providers also offer bundles that will help you save money. In fact, bundles save cable users an average of $15 a month for both services, according to a study<\/a> by cabletv.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should also check if a cable provider has any ongoing sales or special offers for new customers, senior citizens, low-income families, and more. However, it is important to note that many sales and bundles have expiration dates, after which you might be charged more automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Best Cable TV Plans<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cox: Best Budget Cable Provider<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"cox](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/cox-tv-best-budget-cable-provider.jpg\")
<\/span>(Image Source: Cox<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n If you don\u2019t need hundreds of channels, Cox is one of the best budget cable providers on the market. With the Contour TV Starter plan, you can watch over 75 channels for only $50 a month. However, most of those are commercial-free Music Choice channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This budget plan gives you access to all your local channels, but you can also customize your plan by adding premium channels and DVR services. You also get a free cable box that lets you watch live TV and streaming services. Or you can use the Contour app to watch your shows on your smartphone or tablet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
See All Cox Plans<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
DirecTV: Best Satellite Provider<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"directv](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/directv-best-satellite-1024x768.jpeg\")
<\/span>(Image Source: Wikipedia<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n If you can\u2019t find a cable provider in your area, DirecTV is one of the best satellite providers in the US. With the DirecTV Choice plan, you can watch over 185 channels for only $69.99, no matter where you live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since DirecTV works in any location with a clear view of the southern sky, you can mount a satellite on almost any home, condo, apartment, RV, or even a houseboat. However, you are more likely to experience service interruptions with this plan because weather and other obstacles can interfere with your satellite reception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
See All DirecTV Plans<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Optimum: Best Cable Provider in the North East<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"optimum](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/optimum-2.jpg\")
<\/span>(Image Source: Optimum<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n If you live in or around the tri-state area, Optimum has one of the best cable TV plans you can get. With the Select TV plan, you can watch over 340 channels for $89.99 a month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This cable plan is great for sports-lovers with channels like NBA TV, the NFL Network, and more. Plus, it has dozens of HD channels, and the cable box even lets you watch Ultra-HD movies on Netflix and other streaming services, so you can get the most out of your new 4K TV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
See All Optimum Plans<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Audio](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Audio-and-Video-Streaming-General-Say-Goodbye-to-Buffering-SQUARE.png\")
<\/a><\/div>\n\n\nSpectrum: Best Cable Provider Without Contracts<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"spectrum\"](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/spectrum-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/span>(Image Source: Spectrum<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Spectrum is one of the best cable providers that doesn\u2019t require you to sign a contract. That means you won\u2019t have to pay a fee to cancel your service at any time. However, after a 12 to 24-month promo period, Spectrum bundle rates can significantly increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the Spectrum TV Silver plan, you get to watch over 175 channels for only $74.99 a month. And since Spectrum doesn\u2019t have a data cap for its internet service, you won\u2019t have to worry about paying \u201coverage\u201d fees if you want to bundle your cable TV and internet plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
See All Spectrum Plans<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Verizon Fios: Best Fiber-Optic Service Provider<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"Verizon](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Verizon-fios.jpg\")
<\/span>(Image Source: Verizon<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for the most reliable TV and internet service, Verizon offers one of the best fiber-optic TV plans on the market. Since fiber-optic cables transmit data via infrared light, it is usually much faster than cable or satellite, which means you will have better video quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Most Fios TV plan lets you watch more than 450 channels for $96 a month. This includes hundreds of HD channels and even 4K content, and you can record up to 50 hours of movies and shows using the included DVR. However, you will also need a Verizon router in order to access certain basic features with this plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
See All Verizon Fios Plans<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Xfinity: Best Overall Cable Provider<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"xfinity](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/xfinity-best-cable-tv-provider.jpg\")
<\/span>(Image Source: Xfinity<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n If you\u2019re a real TV-lover, Xfinity offers one of the best cable plans you can get. The Xfinity Preferred+ plan lets you watch over 220 channels for only $59.99 a month. Plus, you can download movies and TV shows on your smartphone or computer with the Xfinity Stream app to watch them offline at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While this plan is cheap, it comes with a one-year agreement. If you don\u2019t want to be locked into a commitment with the cable provider, you choose to pay 33% more for the exact same plan without the term agreement. However, this plan also comes with a $10 a month fee, so the plan is really $69.99 a month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
See All Xfinity Plans<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Cancel Your Cable Subscription<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To cancel or discontinue your cable subscription, most TV or internet service providers require you to give them a call within a specified time range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contact numbers of some cable providers that require you to call them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Cox: <\/strong>800-234-3993<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- DirecTV: <\/strong>800-288-2020<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Optimum: <\/strong>718-860-3514<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Spectrum: <\/strong>833-267-6094<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Verizon Fios: <\/strong>844-837-2262<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Xfinity: <\/strong>800-934-6489<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you don\u2019t want interrupted service, you may want to start applying for your new cable provider even before you cancel your current TV or internet plan. Be sure to ask for promos and do some math to find a package that saves you the most money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you choose the best cable provider for you, check out our step-by-step guide on how to mount a TV on your wall<\/a> to elevate your TV experience. <\/p>\n\n\n
- DirecTV: <\/strong>800-288-2020<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Direct TV<\/a>: 160-330+ channels<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- DirecTV<\/a>: All 50 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"TV](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/TV-Mounting-General-Elevate-Your-Home-Theater-SQUARE.png\")
<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Sanus](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/313Xxr3MV5L._SL160_.jpg\")
<\/a>\n <\/div>\n