Compare TV and Internet Providers In One Simple Tool
Matthew Harrington
November 13, 2024
When you think of comparing TV and internet providers, you think of searching multiple websites, and making hundreds of phone calls to see which provider is available in your area. But before doing all that, you first have to decide on your budget, and your desired internet connection (such as fiber or satellite internet service), among other things. HomeLinkd takes the hassle away – providing you with all the information you need and giving you easy-to-use tools to help you find internet and TV deals suited to you. We make it as easy as entering your zip code.
How to find the best internet providers in your area
To get started, you need to consider the following factors when trying to find the best deals:
Internet connection type
Decide on the type of internet you need – do you need a fast connection for gaming or streaming? Or maybe a more basic connection for general web browsing and social media? There are four main types of internet connection:
Fiber internet
Fiber-optic cables deliver an internet connection that's much faster than other types of internet. Reaching speeds of 5 Gbps from some major providers, fiber optic internet is perfect for those who want high-speed internet without lag. It is ideal for online gamers, homes with multiple internet users, and for running a home business or working from home. Fiber internet providers are not as widely available as other providers, although it does offer a reliable internet connection and high speed internet.
Cable internet
This type of internet uses the same coaxial cables as your TV service, and is available from providers such as Comcast and Spectrum. Cable speeds can reach up to 1 Gbps in some areas, making it a good choice for those who want a fast connection but don't need the speed of fiber internet. It is ideal for those who enjoy streaming videos in 4K, online gaming and those who want high download speeds without the price tag of fiber.
DSL (digital subscriber line)
This type of internet uses copper telephone lines to deliver an internet connection. It is available from providers such as AT&T, CenturyLink and Verizon. While the speeds offered by DSL internet service can be slower than other types of internet, it is a good option for those who want a basic connection for emails and web browsing and a cheap internet option.
Satellite internet
Satellite internet uses a dish to send and receive signals from satellites orbiting the earth. It is available from providers such as HughesNet and Viasat. Satellite is available in areas where other types of internet are not, making it a good choice for rural areas. However, the speeds offered by satellite internet can be slower than other types of internet, and there may be data caps in place.
Internet speed
The next thing to consider is the speed you need. This will depend on how you use the internet and the number of devices that will be connected at any one time. For general web browsing and social media, a basic connection with speeds up to 10 Mbps should be fine. For streaming videos or music, you'll need a little more speed – around 25 Mbps should do the trick. For gaming or working from home, you'll need a fast connection with speeds of 50 Mbps or more.
Type of internet plan
Once you've decided on the type of internet connection and speed you need, you'll need to decide on a plan. The two main types of plans are capped data plans and unlimited data plans.
Capped data plans have a limit on the amount of data you can use each month. Once you reach your limit, your speeds will be reduced or you may have to pay extra for more data, whilst unlimited data plans do not have a limit on the amount of data you can use, so your speeds will not be reduced even if you use a lot of data each month. Also consider bundle options as some providers offer discounts if you bundle your TV package and internet service together.
Look for the best prices
Once you've decided on the type of internet connection, speed and plan you need, it's time to start shopping around for the best prices and deals. Now that you know what you're looking for, all you need is your zip code. Once you have that, head over to HomeLinkd and using our zip code tool, you'll be able to find internet or TV services in your area. You can also filter the results by your desired connection type – be it fiber, cable, DSL or satellite internet. Once you've found a few providers that interest you, click on them to compare their plans side-by-side. This makes it easy to see which plan fits your needs the best.
How to find the best TV providers in your area
Just like internet, there are a few things you need to consider before choosing a TV provider.
Decide which type of TV service you want:
Cable TV
This is the most common type of TV service and is available from providers such as Comcast, Spectrum and Cox. Cable companies offers a wide variety of channels, including all the major networks, as well as premium channels like HBO and Showtime.
Satellite TV
This type of TV uses a dish to receive signals from satellites orbiting the earth. It is available from providers such as Dish and DIRECTV. Satellite TV service offers a wide variety of channels, including all the major networks, as well as premium channels like HBO and Showtime. This is the newest type of TV service and is available from providers such as AT&T U-verse, CenturyLink and Verizon Fios. Fiber offers a wide variety of channels, including all the major networks, as well as premium channels like HBO and Showtime.
IPTV
This is a newer type of TV service that delivers television over an internet connection. It is available from providers such as AT&T U-verse, CenturyLink and Verizon Fios. IPTV offers a wide variety of channels, including all the major networks, as well as premium channels like HBO and Showtime.
Consider the channels and services you want
Once you've decided on the type of TV service you want, you'll need to decide which channels and services you want. The most common channels are the major networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC, as well as premium channels like HBO and Showtime. But there are also many other channels available, such as sports channels, movie channels, foreign language channels and more. And don't forget about services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. These are streaming services that offer a wide variety of movies, TV shows, documentaries and more. They can be watched on your TV, laptop, tablet or smartphone.
