Are you ready to start binge-watching your next show? Bundle your home internet with a TV package to save money.
What is the best internet and TV bundle?
What better way to get awesome perks and discounts than by bundling your home internet with a TV plan? We all deserve to indulge in our favorite TV shows. And whether it’s streaming the new season of The White Lotus or The Last of Us, having a home internet with a TV package could help you save. Most cable internet providers offer TV services you can easily bundle with an internet plan. However, combing through all the TV packages and internet options can be confusing. That’s why we’ve done the work for you — below is a list of the top TV and internet bundles available this month.
- AT&T Fiber: This internet and TV bundle deal is hard to beat. AT&T Fiber’s 300 Internet and DirecTV Entertainment package boasts solid value for the service you get. Besides the many streaming perks, it has over 165 channels, includes your local networks and a free Gemini Air device. If you’re a sports fan, you can upgrade to the DirecTV Choice Package for an additional $15.
- Frontier Fiber: This is one of the best internet and streaming bundles and it’s eligible for all new and existing Frontier internet customers. Frontier is offering $10 off the monthly rate of YouTube TV for 12 months. Plus, this bundle is free of contracts and equipment fees.
- Spectrum: This bundle offers download speeds up to 500Mbps, a $20 monthly discount off the monthly rate and free Wi-Fi equipment rental. This is best suited for households that use cable TV and streaming services.
- Xfinity: Customers can bundle their internet with Xfinity’s TV packages and earn a $20 discount.
You’ll find my picks for the best cheap internet and TV bundle packages below, as well as what’s included with each one and what it may cost to upgrade to a better TV package with more channels and local sports. Note that most ISPs end up charging an additional $15 to $30 fee for local broadcast stations, so keep that in mind when examining your monthly bill.
Best cheap internet and TV bundles
AT&T Bundle
Fiber 300 internet and DirecTV Entertainment
Our take – The cheapest AT&T internet and TV bundle offers max download and upload speeds of 300Mbps and over 165 channels, starting at around $130 a month. This bundle provides solid value for the service you get. For example, customers can access a variety of streaming services free for three months, including Max, Paramount Plus, SHOWTIME and more, saving you $167.
On the internet side of the bundle, AT&T Fiber 300 is one of the best internet deals available. Starting at just $55 a month, AT&T Fiber is also our top pick for the best high-speed internet, including equipment and unlimited data. As for the TV, DirecTV’s Entertainment package includes the Gemini Air streaming device and access to popular channels such as AMC, ESPN, HGTV, TNT and others, including your local networks, and costs $90 a month for the first two years.
If you want your regional sports networks (the primary reason many have a traditional TV subscription, myself included), you’ll need to upgrade to the Choice package. It starts at $145 a month for the first two years. However, be prepared for a regional sports fee that will add up to $18 or more to your bill.
Frontier Fiber Bundle
Fiber internet and YouTube TV
Our take – Keep in mind, Frontier doesn’t provide a TV service, but you can bundle Frontier Fiber internet with YouTube TV. Doing so will get you a $10 monthly discount on your YouTube TV subscription for one year. That said, you would be saving $120 yearly.
With a 500Mbps plan, four gigabit-level speed tiers and a new, low-cost 200Mbps plan, Frontier Fiber offers plenty of options fast enough to stream YouTube TV in the best picture quality.
CNET’s Ty Pendlebury says YouTube TV has “the best channel selection bar none.” Your subscription comes with an assortment of at least 100 channels and includes your locals as well as channels you’ll actually want to watch, like AMC, ESPN, HGTV, TBS and USA. Many regional sports networks aren’t included, so you may want to consider bundling Frontier internet service with the DirecTV Choice package if those are must-haves. If you want to ditch this bundle for any reason, you can do so without worrying about being tied down by contracts.
If your household prefers to stream, you can add the Netflix Premium and Whole-Home Wi-Fi bundle for $32 a month, saving $95 annually.
Spectrum Bundle
Internet and TV Select Plus
Our take – Are you ready to ditch the confusing service terms and add-ons, Spectrum offers a straightforward service. This is one reason why Spectrum took home the top spot among CNET’s picks of the best cable internet providers. While the Spectrum Internet and TV Select Plus bundle is nothing fancy, it will fit the needs of many households with download speeds up to 500Mbps and over 160 TV channels, including regional sports networks, starting at $105 per month. The price includes a new.
Standalone internet service has always come with a free modem, but Spectrum now includes Wi-Fi equipment rental with the cost when you bundle, a $10 monthly value. Expect a few more fees with the TV service, such as a hefty broadcast fee (it’s over $20 in my region), plus a $13 rental fee for each HD box you add. You’ll also get Disney Plus Basic, Max, ESPN Plus, Paramount Plus Essential and ViX Premium (all with ads). Something to look out for, Spectrum will raise your internet and TV bundle prices by $20 to $25 after three years.
