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Spectrum® offers cable TV plans for seniors starting at just $64.99 per month. Featuring over 150 channels, on-demand offerings, and discounts for bundling, Spectrum is a great choice for television.
Available in 41 states, Spectrum is likely a cable option in your area. Let’s take a closer look at how this provider works.
Did You Know: To learn more about our favorite cable providers, check out our rundown of the best cable TV plans for seniors
Spectrum Cable Pros and Cons
Pros
- Straightforward cable TV plans: Unlike other providers that offer several packages and channel tiers to choose from, Spectrum has just two options.
- On-the-go streaming: Available with any plan, the Spectrum app allows you to stream TV on your smartphone or other device.
- Frequent deals: Spectrum offers many options to help customers save on their monthly cable, Internet, or phone bill. For example, Spectrum has a limited-time offer for free access to Peacock Premium (a value of $4.99 per month) with an eligible Spectrum TV or Spectrum Internet® package.
- Affordable bundles: When you pair cable with Internet or home phone service, Spectrum offers a discount.
- Contract buyout: If you’re stuck in a contract with another cable TV provider, Spectrum will pay for early-termination fees up to $500.
Cons
- No streaming box or voice remote: Unlike other providers like Xfinity, Spectrum doesn’t offer a streaming box option or voice remote.
- DVR service not free: While other cable TV providers offer free DVR service, Spectrum doesn’t. Instead, you’ll have to add DVR service, which starts at $4.99 per month, to your cable TV plan.
- Hidden fees: Some Spectrum cable TV plans include a $21 broadcast fee, along with additional taxes and fees.
Spectrum Cable Plans and Pricing
Spectrum Plan | Price | Channels | Features |
Spectrum TV Select Signature | $64.99 per month | 125+ |
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Spectrum TV Select Signature + Entertainment View | $76.99 per month | 220+ |
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Spectrum TV Select Signature + Sports View + Entertainment View | $83.99 per month | 240+ |
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Spectrum Mi Plan Latino | $34.99 per month | 140+ |
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Spectrum Cable Senior Plans
Although seniors can receive discounts on select Spectrum Internet plans, there are no senior-specific discounts for cable TV. If you’re looking for an affordable cable TV plan, then we’d recommend Spectrum TV Select, which starts at $64.99 per month for 12 months and has the option of adding more channels to suit your entertainment preferences.
Although Spectrum doesn’t have paperless billing discount incentives like Xfinity and other providers, we still think the price point is great for the number of channels you’re getting (over 125). Plus, there are no contracts, and Spectrum will even reimburse you up to $500 if you switch providers and show proof that you were charged an early termination fee.
Extra Features
Spectrum offers extra features such as additional TV boxes and add-on channels.
Spectrum Out-of-Home WiFi: Spectrum offers free, unlimited access to Out-of-Home WiFi for both Spectrum Internet and Spectrum Mobile® customers in several locations throughout the U.S.
Spectrum Originals: Spectrum has its own premium original series, such as “Angela Black” and “L.A.’s Finest.” Spectrum TV subscribers have free access to these titles.
Add-on channels: Spectrum lets you customize your cable TV plan by adding more channels. You can choose from a variety of sports, international, and premium channels that you can watch at home or on the Spectrum TV app.
Spectrum TV app: When you’re on the go or want to stream content on your mobile device at home, you can do so through the Spectrum TV app. This free app lets you stream live TV wherever you are. The app is compatible with smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices.
DVR service: Although Spectrum doesn’t offer free DVR service like other providers, it does offer the option to purchase Cloud DVR or Cloud DVR Plus, which are $4.99 per month and $9.99 per month, respectively. You can record up to either 50 or 100 shows to watch whenever you want. Cloud DVR recordings are available for 90 days, while those on Cloud DVR Plus can be watched up to one year later.
TV equipment: TV equipment is optional for both Spectrum TV plans. If you’d like, you can add an HD Box for $9.99 per month or an Apple TV 4K streaming device for $8.99 per month to stream shows and movies in high definition.
