Best Cable TV For Seniors

Overview

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 older adults, 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 Having a reliable way to stream your favorite shows is especially vital, especially if you like to travel.

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Thanks to the Xfinity Stream app, you can watch TV on any of your favorite devices, whether a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Having cable TV on the go was one of our favorite parts of using Xfinity. We could watch shows in the waiting room of the doctor’s office, on a road trip, or during vacation. We also like that Xfinity has contract-free packages. You’ll pay a little extra monthly if you opt for a package without a contract. If you’re pretty sure you’ll keep Xfinity service for at least a year, we recommend opting for the one-year commitment for better rates.

*Price represents the monthly price for the first year with multi-product discount. Rates will increase after 12 months. Xfinity will add a Regional TV fee and sports package fee where applicable.

Xfinity also offers NOW TV for those who want to enjoy more channels and content without breaking the bank. It isn’t traditional cable TV but offers 40 live and On Demand channels, which you can watch through the Xfinity Stream app. NOW TV only costs $20 monthly and includes a free Peacock TV subscription.

» Dive Deeper: Xfinity cable TV review

We tried both services. We believe you can get a better experience with NOW TV than the Choice TV Plus plan without spending more. However, NOW TV requires an Xfinity internet plan, which can start as low as $19.99 per month. So, if you want to enjoy some popular channels, including sports and movie channels, without spending a fortune or installing a cable box, NOW TV is a great alternative. Remember that if you don’t already use Xfinity Internet, you’ll have to change your internet provider to Xfinity.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a package with all your favorite channels, we’d recommend upgrading to the Popular or Ultimate package. These plans offer fan favorites like ESPN, HGTV, the Food Network, Bravo, AMC, Disney, and more!

Equipment

When we ordered an Xfinity cable TV package, it included all the standard equipment, including a cable box, HDMI or SDI cables, a coax cable, a power cord, and a remote. The type of equipment you receive will depend on your plan and the options you choose when signing up. For example, if you bundle Xfinity TV and internet, you’ll get Xfinity X1, which costs $5 per month for Standard Definition (SD) and $9.95 monthly for High Definition (HD).

If you just need cable, you’ll want the Xfinity Flex cable box, which is included in the price of your cable plan. If you want multiple cable boxes to enjoy TV in more than one room, you’ll pay an additional $5 per box monthly. That means Xfinity is generally cheaper for households with more than one TV, as providers like DIRECTV and Spectrum charge more for cable box rentals.

We’re big fans of the Xfinity Voice Remote. Using this remote, we could change the channel, open apps, and pull up specific shows — all with the sound of our voice. It is excellent for seniors with vision loss, arthritis, or mobility issues that make using a remote painful. Simply hold down the blue microphone button and speak into the remote. Then, we heard a chime, and a message appeared on the screen that showed what we said into the remote. So easy!

Using Xfinity's voice remote

Senior Friendliness

We think the best part about using Xfinity cable TV for seniors is the simple and intuitive Xfinity mobile app. Even if you’re not very tech-savvy, you can get help from someone to download the app on your phone or tablet. Then, you can watch your favorite shows, sports, and movies on your device. We had to download the app, log into our account, and start browsing.

Browsing content on the Xfinity Stream mobile app

One thing we didn’t care for about Xfinity cable TV was the fees for add-ons. If you want anything beyond the basics offered in your plan, you’ll pay additional fees for equipment, channels, and bundling services. We would’ve appreciated seeing more options to bundle streaming services with your Xfinity plan. While you can get Peacock TV for free if you sign up for NOW TV, this option isn’t available with traditional cable. It feels a bit limited compared to DIRECTV’s streaming deals.

It’s also important to discuss the limitations of the Xfinity Stream app. While we loved using it on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, we weren’t as impressed with its ability to stream content to TVs. In theory, you could use the app to stream to TVs in your home that don’t have cable boxes. However, when we tried to do this, we often got error messages informing us that some content could only be streamed to a TV via in-home Wi-Fi. It means you’ll need an Xfinity internet plan to get the most out of the streaming app (and avoid paying for a cable box for every TV in your home).

» Related Reading: Apps for seniors (tech-savvy or not)

DIRECTV on Demand

Overview

DIRECTV isn’t your traditional cable TV service. It made our list for seniors living in rural areas or who don’t mind streaming TV over an internet connection. DIRECTV offers satellite and streaming packages, which start at $69.99 per month. These packages feature unlimited Cloud DVR storage to record your favorite programs and regional sports. Top packages include premium channels like HBO Max, Cinemax, SHOWTIME, and STARZ for movie-loving seniors. You won’t find it from other providers like Spectrum or Xfinity. DIRECTV also offers Latino TV satellite and streaming packages for more Spanish-speaking and Latin American content.