Verizon Fios Bundle
Fiber Internet 300 and Fios TV
Our take – Calling all Northeast Coast residents — Verizon Fios’ fiber internet service is captivating on its own. But combined with a TV bundle, it’s a service worth remembering. Verizon Fios and Fios TV Test Drive are unique in that you get to experience all 425-plus channels for 60 days. The Most Fios TV (which is the most expensive TV plan) also comes with unlimited streaming on your devices. After 60 days, Verizon will custom-create a channel lineup of 125 or so networks based on yours.
Your regional sports networks aren’t an option with the Your Fios TV package, unfortunately. For that, you’ll need to upgrade to the More Fios TV package, which could even be more costly, starting at a bundled price of $169 a month when paired with Verizon Fios 300. Customers can also now bundle their Verizon Fios plan with YouTube TV. Verizon Fios is currently offering new customers a YouTube TV subscription for $73 a month for the first year. The original price was $83. You can cancel service anytime since there are no long-term contracts.
Cox Bundle
Internet Essential and Contour TV Preferred
Our take – Cox internet service is offered starting at $50 per month, but when you add an actual TV service (not its TV separate streaming service, which is a little more than your average TV package for a one-time charge of $60, the price jumps to $125 for the first year for the Contour TV Preferred package. That price will bring you a channel lineup with 170 or more networks like ESPN, HGTV, PBS, CBS, NBC and more. The price will also include your regional sports channels.
As for the provider’s streaming service, the Xumo Stream Box offers live TV with over 250 channels available and over 300 apps. Compared to Cox’s internet and TV bundles, you can use more apps and save more money with the Xumo Streaming box.
Optimum Bundle
Fiber Internet 300 and Basic TV
Our take – If you’re looking for just TV service, you’re better off looking elsewhere as Optimum requires you to bundle with internet to get TV service, so discounts don’t really apply here. Still, you can expect competitive prices for these bundles. The cheapest internet and TV bundle, Optimum Fiber Internet 300 and Entertainment TV(with a stream box) starts at $65 ($40 for internet, $25 for TV) per month for download speeds up to 300Mbps.
You’ll have to upgrade to Extra TV or Everything TV for more channels, including your regional sports networks. The Everything TV bundle will cost you a fair bit more, around $135 per month plus taxes and fees, but the added cost is well worth it. The package comes with more than 150 additional channels and includes regional sports channels such as MSG and Yes Network. The Extra TV package is much cheaper and comes out to $80 monthly. On the bright side, select addresses that sign up online may be eligible for discounts, lowering your monthly bill in the first year.
Mediacom Bundle
Prime Internet 100 and Local TV
Our take – Like Optimum, Mediacom doesn’t sell stand-alone TV services. To get TV, you have to sign up for internet, which means there are technically no discounts for bundling because there are no TV-only plans to compare the pricing to. Mediacom’s rates can get pretty steep for the premium TV packages. For instance, the Internet 250 and Local TV start at just $61 per month.
Mediacom’s Internet 300 plan starts at $50 per month on its own, which means adding the Local TV package will only cost you an additional $71 a month. That price tag is a little steep, especially if you’re considering just the local channels.
But if you want more channel variety, it’ll cost you more. You can upgrade to Essential TV, which has 125-plus channels starting at $191 per month when bundled with Internet 300, not including a broadcast fee of around $20 to $25. If you want regional sports networks, or any sports networks at all, including ESPN, you’ll need to upgrade to the Variety TV package starting at $187 a month when bundled, plus the broadcast fee and a regional sports fee.
Mediacom does not offer any internet and streaming TV bundles, but if you plan to stream using your Mediacom internet service, be mindful of the data cap. All Xtream Internet plans come with unlimited data.
Xfinity Bundle
Connect Internet and Choice TV
Our take – Xfinity is known for its various plan selections; the same can be said for its internet and TV bundles. Moreover, Xfinity rewards customers for bundling with $10 off per added service, which means you can save $20 a month when getting Xfinity internet and TV together.
The bundle discount is available regardless of the internet plan or TV package you choose, including the cheapest combination: Xfinity Connect More and Choice TV. Starting at around $97 a month plus broadcast fees (which can easily add $20 or more to the cost), this Xfinity bundle offers speeds up to 400Mbps and a cable package that includes mostly just your local channels. If you want to avoid price increases after a year, you can sign up for Xfinity’s five-year price guarantee. While you’ll pay more for your starting monthly rate, the price lock includes unlimited data, which is a solid deal.
For $30 or more per month, you can upgrade to the Xfinity Popular TV package, which comes with over 125 channels, including your regional sports networks. Upgrading your internet plan may also be worth the added cost — Xfinity has five faster speed tiers, up to gig service with maximum speeds of 1,200Mbps in select locations — but if 150Mbps and local channels are all you need, you can’t go wrong with Xfinity Connect and Choice TV.
Is it best to bundle internet and TV?
Combining TV and internet services is a convenient way to sign up and pay for both services. It could also save you money upfront and on your monthly bill via discounts or cheaper rates.
Bundling YouTube TV with Frontier Fiber, for example, could get you $10 off the monthly TV subscription for one year. In most locations, Xfinity offers a $10 monthly discount for each bundled service. Other bundle savings may include free installation and more generous signup bonuses, such as higher-value gift cards.
