Best internet and TV bundles: Which one is best for you in 2024?

Bundling internet and TV services could simplify your monthly bills and save you money. Some internet service providers (ISPs) extend bundling options to include mobile or home phone plans and home security systems, further maximizing customer savings.

But with so many options available, choosing the best provider for your needs may be challenging. To help you decide, we created a list of the top internet and TV bundles. Whether you prioritize channel selection, internet speed or overall affordability, our guide will assist you in finding the ideal bundle to meet your preferences.

Why we picked Optimum

With Optimum, you can bundle internet service with TV. While there’s no additional discount for bundling, the bundles are competitively priced. The cheapest option, Optimum Internet 300 and Basic TV, starts at $80 per month ($40 for internet, $40 for TV), offering download speeds up to 300 Mbps and over 50 channels.

We chose Optimum because it offers the best overall bundling deals. You can save significantly by combining its fiber internet with mobile services. For instance, the 500 Mbps Fiber + Mobile plan starts at $75 per month, saving you $360 annually.

Who should use Optimum

Optimum is a great option if you live in one of the 21 states the provider serves. Optimum caters to tech-savvy users who require high internet speeds for streaming, gaming and downloading large files.

It’s also a great choice for large families and multiple users who are looking to cut costs, as Optimum provides competitive pricing and bundling options that can result in significant savings when combining internet, TV and mobile services. Additionally, Optimum is ideal for entertainment enthusiasts as it offers an abundance of channels — more than 330, compared with Spectrum’s 170-plus.

Pros and cons of Optimum

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Why we picked Spectrum

We chose Spectrum because of its extensive service area, which covers urban and rural regions in 41 states. Spectrum’s straightforward pricing starts at $89.98 per month ($49.99 for internet, $39.99 for TV). Spectrum’s most popular internet and TV plan is Spectrum Internet (up to 300 Mbps) and TV Select Signature (150-plus channels), which starts at $114.98 per month.

The company recently introduced its most affordable TV plan, TV Stream, which starts at $39.99 per month and includes over 80 popular news and entertainment channels. TV Select Signature, priced at $64.99 per month, offers 150-plus channels and includes Disney+ Basic for free.

No matter your internet plan, you can add TV, mobile or home phone services. Bundling discounts depend on promotional periods. At the time of writing, Spectrum is offering a package called Spectrum One Stream, which starts at $49.99 per month. This package includes Spectrum internet with free Advanced Wi-Fi (a $7 per month value), a free unlimited mobile line for 12 months (a $29.99 per month value) and a free Xumo stream box for six months when you add Spectrum TV.

Who should use Spectrum 

Spectrum is an excellent option for those living in rural areas who want fast and reliable cable internet service and who also want to bundle TV, mobile or home phone services.

Spectrum is also ideal for businesses, especially in rural areas. Spectrum One Business plan for $49.99 per month includes internet (up to 300 Mbps), one unlimited mobile line for 12 months and free Advanced Wi-Fi with a security shield. Spectrum strongly emphasizes network security, providing multilayered protection to keep businesses safely connected.

Additionally, Spectrum is participating in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initiative to fund broadband network deployment in rural America. In 2023, Spectrum announced it would provide $1 million in loans to help companies in rural areas that play a vital role in underserved communities. This makes Spectrum a top choice for rural businesses seeking reliable and secure internet solutions.

Pros and cons of Spectrum

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Why we picked DISH

We picked DISH, a nationwide satellite TV service, because it offers one of the best digital video recorders (DVR), the Hopper 3, in the traditional TV industry. The Hopper 3 allows you to record up to 16 shows simultaneously with 2,000 hours of recording space, connect up to seven TVs and get HD TV in every room. In contrast, Xfinity’s DVR only includes 20 hours of storage. If you’re a sports fan, you can watch four games at once with MultiView. If you’re not a fan of commercials, you can skip them with AutoHop.

DISH provides service in locations where other options, like cable, might be unavailable or limited. The caveat is that DISH only provides TV service and not internet service; however, it has partners with internet partners in various locations. DISH helps you pick an internet provider based on your address and offers promotions and deals. Currently, DISH gives up to $200 in gift card value when bundling DISH TV with a qualifying internet service.

DISH offers an internet and TV bundle with Hughesnet satellite internet (both owned by EchoStar), with savings of $10 per month on any combination you choose. However, you’ll be billed separately. DISH TV packages start at $84.99 per month for 190 channels, and HughesNet internet plans (up to 100 Mbps) start at $49.99 per month.

Who should use DISH 

DISH is ideal for people who need the best DVR system. For example, if you’re an American football fan, you know that NFL games can overlap, especially on Sundays and during the playoffs. A DVR lets you record multiple games simultaneously and watch them later without missing any action.

DISH is also a great choice for rural residents who lack cable connections and require reliable satellite TV service. Additionally, DISH offers discounts for people over 55 years old, military families, first responders, healthcare workers and teachers. For example, first responders can benefit from the Dish Stars & Stripes Pack added to their TV package as a free bonus, valued at $240 over two years, which includes networks like Reelz, American Heroes Channel and Smithsonian Channel.

Pros and cons of DISH

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Why we picked Xfinity by Comcast 

We picked Comcast Xfinity because it offers cable internet speeds that are as fast or faster than other ISPs and is available in about one-third of the country. Xfinity has multiple plans and bundling discounts, making customization to your needs easy. For example, if you bundle any internet plan with TV, you receive a $20 discount.

