...
Home / Cable TV Comparisons / CenturyLink TV vs Spectrum TV โ€“ Whos Got Better TV 2023

CenturyLink TV vs Spectrum TV โ€“ Whos Got Better TV 2024

Are you looking for a TV provider that is perfect for your home? Then chances are you must have come across big names like CenturyLink and Charter Spectrum. With these two powerhouses rolling out blends of exciting TV services, deciding which of them takes the winning trophy can be quite tricky.

CenturyLink TV vs. Charter Spectrum TV Comparison Review

But thatโ€™s what we are here for, making your life easy. After reading todayโ€™s post you, you should be able to decide which of these TV providers is what giving a try. Stay with us as we run you through everything you need to know about CenturyLink and Charter Spectrum cable TV.

Watch our latest Documentary

Historical Events That
Almost Bought Down The Internetโ€ฆ

CenturyLink TV

Finding a TV provider thatโ€™s right for you can be daunting, but with CenturyLink, youโ€™ll never go wrong. Thanks to this provider, you can now opt for a TV service provider that puts you first. For people looking to break free from high priced TV and cable, CenturyLink has you covered as they provide you with mouthwatering options you simply cannot resist.

Thanks to a strategic partnership with some of the biggest satellite providers as well as on-demand and live TV streaming services, CenturyLink now offers customers smart ways to select the best TV experience. So whether youโ€™re an ardent lover of satellite or just want a streaming service with live TV, rest assured that CenturyLink provides you with all the options that are right for you.

Although CenturyLink now partners with satellite, streaming, and on-demand TV service providers, they used to have their indigenous cable TV called Prism TV. At its prime, Prism TV was a force to reckon with in the TV industry. Without mincing words, Prism cable TV was such a fantastic TV service; it competed with big players like AT&T U-verse.

In terms of quality service delivery, CenturyLink isnโ€™t doing too badly as the company offers one of the best TV services youโ€™ll come across. Featuring exceptional channel selections, brilliant on-demand content, high performing DVR, and reasonable pricing; there are a thousand and one reasons why CenturyLink is worth a try.

Pros and cons

CenturyLink has remained consistent since stepping into the TV landscape, and their services are not in doubt. But guess what, like most TV service providers out there, CenturyLink has a few shortcomings you should know. Read on as we run you through the pros and cons of CenturyLink.

Pros

  • Provides more TV options you can explore (Traditional TV and streaming services)
  • Offers more channel selections thanks to its partnership with DirecTV
  • Reliable fiber optic internet services

Cons

  • A tad more expensive than the competition
  • Comes with a contract policy
  • Requires the installation of dish satellite

Charter Spectrum Cable TV

Are you looking for the ultimate TV experience? Then look no further than Charter Spectrum. With Charter Spectrum, its TV made easy as the company rolls out myriads of exciting TV services that will keep you glued to your screen all day long.

With Spectrum TV, there is entertainment for everyone. So regardless of what you love to watch, Charter Spectrum has you covered. From news to sports to lifestyle to primetime to kids events and more, Charter Spectrum has so much you can explore right from the get-go.

For people who are tired of watching their favorite TV shows in boring SD quality, now is a great time to switch to Charter Spectrum as the company delivers the ultimate HD experience with its amazing collections of crisp HD channels.

Thanks to Charter Spectrum TV, you can now say goodbye to boring days, as this dominant TV provider ushers you to a world of mind-blowing entertainment. From exceptional TV packages to impressive channel selections to reasonable pricing and exciting bundle deals, Spectrum TV lets you relax and watch TV the way it is designed to be seen.

Compared to CenturyLink Prism TV, Charter Spectrum TV has broader coverage. While CenturyLink Prism TV is available only nine states, Charter Spectrum boasts of a more extensive reach as their services are available in over 29 states.

See alsoย  Cox Cable vs DirecTV - Our Comparison 2024

For those looking for more than just TV, Charter Spectrum is the real deal as the company rolls out some of the most customer-centered bundle deals youโ€™ll come across. From superior internet connections to TV to phone services and more, Charter Spectrum lets you bundle services easily for a hassle-free experience.

