Is it time to cut the cable cord? When you consider the choice of streaming services available on the market, cost savings and access to acclaimed streaming-only TV shows and movies, the switch is tempting.
Platforms like Disney+ and Apple TV+ are giving cable companies a run for their money.
“This really is the golden age of content,” said Seana Norvell, director of consumer public relations for Roku. “There’s an incredible amount of great content out there available to watch for free or on paid channels…you have the ability to customize your experience based on what matters to you.”
On the other hand, the bundles provided by cable companies, which consolidate TV, phone and internet to one bill, may be worth the added price for convenience.
Before you start shopping, consider the options.
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Download Now!Why Cut the Cable Cord?
If you’re thinking about cutting the cable cord, you’re not alone. Streaming and cord-cutting surged during the COVID-19 crisis for access to original content that couldn’t be found elsewhere and continues to increase.
But for many cable converts, the most common reason is to save money. Streaming services are available without expensive fixed-rate contracts. And as cable TV subscriptions fall, monthly costs are increasing. The average monthly cost for cable and internet in 2021 was $116 per household, according to a report by the bill payment company doxo.
Of course, as streaming services become more popular, their prices are increasing as well. “In the early days of live TV streaming … streaming [was] cheaper than cable,” says CableTV.com in their comparison. “With top services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV regularly raising their rates, that price gap is closing. Side-by-side, though, live TV streaming still has the edge.”
How to Cut the Cord
Keep in mind that if you want to cut the cable cord completely, you will still need to pay for internet. If you are currently paying for a cable bundle that includes TV, phone and internet, think of how much you will save just by cutting out the non-essentials.
Fast and reliable internet is key to taking your cord-cutting experience to the next level. Ask yourself if your internet connection is fast enough to stream content. If it seems slow, reevaluating your internet power and Wi-Fi set up can help you get a better sense of how much broadband you need for your household.
Then it’s time for the fun part: customizing your content. Try to mimic the things you like about cable TV, while removing the things you don’t. You’ll also discover a lot of new things to love, like original series and movies exclusive to certain streaming services. If you are new to streaming and want to explore what’s available, many services like Netflix, Hulu and YouTube Premium offer free 30-day trials.
If you don’t want to lose live TV channels, some streaming devices have free TV streaming options, such as The Roku Channel. Services like SlingTV and YouTubeTV also offer skinny bundles, a customized cable TV package that usually includes major broadcast networks like ABC, NBC, Fox and more.
If you’re looking for an easy way to compare streaming services and TV and internet plans and providers, sites like CableTV.com and Allconnect are great examples of free services that allows you to review all your options in one place and find what works best for you.
Popular Streaming Devices
Once you’ve committed to cutting the cord, assessed your internet speed and have picked picked the streaming services that you want, you’ll need a device to stream on. Streaming devices allow you to access all of your favorites in one place by simply plugging into the HDMI port of your TV. They are generally inexpensive and once you buy it, you own it – no monthly rental fee.
Consumers with smart TVs may be surprised to learn that their device already supports all streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and more.
You can also watch most streaming services from your phone, tablet or computer.
Roku
Roku offers an impressive selection of streaming services and even more through the Roku Channel, while remaining an affordable alternative to cable. Their most inexpensive model, the Roku Express, is under $30. To start streaming, you can get a Roku device that connects to your current TV or opt for a Roku TV with Roku streaming services built right in.
Amazon
From the Fire TV Stick to the Fire TV Cube, Amazon’s streaming devices are the most versatile on the market, offering a range of features at an affordable price. Amazon’s streaming devices have some of the top apps for gamers and moviegoers alike, with Alexa integration via the remote – that means you can check the news, weather and sports scores using your voice. The Fire TV Stick has been one of Amazon’s bestselling products for years.
fuboTV
fuboTV is a live streaming television service that you can watch on your phone, tablet, computer or television. If the big game is on, fuboTV has a wide variety of sports channels to choose from. They also have a bevy of lifestyle entertainment channels to choose from, including the Hallmark Channel, Showtime, IFC or FX Movies. There’s also an on-demand section that you can browse.
Apple TV
Looking to bring cinematic value to everything you watch? Look no further. The Apple TV 4K delivers the best picture and sound quality today for those willing to spend a bit more. You can stream TV shows, movies and get access to Apple Originals in a clean and crisp 4K format. Plus, the Siri voice option and sleek design of the Apple TV remote offer an attractive interface. Don’t have a 4K television? Don’t worry. It’s is also compatible with HDR and Dolby Vision TVs. Available in two storage sizes.
Have you cut the cable cord? Are you still undecided? Tell us in the comments.
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I only want PBS and the other free channels, not cable. Maybe Netflix. That’s all. But I don’t know how to get that. Do antennas still work?
