TV and Internet Providers in Chicago, Illinois
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?
- DIRECTV—Genie DVR allows up to 450 hrs. of HD storage
- DISH—Powerful Hopper 3 DVR
- Xfinity—X1 receiver/DVR with built-in apps
- Astound—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
- Astound—Eero Plus Wi-Fi security
- WOW!—No data caps
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 Astound (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: DIRECTV, DISH, Xfinity, Astound, and WOW. DIRECTV and DISH are satellite TV services; Xfinity, Astound, and WOW are cable.
All six of these companies feature similar packages loaded with popular channels across different pay tiers. DIRECTV has the edge in sports, while Astound and WOW have more limited availability in Chicago than the bigger TV players on the list.
Streaming Providers in Chicago, IL
Streaming Type | Customer Rating (Out of 5) | Features | Prices | Area Availability | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
YouTube TV | Livestreaming + On demand | 4.21 | 100+ channels, Simultaneous streams: 1–3 | $82.99/mo. | 100% |
Amazon Prime Video | Livestreaming + On demand | 3.5 | 18,000+ movies, Simultaneous streams: 1–3 | $8.99–$17.98/mo. | 100% |
Hulu | Livestreaming + On demand | 3.95 | 95+ channels, Simultaneous streams: 1-2 | $9.99-$95.99/mo. | 100% |
Sling TV | Livestreaming + On demand | 2.79 | 10–48+ channels, Simultaneous streams: 1–4 | $19.99–$60.99/mo. | 100% |
HBO Max | On demand | 2.6 | Every HBO series on demand, Simultaneous streams: 1-3 | $9.99–$20.99/mo. | 100% |
Disney+ | On demand | 2.8 | Up to 4k resolution, Simultaneous streams: 1–4 | $9.99–$15.99/mo. | 100% |
Netflix | On demand | 2.7 | 4,500+ movies, Simultaneous streams: 1–4 | $7.99–$24.99/mo. | 100% |
* 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.