There isn't a clear yes or no answer when it comes to this question. You have to weigh your TV viewing habits and what the deals are like where you stay. If you enjoy a broad range of content, cable TV and internet bundle will save you some money.
But if you mostly enjoy shows through streaming services, skipping the bundle might be your best bet. Many providers advertise bundling cable with satellite TV in hopes of saving your monthly bill.
Before you go jumping on any deal, you have to weigh the good and the bad sides of the deal. It's all about your preferences, but this guide will help you make an informed decision.
To Bundle or Not To Bundle
Here are the things you want to consider when you are trying to figure out whether to bundle or not. Both sides have convincing points that can sway you.
Internet-Only Plan
Sometimes it makes sense to buy services separately. There might be a standalone internet deal that suits your every need. Also, the best internet providers are the worst cable providers in some areas. So mixing services, in this case, can be a bad idea. It makes sense to get these services from different companies. When you decide to go with the internet-only plan, stick to your decision no matter what the salesperson says.
Pros
- It is relatively cheaper than bundling
- there are usually many no-contract options
- you are free to select the internet speed you want
Cons
- bundling has better sign-up perks
- getting only one service from the company can be costly
Internet and TV Bundles
Bundling is regarded as the cheaper, but not all bundling services will save you money. Most companies offer bundles that are the same price as buying separate services. In this case, you won't be able to save anything. However, other providers lower the bundle prices to make it more appealing. If you must bundle, look for the companies with stellar bundling deals. Getting both services from the same company can have its benefits. You only have to deal with one company when you finally decide to cancel the services.
Pros
- Paying one bill instead of two is easier because it saves time
- You will have special promotions that are not available with single services
- Sign-up perks sometimes include installation
Cons
- They usually have long-term contracts
- It's more expensive than internet-only plans
Is Bundling Really Cheaper?
Bundle deals vary depending on the provider and your location. When looking for these deals, you have to be thorough to uncover the cheapest options. It's always difficult to directly compare internet-only plans and bundle services.
But one thing that is worth noting with bundling is the access to a lot of entertainment options. It may not be cheaper, but you will have special channels, live TV, and pay-per-view options that aren't available in streaming services. There is something incredibly nice about having content available at all times. Sometimes you don’t know what you want to watch until you come across it.
If you have a large household, you may have to upgrade your internet package. Also, if you are one to sign up for all the streaming services in the market, you won't be saving much money. In these cases, bundling might be a cheaper option. The goal is to find a deal that won't drill a hole in your pocket. The only way to do that is to weigh your viewing and streaming behaviors. For others, bundling is the cheaper option, while an internet-only plan is the best bet for others.
The good thing is you can choose between TV-only, internet-only, and TV plus internet bundle services. No company will force you to make a deal you atre not comfortable with. They will try to sell an idea to you but if you know what you want you should go for it.
Internet-Only Options to Consider
If you decide you don’t want to bundle TV and internet services, these should be your go-to companies. They offer amazing download speeds that will make streaming a breeze. Some of them require contracts, but they are all fairly priced.
Frontier
The FiberOptic 100/100 is worth a try. The fiber connection is very reliable, and you will get a download speed of up to 100 Mbps. But you can get the 50 Mbps internet speed at a lower price if you feel like 100 Mbps is too much for you. Their prices vary from $ 30 to $ 40 per month, depending on the speed you choose. You will have to sign a contract, which most people don't like.
AT& T Internet 100
AT& T is a well-known internet provider. They can be your salvation when looking for an internet-only plan. Their internet plan can cost you $ 50 per month. But it's a fair price considering you will be getting 100 Mbps downloading speed. You can try the starting fiber package and see how it takes you. The only disadvantage is the one-year contract they need you to sign.
Xfinity
The Performance Plus Internet service from Xfinity is also worth considering. Depending on your needs, they offer a download speed of 75 Mbps, but you can upgrade it to 175 Mbps. Most people who like high internet speed are heavy-duty streamers or gamers. Weigh your option and see which of their plans is more suitable.
TV And Internet Bundles To Consider
If TV and internet bundles seem like the right choice for you, these are great providers to consider. They all have something extra or unique to offer.
Cox Bronze Duo
If you choose this plan, you will get a download speed of 150 Mbps and over 140 channels. If you are in your forever home, you won't find a hard time sighing the two-year contract on this package. But if you plan to move soon, you should find another plan. You may have to pay $ 89.99 per month for the Cox Bronze Duo.
X1 Starter Pro Double Play
This plan will give you access to over 140 channels and a download speed of 175 Mbps. If you only need a variety of channels and are good without having the top-of-the-line cable TV package, this plan will be great. They have other benefits like discounted installations and free speed upgrades that you should be on the lookout for.
Spectrum Double Play Silver
If you choose this package, you will get over 175 channels with HD at no extra cost and a 100 Mbps download speed. However, it might be more costly than other options on the list. But it comes with free premium channels like Showtime and HBO.
Final Thoughts
It all comes down to what you prefer and which deal is better for your household. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to these services. Everyone has something different they look for in TV and internet services.
