Basic Cable Packages and Channels Guide 2023

How do you get basic cable?

You don’t have to pay a premium for cable. State-approved local franchising authorities (LFAs) require cable companies to offer low-priced basic cable packages with only local broadcast channels and subchannels. In this article, we highlight some of the best basic cable plans from Cox, Xfinity, Optimum, and Sparklight.

But you can do better than basic cable—especially if you’re looking to save money. You can get all of the same channels with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna. They’re easy to install and much more affordable at a one-time cost of $25–$60—compared to $20–$60 a month.

Not only that, but streaming services are a reasonably cheap alternative to basic cable, with more live cable channels and loads of on-demand content.

Is basic cable worth it?

We don’t think basic cable TV is worth it because basic cable deals come with only local channels and (maybe) a few cable TV favorites, and they cost $20–$60 per month.

Also, be cautious of any fees attached to your basic cable plan. Providers may waive these fees on their (otherwise more expensive) advertised plans, but leave them on basic plans.

Basically (pardon the pun), basic cable isn’t the only way to get cheap. Some streaming TV services are free (but they don’t include local channels). And, again, you pay for an over-the-air (OTA) TV antenna only once—and basic cable as a monthly payment.

Basic cable pros and cons

Jump to:

• Basic cable packages
• Basic cable channels
• Basic cable alternatives

Type in your zip code below, and we’ll pull up your local TV providers and a phone number to talk to those companies’ reps about basic packages.

Best basic cable packages

Data effective as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
** Plans and pricing vary by Xfinity region.
‡ Wired connection speeds. WiFi speeds may vary. Plus taxes, fees, and other charges. Includes Auto Pay and Paperless Billing.

Basic cable TV packages will include ABC, CBS, FOX, PBS, and other public-access local channels. Some expanded plans come with fancy cable channels—like Disney Channel, ESPN, MTV, or Fox News Channel—but they’re still stripped down compared to advertised cable packages.

Again, we don’t recommend basic cable TV plans—but you’ll find brief editorial opinions of each basic plans mentioned in this article. To read more about any of these providers, click the review link in the box.

Cox Contour TV Starter

At first, 75+ channels in a basic cable package might seem pretty generous. You can get pretty much the same channels with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna and you’ll pay only once as opposed to monthly, which is just bad.

Xfinity Choice TV

Xfinity’s basic cable channel count is 10+. If we don’t see why anyone would pay any amount monthly for Cox’s 75+ channels, imagine how shocked we are by Xfinity’s handful of channels. As with Cox above, we’re recommending the OTA antenna over this Xfinity package.

Note: We list a range of prices for Xfinity basic cable packages because Xfinity pricing is different in each of its three regions. If you’re unsure which Xfinity region you’re in, read our Xfinity TV review—you’ll be directed to the page for your area. If you’re using a VPN, you’ll need to turn it off to be redirected.

Optimum Internet 300 and Basic TV

This Optimum internet-and-TV bundle might seem like a better deal than the usual basic cable package, but it’s really not. Optimum no longer offers its 100 Mbps plan, so if you want basic cable, you have to bundle it with 300 Mbps internet. Instead of getting this bundle, we suggest just getting that standalone internet plan (Optimum 300, $40.00 a month for 12 months) and using an OTA antenna for TV.

Sparklight Economy Cable

Sparklight’s Economy Cable plan is yet another barebones TV package. You’ll get your local channels, and that’s it. Can you imagine paying $42 a month for this TV plan when you can pay the same amount for an OTA antenna once and never pay for TV service again?

Yeah, that boggles our minds too.

Basic cable TV channels

Like we said before, you’ll get different channels based on where you live and the cable company you choose. Keep in mind that most basic cable packages do not include actual cable channels, just local over-the-air channels.

Basic cable vs. starter cable TV plans

Cable TV providers would rather sell you on their starter packages—a step up from basic. Starter plans usually cost around $60 per month, and they have a ton more channels than basic cable plans.

And since your cable provider will want you to choose a starter plan (or one of the even more expensive plans), it’s not as likely to have as many hidden fees. Slink back to whatever hole you crawled out of, U-Basic.

In the end, a year of a starter plan, sans basic plan hidden fees, could end up being less expensive than a year of basic cable.

Starter cable TV plans pros and cons

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Basic cable vs. streaming services

If you love a lot of different channels, you might want to try out streaming TV instead of basic cable. You’re probably familiar with on-demand streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, but you can stream live TV with services like Sling TV.

On-demand services usually cost between $5 and $20 per month, and live TV streaming services can be anywhere from $25 to a whopping $135 per month. If you want to save, Philo is the aforementioned snazzy $25-per-month plan—just keep in mind it doesn’t have any sports channels.

These services work on a lot of devices, which makes on-the-go viewing a natural part of the experience. Just make sure there’s Wi-Fi at your on-the-go locations, since you’ll need internet to support your streaming.

Streaming pros and cons

• Available on many devices
• Provides more channel lineup options

• Requires internet connection
• Can cost as much as cable TV

Basic cable vs. OTA TV antennas

All these cable TV plans and streaming alternatives come with monthly payments. If you want to keep things simple—local channel access for a one-time fee—over-the-air (OTA) TV is the way to go.

TV antennas look a little different now than the rabbit ears of yesteryear, with flat wall panels or little set-top boxes. Sure, they’re missing the charm of dressing your TV up to look like an alien, but they also don’t take up much space or throw off your interior decor.

You can pick OTA TV antennas up on Amazon and install them yourself. Most antennas cost $25–$60—we recommend the $60 Mohu Leaf.

Be careful to choose an antenna that will pick up all your locally broadcasted channels. The FCC has a handy dandy map to help you locate how far different TV towers are from your home so you can make the best choice for you.

OTA antenna pros and cons

• Small, single payment
• All your local channels in HD

• No cable channels

Final take: Is basic cable worth it?

If you don’t want much out of your cable TV service, and you don’t want to pay a lot for it, basic cable might be the right fit for you.

But before you sign a contract, be sure to check out your other options. If your primary goal is saving money, a TV antenna could be what you need.

Still, if you’ve set your heart on basic cable, go ahead and give your local cable TV provider a call. Just type in your zip code below, and we’ll hook you up with the TV folks in your area.

Basic cable TV FAQ

Methodology

At CableTV.com, we’re experts on getting the most bang for your buck. Our experts have spent thousands of hours researching every basic cable plan and OTA antenna to bring you the most accurate and honest information about accessing local channels. For more information on our process, head over to How We Rank.