Best Cable Companies for Seniors

Our favorite cable companies for seniors offer ample channels with minimal monthly costs. Although no company offers a "senior plan" for cable, several offer competitive features that make them ideal options for older adults.
amie-clark
March 11, 2022 amie-clark Author: Amie Clark | March 11, 2022
Share: copied!
The Senior List is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews.
1
Best Overall Cable Provider

Overall Rating:

4.4 / 5
See Pricing
Call for best price:
855-923-0440
What We Like ↓
2
Best User-Friendly Features

Overall Rating:

4.2 / 5
See Pricing What We Like ↓
3
Best Budget-Friendly Option

Overall Rating:

4.6 / 5
See Pricing
Call for best price:
844-902-2794
What We Like ↓
4

Overall Rating:

4 / 5
What We Like ↓
5
Best for Custom Cable

Overall Rating:

3.5 / 5
What We Like ↓

Over the years cable television has become as American as apple pie. In fact, with 73 percent of households having a subscription to cable or satellite television, you’d be hard-pressed to meet someone without this service. As you likely already know, cable television is great for those who want to watch movies, stay on top of the news, check the local weather, and watch various television programs. What you perhaps didn’t know, however, are all of the innovative features included in a modern cable subscription.

Throughout the years, cable television has become more accessible to older adults. More advanced cable receivers have voice remotes, so those with trouble operating traditional remote controls can find programs easily. Enhanced closed-captioning is available, allowing those with varying degrees of hearing loss to understand their favorite shows. Some companies even offer specialized guides and training materials to help users learn how to use their new receivers and troubleshoot problems.

No matter what type of television consumer you are, there is a cable plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. Here are some of the top cable providers.

Best Cable Companies for Seniors in 2022

Best Cable Companies for Seniors

Cable television plans generally range from $40 to $150 per month. Packages come in all shapes and sizes. It’s important to note that cable television options depend on the area in which you live. Providers only operate in certain areas, though most areas have at least two options to choose from. Pricing is determined by where you live and how many channels and features you order. Subscribers can also bundle TV with internet or landline phone service to receive further discounts.

How We Chose Our Providers

Nowadays, there are many different choices when it comes to cable providers. In order to make this list, we looked for the following criteria:

Cable Provider Cost Comparison

Provider Features Cost
Cox
  • 75 channels
  • Mobile app to stream cable TV anywhere from your devices
  • 50 commercial-free music channels
  • Add-ons include comprehensive technical support
 $50 per month
Xfinity
  • 10 channels including major broadcast networks, local programming, and educational channels
  • Mobile app to stream cable TV anywhere from your devices
 $30 per month
Spectrum TV
  • 125 channels
  • On-demand movies, shows, and music
  • Mobile app to stream cable TV anywhere from your devices
  • HD programming included
  • Add-ons for an additional cost include DVR service, premium channels, sports, and international channel packs
 $44.99 per month

1. Cox Cable - Best Overall Cable Provider

Cox-Logo
4.4 / 5
View Packages
Call for best price:
855-923-0440
What We Like Most:
  • Inexpensive Basic Option
  • 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
  • 24-Hour Customer Support
  • Wide Range of Channels

Overview

Cox’s basic plan offers 75 channels and an associated app so subscribers can watch cable TV from their cell phones, tablets, or web browsers. There are also 50 music-only channels included in the basic plan.

Cox has customers covered with helpful customer service and technical troubleshooting offerings. They also offer many helpful guides to navigate their equipment and cable television interface. If you have needs beyond basic customer service, Cox Complete Care is available at an extra price to cover equipment and offer more detailed support including rewiring your home.

Starting at $25 per month, Cox is perfect for budget-conscious seniors. While this plan doesn’t have the additional features other plans do, it offers basic television offerings at an unbeatable price.

Cox Cable Plans Pricing

Cox Plan Number of Channels Price
TV Starter 75 $50.00 per month
Contour TV 140 $69.99 per month
Contour TV Ultimate 250 $166.49 per month

2. Xfinity Cable - Best User-Friendly Features

Xfinity
4.2 / 5
View Packages
What We Like Most:
  • No Termination Fees
  • Plans Start at $45 per Month
  • Free HD Programming
  • Low-Cost Internet and Phone

Overview

Xfinity is a good option for those who want more features from their cable provider. The provider offers over 140 channels and an on-demand service so you can order movies, music, and shows directly from your living room. The service also integrates your separate streaming accounts such as Netflix and Hulu with your cable box so you do not have to switch inputs to reach all your preferred streaming services.

A major perk of Xfinity is their state-of-the-art voice remote with search functionality, allowing users to find programs across live TV, on-demand offerings, and streaming apps. This remote is particularly useful for people who have trouble navigating the buttons on a remote.

As a bonus, Xfinity offers Peacock Premium, which includes on-demand streaming of all NBCUniversal offerings, free of charge. The add-on DVR option records up to five shows at once, includes 500 GB of storage, and allows users to schedule recordings from a mobile app.

While Xfinity does offer a basic plan, this only offers limited network television (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CSPAN, and local programming), so we recommend you opt for the Extra package, which has much greater functionality for only $20 more per month. Xfinity offers discounts of up to $10 per month for using paperless billing and autopay, which can help you save on your plan.

