How to save money by bundling TV and internet
Bundling is a great way to save money on internet and TV service. We cover the different types of bundles you can get from your internet and TV providers, how to choose a bundle and make sure you’re getting a good deal, and which providers tend to offer the best perks and discounts with their bundles.
Types of bundles
The two most common types of bundle deals are internet and TV service bundles (also called “double play” deals) and internet, TV, and home phone service bundles (also called “triple play” deals). Sometimes other services are available as part of a package deal as well, including cell phone plans, access to streaming services, or home security monitoring services.
Should you bundle TV and internet?
There are plenty of ways to save money on TV service, no matter what kind of content you prefer.
Digital TV antennas can cost as little as $20 and give you free access to local broadcast television channels like ABC, CBS, and FOX so you can watch your favorite sitcoms, local news, and sports.
Streaming services like Netflix or Disney+ can give you on-demand access to the content that best suits your interests, and most platforms only cost around $15 per month.
For families who want a large number of channels at their fingertips, cable and satellite TV packages offer the most variety, but they can be costly. If you're sure a traditional TV package is right for you, then bundling it with your internet service can be a great way to save.
Providers that offer both internet and TV service often provide monthly discounts for those who bundle. But, you'll want to consider all the options available to make sure you're getting the best value.
How to make sure you get a good bundle deal
When you’re bundling services, you want to make sure you’re getting a good deal. Some providers will give you discounts, free perks, or waive fees when you bundle services. Others may not offer any incentives for bundling, apart from the convenience of paying for multiple services on a single bill or having a single installation fee.
Getting the biggest bundle discount may not mean getting the best value for your money, so it’s important to shop around and compare prices from multiple providers. Here’s how to find the best deal:
- Decide how much internet speed you need and which TV channels you want.
- For each provider in your area, compare the prices of the individual services you want to the prices for the available bundles. Going with different providers for your TV and internet service may be the best choice if you're not able to get the channels you want or the internet speed you need from the same provider. In some cases, you might save more by going with different providers than getting a bundle discount.
- Pay close attention to the terms, fees, and equipment rental costs associated with each service. Many bundles require year-long contracts, even in cases when the individual services would not.
- Choose the bundle or individual service plans with the best price for the internet speed, TV channels, and perks that you want.
Providers with the best TV and internet bundle deals
Bundling isn’t always cheaper than getting TV and internet separately. Some companies, like AT&T, Cox, and Spectrum, allow you to bundle TV with internet service but don’t usually offer discounts for doing so.
Deals change regularly, but there are some providers that consistently offer bundles with generous discounts or attractive perks. Here are the providers that typically offer bundles that can save you money.
| Provider | Bundle discounts | Length of promotion | Additional perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | Internet and TV: $10–$24 savings per month (for 1-year term or 24 months with no contract) | Ongoing | N/A |
| Xfinity | Internet and Mobile: $0 savings | Limited-time promotion | $500 prepaid card when you sign up with 2 mobile lines |
| Optimum | Internet and TV: $5 savings per month for the first 12 months | Ongoing discount | N/A |
| Verizon Fios | Internet, TV, and Mobile: $25 savings per month with select 5G mobile plans for as long as the services are active | Ongoing discount | N/A |
See our rankings for overall best internet providers and best TV providers.
Brittany is a Contributing Writer for Switchful with over five years of experience writing about technology in the US and Europe. Her primary focus is on mobile and internet topics. She is passionate about helping people choose the right tech for their needs at the right price.
Bri Field has a background in academia, research writing, and brand marketing. She has edited scientific publications, conference papers, digital content, and technical communications. As Assigning Editor, she enjoys ensuring all content is accurate, clear, and helpful. In her free time, you can find her in the kitchen trying a new recipe, out on a hike, or working through her massive TBR list.
Vilja Johnson leads Switchful's editorial and creative teams. She has been editing content in the consumer tech space since 2016, and she has over a decade of experience teaching writing and editing. She's passionate about creating content that resonates with people and helps them solve real, day-to-day problems. In her free time, Vilja serves on the board of directors for the PrisonEd Foundation, where she runs a writing program for inmates in Utah prisons and jails.