Choose a plan that fits your budget
Once you've decided on the type of TV service and the channels and services you want, it's time to start shopping around for the best prices. Just like internet, all you need is your zip code. Enter it into the search bar on HomeLinkd and we'll show you a list of all the TV providers in your area, as well as available internet and TV service plans. You can also filter the results by your desired connection type, be it cable, satellite, fiber or IPTV. Once you've found a few providers that interest you, click on them to compare plans side-by-side.
What is a TV and internet bundle deal?
A bundle deal is when you get both TV and internet service from the same provider. This is a great way to save money, because you'll usually get a discount for bundling. Bundle deals are a great way to get everything you need in one simple package. And with HomeLinkd, it's easy to find the best bundle deals in your area.
Can you also bundle your phone and internet?
Yes, you can! This is called a triple play bundle. And just like with TV and internet bundles, you'll usually get a discount for bundling all three services together.
Compare the best TV and internet providers
Now that you know everything there is to know about TV and internet, it's time to start comparing the best providers. From Spectrum internet to Xfinity internet, we give you a list of the best deals and providers out there.
Internet providers
Our top three picks of the best internet providers of 2022 are:
1. AT&T
AT&T is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and fast internet connection. They offer a wide variety of plans, with speeds ranging from 5 Mbps to 5 Gbps. With prices ranging from very affordable to moderate rates, you'll be able to find a plan that suits you at a price you'll love.
2. CenturyLink
CenturyLink is a great choice for those in search of a budget-friendly internet option. Speeds range from 5 - 940 Mbps. CenturyLink offers internet plans with no data caps, so you won't have to worry about exceeding your monthly allowance.
3. EarthLink
EarthLink is a great option for those looking for an a steady cable or DSL internet provider. They offer a variety of speeds ranging from 5 - 1,000 Mbps. EarthLink is a great choice for those looking to get cheap internet plans.
These three providers offer a great mix of speed, price and customer service. But there are many other providers out there, so be sure to shop around and find the one that's right for you.
TV Providers
There are many great TV providers to choose from. But our top three picks are:
1. DIRECTV
DIRECTV is our top pick for the best TV provider. They offer a wide variety of plans, with channels ranging from 60 - 330+. DIRECTV is a great option for those on a budget.
2. Frontier FiOS TV
Frontier FiOS TV is a great choice for those looking for a fiber-optic option. They offer a wide variety of plans, with over 155 channels to browse through. Frontier FiOS TV is a great option for people looking for the best TV channels to choose from.
3. Spectrum TV
Spectrum TV is a great choice for those looking for a cable TV option. They offer a wide variety of plans, with channels ranging from 125 - 200+. Spectrum TV is a great option for those on a budget.
These three providers offer a great mix of channels, price and customer service. But there are many other providers out there, so be sure to shop around and find the one that's right for you.
Compare internet deals from top providers
Some of our top internet deals are:
1. AT&T's Internet 100
No data caps
No long-term contract
No added equipment fees
Super-fast internet connection
2. CenturyLink's Simply Unlimited Internet 140
No data caps
No long-term contract
Budget-friendly internet option
3. EarthLink's Hyperlink 1 Gbps
Unlimited data
High-speed connection
Fiber-optic speeds
Cheap broadband internet and TV bundles
Some of our top broadband internet and TV bundles are:
1. DIRECTV STREAM ENTERTAINMENT + AT&T Internet 300
165+ channels
300 Mbps internet speeds
Unlimited data
2. Spectrum TV Select + Internet Ultra + Voice
125+ channels
Up to 500 Mbps internet speeds
No data caps or hidden fees
3. Frontier Basic Internet + DISH America’s Top 200
240+ channels
Unlimited data
Why is it a good idea to bundle your TV and internet together?
There are many reasons why it's a good idea to bundle your TV and internet together. For one, it's a great way to save money. When you bundle your services together, you'll usually get a discount on both your TV and internet service. Additionally, bundling your services together will make it easier to keep track of your bills and payments. And if you ever have any questions or problems, you can always contact your TV and internet provider for help. So, if you're looking to save money and make your life easier, then bundling your internet and cable TV services together is a great option for you.
Find the best internet and TV providers for your home with one simple tool
Finding great internet providers in your area is as easy as entering your address in our search bar.
Written by:
Matthew Harrington
I’m Matthew, your go-to tech enthusiast who loves diving deep into the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of all things technology. My day job? Breaking down complex systems so you don’t have to! When I’m not geeking out over the latest gadgets, you’ll find me exploring new coding languages or reading about future tech trends. I believe every technical problem has a solution, and I’m here to guide you through them, step by step.
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