Chicago, IL

Cable TV and internet in Chicago, IL

Being the third-largest metropolis in the US, Chicago offers more choices in local TV and internet service than most other cities, from both big brands and smaller regional providers. Finding a good deal in the Windy City should be as easy as stumbling into a pro game (Chicago is a serious sports town).

What are the best TV providers in Chicago?

• AT&T U-verse: Large channel count
• DIRECTV: NFL SUNDAY TICKET
• DISH: Powerful Hopper 3 DVR
• Xfinity: X1 receiver/DVR with built-in apps
• RCN: No-contract packages
• WOW: Low-priced plans

What are the best internet providers in Chicago?

• AT&T Fiber: Fast fiber internet
• Xfinity: Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide
• RCN: Eero Plus Wi-Fi security
• WOW: No data caps

Fiber is king when it comes to internet service; it’s the fastest and most stable connection available in 2019. Only AT&T offers it in Chicago, with nearly 100% coverage in the city—if you want fiber, it won’t be hard to get.

Cable internet comes in as a close second to fiber, and Chicago has three providers that offer it: giant Xfinity (99% coverage) and smaller companies like RCN (22%) and WOW (16%). HughesNet and Viasat satellite internet are also available, but with all of the other internet choices in Chicago, we can’t recommend them. Satellite internet is slow, expensive, and best avoided if possible.

TV choices are even better in Chicago, with six providers that can hook you up: AT&T U-verse, DIRECTV, DISH, Xfinity, RCN, and WOW. DIRECTV and DISH are satellite TV services; Xfinity, RCN, and WOW are cable; and AT&T U-verse is fiber-based TV.

All six of these companies feature similar packages loaded with popular channels across different pay tiers. But DIRECTV has the edge in sports (only DIRECTV carries NFL SUNDAY TICKET—a must-have for most football fans). Also, of the six, RCN and WOW have more limited availability in Chicago than the bigger TV players on the list.

Cable and internet bundles in Chicago

Bundling internet and cable service is a great way to save a few bucks and cut down on paperwork. Of course, it helps if the provider you choose offers both TV and internet services like AT&T, Xfinity, RCN, and WOW do.

Bundling gets a little more complicated with single-service providers like DIRECTV and DISH, which only do TV. You might think that bundling satellite TV and satellite internet would be easy, but not quite: you can’t use the same rooftop dish receiver—it requires separate dishes for TV and internet.

Also, satellite internet is subpar at best (we repeat: last-resort circumstances only).

Top TV and internet bundles in Chicago

• AT&T: Large channel selection + fast fiber internet
• Xfinity: High speeds + large channel counts
• RCN: Low-priced TV/internet bundles

Data effective as of 01/17/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Most popular TV channels in Chicago

There’s no Real Housewives of Chicago series, but Chi-Town still likes Bravo—as well as the Networks of Cartoons and Food.

On the sports side, ESPN, FOX Sports 1, and NBA TV are the big three. And local network affiliates WMAQ (NBC), WCPX (ION), and WSNS (Telemundo) are clear favorites.

With the exception of NBA TV’s absence from WOW’s channel lineup, all of Chicago’s most popular channels are available from all local providers.

TV packages featuring Chicago’s most popular channels

Data effective as of 01/17/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Most of the above packages are similarly priced, but we like Xfinity’s Preferred package. It’s easily bundled with internet, it’s available in most of Chicago, and it offers a lot of channels—channel count isn’t everything, but 220 is pretty impressive at 80 bucks a month.

Chicago sports coverage

Chicago is home to eight pro sports teams: Bears (NFL), Cubs and White Sox (MLB), Bulls (NBA), Blackhawks (NHL), Fire (MLS), Sky (WNBA), and Red Stars (NWSL). That’s a lot of games to keep up on, even with the right TV package.

How to watch Chicago sports

Most of Chicago’s biggest players can be seen on Xfinity and RCN’s cable packages, depending on regional blackouts. Baseball, basketball, and football get plenty of TV love locally.

The Chicago Blackhawks have an exclusive deal with NBC Sports Chicago—which, fortunately for hockey fans, is a widely available channel.

Soccer is a little trickier: Women’s league Red Stars are aligned with FOX Soccer Plus, which is available only on DIRECTV or DISH. MLS team Chicago Fire has opted to go with ESPN+, ESPN’s streaming service (though some games can be seen on the local Univision station).

Local Chicago channels

There are over 20 Chicago-area TV stations, including 71-year-old superstation WGN. Not all of them are as easy to get with cable or satellite because they’re over-the-air channels. Availability and channel numbers vary by provider.

Not all Chicago TV stations are available through every provider, but here are three packages that carry the most local channels for the lowest price:

• Xfinity Starter: $49.99/mo.*
• DIRECTV Select: $59.99/mo.¶
• DISH America’s Top 120: $59.99/mo.˚

Find a provider store near you in Chicago

If you’d rather talk to someone in person than over the phone or online chat, most providers have physical storefronts. In large cities like Chicago, they’re especially easy to find.

* For the first 12 months with a 1-year agreement.
† For 12 months with a 2-Year Agreement + AutoPay & Paperless Billing.
‡ For the first 12 months.
§ For 12 mos. plus taxes and RSN fee.

for 24. months. New customers only. All offers require 2-year commitment with early termination fee and eAutopay. Price includes Hopper Duo for qualifying customers.

• For 12 mos. plus taxes.
¶ /mo. for 12 mos. plus taxes.