What we have come to love about Charter Spectrum TV mainly, is the companyโ€™s no-contract policy. Unlike CenturyLink that ties its customers down to a contract, Charter Spectrum has refused to join the bandwagon and has continued to offer its fantastic services to its teeming customers on a month-to-month basis.

Pros and Cons

While Charter Spectrum TV remains a powerful force to contend with the TV landscape, the company has some glitches you should know before deciding if they are the right fit for you. Here, check out some pros and cons of Charter Spectrum.

Pros

  • Offers customers a no-contract policy
  • Boast of broader coverage than the competition
  • Delivers content in crisp HD

Cons

  • Lots of extra costs you should look out for
  • Average DVR performance
  • A tad expensive

Installation process and bundling servicesย 

Both CenturyLink and Charter Spectrum offer unique propositions when it comes to the installation process, so it would be cool to check out what each provider has to offer.

In terms of installation, CenturyLink offers customers two options they can explore. For those who donโ€™t want to dig too deep into their lean resources, you can check out CenturyLink self-installation option. Although this option is a bit fair, it will still cost you around $50 to have the equipment shipped to your address. However, if you think you donโ€™t want to go through the hassles of self-installation, you can explore CenturyLink professional installation service that costs a one time fee of $125.

Like CenturyLink, Charter Spectrum TV also offers its users two options when it comes to installation. There is the self-installation option, which costs $9.99. This option is perfect for people who donโ€™t want to go overboard with their spending. What we love about the self-installation option from Charter Spectrum is that it comes with an easy to use sell-installation kit that lets you have everything up and running within a couple of minutes.

Not impressed or think you donโ€™t have all the time to explore the self-installation option? Well, Charter Spectrum also offers a professional installation service that costs a one time fee of $49.

When it comes to installation, CenturyLink can get expensive and will drive your bills through the roof but there are ways to negotiate your bills down. So if youโ€™re looking for a budget-friendly TV provider with a reasonable installation fee, Charter Spectrum will make the perfect fit.

Bundling options

Wouldnโ€™t it be exciting to know that you can bundle different services from one provider while saving big on your monthly TV subscriptions? Well, both CenturyLink and Charter Spectrum offers lots of exciting bundle deals you can explore.

With Charter Spectrum, customers can bundle TV, internet, and phone services while enjoying mouthwatering discounts. And for those who have always wanted to save big on their monthly TV subscriptions, opting for Charter Spectrum bundling deals is a smart thing to do. Plus, it gives you complete control over your monthly bills, as you can now pay all your bills in one place.

CenturyLink is also on top of its game, as the company offers lots of incredible bundling deals you donโ€™t want to miss out on. As one of the most reliable internet services companies in the United States, CenturyLink allows its customers to bundle top-notch internet connection with impeccable TV service for an exciting experience.

Channel comparison โ€“ What You Can Watch?

CenturyLink and Charter Spectrum deliver unique viewing experiences, and thatโ€™s all thanks to their exceptional channel selections and brilliant programming. From sports to lifestyle to entertainment to primetime programming and more, these powerful TV providers have lined up some of the finest programs to keep you glued to your screens.

But here is the snag, although CenturyLink used to have an indigenous cable TV service called Prism TV, the company has now discontinued that service. And as things stand, the company now partners with DirecTV to offer impeccable TV service to its customers. Given this partnership, we will be comparing Charter Spectrum and DirecTV in terms of channel propositions. Letโ€™s break things down, shall we?

Charter Spectrum channel lineup

Charter Spectrum isnโ€™t your regular TV service provider. Oh yes, through determination and desire to stand out, this TV service company has consistently rolled out tons of exciting TV channels that will impress their customers. From everyday TV channels to premium channel selections and more, Spectrum TV offers customers access to some of the best channels in the TV landscape.

See alsoย  DirecTV vs Hulu TV - Who Wins For TV 2024

While Charter Spectrum plays second fiddle to DirecTV in terms of channel count, we love the fact that the company varies its channel selections, to meet the unique needs of its customers. So whether youโ€™re interested in sports, music, news, or you just want to keep up with trends around the world, rest assured that Charter Spectrum has it all figured out, so youโ€™ll never have to miss out on the programs you love.

