Can You Save Money by Disconnecting from Cable TV?
When was the last time you sat down and watched live, cable TV? For many people globally, the days of surfing TV channels and watching commercials are over. And streaming services are here with new, competitive offerings of original shows, exclusive movies, and bundles.
Here’s a guide to help you decide if it’s time to join the millions of Americans who have dropped their cable TV in favor of streaming services, plus a few tips to help you decide which service to purchase.
Why are streaming services so popular?
More than 150 million adults reportedly subscribe to a streaming service—a number that number is expected to continue to increase year over year. Here’s just some of the reasons people are making the switch.
Savings
First and foremost, switching from cable to streaming can save you money, depending on your current TV package and what streaming services you might purchase in place of cable.
The latest numbers from the FCC show that the average cost per month for a cable package is around $64. On the other hand, the average monthly expenditure for streaming services is $47. Per year, that’s about $200 in savings!
Picking and choosing
Instead of lists of preset channels, you can pick and choose what type of content you purchase. For example, if you like sports but you’re not a fan of any NBC shows, you can subscribe to the ESPN streaming service and forego the NBC streaming service.
You can oversee what content you want to pay for rather than scrolling through hundreds of unwatched cable TV channels.
Easy cancellation
Canceling cable is about the most frustrating coverage cancellation out there. Most times, providers will try to loop you into new deals and offers if you stay with them—so you’ll likely end the call still tied to your cable company.
Streaming services are different. Most times, you can cancel online through your account with no questions asked. No more long, awkward phone calls. Therefore, it’s easier and more comfortable to try out a few different services until you find the ones you like.
On-demand content
For generations who grew up without streaming, parting with cable TV can feel overwhelming. How will you access TV news or watch your favorite shows? Streaming services provide an unmatched ability to deliver content on-demand.
There are options available without commercials so you can easily scroll through content uninterrupted, and you’ll receive tailored recommendations for new shows and movies.
What streaming services should I get?
Today, there are more than 200 streaming services—and no two are alike. Choosing what to purchase can be the most overwhelming part of ditching cable, but you can use this guide to help you start making decisions. Whether you have an Amazon Fire TV Stick or Roku TV, you can easily download the apps for most services.
Make a list of what you watch
Jot down your favorite shows, movies, and generally preferred genres. Ask your household or those you’ll share streaming services with what they like, too. You should also make a list of what you’re willing to compromise on or don’t need. For example, you and your partner might decide you can both do without sci-fi content. These lists will help narrow down many streaming services and eliminate any sci-fi-specific options. Prioritize your content and make the best purchases for you and your household.
Consider possible discounts
You might already have streaming service access without knowing it! If you have an Amazon Prime account, you have Prime Video. Cell phone providers like AT&T offer HBO Max included with an unlimited data plan, so don’t forget to ask your provider if you have any streaming services for free or at a discounted rate. Additionally, there are student discounts available on most streaming services, such as Hulu—where you can purchase Hulu and Spotify as a bundle for only $4.99 a month if you’re enrolled in a college or university.
Are there streaming service bundles available?
Streaming services range from offering broad content, like Netflix and Hulu, to more niche content, like Shudder (horror films) and Curiosity Stream (educational documentaries). You might want a bit of both broad and specific content so that you have options available.
Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ — $12.99/month
Best for: Families and sports fanatics.
Apple TV+, CBS All Access, and Showtime — $9.99/month
Best for: News and exploratory watchers (more streaming service-specific content).
Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and Cinemax — $21.99/month
Best for: Classic film watchers and those who keep up with newly released films.
Hulu, Spotify Premium, Showtime (for students)— $4.99/month
Best for: Students who want a variety of genres and music.
AMC, BBC America, Shudder, IFC, and Sundance — $8.99/month
Best for: Horror, mystery, and international film fans.
Can I still watch live TV?
So, you’ve decided to part with cable—but you don’t want to break up. Yes, you can still access live television. And sometimes for free. Some streaming services offer an add-on or feature to watch specific live channels, which you can pick a-la-carte.
Hulu with Live TV — $71/month
This is the priciest option available on the market, but it offers everything cable gives you, and you get access to all of Hulu ad-free.
NewsON—Free
Stay up to date on local news in the event of an emergency or just for general information, for free, with NewsON. This app has news for most counties across the country.
Philo — $20/month
Enjoy live TV and over sixty thousand shows on-demand, plus, unlimited 72-hr DVR rewind with Philo.
Pluto —Free
Pluto has over one hundred channels, grouped by category in its TV guide, and it’s one hundred percent free. However, you cannot choose what channels you get.
Sling TV — $35/month
Pick the number of live channels you want on your Sling app, starting at thirty channels, and adjust whenever you please. No long-term contracts. No overpaying for unused channels.