Best Cable TV for Seniors in 2025

Xfinity’s cable TV packages made our list for their large selection of channels and the Xfinity Stream app, which allows subscribers to download and watch TV anywhere. If you’re like most older adults, you probably use a phone or tablet daily — 89 percent of adults 50 to 65 years old own a smartphone.1

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Thanks to the Xfinity Stream app, you can watch TV on any of your favorite devices, whether a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Having cable TV on the go was one of our favorite parts of using Xfinity. We could watch shows in the waiting room of the doctor’s office, on a road trip, or during vacation.

We also like that Xfinity has contract-free packages. If you’re relatively sure you’ll keep Xfinity service for at least a year, we recommend opting for a one-year commitment for a better rate.

Plans and Pricing

*Price represents the monthly price for the first year with a multiproduct discount. Rates will increase after 12 months or five years, depending on the plan. Xfinity will add a regional TV fee and sports package fee where applicable.

Xfinity also offers NOW TV for those who want to enjoy more channels and content without breaking the bank. It isn’t traditional cable TV, but it offers 125 live and on-demand channels, which you can watch through the Xfinity Stream app. NOW StreamSaver costs only $30 a month and includes free (with ads) subscriptions to Peacock TV, Apple+, and Netflix Standard.

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We tried both services and found that NOW TV offers a better experience than the Choice TV Plus plan without extra costs. NOW TV requires an Xfinity internet plan, starting at $55 per month.

If you want to enjoy popular channels, including sports and movies, without spending a fortune or installing a cable box, NOW TV is a great alternative. Remember that if you don’t already use Xfinity Internet, you’ll have to change your internet provider to Xfinity.

If you’re looking for a package with all your favorite channels, we’d recommend upgrading to the Popular or Ultimate package. These plans offer fan favorites like ESPN, HGTV, Food Network, Bravo, AMC, Disney, and more!

Equipment

When we ordered an Xfinity cable TV package, it included all the standard equipment, including a cable box, HDMI or SDI cables, a coaxial cable, a power cord, and a remote.

The equipment you receive will depend on your plan and the options you choose when signing up. For example, if you bundle Xfinity TV and internet, you’ll get Xfinity X1, which costs $10 per month.

If you just need cable, you’ll want the Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity cable box, which is included in the price of your cable plan. If you desire multiple cable boxes to enjoy TV in more than one room, you’ll pay an additional $5 per box monthly. That means Xfinity is generally cheaper for households with more than one TV, because providers like DIRECTV and Spectrum charge more for cable box rentals.

We’re big fans of the Xfinity Voice Remote. Using this remote, we could change the channel, open apps, and pull up specific shows — all with the sound of our voice. It is excellent for seniors with vision loss, arthritis, or mobility issues that make using a remote painful.

We simply held down the blue microphone button and spoke into the remote. We heard a chime, and a message appeared on the screen that showed what we said into the remote.

Using Xfinity's voice remote

Senior Friendliness

The best part about Xfinity cable TV for seniors is the intuitive Xfinity mobile app. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you can get help from someone to download the app on your phone or tablet, so you can watch your favorite shows, sports, and movies on your device. We had to download the app, log in to our account, and start browsing.

Browsing content on the Xfinity Stream mobile app

One thing we didn’t care for about Xfinity cable TV was the fees for add-ons. If you want anything beyond the basics offered in your plan, you’ll pay additional fees for equipment, channels, and bundling services. We would’ve appreciated seeing more options for bundling streaming services with an Xfinity plan. It feels a bit limited compared to DIRECTV’s streaming deals.

Keep in mind that the Xfinity Stream app has some limitations. We loved using it on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, but we weren’t as impressed with its ability to stream content to TVs.

In theory, you could use the app to stream to TVs in your home that don’t have cable boxes, but when we tried to do it, we often got error messages informing us that some content could only be streamed to a TV via in-home Wi-Fi. That means you’ll need an Xfinity internet plan to get the most out of the streaming app (and avoid paying for a cable box for every TV in your home).

» Related Reading: Apps for seniors (tech-savvy or not)

DIRECTV on Demand

DIRECTV made our list for seniors living in rural areas or those who don’t mind streaming TV over an internet connection. DIRECTV offers satellite and streaming packages, which start at $84.99 per month with no contract. Top packages include premium channels such as HBO, Cinemax, SHOWTIME, and STARZ for movie-loving seniors. You won’t find it from other providers, like Spectrum or Xfinity. DIRECTV also offers Latino TV satellite and streaming packages for more Spanish-speaking and Latin American content.