Cost is one thing, but reliability, convenience of “Cloud” VCR, and picture quality over wifi are another. I’m paying only a little less than I did for cable or satellite TV and Internet but don’t mind. The better program choice and picture quality are worth it when compared to the satellite TV which streaming replaced entirely in our household. Youtube TV has a much better VCR than my former high-end on-site Panasonic VCR, and I don’t have to worry about programing it or running out of recording space.
I have Optimum and awhile back I called them to cancel my service. The customer service person said she couldn’t cancel but she would transfer me to the xxx of service department. She transferred me righ back to her own department wher another rep did the same thing. This went on for 3 days.
Finally I got through tothe correct department and was told that even if I cancelled Cable TV service, my internet would cost $113 monthly. So she offered me the cable TV for $12/month for 1 year (in addition to the $113 for internet) and said call back at the end of the year to get whatever special they were offering at that time.
I also have subscribed to several streaming services and they are raising their rates so there is no bargain there.
I’ll keep my FiOS. I’m not investing in another TV since most are too big for my home. I stream one – Paramount+ to watch one program which has had its finale. I was paying $5.99 a month for it but I had tried Walmart+ ($98 a yr.) for free delivery/pick up since winter is coming. Walmart+ now provides Paramount+ for $0 – it’s part of the membership. Amazon Prime charges $139 a year and Paramount+ is an additional charge of $11.99. What I see on streaming is many of the network shows being moved to streaming so is it really worth it?
Many decent network shows get canceled due to a lack of audience. That’s where Nielsen comes in. Nielsen rates networks/shows based on TV viewers, not on streaming. Sitting in front of a computer screen is the worst thing for your eyes and (yes, ladies) your skin.
I keeping FiOS – my landline, internet and ‘cable’ cost me about $98 a month plus another $16 for all the taxes & fees (ridiculous). I’ve never had a single problem in 15 yrs.
When I cut cable my bill was $150.
I needed to keep internet for work and streaming. Internet only was $100. Some of the streaming services are $50 plus. It wasn’t cost effective for me.
I lost my husband last year could no longer afford the $170/mo for fios. I had been looking for awhile about dropping cable. I found out that comcast offers an internet service to low income for $10/mo. Not as fast as the other companies but its fine with me. I signed on to You Tube TV and I love it. With my roku TV with all it’s free channels, and comcast, I have everything I need. Once I removed most of the sports channels and the kids channels, I still had 60 channels that I actually would watch. And with netflix and Amazon Prime, I couldn’t get much happier. The name of comcast’s program is Internet Essentials. They supply the router and installation at no cost.
I cut the cord two yrs. ago however, just internet, is now up to $75.00 a month. More choices of internet providers, through different companies, offered to all subscribers may solve the monopoly that companies like Spectrum,Comcast, etc. have.
Some folks live in places where there is no cable service to cut, where satellite wifi doesn’t exist, or if available is very slow. Tv through satellite is available. ‘Rabbit ears ‘ on tv don’t pick up signals. internet comes though data on phone. I wonder how many others are in this situation in the USA .
Thought about going to basic cable with streaming services but when I looked into basic cable, I could not get any high-def channels. I do watch some network shows and don’t want to give up HD for them. Any suggestions?
Some services (like Hulu Live and YouTube TV) allow for streaming certain channels in HD video qualities, like 720p, 1080p, 4K Ultra HD, and 60fps high definition. However, both recently upped their prices to $65 a month, so it might not be worth it, depending on your cable cost.
I hope this helps!
We have a house in SW Fla and cut the cord. But now, Comcast is forcing you to into their streaming options by bundling garbage channels and forcing you to buy them. They no longer offer just internet access. My monthly cost went from $50 to $75 and I am no looking at alternate options for internet access.
Funny that this and similar articles gloss over the fact that most internet comes from the cable company. It costs 50 to 60 dollars for the broadband connection and if you add a few premium streaming services you gained nothing.
On the other hand going to basic cable and internet and taking advantage of the tons of free streaming available is a good option.
Hi Joes,
Great point, it all depends on your internet service provider. Cutting the cable cord in not a viable option for all. I do agree that cutting down to the basic cable combined with internet is better option when packaging affects the bottom line. Thank you for your feedback! MM
Newer Tv’s have built in free option for some basic Tv.
Small Air Antenna ($19-30 one time) gets air local channels.
Amazon Prime ($12/mos and shipping deals from Amazon) and can download many Tv stations, streaming like Twitch, games.
Amazon fire stick ($30 one time to use on Amazon prime)
Newer Tv has internet for YouTube.
My many tv stations of more than I can watch, is cost of high speed internet (alone no tv added) plus $12/mos Amazon.
One time costs; antenna $19-30, amazon fire stick $30. (Cost of home internet router)
Would have internet anyway so basically a LOT of Tv for $12/mos and internet provider monthly cost!!!
Hello clairean@bellsouth.net. Great cost breakdown! There are a lot of programs offered on amazon and youtube! Thanks for your feedback! MM