tv internet providers

Connecting Screens: The Ultimate Guide to TV Internet Providers

Best TV Internet Providers

If you want internet and TV you can choose to bundle them together. You may even receive a monthly discount depending on the provider. Even without a discount bundling these services may still save you money.

Spectrum One Stream

Spectrum One Stream will cost you $49.99 per month for WiFi with speeds up to 300 Mbps. You have streaming and live TV with access to more than 80 channels. This gives you a good combination of speedy internet, cable TV and streaming options.

With TV access and the Xumo Stream Box, you have access to live channels and on-demand content. You also receive free perks such as Advanced WiFi and an unlimited mobile line. The only cons are that pricing goes up after the introductory period and availability is limited in certain areas.

Cox and Xfinity

Cox and Xfinity also offer affordable bundles but don’t offer the speed that Spectrum offers. The starting price for Cox is $55 per month for speeds of up to 100 Mbps. Xfinity prices start at $50 per month for up to 75 Mbps. An advantage for Xfinity customers is that they receive a 10% monthly discount for each bundled service.

Optimum Internet 300 and Entertainment TV

Optimum Internet 300 and Entertainment TV starts at $70 per month for download speeds of up to 300 Mbps. The channel lineup includes about 80 networks.

Top Entertainment Value

An AT&T Internet and TV Bundle

An AT&T Internet and TV Bundle starting at $125 per month comes with maximum download speeds of 300Mbps for buffer-free streaming. You will experience fast fiber internet bundled with DIRECT TV's popular TV packages. These packages offer access to over 165 channels that include local channels and popular networks such as CNN, Disney and ESPN.

Packages also include the wireless Genie device that allows you to watch TV in different rooms and a DVR service for recording your favorite shows. Some cons are that you need to sign a two-year contract for promotional pricing and pricing is high compared to some of the alternatives.

Best for Streaming

Frontier Fiber 500 and YouTube TV

Frontier Fiber 500 and YouTube TV partnership has a starting price of $44.99 per month. Frontier doesn’t provide a TV service but partners with YouTube TV. Those who enjoy streaming will appreciate the combination of high-speed internet that goes up to 500 Mbps and YouTube’s streaming for live TV. You can stream across multiple devices and get a $10 monthly discount on your YouTube TV subscription for a year. You have access to over 100 YouTube channels.

Some of the main advantages of this bundle are fast internet with an included wireless router and access to YouTube TV with no equipment fees. You can watch live TV on three devices at once. Disadvantages are a potential data cap for heavy streaming and unavailability in some areas.

Other Good Options

Verizon Fiber Internet and Fios TV

Verizon Fiber Internet and Fios TV bundle combines fiber internet with a Fios TV package. The cost of $109.99 per month gives you an internet speed of up to 300 Mbps. For the first 60 days, you experience over 435 channels that usually come with the most expensive plan.

After that, Verizon will customize a channel lineup of 125 networks based on your selections. The price includes a set-top box rental and a free two-month trial of unlimited streaming on your devices. New customers receive a $50 Verizon gift card.

Cox Internet Essential and Contour TV

Cox Internet Essential and Contour TV gives you internet access and adds an actual TV service rather than a streaming package. This takes the monthly price from $50 up to $165. You have a good channel lineup with the 140 or so networks that come with the package. This includes regional sports channels.

Choosing the Best Internet and TV Bundle

When choosing a bundle, you need to consider several factors to ensure you get good value and meet your household needs.

Internet Speed

The internet speed you need will depend on the number of users and connected devices. It will also depend on the web activities of household members such as video conferencing or gaming. Signing up for a gigabit of internet isn’t cost-effective if you tend to use only 300 Mbps or so a month. In some cases, you may only need to pay an extra $10 to $20 for a plan that comes with much greater internet speed.

Connection Types

When comparing bundles you need to look at the connection type. Cable internet providers often offer bundles with standard cable TV packages. Fiber internet providers generally don’t offer fiber TV but may partner with other companies to offer TV or TV streaming services. DSL and satellite internet providers will often bundle with satellite TV providers.

Channel Lineup

The TV channel lineup should include the content your household enjoys watching. You may want to watch local channels, sports networks, on-demand content or premium channels.

Fine Print

You need to consider the service terms and any contractual obligations. Internet may come with a data cap. If you have to sign a contract for TV services for two years, the price may jump after this.

Overall Cost

Bundling usually saves costs but you need to consider whether a bundle includes extra fees and promotional pricing. Consider equipment costs that come with TV services. Compare the pricing of a bundle to the cost of subscribing separately to internet and TV services to make sure you get the best value for your money.

Unbeatable TV and Internet Deals

An internet and TV bundle can be worthwhile for your household if you regularly use both internet and TV. You can often save money by bundling them. This also gives you the convenience of managing and paying for them through a single provider. Choosing the right bundle can ensure that all members of your household can satisfy their diverse entertainment needs.