» Related Reading: 2024 DIRECTV review

Remember that, unlike traditional cable, DIRECTV requires either a strong internet connection or a satellite for optimal viewing. We tested out DIRECTV using a few different internet providers with no issues. Even during peak hours when speeds tend to slow down, we never had our connection drop, and the image quality was consistently good. If you have satellite internet or struggle with slow speeds, you’ll have spotty service through DIRECTV.

*Pricing will increase after 24 months.

As you can see from the table above, DIRECTV isn’t cheap. Even the most affordable plan that offers 75+ channels is roughly $20 more per month than Xfinity’s Popular TV plan, which offers 125+ channels. Depending on the plan, you can access more premium content, including multiple movie channels like STARZ and Cinemax. If you’re a big movie fan with high-speed internet, it might be worth paying more for DIRECTV.

Equipment

Since DIRECTV offers TV via the internet, it also comes with some great equipment. The latest DIRECTV device is the Gemini, which keeps all your plan’s channels and streaming apps in one place. Gemini Voice (powered by Google Assistant) also allowed us to navigate different channels, applications, and programs with just our voice.

We tested Gemini Voice and found it to be similar in functionality to the Contour Voice Remote from Cox. It didn’t always understand our requests. But in most cases, if we named a TV channel or program we wanted to watch, it brought it up on screen in less than 10 seconds.

DIRECTV packages include a remote, an HDMI cable, a power cord, and an Ethernet cable to connect to your modem or router. Remember that DIRECTV has a one-time, nonrefundable activation fee of $19.95 for the Gemini device. If you want more than one Gemini for your home, you’ll pay an additional $7 per device monthly. If you choose a plan with satellite TV, you’ll also pay additional activation and installation fees for the satellite equipment. We’re not big fans of extra fees like this, but they’re typical for the industry.

Senior Friendliness

The “high-tech” offerings of DIRECTV may leave some seniors feeling apprehensive. However, we think DIRECTV goes above and beyond to make life easier for seniors. The voice-controlled Gemini device is perfect for those with vision loss or arthritis. The DIRECTV app also makes enjoying your favorite shows from anywhere easy. So, even if you don’t have much experience with internet TV, DIRECTV makes learning easy. DIRECTV is also a great option for Spanish-speaking seniors, offering multiple plans with Spanish-language channels and programming. You won’t see that with other providers on our list, like Xfinity.

» Related Reading: A guide to internet for seniors

We also love that you can get HBO Max, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax with the PREMIER plan. You can access these and various streaming bundles with cheaper plans, but you may pay an extra $15.99 or more for these add-ons. DIRECTV still has more ways to bundle some of your favorite streaming services with your standard TV plan.

The downsides to DIRECTV for seniors are the high prices, contracts, and high-speed internet requirements. If you live in a rural area with limited access to high-speed internet, you may struggle to enjoy DIRECTV’s internet-based offerings (though satellite packages are available)

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Moreover, if you’re on a fixed budget, DIRECTV’s prices could be outside of it. DIRECTV’s costs are well above average, even for premium cable providers. For example, the second most expensive provider on this list, Cox, offers a plan with 75+ channels for $61 per month — almost $10 cheaper than DIRECTV. DIRECTV also requires a 24-month contract for all plans. However, DIRECTV will lock in your price for the first two years, so you can rest easy knowing that you won’t see any price increases for a while.

Browsing channels with Spectrum

Overview

Spectrum TV is a result of three big-name providers merging: Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks, and Charter Communications. Spectrum TV made our list thanks to its low prices, widespread availability, a large selection of HD channels, commitment-free service, and internet bundles that help customers save. We like that Spectrum is available in most parts of the country, bringing affordable TV service to seniors in 41 states.

If cancellation fees are holding you back from switching cable providers, Spectrum TV will buy out an existing contract of up to $500 for new customers who switch. We love this deal! It can compensate for any termination fees you incur when canceling with your current cable TV provider. We also appreciate that Spectrum TV offers Mi Plan Latino, a TV package that starts at $39.99 for 12 months. It features 145+ Spanish-language and English-language channels, including thousands of on-demand options. It offers even more channels than any of DIRECTV’s Latin plans, the cheapest of which is still $20 more monthly than Spectrum’s Mi Plan Latino.

Plans and Pricing

*Prices will increase after 12 months. Broadcast fee is in addition to base price and varies in amount based on location.