Signing up for TV and internet from the same provider may also present equipment and compatibility features not available with standalone services. Combination router and TV devices, like Optimum’s Altice One box, can conserve space and potentially save you money on equipment rental costs but are only available to customers who sign up for both internet and TV.
However, a general rule of thumb is to sign up only for the services you need to avoid falling into internet pricing traps.
Tips for choosing the best internet and TV bundle
As you can see in the list above, not all bundles are the same. Not only will internet and TV bundles vary by provider, but you’ll also likely have multiple bundle combinations to choose from with each provider. Here’s how to select the best one for your home.
Understand your speed and entertainment needs
Before comparing available bundles, get an idea of what internet speeds you need and which TV channels you’d like to have. Selecting the bundle that most closely matches your needs is the best way to ensure you aren’t paying for services you won’t use, or paying for services that can’t meet your household demands.
If you wouldn’t sign up for gigabit internet by itself, you probably don’t need it in a bundled package. Similarly, if you wouldn’t sign up for a TV package with just your local channels, you can pass on any bundles with a locals-only channel lineup.
Compare internet connection types
When comparing bundles between providers, or possibly even different bundles from the same provider, consider the internet connection type.
Fiber is ideal for home internet, but few providers — AT&T, Quantum Fiber and Frontier included — offer a fiber TV service. Unless you’re bundling with Verizon Fios, expect your fiber internet provider to offer a streaming TV service, if any at all.
Cable internet providers typically build bundles with standard cable TV packages, though some, such as Spectrum, may also have live TV streaming packages. There are pros and cons to each.
Standard cable packages often come with better reliability and more recording storage, although equipment and broadcast fees tend to be higher. Streaming can be cheaper, but the savings may come with sacrificing storage space for recording shows.
Some internet providers, especially those of the DSL and satellite variety, bundle with satellite TV providers like DirecTV. Such bundles require mounting a satellite dish somewhere in your home and will likely come with a two-year contract for TV service.
Consider the fees, the fine print and other extras
For the most part, what you pay for internet each month will run fairly true to the advertised price. Renting a router may add to the cost, as will taxes and other minor fees, but that’s about it.
TV service is a bit different. Expect a broadcast fee to add anywhere from $15 to $25 to your monthly bill, plus an additional Regional Sports Fee if you have local sports networks. Equipment can also get pricey, with added fees for each TV box you rent, plus potential charges for DVR service. Be aware of these fees when comparing and signing up for a bundle package.
Along with added fees, you’ll want to consider any service terms or contractual obligations. Does the internet come with a data cap? Does that satellite TV service require a two-year contract and a significant price jump after the first year?
Lastly, look for any special promotions or bonus offers that come with your bundle. I say “lastly” because special offers are the least significant factor when choosing a bundle — pricing, speeds, channel selection and service terms are more important. If you’re debating between bundles and one comes with a $200 gift card and the other doesn’t, the decision becomes a bit easier to make.
Decide if bundling is necessary
Keep in mind that you don’t always have to bundle. There may be times when selecting internet service from one provider and TV from another is more cost-effective than bundling. For instance, Verizon Fios internet is generally a better deal than Spectrum’s internet service, but Spectrum is cheaper when it comes to TV service.
How we evaluated the top internet and TV bundles
Hands-on testing is central to CNET’s reviews and recommendations of various products and services, but such a process is impractical if not impossible when it comes to home internet. Even if we could physically test each ISP, external and unavoidable factors such as the equipment (which will vary by provider and connection type), interference from nearby networks, the local infrastructure and even the time of day could affect the results.
Instead of hands-on testing, we perform frequent, in-depth evaluations of national and regional ISPs and the bundles they offer. To start, we explore a provider’s availability, technology and speed details using the most recent data from the Federal Communications Commission. Next, we look into all available plan options, including the number of plans to choose from, upload and download speeds, TV channel lineups and promotional versus standard pricing.
Plans can vary by region, so we run multiple serviceability checks in various service areas to provide more informed speed, channel and pricing details. We also reach out to the providers directly to verify plan and pricing information.
Finally, we look at service details such as data caps, added fees, contracts, price increases and other considerations to be aware of before signing up for an internet or TV service. When available, customer satisfaction reports like those from the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, not to mention a look at what real customers have to say on sites like Reddit and Downdetector.com, provide further insight into evaluating an ISP. (Downdetector is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
After examining the applicable providers in a given category (in this case, “best bundles”), we determine which providers and plans we feel should be considered among the “best.” If you’d like to learn more about how we evaluate internet providers, check out our breakdown of how we review ISPs.
Internet and TV bundle overview
Bundling internet and TV together is a convenient way to sign up for multiple services, and could even save you some money versus signing up for individual services.
Bundles will vary by provider, and each provider is likely to offer different bundles, so be sure to explore all your options to get the best bundle for your needs and your budget. Speeds, channel selection and pricing are important considerations, but pay attention to added fees and service terms when comparing bundles. Remember, you don’t have to bundle internet and TV together if it makes more sense to get internet from one provider and TV from another.