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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.
Xfinity’s cable TV packages made our list for their large selection of channels and the Xfinity Stream app that allows subscribers to download and watch TV anywhere. If you’re like most seniors, you probably use a phone or tablet daily. In fact, 44 percent of adults ages 65 and older own a tablet and 61 percent own a smartphone.1 Thanks to the Xfinity Stream app, seniors can watch TV on any of their favorite devices, whether by smartphone, tablet, or laptop. With a pair of headphones, you’ll be able to watch your favorite shows in the waiting room of the doctor’s office or on a road trip. We also like that Xfinity has contract-free packages. You’ll pay a little extra per month if you opt for a package without a contract. So if you’re pretty sure you’ll be keeping Xfinity service for at least a year, we recommend opting for the one-year commitment for better rates.
| 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.
DIRECTV isn’t your traditional cable TV service, but it still made our cable for seniors list for those who are interested in forgoing conventional cable television and want to stream their favorite shows over an internet connection. DIRECTV offers satellite and streaming packages, starting at $64.99 per month with unlimited Cloud DVR storage to record your favorite programs, premium channels like HBO Max, Cinemax, SHOWTIME, and STARZ, for movie-loving seniors, and regional sports. Keep in mind that, unlike traditional cable, DIRECTV requires either a strong internet connection or a satellite for optimal viewing. DIRECTV also offers Latino TV satellite and streaming packages.
| 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.
Spectrum TV is a result of the merging of three big-name providers: Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks, and Charter Communications. Spectrum TV made our cable for seniors list thanks to their low prices, widespread availability, selection of HD channels, commitment-free service, and internet bundles to help customers save. If cancellation fees are holding you back from switching cable providers, Spectrum TV will buy out an existing contract up to $500 for new customers who switch. It can compensate for any termination fees you may incur when canceling with your current cable TV provider. We also appreciate that Spectrum TV offers Mi Plan Latino, a TV package that starts as low as $39.99 for 12 months, featuring a total of 145+ Spanish-language and English-language channels, including thousands of on-demand options.
| 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.
Whether you want a basic starter package or a large selection of over 250 channels, Cox TV packages offer great variety and customization. Music-loving seniors will enjoy listening to tunes on Cox’s 50 commercial-free music channels, available on all of their TV packages. Customers can customize Cox’s Contour packages with sports and movie packs so you can get any premium channels à la carte; they cost $10 to $15 extra per month. If you want streaming access only, you can add the Wireless 4K Contour Stream Player for $5 per month. (*Requires a Cox internet plan).
You’ll want to keep in mind that Cox requires a one- or two-year service agreement with some of their plans, meaning you may have to pay cancellation fees if you bow out of service before the contract is over.
| 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.
For seniors who prefer bundling their internet and cable TV services, Xtream from Mediacom delivers the most channels at the lowest price per month. You can choose from three cable TV plans: Local TV, Essential TV, and Variety TV. Their least expensive bundle is $29.99 per month, and you’ll get over 50 channels, internet with speeds up to 100 Mbps, and TiVo. The 100 Mbps speeds are fast enough for you to enjoy browsing the internet, video chatting with grandkids, and watching Netflix in HD. You’ll also receive a voice remote with your Xtream package, which allows you to change channels and search for your favorite shows just by using your voice! The premium package also includes home phone service, perfect for anyone who wants to keep a landline. Just keep in mind: Prices for Mediacom bundles increase after the first year.
| 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.
