Some standout options included no-contract bundles from Optimum and options to mix and match internet and cable TV any way you want with Cox. What can we say? We want freedom and savings when it comes to our bundles. So why did these five cable providers stand out from the rest when it comes to bundles? Let’s dig in and find out. So before you seal the deal, here are a few tips to help you choose the right bundle for you. A provider may offer a killer deal on a bundle, but you want to make sure you end up with internet and TV service you can actually use. Make sure any bundles in your price range come with an internet speed that supports your online activities. And take a peek at the channel listings to see if you’ll actually watch TV—or if you’ll spend all afternoon flipping through channels. (More on that next.) So don’t expect your cable TV service to be a perfect fit, but a majority of the channels should at least be appealing to you and your family. One way to check is to search for channel listings online.
Xfinity channel guide Cox channel guide Optimum TV schedule Spectrum channel guide
In general, here are the download speeds you should look for:
1–2 people: 40–100 Mbps 2–4 people: 75–300 Mbps 4+ people: 500+ Mbps
You’ll also need to consider what you do online and what kinds of devices use your internet:
Video calls: 100+ Mbps download speeds and at least 10 Mbps upload speeds Home security cameras: 100+ Mbps download speeds Streaming in 4K: 75+ Mbps download speeds Gaming: 40+ Mbps download speeds for most games, at least 10 Mbps upload speeds if you play online games
As we mentioned before, the 1.2 TB data cap might be a drawback if you’re an internet power user who downloads and uploads content regularly. But for most of us, that’s more than enough data to keep us going. The Xfinity cable TV channel lineup includes fan favorites like A&E, CNN, Cartoon Network, ESPN, Hallmark Channel, and Telemundo. Of course, which channels you end up with depends on the specific bundle you choose, but generally you can expect high-quality channels. Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular Xfinity TV and internet bundle prices, channels, and internet speeds (more are listed on their site). And if you want more info, you can dive into our Xfinity internet and Xfinity TV reviews. Cox lets you pair your preferred internet speed with the cable TV package of your choice. No need to decipher odd bundle names or double-check channel counts and speeds. You’ve also got the option of declining the contract or adding phone and home security service. Yes, you’ll end up paying more per month, but again, the choice is yours. For TV, you can choose between local channels, local channels and basic cable, or go all out with local channels, basic cable, and premium channels. (Those premium channels include HBO MAX, STARZ, CINEMAX, SHOWTIME, and MGM+.) You’ve also got five options for internet, ranging from 100 Mbps (great for Grandma who loves streaming NCIS) up to 1,000 Mbps (just right for power users). To top that off, you can choose to grab Cox’s Homelife security system and its phone service—or not. It’s up to you. Check out some of Cox’s TV and internet bundles below, or dig into the details in our Cox internet and Cox TV reviews. We like how this provider is widely available across the US—second to Xfinity TV—and that’s one of the reasons why Spectrum is one of our favorite cable TV companies. But unlike Xfinity, Spectrum’s bundles come without a contract. So if you and the fam (or your roomies) need to up and move, you won’t have to pay early termination fees. Sneak a peek at all your Spectrum bundle options, or get the scoop on Spectrum internet and Spectrum TV in our full-length reviews. Plus, Optimum also has a mix-and-match bundle building setup, similar to Cox. So you get to pick and choose exactly what internet and TV service you want. The slowest speeds you’ll get are 300 Mbps, which is great for a small household of gamers and streamers. And the smallest TV package still comes with 220+ channels. Speaking of, Optimum doesn’t shirk on channels. You get favorites like CNN, Disney Channel, ESPN, Hallmark Channel, TNT, and USA Network. Not bad at all. Take a look at a few of the Optimum TV and internet bundles you can choose from, or get the scoop on how well Optimum stacks up in our internet and TV reviews.
Xfinity bundles: Best value Cox bundles: Best for mixing and matching bundles Optimum bundles: Best for small towns Spectrum bundles: Best for included premium channels
