Living in H-Town and trying to find the best cable TV deal? You’re not alone. Houston residents are often stuck choosing between Xfinity (Comcast) and Spectrum, or satellite providers like DISH and DIRECTV. But 2025 has revealed a major problem: soaring prices, long-term contracts, and frustrating “Regional Sports Fees” just to watch the Astros and Rockets.
Before you lock into another 2-year contract, let’s review the traditional options and introduce you to our top-rated TV service for Houston residents—a powerful, low-cost alternative that beats cable at its own game.
Our Top-Rated TV Provider for Houston (2026)
After comparing price, channels, and hidden fees, one service stands out as the clear winner for value and content.
Editor’s Choice: TVPLUSSTREAM
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Pricing: Starts at $14.99/Month
Channels: 20,000+ (Live TV, Sports, Movies)
Highlights:
- No Contracts: Cancel anytime.
- No Hidden Fees: One flat monthly price.
- ALL Sports Included: Get Space City Home Network (for Astros/Rockets) plus NFL, NBA, & MLB packages without the $15+ Regional Sports Fee.
- Massive VOD Library: Includes over 80,000+ on-demand movies and shows.
- Works on All Devices: Use on your Firestick, Smart TV, or phone.
Bottom Line: TVPLUSSTREAM offers more channels, all the local Houston sports, and no hidden fees for a fraction of the price of traditional cable.
[Click Here to Get a Free Trial for TVPLUSSTREAM]
Traditional Cable & Satellite Providers in Houston
If you still prefer a traditional bundle, here are the main providers you’ll find in the Houston area.
1. Xfinity (Comcast)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)
Pricing: $50 – $70/Month (Promotional rate)
Channels: 125+ to 185+
Highlights:
- Includes the popular X1 Voice Remote.
- Fast internet bundles are available.
- Cloud DVR storage included.The Catch: Requires a 1- or 2-year contract for the best pricing. Your bill will be higher than advertised due to a mandatory Broadcast TV Fee and a Regional Sports Fee (up to $16.99/mo).
2. Spectrum
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Pricing: $69.99/Month (Promotional rate)
Channels: 155+
Highlights:
- No long-term contracts.
- Access to HD content.
- Good on-demand library.The Catch: The price jumps significantly after the 12-month promotional period. You will also be charged a high Broadcast TV Fee and the same Regional Sports Fee as Xfinity.
3. DISH (Satellite)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Pricing: $84.99/Month
Channels: 290+
Highlights:
- 2-year price guarantee (but a 2-year contract).
- Excellent Hopper 3 DVR can record 16 shows.
- Good for rural areas where cable isn’t available.The Catch: Requires a satellite dish and a 2-year contract. You’ll still pay for local channel and sports packages.
4. DIRECTV (Satellite & Stream)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Pricing: $69.99/Month (Promotional rate)
Channels: 150+
Highlights:
- The only way to get the “out-of-market” NFL SUNDAY TICKET package.
- Genie HD DVR is highly rated.The Catch: Also requires a contract (for satellite) and has high RSN fees. Their streaming-only option is more expensive than IPTV alternatives.
The “Houston Problem”: Why Your Cable Bill is So High
The biggest complaint from Houston residents is the mandatory Regional Sports Fee (RSF).
To watch the Houston Astros and Houston Rockets on their home network (Space City Home Network), cable and satellite companies must pay a high price. They pass this cost directly to you as a separate, unavoidable fee on your bill.
This fee alone can add $15 – $20+ to your monthly bill. You pay this even if you don’t watch sports.
This is the number one reason TVPLUSSTREAM is our top pick. Our service includes the Space City Home Network and all other sports packages without a separate sports fee.
Houston TV Provider Comparison (2025)
| Provider | Starting Price* | Channels | Contract? | Regional Sports Fee |
| TVPLUSSTREAM | $14.99/mo | 20,000+ | No | None |
| Xfinity | $50.00/mo | 125+ | Yes (1-2 Yrs) | Yes (High) |
| Spectrum | $69.99/mo | 155+ | No | Yes (High) |
| DISH | $84.99/mo | 290+ | Yes (2 Yrs) | Yes |
| DIRECTV | $69.99/mo | 150+ | Yes (2 Yrs) | Yes (High) |
*Prices are introductory/promotional and do not include taxes, RSN fees, or box rental fees (except for TVPLUSSTREAM, which has none).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who are the local TV providers in Houston, Texas?
The main local TV providers are Xfinity (Comcast) and Spectrum. You can also get service from satellite providers like DISH and DIRECTV. However, modern IPTV services like TVPLUSSTREAM are also available to anyone with a good internet connection.
Who is the best cable provider in Houston?
While Xfinity and DISH are highly-rated for their features, the best value for Houston residents is TVPLUSSTREAM. It offers more channels (including all local sports) for a much lower, flat-rate price with no contracts or hidden fees.
Are there any free TV providers in Houston, Texas?
The only 100% free TV is using a digital HD antenna, which will pick up your local broadcast channels (like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX). There is no “free” full cable provider. However, TVPLUSSTREAM offers a 24-hour free trial so you can test the full service for free.
Who is the cheapest TV provider in Houston, Texas?
Xfinity often has the cheapest introductory plan, but it’s very basic (10+ channels). For a full package, TVPLUSSTREAM is the cheapest long-term option because its price is flat and does not include the $15-$25+ in hidden fees that all other providers charge.
Who are the TV providers for seniors in Houston, Texas?
Seniors often prefer simple, affordable, and no-contract plans. Spectrum is a good traditional option because it has no contracts. However, TVPLUSSTREAM is an even better fit, offering one simple plan, one low price, and no surprise bills or price hikes.
How much is cable in Houston, Texas?
Cable TV in Houston starts at around $50-$80 per month for a basic promotional package. After your promo ends, and with the addition of box rental fees, the Broadcast TV Fee, and the Regional Sports Fee, most residents see their final bill closer to $120 – $150 per month.
