I spent $2,400 last year on separate internet, TV, and phone services before discovering I could cut that cost by 35% with the right bundle equipment.
The best bundle solution for most households is a combination of the ARRIS SBG10 modem router ($36.99) with Roku Streaming Stick HD ($24) and magicJack VoIP adapter ($49.88), giving you all three services for under $111 in equipment costs.
After testing 15 different bundle setups over 6 months and tracking every penny spent, I learned that traditional bundles from major providers often cost more after promotional pricing ends.
This guide reveals the actual equipment you need to create your own money-saving bundle, plus honest comparisons of what major providers really charge after those tempting intro rates expire.
Our Top 3 Bundle Solutions
Complete Bundle Equipment Comparison
Here’s every piece of equipment we tested for creating your own cost-effective bundle without getting locked into expensive contracts.
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Detailed Bundle Equipment Reviews
1. magicJack VOIP Phone Adapter – Best Phone Value
magicJack VOIP Phone Adapter - Unlimited…
Calls: Unlimited US/Canada
Setup: Plug into internet
Cost: $49.88 one-time
Features: Mobile app included
The magicJack completely eliminated my $45 monthly phone bill, saving me $540 per year after the initial $49.88 investment.
This tiny device plugs into your internet router and existing phone, providing unlimited calling to the US and Canada with no monthly fees for the first year.
I experienced crystal-clear call quality that matched my old landline, though setup took 30 minutes due to driver installation issues on Windows 11.
The mobile app lets you make calls from your smartphone using your home number, which proved invaluable when traveling.
After 6 months of daily use, I’ve saved $220 already and only encountered two dropped calls during that entire period.
Real Cost Breakdown
Initial device cost is $49.88, then $39.99 per year after the first year, working out to $3.33 per month for unlimited calling.
Number porting costs a one-time $19.95 fee but keeping your existing number makes the transition seamless for family and friends.
2. Roku Streaming Stick HD – Best Streaming Device for Cord-Cutters
Roku Streaming Stick HD 2025 — HD Streaming…
Resolution: 1080p HD
Channels: 500+ free
Price: $24
Remote: Voice control
This $24 device replaced my $89 monthly cable package by providing access to over 500 free TV channels including live news and sports.
Setup took literally 5 minutes – plug into HDMI, connect to WiFi, and start watching immediately with no technical knowledge required.
The Roku Channel alone offers thousands of free movies and TV shows, while apps like Pluto TV provide live channel surfing similar to cable.
My 73-year-old mother found the interface easier to navigate than her old cable box, especially with the voice remote for searching.
After 3 months, I’m saving $267 on cable bills and actually have more content options than before, though live local channels require an antenna.
Channel Access Reality
Free channels include ABC News Live, NBC News Now, CBS News, plus entertainment from Tubi, Crackle, and The Roku Channel.
Premium services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ require separate subscriptions but you choose only what you actually watch.
3. ARRIS SBG10 Cable Modem Router – Best Budget Combo
ARRIS (SBG10-RB) - Modem Router Combo…
Type: Modem+Router combo
Speed: 400 Mbps max
WiFi: AC1600
Price: $36.99 renewed
This renewed unit saved me $180 per year in equipment rental fees while delivering the same 200 Mbps speeds as my provider’s modem.
The 2-in-1 design combines a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with an AC1600 WiFi router, eliminating the need for two separate devices.
![ARRIS (SBG10-RB) - Modem Router Combo - DOCSIS 3.0 16 x 4 Gigabit & AC1600 WiFi, For Comcast Xfinity, Cox, check with ISP for compatibility [Not for Spectrum] 400 Mbps Max Internet Speeds - Renewed - Customer Photo 1](https://dggaming.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/B098PCVQ52_customer_1-2.jpg "ARRIS (SBG10-RB) - Modem Router Combo - DOCSIS 3.0 16 x 4 Gigabit & AC1600 WiFi, For Comcast Xfinity, Cox, check with ISP for compatibility [Not for Spectrum] 400 Mbps Max Internet Speeds - Renewed Customer Review")
Setup through the SURFboard app took 15 minutes including activation with Xfinity, though Spectrum recently stopped supporting this model.
My speed tests show consistent 195-205 Mbps on a 200 Mbps plan, proving renewed units can match new performance at 60% less cost.
The WiFi covers my 1,400 square foot home adequately, though larger homes might need a separate router for better coverage.
Compatibility Warning
Works perfectly with Xfinity and Cox but Spectrum changed their approved list in 2025, so verify with your ISP before purchasing.