With Charter Spectrum, youโ€™re in for a rollercoaster experience as the company grants access to 125-200 top channels, depending on which of their packages you opt for. You can also subscribe to premium channel selections to beef up your experience. If you have always wanted to watch top channels like Digital Tier1, HBO, Digital Tier 2, Starz, and Encore, now is an excellent time check out Spectrum TV.

The cool part is that you get to explore all of these channels from Charter Spectrum in crisp HD quality at no additional cost. With other providers, you have to pay additional fees to unlock HD streaming.

And for sports enthusiasts, Charter Spectrum has you covered as the company features some brilliant sports selections, including popular ones like NFL RedZone, TCM, NHL Network, and more.

DirecTV from CenturyLink Channel lineup

DirecTV TV remains a solid competitor in the TV landscape, and only very few providers offer better deals. In terms of channel selections, DirecTV is in a world of its own as the company features tons of brilliant channel selections with unique programming youโ€™ll love. From movies to sports to lifestyle to news and more, DirecTV rolls out impressive channel selections to meet your unique needs. Meaning, youโ€™ll never have to miss out on your favorite TV shows.

Featuring five brilliant packages you can explore, DirecTV offers customers access to between 155 and 330 top channels. Trust us when we say this is more than enough channel you can keep up with.

In terms of channel selection, DirecTV gives Charter Spectrum a run for their money as they simply cannot level up.

For avid sports fans, DirecTV puts you first as the company offers a blend of exciting sports channels you simply cannot say no to. From soccer to college football to cricket and more, DirecTV offers access to unique sports programs youโ€™ll not get with other TV service providers. And because the company owns the exclusive right to the famous NFL Sunday Ticket, you can now keep up with all live NFL games.

Did we forget to add that DirecTV offers access to top premium channels? Oh yes, With DirecTV, youโ€™ll enjoy access to top premium channels like HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and more. However, keep in mind that this comes at an extra cost every month.

Sports selections

Both Charter Spectrum and DirecTV from CenturyLink feature a variety of sports channels youโ€™ll appreciate. So for sports fans looking to keep up with the happenings in the sports world, youโ€™ll not be disappointed to give any of these providers a try.

Although Charter Spectrum comes second to DirecTV in terms of sports offerings, the company isnโ€™t doing too badly with its sports selections. Thanks to Charter Spectrum, customers can now watch top sports channels like NASCAR, NFL RedZone, Goal Line, NFL Network, Golf, MLB Network, and NHL Network.

DirecTV is also doing brilliantly with its sports selection. Besides granting access to famous sports channels, DirecTV owns the exclusive right to NFL Sunday Ticket. So for sports fans who donโ€™t want to miss a single live game from their favorite NFL teams, youโ€™ll not be disappointed to give DirecTV a try.

Pricing comparison โ€“ Is it Worth The Money?

There are a lot of essential factors to consider before deciding which TV provider is best for you and your family. Some of the factors to consider include, the cost of TV service, the cost of equipment, and others. Read on as we explore how Charter Spectrum and DirecTV stack up in terms of pricing.

The cost of TV service

Choosing either DirecTV from CenturyLink or Charter Spectrum TV comes with a lot of perks. Plus, we love the fact that both TV service providers are pretty upfront with their pricing. That said, there has been a number of complaints regarding Charter Spectrum hidden fees.

See alsoย  DirecTV vs U-verse TV - Comparing Cable For 2024

With Charter Spectrum, there are three exciting packages you can choose from, and their price ranges between $64.99 to $104.99. So, depending on what you want and your budget, youโ€™ll find one of their plans worth giving a try. Here, check out a breakdown of all packages offered by Charter Spectrum, along with their special pricing.

Charter Spectrum packages

  • TV Select: This excellent package from Charter Spectrum features lots of exciting channel selections. For $64.99, this package offers access to over 125 top channels.
  • TV Silver: Are you looking for a mixture of top channels along with premium channel selections? Then look no further than this fantastic TV plan from Charter Spectrum. With over 175 channels up for watching, youโ€™ll always enjoy a thrilling time every time you settle down for some entertainment. Thatโ€™s not all; this package also unlocks access to top premium channels like Cinemax, Digital Tier 1, HBO, and Showtime. For only $84.99, you can subscribe to this package right away.
  • TV Gold: This premium package from Charter Spectrum features a fine collection of brilliant channels youโ€™ll love. Besides premium channels like Showtime, Cinemax, Starz Encore, The Movie Channel, Digital Tier 1, Digital Tier 2, and Starz, this package also features over 200 other impressive channels. For only $104.99 per month, you can get hooked to this package right away.

