The 6 Best Cable TV Providers in New York City, NY
Check out the list of cable TV providers available in New York
Cable TV has gone to the background in the entertainment world in the last few years. The transition happened so quickly that we barely had time to realize when the latest shows on Netflix had replaced our favorite cable TV shows.
However, many of us still prefer the old way of entertainment over binge-watching shows and going on movie marathons. Cable TV remains as relevant as before—even in New York for those of us.
And, if you are in New York and want a Cable TV connection, this blog has you covered. I will introduce you to the best cable TV providers in New York and help you choose the best. Sound just right? Let’s get right to it.
Best Cable TV Providers In New York – NYC
The best cable TV providers in New York provide great coverage across most state regions and offer a range of plans that cater to diverse customers with varying needs and budgets.
Here’s a brief overview of six providers that I found standing true to these aspects:
| Cable TV Provider | Starting Price (per month) | Number of Channels | Ratings*(out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | $39.99 | Up to 170+ | 3.8 |
| DirecTV | $59.99 | Upto 185+ (internet)/ 340+ (satellite) | 4.1 |
| Verizon Fios | $85 | Upto 425+ | 4.2 |
| Astound Broadband | $31.79 | Upto 399+ | 3.8 |
| DISH | $84.99 | Upto 290+ | 4.3 |
| Optimum | $30 | Upto 250+ | 3.6 |
Since modern TV packages run on the internet, many of the providers mentioned below offer bundle plans offering “TV + internet” services.
You can choose these plans to get home internet along with the TV packages. Or you can contact the provider to find out if they offer independent TV packages with your existing internet connection.
Nevertheless, you don’t need to worry about the internet plans if you choose Dish or DirecTV since both providers offer satellite TV plans.
But that’s for the end!
Let me first take you to the top six cable TV providers in New York so you can make the right decision.
1. Spectrum
The Internet TV plans for English channels start at $39.99/month and are only available with Spectrum Internet plans. The core cable TV plans start at $64.99/month and offer over 150 channels, along with Disney+ Basic and other streaming subscriptions. Additionally, you can add-ons such as Sports, Entertainment, or Premium for additional channels.
If you already have a Spectrum Internet plan and like watching Spanish content, you can choose the TV Stream Latino plan, which offers 45 Spanish channels, or the MI Plan Latino, which includes the same 45 Spanish channels but also popular English channels.
2. Verizon Fios
Verizon Fios is one of the most reliable cable TV companies, thanks to its excellent performance and affordability.
Verizon Fios’s TV plans tick all the main boxes. Their pricing is reasonable (not too low, but not too high, either). They offer a wide range of channels, with the most premium plan offering over 420 channels and complimentary benefits.
If you are into Spanish-language content, you can choose from one of the two Latino plans offering 210 to 225 channels. Besides, you can also get sports packages, international channels, and on-demand content from MAX Showtime, Starz, and other online platforms for an additional cost.
3. DISH
Unlike the other providers we have discussed, Dish is a satellite-based TV provider, though it also provides internet services from third-party ISPs, including Hughsnet and Frontier.
In New York, Dish offers three core TV packages. Each package provides a Free DVR and voice remote, local channels, and thousands of on-demand titles. The cheapest plan offers 190 channels at $84.99/month, while the costliest plan offers over 290 channels.
DISH also offers a Multi-Sports Pack with 35 major sports channels covering football, basketball, hockey, and many other games—from local to international tournaments.
4. DirecTV
DirecTV is another satellite TV provider on this list, but with a twist: It also offers streaming TV service along with satellite dish service.
Four core plans are available across both satellite and streaming TV. Streaming TV plans are comparatively cheaper but offer fewer channels, while Satellite plans are more affordable overall in terms of per-channel costs.
Besides the core plans, the DirecTV Sports plan is another addition you can include in your package. It gives you access to over 40 sports networks, such as NFL Redzone, ESPN News, and CBS Sports Network.
5. Optimum
Optimum is a popular cable provider in the US, offering services across 21 US states, including New York. It mainly provides internet services (home and cellular), and its TV packages come only as add-ons.
Optimum offers four TV packages in New York: Entertainment TV, Core TV, Select TV, and Premier TV. However, these packages are available only when you buy an Optimum internet plan.
The final price will depend on the combined cost of the Internet and TV plan. For example, if you choose the 300 Mbps Fiber Internet plan ($40/month) with the Entertainment TV plan ($30/month), you must pay $70/month.
6. Astound Broadband (by RCN)
The TV plans at Astound Broadband are available as add-ons to its internet plans. However, what I like about this provider is that its “Internet + TV” bundles are highly flexible and customizable.
Astound Broadband offers two core TV packages: Basic and Preferred. While the former offers just 40 channels at $31.79/month, the latter provides many more channels at a much higher price (about $133/month).
Nevertheless, the company offers more channel packages (sports, on-demand, PPV, international, and more) as add-ons to the primary bundle packs. You can also add a Max subscription at an additional $16.99/month.
How To Choose The Best Cable TV Provider In New York?
Now that you know about these cable TV providers in New York, it’s time to make the decision. But how should you choose the one provider that fits the bill for your needs? Well, I am here to help!
Here are six factors to consider when choosing the plan that best suits your needs and budget.
1. Availability And Coverage
All the providers listed in this blog offer their services across New York. However, they may not provide pan-state coverage. So, before considering any other factor, make sure that a provider operates in your area with an uninterrupted, stable coverage.
2. Affordability
If you have a fixed budget for your cable TV in mind, you’d like to look for plans that fit that budget. So, make sure to analyze all packages. Also, check for any bundle plans, as they often come with good discounts and provide more value at an effectively cheaper price.
3. Channels
If a provider offers a hundred channels but doesn’t have that one channel you love watching, it may not be worth it. Therefore, when going through a provider’s plans, check the entire channel lineup to ensure it has your favorite channels, not just hundreds of random channels you never watch.
4. Add-on benefits
Your ideal provider does not need to offer only the usual cable TV channels. Look for add-on benefits like premium channels, on-demand channels, foreign-language channels, DVR service, or anything else you may find worth going for.
5. Contract Terms
Some providers have a no-contract rule, while others bind you with a 2-year contract. No matter whether you are okay with contracts, you must make yourself clear about the contract terms beforehand, including cancellation policies and early termination fees, before choosing your provider.
6. Customer Support
Robust and efficient customer support is a non-negotiable when choosing any cable TV provider. Check if they provide essential services like 24*7 support and door-to-door servicing. Better yet, do a quick search about the provider and go through reviews to know common complaints.
Once you weigh each provider based on these factors, you will be set to pick the best cable TV provider for you.
Conclusion: DirecTV Is The Best Cable TV Provider In New York
After analyzing the services and offerings of these Cable TV providers in New York, here are the three providers I find the most valuable:
- DirecTV, since it has the most expansive range of plans, complete with even more attractive offers and discounts;
- Dish for its free DVR, free local channels, and thousands of on-demand titles;
- Verizon Fios because of its affordable plans, attractive offers, and robust fiber-optical coverage.
You can consider one of these providers for your home. Or you can weigh these providers based on your personal preferences, budget, and other factors.