How Much Is Spectrum TV » Roku vs Firestick

Spectrum TV is a popular streaming service primarily in the United States that lets you watch TV without a traditional cable box. It is primarily available to Spectrum Internet subscribers.

It’s a great option for “cord-cutters” who want access to live TV and on-demand content.

How Does Spectrum TV Streaming Work?

Spectrum TV streaming works through the Spectrum TV app. You can download this app on your various devices and watch live TV channels and on-demand content based on your Spectrum subscription.

Key Highlights and Features

Spectrum TV streaming primarily for Spectrum Internet customers: To avail of Spectrum TV streaming services, it is better to have a Spectrum Internet subscription so that you can get the most out of this streaming service.
No cable box required: You don’t need a traditional cable box when Spectrum TV is streaming, which can save on monthly rental fees.
Spectrum TV app: This app is your main streaming hub. It has several features:
- Live TV Streaming: You can watch the channels included in your subscription live.
- On-Demand Content: Thousands of on-demand shows and movies are available on streaming.
- Chromecast Support: Content can be cast from a phone or tablet to a Chromecast-compatible TV.
- Personal Guide: You can create a personal guide by setting your favorite channels
- Search Function: You can search for content by title, network, actor, or sports team.
- Watchlist: You can add your favorite content to a watchlist.
- Parental Controls: You can set parental controls to block content for children.
- DVR Controls: If you have a compatible DVR service, you can record shows and control the recordings.
Watch at Home and on the go: You can stream on an unlimited number of devices over your home Wi-Fi. You can also access live TV and on-demand content on the go, though some content is only available over your home Spectrum internet connection. There is a limit of two simultaneous streams on the go.

Spectrum TV Compatible Devices

The Spectrum TV app is compatible to stream on a wide range of devices, including:

Smart TVs: Samsung Smart TVs (2017 and newer models), Xumo TV.
Streaming Devices: Roku (all 3^rd generation+ Roku Players and TVs), Apple TV (4^th generation or 4K), Google Chromecast, Xumo Stream Box.
Game Consoles: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S.
Mobile Devices: Android mobile devices (Android 5.0+), Apple iOS mobile iPhones (iPhones and iPads, iOS 13+).
Computers: You can also watch Spectrum TV via your web browser at watch.spectrum.net.

Cloud DVR

Spectrum also typically offers a cloud DVR option, allowing you to record your favorite shows and watch them later. The cost of this usually comes at an additional monthly fee (such as $5/month for 50 shows for up to 90 days, or $10/month for 100 shows for up to a year).

Is Spectrum TV Only for Spectrum Internet Users?

Yes, you generally need to have Spectrum Internet to use the Spectrum TV streaming service.

A few things are important to clarify, though:

Best experience with Spectrum Internet: As we mentioned above, the Spectrum TV app is designed primarily for Spectrum Internet customers. You can stream all the channels and on-demand content included in your Spectrum TV plan by connecting to your home Spectrum Wi-Fi network. You can stream on an unlimited number of devices.
On-the-Go viewing: You can also use the Spectrum TV app when you’re away from home, but some channels and content may be restricted, especially local channels. According to Spectrum, you’ll need to be connected to your home’s Spectrum Wi-Fi network to watch your full channel lineup.
“Streaming-only” plans: Spectrum offers streaming-only plans like “Spectrum TV Stream” that work without the need for a traditional cable box. But even for these plans, you will need a Spectrum Internet connection.
Change in old rules: Previously, some users reported that they were able to use the Spectrum TV app without Spectrum Internet, only with a Spectrum TV subscription, but now it seems that Spectrum has tightened its policies.

In short, if you want to take advantage of Spectrum TV streaming services fully and without any restrictions, you must be a Spectrum Internet customer.

Related Article: Spectrum Router Red Light Blinking

How Much Is Spectrum TV: Compare Plans and Costs

Here’s a comparison of Spectrum TV costs and plans (note that prices and channel lineups may vary depending on your location and current promotions, so always check Spectrum’s official website for the latest information):

Spectrum primarily offers two types of TV services:

Streaming-Only Plans: These plans are primarily designed for Spectrum Internet customers and can be streamed through the Spectrum TV app without the need for a cable box.
Traditional Cable TV Plans: These plans include more channels and require a cable box to stream them, though you can also stream through the Spectrum TV app.

Spectrum TV Streaming Plans and Cost

Choose these plans if you want to do only streaming and avoid a cable box. A Spectrum TV Internet subscription is required for this.

Spectrum TV Stream:

Channels: 85+ Channels.
Features: Thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows. Usually excludes local and sports channels.
Costs: About $40/month (for 12 months).
Requirement: Requires a Spectrum Internet plan.

Spectrum TV Stream Latino:

Channels: 45+ channels (Primarily Spanish-language content).
Features: May include some local and sports channels.
Cost: About $25/month (for 12 months).
Requirement: Requires a Spectrum Internet plan.

Traditional Spectrum TV Plans and Costs

These plans are for those who want more channels and a broader TV experience.

Spectrum TV Select Signature:

Channels: 150+ channels.
Features: This includes local and basic cable channels. It often includes some popular streaming apps (such as Disney+ Basic, Paramount+ Essential, Max Basic with Ads, Peacock Premium with Ads, AMC+ with Ads, and Vix Premium with Ads) at no additional cost.
Cost: About $95.00/month (for 12 months, $20/month off the regular rate of $115/month).

Spectrum TV Select Plus:

Channels: 160+ channels.
Features: In addition to all the channels and streaming apps included with TV Select Signature, it can also include additional premium channels like ESPN+ and Tennis Channel Plus.
Cost: About $105/month (for 12/months, $20/month off the regular rate of $125/month).

Spectrum Mi Plan Latino:

Channels: 170+ channels (70+ Spanish-language options and English-language favorites).
Features: Includes Vix Premium Plus with Ads and Paramount+ Essential.
Cost: About $70.00 a month (for 12/months, $15/month off the regular rate of $90/month.

Additional Cost and Considerations:

Spectrum Internet Requirement: All of the plans above (both streaming-only and traditional) usually require a Spectrum Internet subscription.
Cable Box Rental: There may be an additional monthly rental for those who choose a traditional cable TV plan and use a cable box.
Cloud DVR: If you want the recording features, there may be an additional monthly fee for the Cloud DVR service (e.g. $5/month for 50 shows or $10/month for 100 shows).
Add-On Packages: You can add additional channel packages (e.g., Entertainment View, Sports View, Latino View), as per your choice, which can cost from $7/month to $15/month.
No Contracts: Spectrum TV plans usually have no contracts.
Bundle Offers: You can save by bundling a TV Plan with Internet and mobile services.

This information will help you understand Spectrum TV’s different plans and their estimated costs. For the most accurate prices and availability for your specific needs and location, it’s best to visit Spectrum’s official website or contact them directly.