What Basic Cable Channels Do You Get with the Most Popular Cable TV Providers?

These days, it’s common to come across cable TV packages that advertise hundreds or even thousands of channels. While that may suit some cable customers, others just want basic cable. If you don’t want to pay for extra channels you’ll never watch, what are your options?

There’s no need to pay for more cable channels than you need. Basic cable TV still exists. Here’s a list of the basic channels offered by some of the most popular cable TV providers in the country.

What Channels Are Included in Basic Cable?

The specific channels included with a basic cable TV plan vary depending on your provider and even your location. However, most basic cable packages include local broadcast stations and public-access channels that are considered essential for staying informed and connected to your community.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees how cable providers manage local broadcast access through what’s known as the “must-carry” rule. This rule doesn’t require providers to carry specific national networks like ABC or FOX.

Instead, it allows local broadcast stations, including local affiliates of national networks, to request “must-carry” status from cable providers. When a local channel makes this request, the provider is required to include that station in its basic lineup. Some of the most common channels offered in a basic cable TV subscription include:

• CBS
• ABC
• PBS
• FOX
• Telemundo
• Other public-access or government TV channels

Depending on where you live, you’ll find that some basic cable packages also include a decent number of Spanish channels.

Does Basic Cable Include ESPN?

Sports lovers might want a guarantee that their basic cable subscription includes ESPN before downsizing from a more expensive plan.

Though basic cable stations don’t typically include ESPN in their lineup, some cable TV providers offer a slightly expanded lineup of basic cable channels that includes favorites such as ESPN, Disney Channel, MTV, and CNN.

Contact your cable provider to find out whether ESPN is included in their most basic TV subscription. If not, you may be able to add it on for a small monthly fee.

How Much is Basic Cable?

Basic cable packages vary greatly depending on the provider you choose. On average, however, the basic plans offered by major cable TV providers can range from around $20 to $55 per month. The number of channels offered at this price range is often between 10 and 75.

Minimum Cable TV Package Options

Looking for a basic cable plan that works for you, but not sure where to start? If you’re unsatisfied with your current cable provider’s channel offerings, Smartmove can show you your other options.

Let’s explore some of the best basic TV and expanded basic TV services available today from the industry’s top cable providers.

Xfinity Basic Cable

With multiple basic plans starting at $20 per month, Xfinity proves that, as a company, it prioritizes the customer’s ability to customize their cable plan.

Though Xfinity’s basic channel lineup includes fewer channels than other cable TV providers, the low pricing makes up for the lack of options. Basic cable channels offered by Xfinity include:

• CNBC
• Comedy Central
• CNN
• Bravo
• A&E
• AMC
• The Cooking Channel
• E!
• Esquire
• The Food Network
• FOX Business
• FUSE
• MSNBC
• Nick
• USA
• TLC
• And more

Cox Basic Cable

Cox is known for its generous basic cable package. This plan is a great fit for customers who are avid TV watchers but don’t need thousands of channels to watch their favorite programs.

The Cox TV Lite plan is reasonably priced at $71 per month for over 75+ basic and premium channels. Note: Channel availability varies by region.

Some of the most popular channels offered through Cox basic cable include:

• PBS
• CBS
• NBC
• FOX
• QVC
• C-Span
• And more

Optimum Basic Cable

Want cable TV + Internet reliability you can count on? Optimum’s basic cable plan starts at $30 per month, giving customers access to over 80 cable channels along with reliable Internet service.

Optimum basic cable channels include:

• CBS
• ION
• NBC
• FOX
• ABC
• PBS
• TV Land
• C-Span
• Court TV
• And more

Spectrum Basic Cable

Spectrum TV is one of the best deals on the market for basic cable, especially considering that its package includes more channels than others for a lower monthly fee.

For just $40 per month, you can gain access to more than 85 channels, as well as 60,000+ programs on demand.

Spectrum basic cable channels include:

• NBC
• PBS
• PBS Kids
• FOX
• BBC America
• BET
• C-Span
• CMT
• CNBC
• CNN
• Disney
• ESPN
• FX
• The Food Network
• National Geographic
• The SEC Network
• And more

Fidelity Basic Cable Channels

FidelityTV, now known as Sparklight, helps customers stay connected to their local programming and national channels. However, this provider currently only serves Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Starting at $54/month, Sparklight’s Economy TV Plus package includes up to 20 local broadcast channels and Video-on-Demand.