Spectrum Bundles
You can easily customize packages and bundle your Internet, TV, and home phone with Spectrum.
See below for examples of Spectrum Internet, home phone, and cable TV bundles. Keep in mind that pricing and promotions may be slightly different depending on your location and service area.
- Spectrum TV Select + Internet + Voice: Prices start at $129.97 per month for 12 months when bundled. This bundle comes with download speeds of up to 300 Mbps, over 125 channels, and 28 calling features.
- Spectrum TV Select + Internet: Prices start at $109.98 per month for 12 months when bundled. This bundle comes with download speeds of up to 300 Mbps, over 125 channels, and no data caps.
If you want to bundle just your Internet and cable TV, then I’d recommend going for the Spectrum TV Select + Internet bundle, starting at $99.98 per month for 12 months. With this package, you save $55 per month for 12 months. This is double what you’d pay than if you were to purchase just Spectrum TV Select for $59.99 per month. However, we think the additional $49.99 is worth it for high-speed Internet and free antivirus software. and a great basic cable TV plan with over 125 channels.
Contracts and Fees
When you purchase Spectrum TV, make sure you read the fine print and go over all the service rates and disclosures. Although Spectrum doesn’t have contracts or cancellation fees, it’s important to know what you’re signing up for. We’ll break down extra fees below.
Extra Fees
Here’s the breakdown on extra fees from Spectrum (pricing might depend on your location and cable TV plan):
- Broadcast fee for Spectrum Mi Plan Latino: $21 per month
- Installation, network activation, equipment, and additional services: Pricing varies
- Equipment fees: $9.99 per month for HD Box; $8.99 per month for Apple TV 4K
- DVR service: $4.99 per month for Cloud DVR (50 shows); $9.99 per month for Cloud DVR Plus (100 shows)
- Add-on channels: Channel add-ons start at $5 per month.
For example, if you purchased Spectrum Mi Plan Latino, you’d pay $39.99 plus the $21 broadcast fee each month. The $20 monthly promotional discount on Spectrum Mi Plan Latino expires after 12 months, so the price would revert to the standard rate of $54.99 per month.
If you were to add SHOWTIME® for an additional $10 per month and one international channel for $4.99 per month, along with an HD Box for $9.99 per month, that would bring your total to $80.97 per month — before taxes and installation fees. Still, we think this is a budget-friendly option, especially since the promotional rate of $34.99 per month is valid for 12 months.
Keep in mind that with this plan, you’d get over 140 channels, including Spanish-language channels. If you’re looking for a more affordable plan, I’d suggest Spectrum TV Select, which starts at $59.99 per month for 12 months.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a basic cable TV plan with no contracts, then I’d recommend the Spectrum TV Select plan, starting at $64.99 per month for 12 months. For a simplified and hassle-free cable TV selection process, Spectrum might be worth considering.
To learn more about our favorite cable providers for seniors, be sure to check out our additional guides:
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the cheapest Spectrum TV plan?
Spectrum TV Select is the most affordable Spectrum cable TV plan, starting at $59.99 per month for 12 months.
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Does Spectrum require long-term contracts?
Spectrum does not require long-term contracts for their TV plans; however, prices may rise after your initial year of service.
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Do Spectrum TV plans rise in price?
Yes. You might see your cable TV plan increase in price after the promotional period ends, usually 12 months. Additionally, you may see increases in broadcast and other fees.
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Where is Spectrum available?
Spectrum is currently available in 41 states across the U.S.
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If I move, can I keep my Spectrum cable TV?
You can keep your Spectrum cable TV service if you move. However, your new address must be in a Spectrum service area. Use Spectrum’s online moving resource to easily transfer your Spectrum services to your new address.
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Does Spectrum have a cable plan for seniors?
Spectrum does not offer a senior-specific cable TV plan. However, we’d recommend starting with Spectrum TV Select for $59.99 per month for 12 months.