You've probably seen the commercials for huge cable bundles that cost more than a car payment. It’s exhausting. Most people just want their local news, a few sports channels, and maybe something to keep the kids quiet for an hour. That is exactly where the Spectrum TV Choice package enters the conversation, though Charter Communications doesn't exactly shout about it from the rooftops.
It’s basically a "skinny bundle."
If you’re tired of paying for 200 channels when you only watch seven, this is the middle ground. It’s not full-blown cable, and it’s not just a Netflix subscription. It lives in that weird, blurry space in between. But here’s the kicker: you can’t just go to the main Spectrum homepage and click a giant button to buy it most of the time. It’s often reserved for Spectrum internet customers, acting as a "loyalty" or "add-on" perk to keep you from cutting the cord entirely.
What You Actually Get (And What You Don't)
The core of the Spectrum TV Choice package is simplicity, but that simplicity has some fine print. You get your locals. That means ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and PBS are all there. For many, that’s the dealbreaker. If you can’t get a clear signal with a digital antenna because you live in a valley or a concrete jungle, this is the cheapest way to get those channels legally without a massive contract.
Then comes the "Choice" part.
You pick 15 channels. You choose them from a list of about 65 to 75 popular cable networks. We’re talking about the heavy hitters like ESPN, HGTV, CNN, Bravo, and Discovery. You pick your favorites, and those are your channels. Period. If you want to change them later, you usually have a small window—typically 30 days—to swap them out before they’re locked in.
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Wait. There is a catch.
The price you see in the bold font on the flyer isn't the price you pay. It never is. Even with a skinny bundle, you have to deal with the "Broadcast TV Surcharge." This fee has ballooned over the last few years. In some markets, that surcharge alone is over $20. So, if the plan is advertised at $30, your actual bill is north of $50 before you even think about taxes. It’s annoying. It’s frustrating. It’s the reality of modern regional sports and local broadcast licensing.
The Channel Selection Strategy
When you’re picking your 15, don't just grab whatever looks good in the moment. You have to be tactical. If you’re a sports fan, you grab ESPN and FS1. If you’re into reality TV, you grab Bravo and TLC.
Some people make the mistake of picking channels that are already free or cheap elsewhere. Why pick a channel that has a free ad-supported app? Use your 15 slots for the "expensive" cable networks. Think about the ones that usually require a $75/month YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV subscription.
- Sports: ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, SEC Network.
- News: CNN, FOX News, MSNBC.
- Lifestyle: Food Network, HGTV, Hallmark.
- Kids: Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network.
If you don't care about sports, you’re in a great spot. You can fill those slots with high-value entertainment like FX or AMC. Honestly, if you aren't watching live sports, you should really ask yourself if you need live TV at all, but for the local news junkies, this package remains a solid bridge.
The Hardware Headache (Or Lack Thereof)
One of the best things about the Spectrum TV Choice package is that you don't actually need a Spectrum box. You don't have to pay that $10 or $12 monthly rental fee for a clunky piece of plastic that sits under your TV and gets dusty.
You use the Spectrum TV App.
It works on Roku. It works on Samsung Smart TVs. It works on Apple TV, Xbox, and your phone. This is where the "technology" aspect really shines. By using the app, you bypass the equipment fees. However, the app experience isn't always perfect. Sometimes it buffers. Sometimes the interface feels like it was designed in 2014. But it saves you over $100 a year in rental fees, so most people just deal with it.
If you really want a physical box, Spectrum will sell or rent you an Xumo Stream Box. It’s their new "preferred" device. It integrates the Spectrum app directly into the home screen. It’s fine. It’s not an Apple TV, but it gets the job done for people who want a traditional remote with channel numbers.
Cloud DVR: The Hidden Cost
Do you like skipping commercials? Of course you do. But with TV Choice, DVR isn't a given. You have to pay extra for "Cloud DVR."
There are usually two tiers. One allows you to record a few shows, and the other gives you more storage. If you're a "record everything and watch it six months later" type of person, this might not be the plan for you. The storage limits are real. It’s designed for the casual viewer, not the hoarder of 300 hours of Law & Order: SVU reruns.