» Related Reading: 2025 DIRECTV Review

Unlike traditional cable, DIRECTV requires a strong internet connection or a satellite for optimal viewing. We tested DIRECTV using a few internet providers with no issues. Even during peak hours when speeds tend to slow down, our connection never dropped, and the image quality was consistently good. You may encounter spotty service through DIRECTV, however, if you have satellite internet or struggle with slow speeds.

Plans and Pricing

*Pricing will increase after one to 24 months.

Depending on the plan, you can access more premium content, including multiple movie channels such as STARZ and Cinemax. As you can see, DIRECTV isn’t cheap. But if you’re a big movie fan with high-speed internet, it might be worth paying more for access to premium content.

Equipment

Since DIRECTV offers TV via the internet, it includes some fantastic equipment. The latest DIRECTV device is the Gemini Air, which keeps all your plan’s channels and streaming apps in one place. Gemini Voice (powered by Google Assistant) also allowed us to navigate different channels, applications, and programs with just our voice.

We tested Gemini Voice and found it to be similar in functionality to the Contour Voice Remote from Cox. It didn’t always understand our requests. In most cases, if we named a TV channel or program we wanted to watch, it appeared on screen in less than 10 seconds.

DIRECTV packages include a remote, an HDMI cable, a power cord, and an Ethernet cable to connect to your modem or router. DIRECTV has a one-time, nonrefundable activation fee of $19.95.

If you want more than one Gemini Air for your home, you’ll pay an additional $7 per device monthly. If you choose a plan with satellite TV, you’ll also pay additional activation and installation fees for the satellite equipment. We’re not big fans of extra charges like this, but they’re typical for the industry.

Senior Friendliness

The high-tech offerings of DIRECTV may leave some seniors feeling apprehensive, but DIRECTV goes above and beyond to make life easier for seniors. The voice-controlled Gemini Air device is perfect for those with vision loss or arthritis. The DIRECTV app also allows you to enjoy your favorite shows from anywhere.

Even if you don’t have much experience with internet TV, DIRECTV makes learning easy. DIRECTV is also a fantastic option for Spanish-speaking seniors, offering multiple plans with Spanish-language channels and programming. You won’t see that with other providers on our list.

» Related Reading: A Guide to Internet for Seniors

We also love that you can get HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax with the PREMIER plan. You can access these and various streaming bundles with cheaper plans, but you may pay an extra $15.99 or more for these add-ons. DIRECTV still has more ways to bundle some of your favorite streaming services with your standard TV plan.

The downsides to DIRECTV for seniors are the high prices and high-speed internet requirements. If you live in a rural area with limited access to high-speed internet, you may struggle to enjoy DIRECTV’s internet-based offerings, though satellite packages are available.

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If you’re on a fixed budget, DIRECTV’s prices could be too high. The company’s costs are above average, even for premium cable providers. The second most expensive provider on this list, Cox, offers a plan with over 75 local channels for $71 a month, which is a bit cheaper than DIRECTV.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

DIRECTV requires a 24-month contract for all plans. I’m not a big fan of contracts, but DIRECTV will lock in your price for the first two years, so you can rest easy knowing you won’t see any price increases for a while.

Browsing channels with Spectrum

Spectrum TV® is a result of the merger of three big-name providers: Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks, and Charter Communications. Spectrum TV made our list thanks to their low prices, widespread availability, large selection of HD channels, commitment-free service, and internet bundles that help customers save. Spectrum is available in most of the country, bringing affordable TV service to seniors in 42 states.

If cancellation fees are holding you back from switching cable providers, Spectrum TV will buy out an existing contract of up to $500 for new customers who switch. We love this deal! It can compensate for any termination fees you incur when canceling with your current cable TV provider.

We also appreciate that Spectrum TV offers Mi Plan Latino. DIRECTV’s cheapest Spanish-language plan is half the monthly cost of Spectrum’s Mi Plan Latino, but Mi Plan Latino comes with more than 100 additional channels.

Plans and Pricing

*Prices will increase after 12 months. Broadcast fee is in addition to base price and varies in amount based on location.
†With Spectrum Internet plan.

†With Spectrum Internet Plan

Spectrum TV Essentials is a fantastic option if you want a basic cable service that won’t cost a fortune. To get the best value, you’ll need a Spectrum Internet® plan. You won’t be able to get the most savings if you have a different internet provider and don’t want to make the switch.