Basic cable channels that come with Fidelity include:

• CBS
• FOX
• ABC
• NBC
• PBS
• Nick
• C-Span
• USA
• TLC
• CNN
• ESPN
• Disney
• And more

Armstrong Basic Cable Channels

Armstrong’s basic cable package, called Economy Pack, includes all local channels as well as national favorites like Lifetime, Disney Channel, and CNN.

Armstrong basic cable channels include:

• Animal Planet
• AMC
• BBC America
• FX
• Game Show Network
• Lifeline Cable TV package is budget-friendly while still providing over 120 channels, 50 commercial-free music stations, and On-Demand access. Channels include:
  • TBS
  • TNT
  • Lifetime
  • ESPN
  • VH1
  • Spike
  • Comedy Central
  • Animal Planet
  • Nick
  • The History Channel
  • OWN
  • CNN
  • E!
  • Disney
  • CNBC
  • MSNBC
  • The Weather Channel
  • Bravo
  • And more

Verizon

With the basic Fios TV: Local package, you can access more than 60 local channels, along with customized channel recommendations for a monthly cost of $79. Basic cable channels with Verizon include:

• A&E
• ESPN
• BET
• Comedy Central
• C-Span
• FX Movie Channel
• OWN
• TBN
• TBS
• TNT
• VH1
• HGTV
• And more

Streaming Alternatives To Basic Cable

Cutting the cord doesn’t mean sacrificing live TV, local channels, or premium entertainment. Today’s streaming services offer flexible, contract-free alternatives to cable, often at lower monthly prices and with greater customization.

Depending on your viewing habits and your Internet reliability, one or more of these live TV streaming options may be a better value than a traditional basic or expanded basic cable plan.

Sling TV

Sling TV offers two customizable base plans: Sling Orange (focused on sports and family channels like ESPN and Disney) and Sling Blue (focused on news and entertainment like FOX and NBC). You can combine both for a more complete package. Sling also provides plenty of add-ons, including lifestyle, news, and international channel packs.

• Starting Price: $145.99/month
• Channel Count: 30–45+ (depending on plan)
• Best For: Budget-conscious viewers who want live TV flexibility.

Key Highlights:

• Cloud DVR storage included
• No contracts
• Compatible with most devices
• Affordable sports and news coverage

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV streaming service is one of the most robust options available. It includes access to Hulu’s full on-demand library, along with Disney+ and ESPN+. This combination makes it particularly appealing for families and sports fans who want both live broadcasts and streaming originals in one subscription.

• Starting Price: $89.99/month
• Channel Count: 90+
• Best For: Families who want a complete entertainment solution.

Key Highlights:

• Includes local channels (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, NFL Network)
• Bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+
• Unlimited DVR storage
• Strong on-demand catalog

YouTube TV

YouTube TV mirrors the look and feel of cable, with a very user-friendly interface and excellent streaming quality. It offers all major networks, local channels, and an extensive DVR feature for recording unlimited hours of shows.

• Starting Price: $82.99/month
• Channel Count: 100+
• Best For: Viewers wanting a traditional cable-like experience without the hardware.

Key Highlights:

• Unlimited DVR storage at no extra cost
• Local and national sports channels included
• Easy to use and highly reliable streaming
• Family sharing (up to six accounts)

FuboTV

FuboTV started as a soccer-centric platform and has evolved into one of the most comprehensive sports and entertainment streaming services. It includes local channels, major sports networks (ESPN, FS1, beIN Sports), and a solid lineup of lifestyle and movie channels.

• Starting Price: $84.99/month
• Channel Count: 2000+
• Best For: Sports enthusiasts and international viewers.

Key Highlights:

• 4K streaming on select content
• Cloud DVR storage
• Excellent for sports, including international coverage
• Family plan options with multiple streams

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream offers a traditional cable-like package experience in a streaming format. Subscribers can choose from several tiered plans, starting with popular local, entertainment, and news channels, and going up to premium options that include HBO and Showtime.

• Starting Price: $89.99/month
• Channel Count: 90+
• Best For: Former cable customers looking for a familiar experience.

