Cable TV Providers & Alternatives
Traditional cable TV or streaming? We compare every cable provider and streaming alternative to help you make the best choice and save money.
Get TV + Internet DealsCable TV & Internet Providers
How to Cut the Cord in 3 Steps
Get Internet-Only Service
Sign up to switch to an internet-only plan. Most providers offer 100-300 Mbps for $40-60/mo — plenty for streaming.
Choose Your Streaming Services
Pick 1-3 services. Netflix + YouTube TV covers movies and live TV for ~$88/mo. Philo + Netflix = just $43/mo for entertainment without sports.
Get a Streaming Device
If your TV isn't smart, grab a Roku ($30), Fire TV Stick ($25), or Apple TV ($130). One-time purchase, no monthly fees.
Average Monthly Costs: Cable vs. Streaming
Traditional Cable
Streaming (with live TV)
Switch to streaming and save ~$48/mo ($576/year)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cable TV provider in 2026?
The best cable TV providers in 2026 are Spectrum (no contracts, 125+ channels), Xfinity (X1 platform, wide availability), and Optimum (competitive pricing in the Northeast). However, streaming TV services are increasingly replacing traditional cable. Sign up above to compare options.
Is cable TV still worth it?
For live sports fans and those who want channel-surfing, cable TV still has value. But for most viewers, streaming services offer better value: more on-demand content, lower prices, no equipment fees, and no contracts. The average cable bill is $83/mo vs. $15-73/mo for streaming.
What is a good alternative to cable TV?
YouTube TV ($72.99/mo for 100+ channels), Sling TV ($40/mo for 30+ channels), and Philo ($28/mo for 70+ entertainment channels) are the top cable alternatives. Pair with Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu for a complete entertainment setup at a lower cost than cable.
Can I get cable TV without cable internet?
Yes, but it's not common. Most cable TV now comes bundled with internet, and standalone TV may actually cost more than a bundle. A better approach: get internet from any provider and use a streaming TV service for live channels.
How much does cable TV cost per month?
Cable TV averages $83/mo for a mid-tier package (100-200 channels). Add equipment fees ($10-15/mo), DVR ($5-15/mo), and regional sports fees ($5-10/mo), and the real cost is often $100-120/mo. Streaming alternatives range from $28-80/mo with fewer hidden fees.
Should I bundle internet and cable TV?
If you're keeping cable TV, bundling usually saves $15-30/mo. But the biggest savings come from replacing cable TV with streaming services and keeping internet-only. This typically saves $30-60/mo while still giving you live TV options.