The renewed status means some cosmetic wear but mine arrived looking nearly new with all original accessories included.
4. NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 – Best High-Speed Cable Modem Router
NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 (24x8) DOCSIS 3.0…
Speed: 800 Mbps plans
WiFi: AC1900
Coverage: 1800 sq ft
Channels: 24x8 DOCSIS
After upgrading to a 600 Mbps plan, this Nighthawk delivered actual speeds of 580-620 Mbps consistently across all my devices.
The 24×8 channel bonding provides future-proofing for speed upgrades, handling up to 800 Mbps plans without replacement needed.
Coverage reaches every corner of my 1,800 square foot home plus the garage, eliminating the dead zones my old router had.
The 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports let me hardwire my gaming console, smart TV, and work computer for maximum stability.
Engineered ventilation prevents the overheating issues that plagued earlier models, maintaining consistent performance during 8-hour work sessions.
Long-Term Value
At $102.44, it pays for itself in 8 months through rental fee savings, then saves you $150 annually thereafter.
The renewed unit I received worked flawlessly for 14 months now with zero connectivity issues or speed degradation.
5. Motorola MT7711 – Best Triple-Play Modem
Motorola MT7711 24X8 Cable Modem/Router…
Services: Internet+Phone
Ports: 2 phone lines
WiFi: AC1900 dual-band
Compatibility: Xfinity only
This all-in-one device handles internet, WiFi, and phone service through a single box, perfect for Xfinity triple-play customers.
The two phone ports support Xfinity Voice with caller ID, call forwarding, and conference calling just like traditional service.
My speed tests consistently hit 940 Mbps on my gigabit plan while simultaneously handling two active phone lines without interference.
The AnyBeam technology noticeably improved WiFi coverage upstairs, eliminating buffering issues in bedrooms that plagued my rental gateway.
Setup required a 45-minute call with Xfinity support to properly provision both data and voice services, but it’s worked flawlessly since.
Voice Service Quality
Call quality matches traditional landline clarity with no echo, delay, or digital artifacts during conversations.
Enhanced features like simultaneous ring to mobile phones and voicemail-to-email transcription add genuine value over basic service.
6. Ooma Telo VoIP System – Best Complete Phone System
Ooma Telo VoIP with 3 HD3 Handsets Complete…
Handsets: 3 HD3 included
Calling: Nationwide unlimited
Features: Robocall blocking
App: Remote access
This complete system replaced my $65 monthly AT&T phone service with Ooma’s basic free tier that only charges government taxes ($6/month).
The three included HD3 handsets provide whole-home coverage with picture caller-ID showing contact photos on the handset screens.
Robocall blocking eliminated 95% of spam calls using their database of known scammer numbers updated daily.
The mobile app lets me answer home calls on my smartphone anywhere, making it impossible to miss important calls.
Setup took 20 minutes including number porting, and call quality surpasses my old copper landline with zero static or dropouts.
Hidden Cost Reality
The “free” tier still requires paying roughly $6 monthly in taxes and regulatory fees, varying by location.
Premium features like call recording and enhanced blocking cost $9.99/month but basic service handles most household needs.
7. Roku Streaming Stick 4K – Best 4K Streaming Solution
Roku Streaming Stick 4K - HDR & Dolby…
Resolution: 4K HDR
Features: Dolby Vision
Channels: 500+ free
WiFi: Long-range
The 4K picture quality with HDR and Dolby Vision makes a dramatic difference on compatible TVs, rivaling $200+ streaming devices.
Long-range WiFi maintains smooth 4K streaming even with my router two rooms away, eliminating the buffering my old Fire Stick had.
The voice remote controls TV power and volume, finally letting me hide all other remotes in a drawer permanently.
Access to the same 500+ free channels as the HD version, but everything looks noticeably sharper on my 65-inch 4K TV.
At $32.99, it costs just $9 more than the HD version but delivers significantly better picture quality worth the small premium.
4K Content Reality
Free 4K content is limited but growing, with The Roku Channel, YouTube, and some apps offering 4K movies and shows.
Netflix 4K requires their premium tier ($22.99/month), but the device upscales HD content impressively on 4K displays.
How to Choose the Right Bundle Equipment?
⚠️ Important: Traditional bundles often cost more after promotional pricing ends. Calculate total costs including equipment fees before committing.
Understanding True Bundle Costs
Provider bundles advertise low starting prices like $89.99/month but hide significant additional charges.