†With Spectrum Internet Plan

Spectrum TV Essentials is a fantastic option if you just want a basic cable that won’t cost a fortune. To get the best value, you’ll need a Spectrum Internet plan. It means that if you have a different internet provider and don’t want to make the switch, you won’t be able to get the most savings.

» Useful Resource: Spectrum TV review

Spectrum Internet customers who aren’t interested in the cable plans outlined above should consider Spectrum Stream. For $39.99 per month, Spectrum Stream gives you 80+ channels and livestreaming. It also gives you access to the Spectrum TV app, which allows you to download movies, TV shows, and other programming to your device to watch them on the go. It’s a huge plus if you frequently want to watch TV away from home.

However, if you’ve had one of Spectrum’s cable plans in the past, you may be disappointed with the latest offerings. We noticed during testing that a few major channels were missing from our package. The reason? Spectrum dropped about a dozen channels, including Freeform and FXMovies, due to a dispute with Disney in 2023. That said, most channels you could get before 2023 are still available.

Equipment

When we signed up for a Spectrum cable plan, we received a Spectrum cable box, a remote control, an HDMI cable, a power cord, and a coax cable. If you bundle with an internet plan, you’ll also get a modem, a router, an Ethernet cable, and additional power cords. Bundling Spectrum TV and Spectrum Internet can help you save on the cost of additional cable boxes; you can use the Spectrum TV app to stream live TV to different devices in your home. Without Spectrum Internet, you’ll pay $12.50 per month per additional cable box. That was surprisingly expensive, especially compared to Xfinity, which only charges $5 per month for an SD box or $9.95 per month for an HD box.

» Related Reading: Spectrum internet review

If you’re a bit more tech-savvy, you can choose Spectrum Stream One when you sign up for new cable and internet plans. This service seamlessly connects your internet, cable, and streaming platforms via the Xumo Stream Box. This device comes with its own remote and is free for the first six months ($5 per month after that). This option also gives you a free subscription to Disney Plus Basic. We tried out the Xumo Stream Box and were really happy that everything we wanted to watch, from basic cable channels to streaming services, was all on one device.

We do wish that setting up the Xumo Stream Box was a little simpler to use. You’ll need extensive knowledge of your TV and internet devices to ensure everything installs properly. There aren’t a lot of plugs involved, but we did have to follow many on-screen instructions. It took us nearly an hour to get everything set up correctly. You can access 24/7 technical support with Spectrum, but we tried to reach out and were left on hold for more than 20 minutes before we spoke to an agent. Luckily, Spectrum also has a chat feature via the mobile app, which usually has shorter wait times.

Chatting with Spectrum Support

Senior Friendliness

We adore that Spectrum feels like the cable TV most of us have come to know. There aren’t a lot of complicated menus to navigate. You can just plug in your equipment and start watching TV (unless you choose Spectrum Stream One). However, this simplicity comes at a cost. Unlike Xfinity and DIRECTV, Spectrum’s remote doesn’t feature voice command options, which we would’ve liked to see. Even if you upgrade to Spectrum Stream One (which may come with a learning curve for some seniors), you can’t navigate the system with your voice.

Nonetheless, we were happy with our experience. We enjoyed using the free Spectrum TV app to stream live and On Demand content on a computer or smartphone. The Spectrum TV app is a great addition, but it’s not as useful as the Xfinity Stream app. While the Xfinity Stream app limits what you can stream to another TV, the Spectrum TV app limits what you can stream to any device. We couldn’t see the entire library of channels from our cell phones without a Spectrum Internet plan; we could only stream about 20 channels. Moreover, the app would occasionally just stop functioning entirely, which was never an issue we experienced with the Xfinity Stream app.

Browsing content in the Spectrum TV app

Cox streaming

Overview

Whether you want a basic starter package or a selection of over 250 channels, Cox TV packages offer great variety and customization, which we’re big fans of. Music lovers will enjoy listening to tunes on Cox’s 50 commercial-free music channels, available with every package. You can customize Cox’s Contour plans with sports and movie packs to get any premium channel a la carte; they cost $10 to $15 extra per month. If you want streaming access only, add the Wireless 4K Contour Stream Player for $5 per month — if you also have a Cox internet plan.

*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.

†Prices vary by location

Cox may not offer prices as low as Spectrum’s TV Essentials plan, but it does have a more competitively-priced starter plan than DIRECTV. That makes it a solid middle ground for seniors willing to pay more to have extra channels without the requirement of bundling with internet. Of course, you can bundle your Cox internet with cable to get a good deal on both.

