Cutting the cord, also referred to as “cord-cutting”, is the process of canceling cable (or satellite) services in favor of streaming TV shows and movies. This is a growing trend because streaming services are perceived to be much less expensive than cable or satellite services.
Streaming is the process of delivering content continuously over the internet. Netflix and Disney Plus are two of the most popular streaming services, and are notably much less expensive than cable. But are all streaming services cheaper than cable or satellite services?
Popular Cable and Satellite TV Services
Cable and satellite TV are possible to watch without the internet, unlike streaming services. You also get access to live TV and some companies even double as ISPs (internet service providers).
The main difference between cable and satellite is that cable gives you a more reliable connection because it uses a cable to deliver media, whereas satellite uses a satellite dish and can lose signal in bad weather. Here are some of the more popular cable and satellite services.
Spectrum
Spectrum offers affordable starting prices ($49.99/month) for your first year, as well as internet service (for an additional cost). The downside is that prices do increase after your first year, so you won’t continue paying $50 a month for the basic package.
Xfinity
Xfinity is very similar to Spectrum in that it’s a cable service that also offers internet, but it may be a better choice when it comes to cable. You still get 125+ channels (just like you do with Spectrum), but you may not be subject to increased prices after the first year— depending on where you live and the plan you choose.
DIRECTV
DIRECTV offers a few more channels (anywhere between 155 and 350), depending on the plan you choose. The basic plan starts at $74.99/month while the premium plan is $149.99/month. Once again, these rates increase after a year.
DISH
DISH is one of few service providers that guarantee a fixed price— for your first two years. After that, prices tend to increase a lot. Basic plans are very affordable at $47.99/month for your first two years.
Popular Live TV Streaming Services
Streaming services are available on smart TVs, certain game consoles, and streaming devices such as Amazon Fire Stick and Roku. Jailbreaking a Fire Stick gives access to more streaming services, including the streaming app Kodi, which gives you more streaming options.
One of the main advantages of cable/satellite over streaming is that traditionally, streaming services didn’t give you access to live TV. However, that has changed as here are some of the most popular live TV streaming services.
Fubo TV
Fubo TV is the perfect live streaming service for sports lovers. Its specialty is soccer, but you can also find NFL, NBA, and even NHL channels among their 166+ channels. Plans range from $69.99/month to $79.99/month.
Hulu + Live TV
Like the name suggests, this streaming service is Hulu plus live TV options. Hulu + Live TV doesn’t offer you a wide selection of live TV channels (especially if you’re a sports lover), but it’s pretty decent for $69.99/month (with ads).
Sling TV
If you’re on a budget, Sling TV is the best choice for streaming live TV. Prices start at $35 a month, but there’s only about 30 to 45 channels to choose from. You can, however, add on more channels for more money, of course.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is YouTube’s live TV streaming service. It offers an impressive 100+ channels, starting at $64.99/month.
Other Popular TV Streaming Services
In addition to the most popular streaming services, large networks, such as Paramount (Paramount+), HBO (HBO Max), and NBC (Peacock) offer their very own streaming services. Unfortunately, the majority of these platforms don’t offer live TV and the ones that do come at a higher price. Here’s a list of other, non-live TV streaming services and their current price points for their basic packages:
- Peacock (free)
- Paramount+ ($4.99/month)
- Hulu ($6.99/month)
- Disney Plus ($7.99/month)
- HBO Max ($9.99/month)
- Netflix ($9.99/month)
Keep in mind that these are the basic packages, which means you may be limited to streaming on only one screen at a time, there may be ads, and/or limited channels.
Overall, streaming services are much cheaper than cable or satellite. However, streaming services are also known for occasional price increases and these increases apply to everyone— no matter how long they’ve had the service. Still, it is much less expensive even with the price increases.
