Whether you want to watch movies with the family, catch all the big games, or stay up to date on the news, there’s a cable TV provider to fit your needs. We’ve researched the best cable for seniors to help you find the right one for your lifestyle and snag the best deals. Read the breakdown below.
Did You Know? To save money, consider bundling your cable TV with an internet plan. Read our guide to the best internet plans for seniors.
Package | Choice TV+ | Popular TV | Ultimate TV |
---|---|---|---|
Price | $20 per month | $70 per month | $90 per month |
Channels | 10+ | 125+ | 185+ |
Contracts | No | No | No |
Monthly bundle rates starting at | $40 with Xfinity internet* | $80 with internet* | $100 with internet* |
*Price represents monthly price for the first year with multi-product discount. Rates will increase after 12 months. Xfinity will add Regional TV fee and sports package fee where applicable.
Package | ENTERTAINMENT | CHOICE | ULTIMATE | PREMIER | MÁS LATINO | ÓPTIMO MÁS | MÁS ULTRA | LO MÁXIMO |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $64.99 per month* | $84.99 per month* | $109.99 per month* | $154.99 per month* | $54.99 per month* | $74.99 per month* | $84.99 per month* | $154.99 per month* |
Channels | 75+ | 105+ | 140+ | 150+ | 55+ | 100+ | 80+ | 105+ |
Contracts | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
*Pricing will increase after 24 months.
Package | Spectrum TV Essentials | Spectrum TV Select Signature | Spectrum TV Select Plus | Mi Plan Latino |
---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $24.99 per month* | $59.99 per month* | $69.99 per month* | $39.99 per month* |
Channels | 65+ | 150+ | 160+ | 145+ |
Contracts | None | None | None | None |
Monthly bundle rates starting at | $74.98 with Auto Pay and Spectrum Internet* | $109.98 with Auto Pay and Spectrum Internet* | N/A | $89.98 with Auto pay and Spectrum Internet* |
Equipment rental fees | $9.99+ per month | $9.99+ per month | $9.99+ per month | $9.99+ per month |
*Prices will increase after 12 months. Broadcast fee in addition to base price and varies in amount based on location.
Package | Contour TV Starter | Contour TV Preferred | Contour TV Preferred Plus | Contour TV Ultimate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $56 per month* | $99 per month* | $119 per month* | $139 per month |
Channels | 75+ | 140+ | 170+ | 250+ |
Contracts | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
Monthly bundle rates starting at | $108.99 per month with internet** | $150.98 per month with internet** | N/A | $189.99 per month with internet** |
*Price is for the first year. Monthly rate will increase after 12 months.
**Price is based on the first year with a one-year contract and will vary depending on your location and the internet speed you select.
Bundle | Local TV | Essential TV | Variety TV |
---|---|---|---|
Price | $29.99 per month* | $79.99 per month* | $99.99 per month* |
Channels | 50+ | 125+ | 170+ |
Contracts | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
Internet Speeds | Up to 100 Mbps | Up to 100 Mbps | Up to 100 Mbps |
*Price is for the first 12 months and includes a $10 paperless billing discount. Prices will increase each year until the fourth year, when you will be billed the standard rate at that time. Does not include local broadcast or sports package fees.
Many companies provide cable TV service in the U.S., but we’ve narrowed it down to the top five we believe are the best choices for seniors. After many hours of research, reading the fine print, and comparing prices, we’ve created a comprehensive list based on three metrics. To qualify for our “Best” list, providers had to possess a stellar reputation and offer seniors the following benefits:
During our research, we found that older adults can expect to pay just under $50 per month for a basic TV package. So, even if you don’t need 100+ channels, getting access to your local and national news stations is possible without all the bells and whistles. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more robust TV package with extra perks and hundreds of channels to surf, you can expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $90, depending on the package and provider.
No matter what package you select, you’ll want to pay attention to your monthly bill after one year. Most cable TV providers give new customers a special rate for the first few months and then charge their “regular,” higher rate after the first 12 months. Make sure you know what that “regular” rate is and if it still fits into your budget so that there aren’t any unpleasant surprises down the road.
Quick Tip: Want to save on more than just your cable bill? Learn nine simple ways to save on your utility bills.
The cost of cable TV depends on several factors, including your geographic location, the number of channels you select, and the provider you choose. Generally, most packages cost between $50 and $100 per month.
You can inquire about the best cable TV deals and savings with a customer representative. Alternatively, you can see if the provider offers military, teacher, or senior discounts by visiting their respective websites. You can also bundle your cable TV with internet service or consider a streaming option if you don’t regularly use cable TV.
Cable TV is hardwired, whereas streaming uses the internet to deliver content to the viewer.
Most often, yes. Most companies give you a better monthly rate when you bundle your internet and cable TV.
Morgan has been writing about the senior living industry for the past five years. In addition to over 400 hours of research on topics like medical alert systems, health insurance, and technology for older adults, she also brings her previous experience working… Learn More About Morgan Redding
Pew Research Center. (2022). Share of those 65 and older who are tech users has grown in the past decade.