DirecTV from CenturyLink also boasts of some excellent packages you will love. Unlike Charter Spectrum that offers only three packages, DirecTV rolls out five spectacular packages you can explore. And depending on which of their packages you opt for, youโ€™ll be paying around $59.99 to $134.99 per month. Here, check out all the wonderful packages offered by DirecTV.

DirecTV packages

  • Select package: This base package from DirecTV offers access to over 155 channels at $59.99 per month
  • Entertainment package: Want to get more from your TV subscriptions? Then it wouldnโ€™t hurt to give this package a try. Selling for $64.99 per month, this package grants access to over 160 channels.
  • Choice package: Get access to over 185 channels with this thrilling package from DirecTV. Plus, it only costs $69.99 to subscribe to this package.
  • Xtra package: Starting at $79.99 per month, this package has everything you want and more. Thanks to this package, you can now stream over 235 channels.
  • Ultimate package: Get plugged to this awesome package for only $84.99. With this package, youโ€™ll enjoy access to over 240 exceptional channels.
  • Premiere package: Although this package is a bit pricey, we love the fact that they offer value for money spent. With this package, youโ€™ll enjoy unlimited access to over 300 channels for only $134.99 per month.

Cost of equipment and DVR โ€“ Pause Rewind And Playback

Both Charter Spectrum and DirecTV charge their customers special fees for equipment. On

Charter Spectrum, customers are charged an extra $7.99 for HD-Box. And for those who decide to give their Built-in DVR a try, youโ€™ll pay an additional $4.99 per month. Should you opt for a more superior DVR, youโ€™ll pay a flat rate monthly DVR fee of 9.99 per month.

Although DirecTV doesnโ€™t charge anything for their main receiver, they charge customers an extra $7 per month for extra receivers.

DVR information

DirecTV beats the competition hands down in terms of DVR. With DirecTV, customers get to enjoy the all amazing Genie DVR. Thanks to this DVR, you can now record five shows simultaneously. With the Genie, you can record 400 hours of SD or 100 hours of HD.

On the other hand, Charter Spectrum features a built-in DVR that comes with their HD-Box. Fitted with a unique hard drive, this DVR lets you record and store your favorite TV shows and movies.

Contracts and cancellation โ€“ The Fine Print

One of the perks that come with doing business with Charter Spectrum is that they offer a no-contract policy. Meaning, you can opt-out of your subscription any time you want.

With DirecTV, customers are required to sign a two-year contract. And should you decide you no longer want to do business with them, youโ€™ll have to pay an early termination fee to cancel your deal with them.

Frequently asked questions

Can I cancel my contract with DirecTV?

DirecTV locks its customers to a two-year contract. And canceling your contract with them will attract an early termination fee.

Does Spectrum TV charge extra for DVR?

Besides the extra charges for HD-Box, Charter Spectrum charges customers an extra $4.99 for DVR.

Which has broader coverage, CenturyLink, or Charter Spectrum?

Charter Spectrum has wider coverage than CenturyLink.

Does Charter Spectrum offer contracts?

Unlike DirecTV from CenturyLink, Charter Spectrum does not tie you down to a contract.

Conclusion

When it comes to CenturyLink and Charter Spectrum, both companies are doing brilliantly. That said, Charter Spectrum goes home with the winnersโ€™ trophy as they offer more value for money spent. While CenturyLink partners with DirecTV to deliver TV services to its customers, Charter Spectrum runs itโ€™s very own robust TV and internet solutions.

Was this helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!
John
John
A tech maestro with a penchant for Android systems, John is also a self-proclaimed Mexican food critic. When heโ€™s not exploring the latest tech trends, heโ€™s likely binging on the newest series on Netflix.
ThemeScene Team

Themescene.tv is Guss, Jenny, Vanessa, Ursula, and John, lead a team of tech experts who are here to assist you with all of your streaming, internet, and Wi-Fi connection questions and make sense of the complex tech world.
Get to know the Themescene Gang

Have an issue or a question then first use the search function, and if you need additional help then don't hesitate to contact us