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 fine print, and comparing prices, we’ve created a comprehensive list based on three metrics. To debut on our “Best” list, providers had to have a stellar reputation and offer seniors the following benefits.
Since 58 percent of those over 65 get their news from cable TV,1 most seniors need to have a quality cable TV provider to stay aware of all the latest happenings, especially during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. To stay safe, many older adults remained at home, while TV provided critical local and national news updates, entertainment, and education. For seniors who are at home most of the day and aren’t interested in getting their news online, we highly recommend cable TV for staying in the loop.
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.
Quick Tip: Visit our guide to cable TV to learn more and find ways to save on your package.
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.
Keep reading to view the breakdown of our top five best senior-friendly cable TV providers!
The Best Cable TV Providers for Seniors in 2023
Package | Spectrum TV Select | Mi Plan Latino | Spectrum TV Select + Latino View |
---|---|---|---|
Price | $59.99 per month* | $39.99 per month* | $71.99 |
Channels | 125+ | 140+ | 200+ |
Contracts | None | None | None |
Monthly bundle rates starting at | $109.98 with Spectrum Internet | $89.98 with Spectrum Internet | N/A |
Equipment rental fees | $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.
Package | Choice TV | Popular Tv | Ultimate TV |
---|---|---|---|
Price | $30 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $74.99 per month* | $99.99 per month* | $109.99 per month* | $154.99 per month* |
Channels | 75+ | 105+ | 140+ | 150+ |
Contracts | No | No | No | No |
*Pricing will increase after 12 months. Available $20 dollar discount for first two months
Money-Saving Tip: For a limited time, when you sign up for select DIRECTV STREAM packages, you can get HBO Max, SHOWTIME, STARZ, EPIX, and Cinemax for free for your first three months. You can also save $120 in your first year when you buy any package and a DIRECTV Stream Device.
Bundle | Internet 100 + Local TV | Internet 100 + Essential TV | Internet 100 + Variety TV + Home Phone |
---|---|---|---|
Price | $29.99 per month* | $69.99 per month* | $89.99 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.
The cost of cable TV depends on several factors, including your geographic locations, the number of channels you select, and the provider you choose. Generally, most packages cost between $50 and $100 per month.
You can get the best deal on cable TV by inquiring about deals and perks with a customer representative, signing a long-term contract, and bundling your cable TV with internet service.
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.