Is Cutting the Cord Right for You?
Cable TV packages can cost well over $100 per month — often bundled with services you never use. Cord-cutting means canceling your cable or satellite TV subscription and replacing it with internet-based streaming services. Done right, most people can replicate their cable experience for significantly less money. Here's how to do it.
Step 1: Audit What You Actually Watch
Before canceling anything, spend a week noting which channels and shows you actually watch. Most people are surprised to find they regularly use far fewer channels than they pay for. Group your viewing habits into categories:
- Live sports (the most complex part of cord-cutting)
- Local news and network TV (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX)
- Cable channels (ESPN, CNN, HGTV, etc.)
- On-demand movies and series
Step 2: Get Free Local Channels with an Antenna
An HD antenna plugged into your TV gives you free, over-the-air access to local broadcast channels — ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and PBS in HD, with no monthly fee. Antennas cost between $20–$50 and are one of the best investments a cord-cutter can make.
Step 3: Choose a Live TV Streaming Service (If You Need One)
If you need cable channels or live sports, a live TV streaming service replaces your cable box entirely. The main options are:
| Service | Approx. Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | ~$73/month | Broadest channel selection, unlimited DVR |
| Hulu + Live TV | ~$83/month | Bundled Disney+/ESPN+, strong on-demand library |
| DirecTV Stream | ~$70/month | Sports packages, regional sports networks |
| Philo | ~$28/month | Entertainment channels only, no sports/locals |
| Sling TV | ~$40/month | Flexible add-ons, budget-friendly base |
Step 4: Add On-Demand Services Strategically
Pick 2–3 on-demand services based on your watchlist audit. Rotating subscriptions — subscribing for a month, binging what you want, then pausing — is a legitimate strategy that keeps costs low without missing content.
Step 5: Get a Streaming Device
If your TV isn't a smart TV (or even if it is), a dedicated streaming device often provides a faster, more reliable experience. Solid options include the Roku Streaming Stick, Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, and Apple TV 4K.
Step 6: Ensure Your Internet Can Handle It
Streaming replaces your cable signal with internet data. For a household streaming to multiple TVs simultaneously, aim for a broadband plan with at least 100 Mbps. Also make sure you don't have a data cap that streaming would push you over.
What About Live Sports?
Sports is the most common reason people hesitate to cut the cord. Solutions include:
- YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV for ESPN, TNT, and major league coverage
- ESPN+ for MLS, UFC, NHL games, and college sports
- Peacock for NFL Sunday Night Football and Premier League
- Over-the-air antenna for NFL, NBA Finals, and other broadcast network sports
Bottom Line
Cutting the cord takes a little upfront planning but is straightforward once you know what you need. Most cord-cutters end up paying noticeably less than their old cable bill — and they stop paying for dozens of channels they never watched.