Xfinity Cable Plan Pricing

Xfinity Plan Number of Channels Cost
Limited Basic 10 $30 per month
Extra 140 $49.99 per month
Preferred 200 $59.99 per month
Flex Peacock, Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, HBO, YouTube, ESPN3, EPIX, AMC+, STARZ, CBS All Access, Spotify, Pandora, iHeart Radio, and on-demand movies, music, and shows Starts at $20.00 per month

3. Spectrum TV® - Best Budget-Friendly Option

4.6 / 5
View Packages
Call for best price:
844-902-2794
What We Like Most:
  • Voice Remote Control
  • Peacock Premium Included
  • Integrates with Streaming Services
  • Wide Array of Channels

Overview

Spectrum TV offers 125 channels and on-demand programming. HD programming is also free, which typically costs more with other providers. Spectrum TV offers a basic plan with a limited number of choices for $14.99 per month. The more expensive tiers have more channels and include the voice remote and premium channels such as HBO and Showtime for no extra charge.

Along with a voice remote, Spectrum TV also offers enhanced closed captioning for supported programs, a useful feature for those with hearing loss. Closed captioning is proven to improve word recognition in adults with hearing impairment, and enhanced closed captioning even allows you to change the size and color of the font.

What stands out about Spectrum TV is that there is no contract involved. While some cable companies require a set contract commitment, Spectrum TV subscribers may cancel service anytime should they not be satisfied with their service. Spectrum TV may even buy you out of your existing contract so you can switch over easily.

Spectrum TV Cable Plan Pricing

Spectrum TV Plan Number of Channels Cost
TV Essentials* (available only to internet subscribers) 60 $14.99 per month
TV Select** 125 $44.99 per month
TV Silver*** 175 $69.99 per month
TV Gold**** 200 $89.99 per month

4. Mediacom - Best Internet and Cable Packages

4 / 5
What We Like Most:
  • Custom Channel Options
  • TiVo and Voice Remote
  • Handy Mobile App
  • Affordable TV and Internet Packages

Overview

Mediacom is available in the Midwest and only offers cable television bundled with internet service. With that said, this provider has an impressive channel lineup and many customization offers, including on-demand service and a mobile app.

Subscribers can also add premium movie channels as well as premium packages for sports, kids channels, movies, and music. An optional TiVo cable receiver comes with a DVR, a voice remote so you can navigate the service with voice commands, and an intelligent guide to help you easily search available programming.

Each price tier comes with internet or landline phone service. The basic package only offers local television offerings, while the essential TV packages include popular national networks such as CNN, Bravo, ESPN, and the History Channel.

Mediacom Internet and Cable Pricing

Mediacom Plan Features Cost
Internet 60 + Local TV
  • 60 MBPS download speed
  • 50 channels
 $49.99 per month
Internet 60 + Essential TV
  • 60 MBPS download speed
  • 125 channels
 $79.99 per month
Internet 100 + Variety TV + Phone
  • 100 MBPS download speed
  • 170 channels
  • Landline phone service
 $109.99 per month

5. Verizon Fios TV - Best for Custom Cable

Verizon
3.5 / 5
What We Like Most:
  • Custom Cable Packages
  • Great International Options
  • No Annual Contracts
  • Free DVR

Overview

Verizon Fios TV packages are unique in that instead of offering a standard channel list, Fios creates a custom channel list based on your preferences. When you sign up, you choose your five favorite channels, and Fios recommends a package based on those channels. The major broadcast networks are always available no matter the package, and each month you can change your five favorite channels at no extra charge.

Verizon offers premium channels and DVR for an additional cost. For non-English speakers, Verizon also offers additional packages with international channels. Even if you do not choose these plans, you can add Spanish networks to your chosen package.

With Verizon, there are no annual contracts and no hidden fees. Fios works through a fiber-optic network, so in addition to the cable box, you will need to rent or purchase an internet router if you do not have one.

Verizon Cable Plan Pricing

Verizon Plan Number of Channels Cost
Local TV 90 $40 per month
Your Fios TV 125 $50 per month
More Fios TV 419 $70 per month
The Most Fios TV 590 $90 per month

Recap

Adults over 60 spend nearly half their leisure time watching television. Whether you use television to keep up with the news or watch movies, it’s important to pick the cable television package that fits your needs and budgets. These days, cable packages are flexible, so subscribers have much more power to choose the channels they want and forget the rest.

Cable companies have adjusted their offerings to provide low-cost basic cable packages to subscribers. Often, there are no long-term contracts, so subscribers may cancel at any time. For technically savvy consumers, cable companies offer intelligent search capabilities, mobile apps, and enhanced recording options to improve the television experience. No matter what your budgetary or entertainment needs are, there is a plan out there for you.

Cable Frequently Asked Questions

amie-clark
Written By
Amie Clark

Amie has been writing about senior care products and services for the last decade. She is particularly passionate about new technologies that help improve the quality of life for seniors and their families. Seeing her parents and grandparents age made Amie ask herself, “Would this be good enough for my loved ones?” In her spare time, Amie enjoys outdoor adventures and spontaneous road trips. Learn more about Amie here