If you're looking to change out your TV or internet provider, the bundle services currently available can be tempting and confusing at the same time. You'll want to know what kind of speed their internet service provides both for download and upload speeds. Of course, you won't want to give up your favorite show by losing an important channel in the lineup. That said, you can save lots of money with the best TV and Internet bundles. Other features that ought to be considered are whether channels are in HD, is there is DVR service and for internet services, will metering lower your speed? As more viewers are switching to streaming service, internet service will become more important to the average consumer. We've researched the top three providers, DirecTV, Dish Network and Comcast cable and tried to answer some of your questions.
DirecTV is one of the best cable tv package providers when it comes to customer service. This company leads the pack with a satisfaction rating over 90% by their customer base with Dish only a little bit behind. Dish Network makes it easy to get the channels you want without any fuss. Dish doesn't charge more mid-contract, offers free installation, and has excellent customer service, especially over chat.
Comcast leads the nation in the best cable and internet service providers as they serve the largest number of homes that receive internet, TV and phone services with very low introductory rates and availability to most urban and suburban areas. DirecTV is the leader for customer satisfaction, but you will pay more. Dish Network is your bargain option for satellite service, but without all the bell and whistles DirecTV can provide.
If you want the satellite service, you need a clear view of the horizon. Installers charge extra to place the dishes on your roof and they won't chop down trees to achieve a clear angle. It's worth it to pay for a site survey before signing up for a couple years of service you can't receive in the first place. High rise condos and apartment buildings may prevent you from placing your dish in a prime location, too.
The best cable and satellite deals come with a wide range and variety of channels. Comcast delivers 260 channels in their Digital Premiere package for about $70. Dish Network 320 channels including premium movie channels. They deliver this for $114 per month. Finally DirecTV delivers 315 channels in their Premier Plan with 90% of them being in HD and a large assortment of sports channels.
The best tv and internet bundles also offer impressive lists of basic channels at low prices. Comcast's Digital Economy is available for $29.99 mo. with 45 channels for a limited time. This is your locals, popular base channels like USA, CNN and TNT. Dish offers 50 channels for the same price with a two year contract. The line up is very similar to the Comcast version. The introductory package for DirecTV includes 145 channels, far surpassing the other two with more movie and sports options, but you pay $50/mo.
The fastest internet providers consistently meet or exceed their promises of providing at least 25 Mbps speeds. DirecTV and Dish are both satellite providers that have strategic partners all over the United States and constantly impress their customers with fast internet speeds of 25 Mbps. Comcast also provides up to 25 Mbps download speeds.
All three companies offer price-busting internet and TV bundle deals. The prices and length of contract will vary often, so it's best to check their websites for current pricing. Recent bundles offered included: Comcast offered $69.99/mo., Dish at $94.98/mo., and DirecTV for $80/mo
All three competitors have DVR services available. Dish leads the pack with their Hopper, which provides up to 10 recordings at a time, and currently has a smoking deal: new customers can get a two-year price lock guarantee, 190 channels, a free Smart DVR, and Voice Remote for only $59.99 per month. DirecTV is offering new customers a package with DVR for only $35 per month for 12 months with a two-year contract (the package is $78 per month during the second year). Comcast provides a deal similar to Dish TV, with a basic internet and TV bundle for only $59.99 per month for the first 12 months.