Spectrum TV Packages, Prices, and Plans Review
Spectrum's standalone cable TV plans start at $69.99 a month with 155+ channels. Read on to learn about bundles and add-ons.
Is Spectrum TV worth it?
We recommend Spectrum TV for folks who want reasonably priced TV and internet bundles and premium channels like Max™ (formerly HBO Max) or Paramount+ with SHOWTIME®.
Spectrum’s base channel count is pretty low (155+ for $69.99/mo.) compared to other cable TV providers, and its DVR service isn’t anything to shout about.
But factor in that Spectrum will buy out your contract for up to $500† and give you free basic Disney+, and we’re sufficiently impressed.
We even rank Spectrum as the Best Traditional Cable Provider in our annual Editorial Choice Awards, so it’s better than other cable internet and TV competitors, like Cox and Xfinity, that might also be available in your neighborhood.
Spectrum TV deals and promotions
Spectrum has all sorts of deals, including a $500 contract buyout and a free cable modem. To check out a full list of promotions, head over to our Spectrum deals page.
Spectrum TV plans and pricing
| Plan | Starting price | Channels | Type | Optional DVR | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum TV Select | $69.99/mo. for 12 mos. | 155+ channels | Cable | From $13.98/mo. | View plan |
| Spectrum TV Select Plus | $74.99/mo. for 12 mos. | 160+ channels | Cable | From $13.98/mo. | View plan |
| Spectrum TV Stream | $39.99/mo. | 80+ channels | Streaming | From $13.98/mo. | View plan |
Data effective as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. See full disclaimer.
Spectrum has two English-language cable TV plans. The base plan, Spectrum TV Select, offers 155+ basic cable and broadcast channels like ABC, ESPN, and Hallmark Channel. We really like Spectrum TV Select because it costs about as much as a live TV streaming service during the first year and offers slightly more channels.
Spectrum TV Select Plus includes the same channels as TV Select but adds regional sports networks (RSNs) and a complimentary ESPN+ subscription. The $5.00-a-month increase should be more than worth it to sports fans.
The important thing to keep in mind is that your payment may increase by up to $25 (depending on your plan) in the second year. But since Spectrum has no contracts, you can call a Spectrum rep and request a new promotional rate in exchange for your continued business. There are no guarantees—but it’s worth a shot.
Don’t want cable? No problem. Spectrum’s new TV Stream plan gets you 80+ popular channels and thousands of On Demand titles—no cable box required.
Pro tip: Some Spectrum customers can get cheaper live TV with a streaming service called Spectrum TV Choice. It doesn’t come with nearly as many cable channels, but it starts at $29.99 per month.
If you’re interested in premium cable channels like Max ($15.00 a month) and Paramount+ with SHOWTIME ($10.00 a month), you can add them à la carte to your plan at checkout. Three add-on packages are also available to beef up your overall channel count. Tap the drop-down menu below to learn more.
| Packages | Price | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Add-ons | ||
| Entertainment View | $15.00/mo. | Cooking Channel, Discovery Family, Military History Channel, Ovation, and more |
| Sports View | $7.00/mo. | ESPNews, Golf Channel, NFL RedZone, and more |
| Latino View | $15.00/mo. | Fox Deportes, beIN SPORTS, Univision, and more |
| Premium channels | ||
| CINEMAX® | $10.00/mo. | CINEMAX, ActionMAX, and 5StarMAX |
| Max | $16.00/mo. | Max subscription, HBO, HBO Family, and more |
| MGM+™ | $6.00/mo. | MGM+, MGM+ West, and MGM+ Hits |
| Paramount+ with SHOWTIME | $10.00/mo. | Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, SHOWTIME EXTREME, and more |
| STARZ® | $9.00/mo. | STARZ, STARZ ENCORE, and more |
| THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ | $5.00/mo. | THE MOVIE CHANNEL and THE MOVIE CHANNEL XTRA |
Data effective as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Once you pick a TV plan, bundling is a snap because Spectrum bundles have something for everyone. Want premium channels included with your TV package? Add premium cable packs—which include Max, STARZ, and Paramount+ with SHOWTIME—with high-speed internet. Are you a rabid sports fan? Get the Sports View add-on and bundle it with Spectrum cable TV and internet to channel surf for games while you surf the internet for stats and news.
Entertainment View covers the expected bases for a mid-tier basic cable plan. In addition to popular networks like Comedy Central and CNN, you’ll get genre-specific favorites like Cooking Channel and Game Show Network. At $84.99 monthly for your first year, the TV Select and Entertainment View bundle is also in the same price range as other standalone plans from competitors.
Spectrum bundles and pricing
| Plans | Starting price | Channels | Max download speeds | Phone service | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum TV Select + Internet | From $109.98/mo. for 12 mos.‡ | 155+ | Up to 300 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) | — | View plan |
| Spectrum TV Select Plus + Internet + Voice | From $129.97/mo. for 12 mos.‡ | 160+ | Up to 300 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) | $19.99/mo. | View plan |
Data effective as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. See full disclaimer.