Its cheapest internet plan, Connect More (up to 300 Mbps), starts at $85, bundled with TV (Choice TV with more than 10 channels). If you want more channels, you can add Popular TV (125-plus channels) with 300 Mbps internet for $75 before taxes and fees.

Keep in mind that if you don’t sign a contract after the 12-month introductory period, the monthly prices will increase significantly. For instance, the Connect More internet monthly price will increase from $25 a month (with autopay $10 discount) to $90 a month, which is expensive compared to other ISPs for speeds only up to 300 Mbps. However, if you sign a 12-month contract, you can lock in a price for 24 months — $30 per month for Connect More (with the autopay discount).

If you enjoy streaming, Xfinity offers the option to add Xfinity Stream Saver for an additional $15 per month. This includes 30% off Peacock Premium with ads, Apple TV+ and Netflix Standard with ads. Alternatively, for $30 per month, you can add NOW StreamSaver, which includes Peacock Premium with ads, Apple TV+, Netflix Standard with ads and NOW TV.

Be aware that even though the bundling discounts sound significant, Xfinity’s plans come with hefty fees and taxes.

Who should use Xfinity by Comcast 

Xfinity is a great option for individuals and families with diverse needs due to its range of plans to accommodate everything from basic browsing to extensive data usage. It is particularly suitable for those requiring high-speed, reliable internet for activities such as streaming high-definition videos, online gaming and downloading large files.

For those who value flexibility and bundling options, Xfinity’s service plans can be customized to include internet, TV, phone and home security, often at a discounted rate compared to purchasing these services separately.

Pros and cons of Xfinity by Comcast

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Why we picked Hughesnet 

We selected HughesNet because it offers the best satellite bundle deal for internet and TV in rural areas. HughesNet does not directly provide TV services as part of its bundles. Instead, it partners with DISH.

HughesNet offers three internet plans:

Extra fees, such as monthly equipment rental and installation fees, also apply. Additionally, prices increase by $25 after 12 months, and a 24-month contract with steep early termination fees is required.

When considering HughesNet, it’s important to note that you’ll receive between 100 and 200 GB of priority data each month. Once this data is used, HughesNet may deprioritize your connection, resulting in slower speeds. You can learn how to test your internet speed with our guide.

Who should use HughesNet 

We recommend satellite internet only to people living in rural areas without access to fiber, cable, fixed wireless or DSL internet. Satellite is the slowest and typically the most expensive option for internet service. However, if that’s the only option available and you want to bundle TV service with your internet, the DISH and HughesNet bundle is as good as it gets.

HughesNet is ideal for individuals and households in remote locations requiring internet connectivity for essential tasks like browsing, email and occasional video streaming. HughesNet’s competitor, Viasat, offers its Unleashed internet-only plan with speeds up to 150 Mbps starting at $99.99 per month. This means that you’re unlikely to find a lower-priced option for bundling TV services compared with what DISH and HughesNet offer.

Pros and cons of Hughesnet

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Our picks at a glance

What didn’t make the cut

Industry leaders listed below did not make the cut. However, they could still be a good fit for your needs based on your location and budget.

Is it better to bundle TV and internet?

Deciding whether to bundle TV and internet services depends on individual preferences, needs and location, which determines providers’ availability and bundle offerings. Bundling can streamline bill payments by combining both services into one statement (though providers like DISH TV and DirecTV bill separately) and simplify customer service.

However, assessing the variety of channels and internet speeds included compared with stand-alone plans is important when considering a bundle. Some bundles may include extras that aren’t essential but increase the cost of your plan. Evaluating the total cost over time, including additional fees and taxes, is crucial. Ultimately, the decision to bundle should depend on whether it aligns with your specific service needs and budget.

What to look for in a TV and internet bundle

When choosing a TV and internet bundle, evaluate your internet speed requirements and entertainment preferences. Determine whether you need high speeds for streaming, online gaming or large file downloads. For basic online tasks such as browsing and emailing, slower speeds may suffice, making a bundle with 1,000 Mbps unnecessary.

Similarly, consider your TV viewing habits. If you prioritize news or sports channels, select a bundle that includes them. Conversely, if local news isn’t a priority, opt for a bundle without those channels to save costs.

Channel selection

Think about what kind of channels you frequently watch or desire. Are you a Spanish speaker interested in Spanish-language channels? If so, explore options like Xfinity’s NOW TV Latino or Spectrum’s TV Stream Latino. Additionally, consider premium channels and add-ons to customize your viewing experience.

Contract terms

Before selecting a bundle, read the fine print for service terms or contractual agreements. Does the internet service come with a data cap? Does the TV service require a contract and increase significantly after the promotional period? Are there any early termination fees? Understanding these details can help you make an informed decision.

Internet speed

Check the internet speed offered in the bundle. Ensure it meets your household’s needs for streaming, gaming, downloading large files and other online activities. If fast and reliable internet is your priority, review our article on the best internet providers.

Price

Compare the total cost of the bundle, including any introductory rates and additional fees. Calculate the long-term affordability and value compared with separate services. While internet service pricing and fees are typically clear, TV service costs vary.

Anticipate a Broadcast fee ranging from $15 to $25 per month and a regional sports fee if local sports channels are included. Equipment costs can also add up, with fees for each rented TV box and possible DVR service charges. Consider these fees carefully when evaluating bundle options.

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