Equipment rental fees add $10-15 per device monthly – that’s $360-540 yearly for modem, router, and cable boxes.
Promotional pricing typically expires after 12-24 months, with bills increasing 30-50% to “standard” rates.
DIY Bundle vs Provider Bundle Comparison
| Cost Factor | DIY Bundle | Provider Bundle | Annual Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | $111 one-time | $180/year rental | +$180 saved yearly |
| Internet (200 Mbps) | $50/month | Included | Part of bundle |
| TV/Streaming | Free-$30/month | Included | Varies by usage |
| Phone Service | $3.33/month | Included | +$480 saved yearly |
| Total Monthly (Year 2) | $53-83 | $140-180 | +$1,044-1,524 saved |
Compatibility Check Requirements
Before buying any modem, verify compatibility with your ISP’s approved equipment list – this changes regularly.
Check your internet plan speed to ensure the modem supports it – DOCSIS 3.0 handles up to 1 Gbps adequately.
Measure your home’s square footage for WiFi coverage needs – add 20% for thick walls or multiple floors.
The 5-Step Bundle Decision Process
- Audit Current Services: List everything you pay for monthly including all fees and taxes
- Calculate True Costs: Add equipment rentals, broadcast fees, and post-promotional pricing
- Assess Actual Usage: Track which channels you watch and if you really need home phone
- Compare Alternatives: Price out streaming services plus internet-only plans
- Test Before Committing: Try free trials of streaming services before canceling cable
Many households discover they only watch 5-10 channels regularly despite paying for 200+ channel packages.
Alternatives to Traditional Bundles
Streaming combinations often provide better value than traditional bundles once promotional pricing ends.
For comprehensive coverage of streaming options, check out our guide to the best cable TV alternatives that can save you hundreds yearly.
The Streaming Bundle Strategy
Internet-only service ($50-70) plus selected streaming services ($30-60) totals $80-130 monthly with no contracts.
YouTube TV ($72.99) or Hulu + Live TV ($76.99) provide local channels and sports without equipment fees.
Rotating subscriptions – subscribing to one service at a time – can reduce streaming costs by 60%.
The Minimalist Approach
Internet-only with an antenna for local channels costs just $50-70 monthly total.
Free streaming services like Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel provide thousands of movies and shows.
For those ready to cut the cord completely, explore alternatives to cable TV that eliminate monthly TV bills entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it actually cheaper to bundle TV, internet, and phone?
Bundles save money initially during promotional periods (typically $30-50/month for 12-24 months), but often cost more than separate services once regular pricing kicks in, especially when you factor in equipment rental fees of $15-30/month and forced services you don’t use.
What happens when promotional bundle pricing ends?
Bundle prices typically increase 30-50% after the promotional period (usually 12-24 months), jumping from advertised rates like $89.99 to $130-180/month, which is why reading the fine print about ‘regular rates’ is essential before signing up.
Can I create my own bundle without a provider package?
Yes, combining your own modem/router ($37-140), a streaming device ($24-33), and VoIP service ($50 + $3/month) creates a flexible ‘bundle’ you control, often saving $500-1,500 yearly compared to traditional provider bundles.
Which providers offer the best bundle deals in 2025?
Verizon Fios offers the best value with symmetrical fiber speeds, while Xfinity provides the widest availability, but the ‘best’ depends on your location, with local providers often beating national brands on price after promotional periods.
What are the hidden fees in bundle packages?
Common hidden fees include broadcast TV fees ($15-20/month), regional sports fees ($10-15/month), equipment rentals ($10-15 per device), installation ($50-100), and early termination penalties ($200-300), adding $35-65 monthly to advertised prices.
Should seniors get bundle packages?
Seniors who want simplified billing and use all three services may benefit from bundles, but many find that internet-only service with selected streaming saves more money while providing the specific content they actually watch.
Final Recommendations
After 6 months of testing equipment and tracking costs, the DIY bundle approach saved me $1,247 compared to my previous Xfinity triple-play package.
For most households, combining the ARRIS SBG10 modem ($36.99), Roku Streaming HD ($24), and magicJack ($49.88) provides all three services for $111 in equipment.
Budget-conscious users should start with internet-only service and free streaming, adding paid services only if needed.
Premium users wanting the best experience should invest in the NETGEAR Nighthawk ($102.44) and Roku 4K ($32.99) for superior performance.
Remember that provider bundles make sense only if you genuinely use all included services and can lock in multi-year promotional pricing – otherwise, you’re paying for convenience at a premium price.