Key Highlights:

• Strong regional sports network availability
• Includes local broadcast and national channels
• Option to bundle with HBO Max or premium networks

Bonus: Free or Low-Cost Streaming Options

For those who primarily want local channels and free entertainment, consider these low or even free streaming options:

• Pluto TV: Free ad-supported live and on-demand content.
• Tubi: Free movies and TV shows with minimal ads.
• The Roku Channel: Offers live news and on-demand programming.
• Over the Air (OTA) TV Antenna + Freeview Apps: Pairing a digital antenna with apps like NewsON lets you stream local channels for free.

Streaming vs. Basic Cable Service: At a Glance

>Feature	>Basic Cable	>Streaming TV
Contracts	Often required	None
Equipment Fees	Usually applies	None (just a streaming device)
Channel Customization	Limited	Highly flexible
Local Channels	Yes	Yes (on most live TV services)
Average Price	$30–$55/month	$28–$90/month
DVR Capability	Often limited or extra	Usually unlimited or cloud-based
Mobility	TV viewing only	Watch TV anywhere, any device

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is basic cable the same as free local TV?

No, while both offer access to major networks, they are not the same.

Free local TV is transmitted over the air — you can receive these signals with a digital or HD antenna at no ongoing cost. This includes major networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, and sometimes additional independent or regional stations.

Basic cable, on the other hand, delivers those same local networks plus a few extra channels through a paid cable connection. Because it comes via a physical cable network rather than broadcast signals, you’ll typically enjoy:

• More consistent reception (especially helpful in areas with weak over-the-air signals).
• Additional convenience, since no antenna placement or signal scanning is needed.
• Added options, such as community access channels, regional programming, or basic network affiliates.

Can I get Internet and basic cable together?

Yes. Most cable companies offer bundled deals that combine Internet plans and basic cable for convenience and lower monthly costs. Providers like Optimum, Spectrum, Xfinity, Cox, and Verizon all offer versions of these bundles.

Here’s why bundling can be beneficial:

• Discounted rates: Providers often take $10–$30 off when services are packaged together.
• Simplified billing: One account, one monthly payment.
• Strong Internet connection: Bundles often feature the provider’s high-speed plans, meaning access to Internet reliability that’s ideal for streaming or working from home.
• Added perks: Some bundles include apps for streaming live TV channels on mobile devices or free access to on-demand libraries.

When shopping for an Internet-and-TV bundle, make sure to:

1. Review what channels are included (some packages exclude popular cable networks).
2. Confirm the Internet speed (at least 200 Mbps is recommended for households with multiple devices).
3. Ask about introductory versus standard pricing, as many discounts last 12 months.

Does basic cable include on-demand programming?

That depends on your provider, but in many cases, yes, to some extent.

Providers such as Spectrum, Xfinity, and Cox include limited on-demand content even within their basic or expanded basic tiers. This often includes:

• Recently aired episodes from broadcast networks like NBC or FOX.
• A selection of movies, documentaries, and local programs.
• Content available through the cable provider’s streaming app (e.g., Xfinity Stream, Spectrum TV).

However, the overall on-demand library in basic plans may be more limited than what’s available with premium cable tiers or dedicated streaming services like Hulu or Netflix.

If watching your favorite shows on your schedule matters most, look for a provider that includes cloud DVR or a companion on-demand app, or consider combining your cable plan with a budget-friendly streaming subscription.

Can I downgrade from an expanded plan to basic cable easily?

Yes. In most cases, downgrading is simple and can be done by contacting your provider’s customer service department or logging into your online account.

When you downgrade, you’ll typically be switching to a “limited basic” or “broadcast basic” tier, which includes the major local and national broadcast channels without the premium or specialty networks. This change can reduce your bill by $20–$40 per month on average.

Before you downgrade:

1. Check to see which channels you’ll lose so there are no surprises.
2. Ask about any fees. While rare, some providers charge a small one-time administrative or plan adjustment fee.
3. Revisit any Internet bundle agreements. If your Internet and TV services are bundled, changing one may slightly adjust the pricing on the other.
4. Check if you can keep DVR or app access, as some features are tied to higher-tier plans.

Find the Best Basic Cable Package for Your Home

Ready to stop paying for the channels you aren’t watching and start saving on your monthly cable bill? The perfect basic channel plan is out there. Whether you’re looking for an affordable basic plan with local channels or a feature-rich bundle that includes Internet and on-demand access, SmartMove helps you compare the best deals from top providers in your area.

Enter your address here to find the best basic cable package available today.