Customers typically get a cable TV and internet bundle for an obvious reason: it’s less work. Spectrum doesn’t offer discounts on bundles, so you’ll just add the price for each service to get your final promotional pricing.
Along with cable TV, these bundles will get you internet service with download speeds up to 300 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary), no data caps, a free modem, free antivirus software, and free access to Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide.
Spectrum Spanish-language TV packages and pricing
| Plan | Starting price | Channels | Popular channels | Optional DVR | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Plan Latino | From $39.99/mo. for 12 mos. | 170+ (including 75+ Spanish channels) | Telemundo, Univision, CNN en Español, and more | From $13.98/mo. | View plan |
| TV Stream Latino | $24.99/mo. | 45+ (all Spanish channels) | Discovery en Español, Galavisión, Telemundo, and more | From $13.98/mo. | View plan |
Data effective as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. See full disclaimer.
Spectrum offers two Spanish-language TV packages that feature content from Latin America, Mexico, and Spain.
Mi Plan Latino is TV Select’s counterpart. While its channel lineups aren’t completely the same, Mi Plan Latino is more affordable than the English-only TV Select. It also offers a higher channel count.
TV Stream Latino is also cheaper than the English-language TV Stream plan, albeit offering fewer channels.
Spectrum TV equipment and features
TBH, Spectrum’s TV equipment isn’t that great compared to other cable providers like Xfinity. But Spectrum TV does have a lot of cool features that may offset its subpar equipment for some folks.
Spectrum DVR
How did you ever live without DVR service? The ability to pause a show, skip commercials, and record one channel while watching another really helps make TV fit your schedule. Spectrum must know this, ‘cause the provider gives you a choice of DVR types.
The Spectrum HD TV box with DVR ($8.99 a month) is not required to watch your Spectrum channels—you can use the Spectrum TV app for no charge. You’ll also have to pay for the actual DVR functionality. It’s $4.99 per month for one TV or $9.99 a month for two or more TVs.
You can go without DVR service and pay only for the HD TV box, but then you’ll have to endure commercials again.
Pro tip: To avoid rude surprises on your Spectrum bill, check out our guide to the Hidden Costs of Spectrum. It explains broadcast service charges, equipment fees, late payment fees, and more.
Spectrum TV app
Another way to make TV fit your schedule is by using the Spectrum TV app, a free perk of all Spectrum TV packages.
With the Spectrum TV app, you can watch your Spectrum channels, on-demand shows, and DVR recordings in your home while connected to your Spectrum home Wi-Fi network. You can also watch on the go with two out-of-home streams available, but there’s no downloading for offline viewing, and Spectrum blocks some content due to licensing restrictions.
Through the app, you can set DVR recordings, favorite channels, and parental controls whether you’re at home or away.
The app is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, and it’s compatible with several streaming devices—including Apple TV (4th gen., 4K), Roku players (3rd gen.), Android (5.0+), and Apple/iOS (15+).
Free HD channels
Unlike most cable providers and all live TV streaming services, Spectrum offers all of its channels in high definition (HD). We like this feature because not only will you avoid buffering (sorry live TV streaming), but you’ll get a clear picture no matter what channel you’re watching.
Multiroom viewing
We like the fact that Spectrum doesn’t require you to use more than one cable box to watch TV in other rooms. It’s cheaper and less cumbersome than competitors like DISH and DIRECTV, which require more cable boxes for additional fees.
Parental controls
You likely have some mature channels in your TV packages, so what does that mean for your curious kids? If you’re like most parents, you’ll appreciate the ability to manage what your children watch and when they watch it with your Spectrum TV parental controls.
Spectrum TV channels
Depending on the channels you want, you could choose a basic Spectrum package (155–160+ channels) or an add-on channel pack filled with Disney and Nickelodeon channels, plus Max, NFL Network, and Paramount+ with SHOWTIME.
Not sure which package has the channels you need? Check out our Spectrum TV Select Channel Guide to compare Spectrum’s channel packages. Or hit the button below for a closer look at Spectrum’s premium channels, sports add-ons, and bundles.
Spectrum sports channels and packages
One of the top reasons to get cable TV is live sports. Spectrum TV Select will get you must-have channels like ESPN and FS1, and TV Select Plus will get you those channels plus RSNs. And if you need more sports, you can always upgrade your Spectrum TV package with sports add-ons like FOX Soccer Plus and MLB Extra Innings.
What do real Spectrum customers think of Spectrum cable TV?
In our 2024 customer satisfaction survey, Spectrum placed 10th out of 11 TV providers—DIRECTV STREAM, DIRECTV, Xfinity, Verizon, and DISH were all competitors that beat it out for overall customer satisfaction.
Of the hundreds of Spectrum customers we surveyed, 61% scored their overall customer experience with Spectrum as completely or very satisfied. So, while some people love their Spectrum service, it’s a more middle-of-the-road TV option compared to other providers that may be in your area.
Similar to their internet, Spectrum provides great customer service, rare outages, gets their cable up again quickly as needed, and provides regular maintenance to prevent problems. I only have an issue with their prices, and may look into other options as far as whether I really need cable.
