Trying to find the best cable TV provider in Los Angeles can be a frustrating experience. For most Angelenos, the choice is limited to Spectrum, with satellite options like DIRECTV and DISH as the main alternatives. But in 2026, the real problem isn’t just the choice—it’s the price.
If you’re a sports fan, you’ve seen the “hidden” Regional Sports Fees required to watch the Lakers and Dodgers. These fees can inflate your bill by $20-$30+ per month.
Before you sign up for an overpriced, long-term contract, let’s review the traditional providers and introduce our top-rated TV service for Los Angeles—a powerful, low-cost alternative that gives you all the LA sports and channels without the hidden fees.
Our Top-Rated TV Provider for Los Angeles (2026)
After comparing price, channel selection, and the outrageous “hidden fees,” one service is the clear winner for value and content in Los Angeles.
Editor’s Choice: TVPLUSSTREAM
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Pricing: Starts at $14.99/Month
Channels: 20,000+ (Live TV, Sports, Movies)
Highlights:
- No Contracts: Cancel at any time.
- No Hidden Fees: One flat, transparent monthly price.
- ALL LA Sports Included: Get Spectrum SportsNet (Lakers) and Spectrum SportsNet LA (Dodgers) without the $20+ Regional Sports Fee. Plus, get NFL, NBA, & MLB packages.
- Massive VOD Library: Includes over 80,000+ on-demand movies and shows.
- Works on All Devices: Use on your Firestick, Smart TV, or phone.
TVPLUSSTREAM provides more channels, all the local LA sports, and no hidden fees for a fraction of the price of Spectrum or DIRECTV.
Traditional Cable & Satellite Providers in Los Angeles
If you still prefer a traditional bundle, here are the main providers you’ll find in the LA area.
1. Spectrum
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Pricing: $64.99/Month (Promotional rate)
Channels: 155+
Highlights:
- The main cable provider in LA with the most coverage.
- No long-term contracts.
- Access to thousands of on-demand titles.The Catch: The $64.99 price is a 12-month promotional rate that will increase. More importantly, this price does not include the mandatory Broadcast TV Fee and the massive Regional Sports Fee required for Spectrum SportsNet (Lakers) and SportsNet LA (Dodgers).
2. DIRECTV (Satellite & Stream)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Pricing: $69.99/Month (Promotional rate)
Channels: 165+
Highlights:
- The “CHOICE” package includes Regional Sports Networks.
- The only source for the “out-of-market” NFL SUNDAY TICKET.
- Excellent Genie HD DVR.The Catch: Requires a 2-year contract and a satellite dish. After the promo, the price jumps significantly, and they also charge one of the highest Regional Sports Fees in the industry.
3. DISH (Satellite)
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2.5/5)
Pricing: $84.99/Month
Channels: 240+
Highlights:
- 2-year price guarantee.
- Excellent Hopper 3 DVR.
- Good for rural areas with no cable.The Catch: DISH has been in a long-term dispute and does not carry Spectrum SportsNet or Bally Sports. This means if you are a Lakers, Dodgers, Clippers, or Angels fan, DISH is not a viable option.
4. Cox
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Pricing: $115/Month (Standard rate)
Channels: 140+
Highlights:
- Live TV & on-demand content.
- Contour DVR box.The Catch: Cox has very limited availability in the LA area (e.g., Palos Verdes, parts of Orange County). It is not a primary option for most of Los Angeles, and it’s also very expensive.
The “LA Sports Tax”: Why Your Cable Bill is So High
The number one complaint from LA TV subscribers is the mandatory Regional Sports Fee (RSF), which can add $25 – $30+ to your monthly bill.
Why? In Los Angeles, you have two essential sports networks:
- Spectrum SportsNet: The exclusive home of the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Spectrum SportsNet LA: The exclusive home of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Cable companies like Spectrum and DIRECTV are forced to pay high fees to carry these channels. They pass that cost directly to you as a separate, non-optional fee, even if you never watch sports.
This is why TVPLUSSTREAM is our top pick. We include both Spectrum SportsNet and SportsNet LA in our standard plan, all for one low price with no sports fees, ever.
Los Angeles TV Provider Comparison (2026)
| Provider | Starting Price* | Channels | Contract? | LA Sports Fee |
| TVPLUSSTREAM | $14.99/mo | 20,000+ | No | None |
| Spectrum | $64.99/mo | 155+ | No | Yes (High) |
| DIRECTV | $69.99/mo | 165+ | Yes (2 Yrs) | Yes (High) |
| DISH | $84.99/mo | 240+ | Yes (2 Yrs) | N/A (No Channels) |
| Cox | $115.00/mo | 140+ | 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 Los Angeles?
The main local cable provider is Spectrum. Cox is available in very limited areas. Satellite providers DIRECTV and DISH are also available. However, modern IPTV services like TVPLUSSTREAM are the top choice, offering more channels for less money to anyone with an internet connection.
Who is the cheapest TV provider in Los Angeles?
Spectrum advertises the cheapest starting plan, but this is a 12-month promo price. For a full package that includes sports, TVPLUSSTREAM is the cheapest long-term option because it does not charge a $25+ Regional Sports Fee or box rental fees.
Who is considered the best TV provider in Los Angeles?
While DISH is rated for its DVR and DIRECTV for sports packages, the best value and content comes from TVPLUSSTREAM. It’s the only service that provides all local LA sports, 20,000+ channels, and a massive VOD library for a single low monthly fee.
How can I watch the Lakers and Dodgers in Los Angeles?
You need Spectrum SportsNet (Lakers) and Spectrum SportsNet LA (Dodgers). These channels are available on Spectrum and DIRECTV, but will cost you a high “Regional Sports Fee.” DISH does not carry them. TVPLUSSTREAM is the best option, as it includes both channels in its standard plan with no extra fees.
How can I watch TV without cable in Los Angeles?
You can use live TV streaming services like Fubo or YouTube TV, but they are also expensive (often $80-$100+) and may not carry all the LA sports networks. A more complete, lower-cost alternative is an IPTV service like TVPLUSSTREAM.
