; you must buy a new box to get the latest features. Often Free ; you can trade in old models for newer versions. Setup
: If you have a Smart TV or streaming stick, check if your provider has an app (e.g., Spectrum TV App , Xfinity Stream ). This is the most common way to "buy" your way out of rental fees in 2026. can i buy a cable box instead of renting
: Offers the Xumo Stream Box for a one-time purchase of $60, replacing the monthly rental fee. ; you must buy a new box to get the latest features
: Standard cable boxes sold at retail usually require a CableCARD to decrypt channels. You often have to rent this card from your provider for a small monthly fee ($1–$5), and it may not support all features like On Demand or certain premium channels. This is the most common way to "buy"
: While cable boxes are hard to buy, cable modems (for internet) are widely available for purchase at retailers like Best Buy or Amazon. Buying a Motorola or Arris modem is a highly effective way to save $150+ annually. Off-market TV Boxes - Xfinity Support
