Are you considering cutting the cord on cable TV? You can save money by seeking cable alternatives, but, more importantly, you’ll gain access to hot shows that aren’t available on cable, such as Stranger Things and Orange is the New Black. And if it’s regular broadcast programming you want, there are services that can provide that too.
Cutting the Cord on Cable and Satellite: How to Do It
As long as you have a solid WiFi connection in your home, you can cut the cord on cable and enjoy all your favorite programming on your computer or mobile device, an internet-connected Smart TV, or through a Microsoft Xbox, PlayStation, or an Amazon Fire stick.
Set-top boxes such as AppleTV and Roku also offer streaming options of their own and let you connect other streaming services, such as Hulu or Netflix.
What’s the best way of cutting the cord on cable? Which streaming network delivers the best value and access to shows and movies you already enjoy through satellite TV or cable?
Amazon Prime Video
Ranked the No. 2 streaming service behind Netflix (which does not offer regular TV programming as an option), Amazon Prime Video has a healthy dose of original programming as well as access to premium channels such as Showtime, Starz, and HBO.
What’s missing? A whole slew of broadcast cable channels, apart from CBS. But if much of your cable-watching begins and ends with CBS shows like CSI and Big Bang Theory – Bazinga!, Amazon Prime might be the best money-saving, cord-cutting, streaming service for you.
YouTube TV
Practically synonymous with streaming video, it was only a matter of time before YouTube introduced its own live TV streaming service. YouTube TV offers live TV from 60+ networks, plus unlimited, cloud-based DVR service, for $49.99/month.
Stream to three devices at one time. Everyone in your family can have their own account (up to six people) to watch network television, premium channels, sports, news, and more.
DirecTV Now
It may seem silly to drop your cable or satellite TV subscription to pick up DirecTV Now, but the streaming service delivered by the satellite provider adds the ability to stream to any screen in your home, month-to-month flexibility, and 125+ channels with its top package.
At a minimum, you can sign up for 40+ live channels, including premium networks like HBO. Record and play back shows or watch up to 10,000+ on-demand programs.
Hulu + Live TV
Ranked as the No. 3 streaming service behind Netflix and Amazon, according to finance website Motley Fool, Hulu + Live TV offers access to more than 60+ channels plus an extensive streaming library.
Still not enough Disney for you? When the Mouse House launches its Disney+ streaming service, it will be available as part of a money-saving bundle with Hulu and the upcoming ESPN+. If that doesn’t make you fall in love with Hulu + Live TV, nothing will.
Should You Cut the Cord on Cable?
With all these cable alternatives, you might be ready to call your cable or satellite TV company and cut the cord for good. You’ll gain convenience, original programming, and the flexibility to watch anywhere.
But your cable and satellite providers probably also offer streaming to mobile devices if you look into setting it up.
By the time you pay for internet access to provide the bandwidth to stream your favorite shows, plus a streaming service or two, you may be cutting the cord without cutting expenses.
But the major benefit to all these cable alternatives is they offer month-to-month plans, so you can cancel at any time with no penalties, switch streaming services whenever the mood strikes, and even try most of them free for at least a week.
Cutting the cord is a big step but one that 91 million Americans have already taken. Will you be next?
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