Should I Get a TV and Internet Bundle or Just an Internet Plan?

• Pros and Cons for TV and internet bundles vs. internet-only plans
• Do I have to bundle cable TV and internet?
• Does bundling services really save money?
• Who has the best TV and internet bundles
• The best internet-only plans

Pros and Cons for TV and internet bundles vs. internet-only plans

Do I have to bundle cable TV and internet?

You never have to bundle cable TV and internet. If you just want internet or cable TV, you have the option to just choose one service with most providers. Getting a cable TV and internet bundle  is a great option for those who do want both services. Most providers offer discounted rates for their individual services when you bundle them together. Plus, providers offer perks like free installation, free equipment, or gifts when you bundle. 

One drawback to bundling is that you might have to sign a long-term contract. If you live in a family household and know that you’ll be sticking around for a while, this shouldn’t be an issue. However, if you’re a renter or student and you’re unsure about where you’ll be in a few months, bundling won’t be for you. A bundle looks very appealing when you see the discount you could get on each service, but don’t let that convince you if you don’t want both services. A TV and internet bundle is usually more expensive than buying an internet-only or TV-only package. 

If you’re a cord cutter and watch most of your TV through streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, you don’t need a TV and internet bundle. You’re better off with a reliable, high-speed internet plan so that you can stream without interruption.  

Does bundling services really save money?

Below is a breakdown of the price for popular TV and internet bundles compared to the cost of buying the services individually. Keep in mind that prices and bundle deals will vary based on your location.

It’s not always possible to make a direct comparison for bundles vs. standalone plans. For example, Xfinity offers a TV and internet bundle with download speeds up to 100 Mbps, but if you want an internet-only package there is a 75 Mbps or 175 Mbps option. This is when it’s important to know just how much speed you need for your lifestyle and household. Check out our article on how much speed you need so you can make the best decision for your internet plan. The easiest way to compare all of your options for TV and internet bundles and internet-only plans available in your area is to use our search by zip code tool. 

Who has the best TV and internet bundles

If you’ve decided that a TV and internet bundle is right for you, check out our recommendations for the best bundles below. Keep in mind that the providers and prices available to you will vary by your location.

X1 Starter Pro Double Play

Xfinity’s Starter Pro Double Play bundle offers over 140 channels and download speeds up to 175 Mbps. This TV and internet bundle is a good option for those who don’t need a top of the line cable TV package and just want a good variety of channels to watch. The internet speeds with this bundle should be plenty for most households. At $79.98 a month the X1 Starter Pro Double Play is a great deal. Also be on the lookout for perks like free speed upgrades and discounted installation with Xfinity. 

Cox Bronze Duo

The Bronze Duo from Cox has 140+ channels and download speeds up to 150 Mbps. You’ll need to sign a two-year agreement for this package, so it’s best for those who know what they want and don’t plan to move anytime soon. The Cox Bronze Duo starts at a price of $89.99/mo.

Use our search by address tool to see which of these TV and internet bundles are available where you live.

The best internet-only plans

If you’ve decided that you don’t need to bundle cable TV with your internet, we’ve got you covered. There are plenty of internet-only plans that will save you money, and they’re perfect for the cord cutter lifestyle. The providers available to you will vary by where you live, but we’ll recommend some of the nation’s largest providers that may service your area.

AT&T Internet 100 

AT&T’s starting fiber package comes with download speeds up to 100 Mbps which is plenty of speed for streaming Netflix or playing online games. The Internet 100 plan costs $50 a month, which is a decent price for the amount of speed you’ll be getting. This AT&T internet plan requires a one-year contract. 

Frontier FiberOptic 100/100

The FiberOptic 100/100 plan from Frontier offers great value. It comes with download speeds up to 100 Mbps, and the connection is fiber so it will be very reliable. This fiber internet plan only costs $40 per month. If you don’t think you need that much speed, Frontier’s starting FiberOptic plan offers speeds up to 50 Mbps for $30 a month so you can save even more. One drawback with Frontier is that you’ll need to sign a two-year contract.

Xfinity Performance Plus Internet

The Performance Plus Internet plan from Xfinity comes with download speeds up to 75 Mbps. This is a good amount of speed for cord cutters, and it starts at an affordable price of $29.99 per month. If you have several heavy duty gamers or streamers in the house, you might want to upgrade to Xfinity’s internet plan with download speeds up to 175 Mbps if it’s available in your area. You’ll need to sign a one-year agreement with this internet plan. 

Quick Summary: most providers offer several options for both internet and TV bundles and internet-only plans. If you want both TV and internet, it’s best to bundle to save on your monthly bill and get some great sign up perks. On the other hand, if you’re a cord cutter and you like to watch streaming services rather than live TV, you’ll be better off with a standalone internet plan. You can easily find out which bundles and internet-only deals are available in your area by using our search by zip code tool.