Spectrum TV review FAQ
How much is Spectrum TV a month?
Spectrum standalone TV plans cost $69.99–$74.99/mo. You can also add additional basic cable and premium cable channel packs for between $7.00 and $15.00/mo.
What is the cheapest Spectrum cable TV plan?
Spectrum TV Select is the cheapest Spectrum cable TV plan. Spectrum TV Select costs $69.99/mo. for the first year and includes 155+ channels.
What is the best Spectrum package?
TV Select + Internet offers the best TV and internet from Spectrum, starting at $109.98 a month. This bundle comes with download speeds up to 300 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) and 155+ HD channels. You can also add the Entertainment View channel pack for 70+ additional cable channels for $15.00 a month.
Can you get Spectrum TV without internet service?
You don’t have to sign up for internet to get Spectrum TV. Spectrum has multiple TV plans priced at $69.99–$74.99/mo. (for 12 months), and all 155–160+ channels are in HD.
What is Spectrum On Demand?
Spectrum On Demand is a collection of movies and shows that you can watch free with your Spectrum TV subscription.
Can I watch Spectrum TV without a cable box?
Spectrum TV customers get free access to the Spectrum TV app, which enables you to use your Spectrum login credentials to watch live and on-demand TV anywhere. You can watch it on your phone or cast it to another supported device. The app is available on Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One, and the Apple App Store, Google Play, and Amazon.
Spectrum also offers TV Stream plans, which allow you to stream popular channels and On Demand titles without a cable box.
Does Spectrum offer a senior discount?
Spectrum offers a senior discount through Spectrum Internet® Assist. The program offers affordable high-speed Internet to customers aged 65 or older who currently receive Supplemental Security Income and aren’t already Spectrum Internet customers. (You can also qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist if one of your household members qualifies for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the Community Eligibility Provision of the NSLP.)
If you think you might qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist, fill out an application form from Spectrum. Once approved, you’ll be eligible for a plan up to 50 Mbps (speeds may vary) for $24.99 per month for 12 months that includes a free modem, free antivirus software, no data caps, and no contracts. Spectrum also offers a Wi-Fi router rental for an additional $5 per month.
What channels are included in Spectrum packages?
In Spectrum TV Select ($69.99 for 12 months, 155+ channels), you’ll get your local channels plus popular cable channels like AMC, Discovery Channel, FX, Lifetime, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, TBS, TNT, and more. With TV Select Plus, you’ll get all the channels and regional sports networks in TV Select.
Where is Spectrum available?
You can find Spectrum in 41 states. For a full list, check out our Spectrum availability page. Or enter your zip code below to see all the providers in your area.
Is Spectrum still owned by Charter?
Charter Communications uses the trade name Spectrum for its TV, internet, voice, and mobile services. You may also see some people refer to Spectrum as Charter Spectrum.
Why you should trust us
Our TV experts have spent hundreds of hours researching and testing Spectrum TV service to help you make an informed decision before you sign up. We examined Spectrum’s ever-changing TV packages, prices, and features. We also compared Spectrum head-to-head with other TV providers—including cable, satellite, and live TV streaming services.
After considering all aspects of Spectrum TV and its internet bundle options, we consulted our annual customer satisfaction survey to see how customers nationwide view the service. For more information on our process, visit our How We Rank page.
Disclaimer
*Spectrum TV Select Signature: Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Spectrum TV Select Signature promotion price is $64.99/mo; standard rates apply after yr 1. Taxes, fees, and surcharges (broadcast surcharge up to $23.20/mo) extra and subject to change during and after the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra. General Terms: TV: TV equipment required; charges may apply. Channel and HD programming availability based on level of service and location. Account credentials may be required to stream some TV content online. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. Enter your address to determine availability.
†$500 Contract Buyout: Payment amount will be determined by the Early Termination Fee on the final bill from the previous provider, not to exceed $500. Restrictions apply.
‡Spectrum Internet: For 12 months when bundled. Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Taxes, fees and surcharges extra and subject to change during and after the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra.
Spectrum Internet Ultra + Internet Gig: For 24 months when bundled. Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter.
Mi Plan Latino: Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Mi Plan Latino promotion price is $39.99/mo; standard rates apply after yr 1. Mi Plan Latino and Internet is $84.98/mo; standard rates apply after yr 1. Mi Plan Latino, Internet and Home Phone is $99.97/mo; standard rates apply after yr 1. Spectrum TV Select Signature and Latino View is $61.99/mo; standard rates apply after yr 1. Taxes, fees and surcharges (broadcast surcharge up to $21.00/mo) extra and subject to change during and after the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra. General Terms: INTERNET: Speed based on wired connection and may vary by address. Wireless speeds may vary. TV: TV equipment required for each TV that gets Spectrum TV Latino for an additional monthly charge. Channel and HD programming availability based on level of service. Account credentials may be required to stream some TV content online. HOME PHONE: Unlimited calling includes calls within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands and more. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. Enter your address to determine availability. ©2022 Charter Communications.