Why Spectrum Hides This Plan
Business is business. Charter (the company that owns Spectrum) makes more money if you subscribe to their "TV Select Signature" or "TV Select Plus" plans. Those cost more and include way more channels—most of which you'll never watch.
The Spectrum TV Choice package exists primarily as a "retention" tool.
When a customer calls to cancel their internet because the bill is too high, the representative pulls this out of their back pocket. "What if I told you that you could keep your locals and 15 favorite channels for a fraction of the price?" It’s a way to keep you in the ecosystem. It keeps their "subscriber count" up even if the profit margin is thinner.
Because of this, finding the sign-up page online can be a nightmare. You often have to be logged into your account, or you might even have to call and specifically ask for it by name. If the rep acts like they don't know what you're talking about, keep pushing. It exists.
The Reality of Regional Sports
Here is where it gets tricky for the die-hard fans. If you want your local MLB, NBA, or NHL games, you usually need a Regional Sports Network (RSN) like Bally Sports or YES Network.
In many cases, the Spectrum TV Choice package does not include these RSNs, or it requires an additional "tier" or fee to get them. If your primary goal is to watch every single local baseball game, you need to verify if your specific RSN is available in the "Choice" lineup for your zip code. Don't assume. Spectrum’s lineup varies wildly by geography. New York City customers see different options than people in Louisville or Los Angeles.
Comparison to Other Skinny Bundles
How does this stack up against something like Philo or Sling TV?
Philo is cheaper, usually around $28. But Philo has zero sports and zero local channels. If you want ABC and NBC, Philo can't help you.
Sling TV is a closer competitor. Sling Blue or Sling Orange gives you a set list of channels for about $40-$45. But again, getting locals on Sling is a toss-up depending on where you live.
The Spectrum TV Choice package wins on the "Local" front. If your goal is to have one app that does locals plus a handful of cable favorites, Spectrum is arguably more convenient than juggling a Sling subscription plus a digital antenna.
Who Should Actually Buy This?
This isn't for everyone. If you have a family of five with wildly different tastes, 15 channels will start a civil war in your living room.
It’s for the cord-cutter who realized that "total" cord-cutting is actually kind of a pain. It’s for the person who missed having a channel guide to scroll through at the end of a long day. It’s for the senior who wants a familiar interface without the $150 bill.
And honestly? It’s for the budget-conscious sports fan who only cares about one or two networks.
Common Misconceptions
People think "streaming" means "no fees." That's just not true here. You still pay that broadcast fee.
People also think they can change their 15 channels every day. You can't. Think of it like a permanent roster for the season. You choose your team, and you stick with them.
Lastly, people think they need a high-speed fiber connection. While Spectrum would love to sell you 1Gbps internet, the TV Choice app works perfectly fine on a standard 300Mbps or even 100Mbps connection. Don't let them upsell you on internet speed just to watch "The Price is Right" in HD.
Is It a Good Deal in 2026?
The landscape has changed. With the rise of services like Peacock, Paramount+, and ESPN+, a lot of what used to be "exclusive" to cable is now available as a standalone app.
However, those apps add up. $10 here, $15 there, $12 there... suddenly you’re back to a $100 bill. The Spectrum TV Choice package consolidates that. It puts the "live" element back into your TV without the massive bloat of 200 junk channels.
It’s a solid B+ product. It’s not revolutionary, and the hidden fees are a drag, but for a specific type of viewer, it’s the most logical choice on the menu.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check Your Zip Code: Go to the Spectrum website and enter your address. Look for the "TV" section while logged into your account to see if "Choice" appears.
- Audit Your Viewing: For one week, write down every channel you actually watch. If the list is under 15, you are a prime candidate for this plan.
- Calculate the "True Cost": Take the promotional price and add $20-$25 for the broadcast fee. That is your real number. Compare that to your current bill.
- Call and Negotiate: If you are a current Spectrum customer paying for a "Select" plan, call the billing department. Ask for the "TV Choice" plan specifically to lower your monthly commitment.
- Ditch the Box: Ensure you have a compatible streaming device (Roku, Xumo, or Apple TV) so you can return your cable box and save that monthly rental fee immediately.