But unlike satellite TV providers, most cable TV services also provide internet. And if you bundle your TV and internet service with one provider, you can usually score a discount—not a bad way to save time and money while you’re settling into your new place. Check out step 5, “Select plans with the best prices,” to learn more.
Now that you’ve narrowed your choices from every TV provider down to the ones in your area, you can set about finding the best provider and TV plan for you.
Skip out on buyer’s remorse—learn the strengths and weaknesses of a cable provider before signing up. The chart below has some reviews to get you started.
As you’re looking at reviews, pay attention to prices, customer satisfaction, installation, and equipment. Note anything that strikes you as out of the ordinary, and make sure your TV provider lives up to your standards.
Your new neighbors know the local cable TV landscape—see what they think. Whether you chat while grabbing the mail or reach out through the Nextdoor app, you can learn a lot by finding out what the locals think about their TV service.
Cable TV service relies on coaxial cords, which may be newer in some areas than others. Ask your neighbor if they find their service reliable—that is, if their service doesn’t have frequent blackouts or troublesome equipment. They may give you a more detailed picture of the local TV experience that most reviews can’t provide.
Even the most reliable TV service can be a bummer if it doesn’t have your favorite shows. Before you sign up with a TV provider, make sure to choose a plan with all your most crucial TV channels included.
Even the most reliable TV service can be a bummer if it doesn’t have your favorite shows. Before you sign up with a TV provider, make sure to choose a plan with all your most crucial TV channels included.
Once you’ve figured out your TV options, choose a plan that fits your budget. If you want all the details on what TV companies charge for different types of packages, we break down the prices in our article “How Much Does Cable TV Cost?”—but here’s a quick look below.
- Tier 1 plans (125–190 channels)—$60/mo.
- Tier 2 plans (175–300 channels)—$75/mo.
- Tier 3 plans (200–425 channels)—$100/mo.
It can be tricky to identify precisely how TV plans compare to each other since there’s no industry standard. But if you’ve found two different plans with the channels you like, it’s reasonable to go with the cheaper of the two.
Many TV providers also offer internet, which provides you the convenience of getting only one bill for both services. But even better—these providers often discount your monthly payments if you get both services through them.
These discounts vary by provider, but it’s not unusual to find a deal for $20 off each month. Or your TV and internet provider could include free equipment, extra services, or other sorts of incentives.
Take these savings into consideration when you’re planning where to get your TV service from. You may find that while you like DISH’s and DIRECTV’s channel offerings, their lack of internet service means a bundle plan from a cable provider like Xfinity or Verizon FiOS will save you more in the long run.
