This Provider Tops JD Power’s US Cable TV Satisfaction Rankings In 2026

Even although streaming dominates our lives, there is not any scarcity of cheaper, less ad-intrusive alternatives for the TV-loving public. If you need the best vary of reside TV channels, nonetheless, one of many extra conventional cable or satellite tv for pc suppliers could be the smarter approach to watch.

The listing of obtainable small-screen suppliers varies relying on the place you reside, after all, and never all of them are created equal. Given the associated fee hooked up to a few of these suppliers’ packages, you would be clever to perform a little research earlier than signing up for one service or one other. According to a 2026 JD Power examine, if total buyer satisfaction is excessive in your listing of wants, Verizon Fios could also be the most suitable choice for you.

The outlet’s 2026 U.S. Television Service Provider Satisfaction Study, which collected responses from 33,137 prospects between August 2025 and July 2026, rated most of the high cable and satellite tv for pc TV choices available on the market on a 1,000-point scale. Verizon’s perk-friendly Fios took high spot with a complete rating of 586 factors, outpacing longer-tenured cable and satellite tv for pc suppliers like Spectrum, Cox Communications, and DirecTV, amongst others. This is the second 12 months in a row that Fios earned high marks from prospects.

Spectrum positioned an in depth second to Fios with a buyer satisfaction rating of 564 out of 1,000. Meanwhile, Xfinity got here third with 547 factors. That quantity was just under the section common of 549, with solely Fios and Spectrum scoring above it. Moving on, Cox Communications positioned fourth with 533 factors, whereas DirecTV closed out the highest 5 with 529 factors. Dish’s 513 factors earned it sixth place, whereas Optimum took the final spot with 487 factors. 

While JD Power reported an 18-point rise in buyer satisfaction within the cable and satellite tv for pc TV sector, live TV streaming continues to impress total and stays a sound various. Much of that’s right down to price, as such companies are likely to price $41 much less per 30 days on common in comparison with cable and satellite tv for pc TV, whereas nonetheless doing properly in customer support and satisfaction metrics — albeit with a minor 3-point drop within the latter for 2026. YouTube TV took the highest spot for reside TV streaming with 643 factors, with Sling TV and Hulu + Live TV following with 625 and 622 factors, respectively.

JD Power’s examine centered on buyer suggestions on a number of matters. These included worth for value paid, service consistency, belief in every supplier, and ease of doing trade, amongst others.