» Useful Resource: Spectrum TV review

Spectrum Internet customers who aren’t interested in the cable plans outlined above should consider Spectrum Stream. For $40 per month, Spectrum Stream gives you over 85 channels in addition to livestreaming.

It also gives you access to the Spectrum TV app, which allows you to download movies, TV shows, and other programming to your device to watch them on the go. It’s a gigantic plus if you frequently want to watch TV away from home.

Equipment

When we signed up for a Spectrum cable plan, we received a Spectrum cable box, a remote control, an HDMI cable, a power cord, and a coaxial cable. If you bundle with an internet plan, you’ll also get a modem, a router, an Ethernet cable, and additional power cords.

Bundling Spectrum TV and Spectrum Internet can help you save on extra cable boxes, since you can use the Spectrum TV app to stream live TV to different devices in your home. Without Spectrum Internet, you’ll pay $12.50 per month per additional cable box. That was surprisingly expensive, especially compared to Xfinity, which charges only $5 per month for an SD box or $9.95 per month for an HD box.

» Related Reading: Spectrum Internet Review

If you’re a bit more tech-savvy, you can choose Spectrum TV Stream when you sign up for new cable and internet plans. The service connects your internet, cable, and streaming platforms via the Xumo Stream Box, which comes with its own remote and is free for the first six months, $5 per month after.

That option also includes a free subscription to Disney+ Basic. We tried the Xumo Stream Box and were ecstatic that everything we wanted to watch — from basic cable channels to streaming services — was all on one device.

We wish setting up the Xumo Stream Box were a little more user-friendly. You’ll need extensive knowledge of your TV and internet devices to ensure everything installs correctly. There aren’t a lot of plugs involved, but we had to follow many on-screen instructions.

It took us nearly an hour to get everything set up correctly. You can access 24/7 technical support with Spectrum, but we tried to reach out and were left on hold for more than 20 minutes before we spoke to an agent. Luckily, Spectrum also has a chat feature in the mobile app, which usually has shorter wait times.

Chatting with Spectrum Support

Senior Friendliness

We adore that Spectrum feels like the cable TV most of us are familiar with. There aren’t a lot of complicated menus to navigate. You just plug in your equipment and start watching TV (unless you choose Spectrum TV Stream). That simplicity, however, comes at a cost.

Unlike Xfinity and DIRECTV, Spectrum’s remote doesn’t feature voice commands, which we would’ve liked to see. Even if you upgrade to Spectrum TV Stream (which may come with a learning curve for some seniors), you can’t navigate the system with your voice.

Nonetheless, we were happy with our experience. We enjoyed using the free Spectrum TV app to stream live and on-demand content on a computer or smartphone. The Spectrum TV app is a great addition, but less reliable than the Xfinity Stream app. The Xfinity Stream app limits what you can stream to another TV, but the Spectrum TV app limits what you can stream to any device.

We couldn’t see the entire library of channels from our cell phones without a Spectrum Internet plan; we could only stream about 20 channels. Moreover, the app would occasionally stop functioning entirely, which was not an issue we experienced with the Xfinity Stream app.

Browsing content in the Spectrum TV app

Cox streaming

Whether you want a basic starter package or a selection of over 250 channels, Cox TV packages offer great variety and customization, which we’re big fans of. Music lovers will enjoy listening to tunes on Cox’s 50 commercial-free music channels, available with every package. You can customize Cox’s Contour plans with sports and movie packs to get any premium channel a la carte; they cost $10 to $15 extra per month. If you want streaming access only, add the Wireless 4K Contour Stream Player for $5 per month if you also have a Cox internet plan.

If you want streaming access only, you can purchase a Xumo Stream box for a one-time fee of $60. Internet speeds of 100 Mbps are required to use Xumo Stream, which provides access to 750 free channels and hundreds of streaming apps. Cox’s former stream player, Contour Stream Player, only offered access to 170 apps.

Plans and Pricing

*Price is for the first two years. The monthly rate will increase after 12 months.
**Price is based on the first year with a one-year contract and will vary depending on your location and the internet speed you select.

†Prices vary by location.

Cox may not offer prices as low as Spectrum’s TV Essentials plan, but it has a more competitively priced starter plan than DIRECTV. That makes it a solid middle ground for seniors willing to pay more to have extra channels without the requirement of bundling with internet. Of course, you can bundle your Cox internet with cable to get a good deal on both.