» Learn More: Cox internet for seniors

The main drawback with Cox is that you can’t go month-to-month on some packages like you can with Xfinity and some other providers. You have to sign a two-year term agreement. If you like Cox and don’t plan to move out of their coverage area anytime soon, it might not be a problem. However, if you want the freedom to switch to a different provider without paying early termination fees, Cox may not be the best pick. Luckily, Cox offers a 30-day free trial. If you decide Cox isn’t the right fit, you can cancel without incurring any termination fees during that period. We don’t like long-term contracts, but other providers require them, including DIRECTV.

Equipment

Cox makes getting your new equipment up and running easy. While the exact devices you get will vary based on the chosen plan, you can expect (at a minimum) the Contour 2 (cable box), a coax cable, a power cable, and an HDMI cord. Whether you choose the wireless 4K or wired HD Contour 2, it will cost you $8.50 per month, in addition to your plan’s monthly cost. That’s standard for a cable box and less expensive than the rates you’ll pay with Spectrum TV.

You can also add a DVR service to record your favorite shows for as little as $13.50 monthly. And, if you already have a DVR device that’s CableCard-ready, you can set it up to work with your Cox plan for just $4 per month. We appreciate the flexibility with this option!

Senior Friendliness

Cox is a solid choice for older adults, with customizable packages to fit your needs. Like Xfinity, we love that we could speak into the Contour Voice Remote to issue commands and bring up the channel or menu item we wanted. We tested this feature extensively. While it didn’t always pick up what we said with 100 percent accuracy, it got us where we wanted to go nine times out of 10. The 24/7 technical support is also a huge plus, especially if you need help learning how to use your new cable setup. We called and got connected to an agent in less than five minutes.

We also spoke with a customer service agent via Cox’s online chat feature. After answering a few questions from a bot, we were connected with a live agent in under two minutes. The representative we spoke with was kind and took the time to answer our questions. You can also chat with customer service through the Cox mobile app. We love all of these different ways to get support!

Chatting with Cox customer service

That said, the two-year term agreement is a relic. We would have liked to see at least one no-contract option like Spectrum offers. It would be great for seniors who want to try Cox out for a while and potentially switch to another provider without paying fees. Fortunately, the 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try the service for a month before committing.

XTREAM

Overview

If you want to bundle internet and cable TV services, XTREAM from Mediacom delivers the most channels at the lowest monthly price. 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 (to record and rewind shows). That’s what we call a deal! It’s cheaper than starter TV plans from DIRECTV and Cox, and plans don’t include internet like XTREAM does.

The 100 Mbps speeds are fast enough 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. It allowed us to change channels and search for our favorite shows by speaking.

The premium package also includes home phone service, perfect for anyone who wants to keep a landline. We know some older adults don’t have a cell phone or prefer not to use one at home. While some providers have gotten rid of landline packages over the years, XTREAM hasn’t. We appreciate this for seniors with different needs.

Plans and Pricing

*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.

While Spectrum technically offers the cheapest cable plan for seniors (if you’re already a Spectrum Internet customer), XTREAM has the best and most affordable cable and internet bundles. You can get high-speed internet and 50+ channels for as little as $29.99 monthly. It is nearly $80 less than a comparable bundle from Cox and about $45 less than the basic cable and internet bundle from Spectrum. That said, you do have to commit to a one-year contract, sign up for paperless billing, and avoid any add-ons to enjoy these low prices. XTREAM is our pick if you’re looking for the best deal and don’t care about extra frills.

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Equipment

We found more setup required for XTREAM than other providers, but we think it’s worth it. When you sign up for a cable and internet bundle, you’ll get a TiVo box, XTREAM Voice Remote, power cable, Ethernet cable, and HDMI cable. The manual included helped us set everything up. And, if you have any issues, XTREAM has a 24/7 tech team to answer your questions and walk you through the entire process.

The instructions were transparent, and we didn’t find it necessary to get help. But we still reached out through the customer service number to get a few questions answered. Though we had to wait on hold for about 15 minutes, the tech representative was extremely friendly and answered our questions easily.

Senior Friendliness

Similar to Cox cable and internet, XTREAM is best for seniors who don’t mind committing to one provider for a while. Fortunately, a one-year contract isn’t too long for cable and internet, especially if you don’t have plans to move soon. That said, we would have liked a bit more leeway with a month-to-month plan for those not ready for that kind of commitment.

One thing we liked about XTREAM was the voice remote. Like DIRECTV and Cox, XTREAM offers a voice-controlled remote perfect for seniors who don’t want to memorize complicated button layouts. The voice recognition software was even more intuitive than the Contour Voice Remote from Cox. We could name any channel in our plan’s library or individual shows. The remote brought us directly to the channel or program in seconds. That’s wonderful for older adults who don’t want to mess with menus and button layouts more than they have to.