» Learn More: Cox Internet for Seniors

The main drawback with Cox is that you can’t go month to month on some packages like you can with Xfinity and some other providers. You might have to sign a two-year term agreement.

If you like Cox and don’t plan to move out of their coverage area anytime soon, it might not be a problem. Luckily, Cox offers a 30-day free trial. If you decide Cox isn’t the right fit, you can cancel without incurring any termination fees during that period.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

Mark your calendar 30 days from when you started service. That ensures you don’t miss the free return period. During that first month, consider the pros and cons of your service. Are you happy with your package, or are there some major drawbacks? You can cancel without penalty if the service isn’t right for you.

Equipment

Cox makes it easy to get your new equipment up and running. The exact devices you get will vary based on the chosen plan, but you can expect (at a minimum) the Contour 2 cable box, a coaxial cable, a power cable, and an HDMI cord.

Whether you choose the wireless 4K or wired HD Contour 2, it will cost $8.50 per month in addition to your plan’s monthly cost. That’s standard for a cable box and less expensive than the rates you’ll pay with Spectrum TV.

You can also add a DVR service to record your favorite shows for as little as $13.50 to $30 monthly. If you already have a CableCard-ready DVR device, you can set it up to work with your Cox plan for just $4 per month. We appreciate the flexibility with this option!

Senior Friendliness

Cox is a solid choice for older adults, with customizable packages to fit your needs. Like Xfinity, we love speaking into the Contour Voice Remote to issue commands and bring up the channel or menu item we want.

We tested the feature extensively. It didn’t always pick up what we said with 100 percent accuracy, but it got us where we wanted to go nine times out of 10. The 24/7 technical support is also a huge plus, especially if you need help learning how to use your new cable setup. We called and got connected to an agent in less than five minutes.

We also spoke to a customer service agent via Cox’s online chat feature. After answering a few questions from a bot, we were connected with a live agent in under two minutes. The representative we spoke with was kind and took the time to answer our questions. You can also chat with customer service through the Cox mobile app. We love all of these different ways to get support!

Chatting with Cox customer service

That said, the two-year term agreement for the Contour Ultimate plan is a relic. We would like to see no contracts on all plans, like Spectrum offers. It would be great for seniors who want to try Cox out for a while and potentially switch to another provider without paying fees. Fortunately, the 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try the service for a month before committing.

Watching TV is the most common leisure activity indulged in by seniors. It can ease feelings of loneliness, but also may enable long, sedentary stretches. If you love TV but also love your health, balance is key.

Optimum offers good deals on basic cable TV plans and bundled packages. The provider is available in only 21 states, but if you live in a location with Optimum services, you may be interested in the cable TV packages it offers.

Optimum’s prices start at a budget-friendly $30 per month for the Entertainment TV package. You can bundle Optimum’s Fastpass internet plan, which costs $25 a month and comes with speeds up to 100 Mbps and a five-year price lock guarantee, with Entertainment TV for just $55 per month. No contract is required for any plan. Verizon Fios cable is another provider that doesn’t require a contract, but their local TV packages start at $79 per month. That’s still relatively inexpensive, but less budget-friendly than Optimum.

Here is sample pricing for an area of Brooklyn, New York (pricing in your area may vary).

Plans and Pricing

You’ll need to have Optimum Fastpass internet for $25 per month to buy any Optimum cable package, so keep that in mind when budgeting.

Entertainment TV is for streaming only. It’s comparably priced to Spectrum’s $40-per-month package, so you may wish to compare apples to apples before you buy. At $140 a month, the Core TV package is nicely padded with local sports channels, including The Gotham Sports app, YES Network, and CBS Sports Network.

If you’re not in Optimum’s service area or you want a comparable package at a lower monthly cost, check out Xfinity’s Popular TV package for $79 a month (prices vary depending on area). Like Optimum’s Core TV, it’s chock-full of sports channels and basic local favorites.

Select TV offers over 200 channels for $170 a month. With over 250 channels, the Premier TV package is Optimum’s top-tier offering. It’s expensive at $190 per month, but the package includes every top-rated cable channel, most sports channels, and premium movie channels. If you love the latest hits exclusive on HBO, Paramount+, Showtime, and Starz, this package is a good choice.

Equipment

Every Optimum cable TV and internet package comes with cable equipment, plus a Wi-Fi 6E Gateway and a Wi-Fi extender. That ensures you’ll get great coverage in multistory or large homes.

Optimum also provides a Bluetooth-enabled, voice-activated remote control for each TV you have in your home. We love the voice-activated remote, which makes it so easy to find programs without looking up or scrolling through channels. All we had to do was speak into the remote, and voilà — we could pull up our favorite channels and shows immediately.

Using my Optimum cable TV

With select 1 Gig internet and TV plans, Optimum also provides a built-in Cloud DVR Plus feature to record any show you like on a one-time or recurring basis. With the service, you can record up to 25 hours of content and 15 shows simultaneously. If you prefer to watch TV on your phone, computer, or tablet, the Optimum app can be used to watch live or recorded TV.

Viewing the channels in an Optimum TV and internet bundle

Browsing our recordings in the Optimum cable TV app

All your equipment can be set up DIY or professionally. Various members of our team have used both options and found them to be satisfactory and fast.

Senior Friendliness

Members of our team who have had Optimum for years have noticed that the company’s customer service has improved significantly over time. Tech support service is hit or miss, with some reps being more knowledgeable and helpful than others. For top-of-the-line tech support, you’ll need to purchase Optimum’s $15-per-month Total Care tech support service. The priority status service gives you premium U.S.-based tech support for your connected home seven days a week.

People indeed love to hate their cable TV providers, but you may wish to check out Cox Communications. The small provider is available in only 19 states, so check to see if it services your area first. Cox has far fewer complaints on the BBB website than Optimum.

XTREAM

If you want to bundle internet and cable TV services, XTREAM from Mediacom offers three cable TV plans: Local TV, Essential TV, and Variety TV. The least expensive bundle is $119.35 per month, and you’ll get over 50 channels, thousands of free On Demand titles, and internet with speeds up to 300 Mbps. It’s cheaper than starter TV plans from DIRECTV and Cox, and their plans don’t include internet like XTREAM does. You also get the Xumo Stream box for free ($5 a month each for additional Xumo boxes), but you’ll need to subscribe to separate apps to view their content. There are more than 300 free channels to watch on Xumo Play, however.

The 300 Mbps speeds are plenty fast enough to enjoy browsing the internet, video chatting with grandkids, and watching Netflix in HD. You’ll also receive a voice remote with your XTREAM package. It allowed us to change channels and search for our favorite shows by speaking.

The premium package also includes home phone service, ideal for anyone wanting to keep a landline. We know some older adults don’t have a cell phone or prefer not to use one at home. Some providers have demolished landline packages over the years, but XTREAM hasn’t. We appreciate that for seniors with different needs.

Plans and Pricing

*Price is for the first 12 months and includes a $10 paperless billing discount. Prices will increase each year until the fourth year, when you will be billed the current standard rate. Doesn’t include local broadcast or sports package fees.

Spectrum technically offers the cheapest cable plan for seniors (if you’re already a Spectrum Internet customer), but XTREAM has the best and most affordable cable and internet bundles. That said, you must commit to a one-year contract, sign up for paperless billing, and avoid any add-ons to enjoy these low prices. XTREAM is our pick if you’re looking for the best deal and don’t care about extra frills.

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Equipment

We found more setup required for XTREAM than other providers, but we think it’s worth it. When you sign up for a cable and internet bundle, you’ll get a Xumo Stream box, an XTREAM Voice Remote, power, Ethernet, and HDMI cables.

The manual included helped us set everything up. If you have any issues, XTREAM has a 24/7 tech team to answer your questions and walk you through the process.

The instructions were transparent, and we didn’t find it necessary to get help, but we still reached out through the customer service number to get a few questions answered. We had to wait on hold for about 15 minutes, but the tech representative was extremely friendly and answered our questions easily.

Senior Friendliness

Like Cox cable and internet, XTREAM is best for seniors who don’t mind committing to one provider for a while. Fortunately, a one-year contract isn’t too long for cable and internet, especially if you don’t have plans to move soon. That said, we would have liked a bit more leeway with a month-to-month plan option for those not ready for commitment.

One thing we liked about XTREAM was the voice remote. Like DIRECTV and Cox, XTREAM offers a voice-controlled remote, ideal for seniors who don’t want to memorize complicated button layouts.

The voice-recognition software was even more intuitive than the Contour Voice Remote from Cox. We could name any channel in our plan’s library or individual shows. The remote brought us directly to the channel or program in seconds. That’s wonderful for older adults who don’t want to mess with menus and button layouts more than they have to.