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Cutting The Cable Cord A Step By Step Guide To Switching To Streaming

Leo Migdal
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cutting the cable cord a step by step guide to switching to streaming

We may earn commissions when you buy from links on our site. Why you can trust us. In addition to high prices, absurd fees, and notoriously bad service, the recent breakdown in negotiations between Spectrum and Disney (which took the U.S. Open and many other popular sporting events offline) has pushed many people to finally consider replacing their cable service with streaming. I made the switch nearly a decade ago, when streaming was still in its relative infancy, and things have only gotten easier since then. Even my 82-year-old mother has made the transition.

And believe me, if she can do it, anyone can do it. The steps to switching are the same whether your cable provider is Spectrum, AT&T, Comcast, DISH, Verizon, or any other company. In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through the steps to cut the cable cord and make a seamless transition to streaming, with our editors’ recommendations for the best streaming devices and services based... Before you dive into the world of streaming, assess your current cable plan. This includes understanding your contract, monthly costs (including all the absurd fees), and the channels you're subscribed to. If you’re in a bundled package, determine what your costs would be if you only used the cable company for internet access and dropped the TV portion.

Most companies offer bundle deals, and when you remove TV service your internet fees may go up. Make a list of the channels you regularly watch and any premium services you are subscribed to, such as HBO or Showtime. Be realistic here. While most cable services boast of the hundreds of channels they offer (and charge you for), chances are you only watch a dozen or so on a regular basis. Figure out which are must-haves and which you can do without so you can cost-compare accurately with the streaming options. Editor in Chief at Xataka On.

Before joining Webedia, I was a tech reporter at Gizmodo and The Messenger. While I've covered all sorts of things related to technology, I'm specialized in writing about social media, Internet culture, Twitch, and streamers. Every year, more and more people are opting to say goodbye to their cable box. While the idea is straightforward, there are important things to consider before you take the plunge. For instance, what channels can you absolutely not live without? Do you want to be able to watch live sports?

Here’s what you need to consider when cutting the cable cord in 2025. Before we go any further, I feel like I should be clear on what I mean by cutting the cord. It’s a term people throw around that can have a few different meanings. Cutting the cord refers to canceling your traditional cable service, such as cable or satellite TV, and switching to a live streaming TV service. Like cable TV, these services provide live TV channels. The difference lies in how they provide the content.

Cable TV literally works through a wire, while live streaming TV services stream TV channels through the Internet. There are various reasons, but the primary ones relate to cost and flexibility. Some people find that switching from traditional TV to live streaming TV saves them money. Others like the fact that many live streaming TV services, such as YouTube TV and Sling TV, don’t require long-term contracts. As such, if you don’t like the content you’re getting and are more interested in another service, switch on over. You can always go back to your previous option if it gets a show or sporting event you like.

Are you finally ready to cut the cable TV cord in 2025? If you’ve been thinking about cutting the cord but don’t know where to start, this step-by-step guide will help you cancel cable and switch to streaming TV. With so many cord-cutting options, the process can be complicated and overwhelming. But when you’re just getting started with streaming TV, you don’t need to spend days and weeks researching the best way to cut the cable TV cord. Since 2016, I’ve helped thousands of people make the switch from cable to streaming. Cable and streaming services have become similar in recent years when it comes to how content is delivered -- live, and with ads -- and in some cases, with pricing.

Our analysis compared the costs of each where we did the math, and we found that depending on what you watch, streaming can be less expensive, especially once you figure in the taxes and... If you're ready to save, here's how to cut the cable TV cord and replace it with streaming services. You just need to a good internet connection and the apps built into your smart TV or running on an inexpensive streamer, such as a Roku or Amazon Fire TV. They'll give you access to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, Max, Hulu and more, as well as numerous free TV streaming options. Still want sports or local news? Live TV streaming services like Sling TV and YouTube TV start at $40 a month and can stream most of the live channels available on your cable box with no contracts to sign, so...

You can watch every live NFL game every week, for example, with no cable box required. Ready to cut the cord? Good. Here's how to get started. Even if you cut cable TV you'll still need a home internet connection for streaming. Many people get their internet as part of a cable TV bundle, maybe with phone service too.

Often your cable company is the same one providing your internet connection, but sometimes you can shop around to find the best internet provider. Want to get rid of cable TV? Use our guide to cut the cord When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Ready to cut the cord?

It's totally normal to feel overwhelmed. There's so much going on in the streaming space that it's hard to figure out how to navigate it. While cable offers one, single hub to access all of your favorite shows, streaming has become increasingly fractured over the years. In fact, there are now over 200 services currently vying for eyeballs in the US (per Forbes), each with their own individual exclusive content, plans, and pricing options. And it seems like there are more coming every day! However, even though it can seem like a daunting task, if you're looking to finally ditch that cable bill and only pay for the content you truly care about, we've got a handy guide...

From the hardware you need to a guide to help you navigate some of the different streaming service options available, here's everything you need to know about cutting the cord in 2024. Everything you need to know about ditching cable TV and switching to streaming services. Save money and get more flexibility with our step-by-step guide. Cable TV is becoming increasingly expensive and inflexible. The average cable bill has risen to $107 per month (over $1,280 annually), while offering limited flexibility and forcing you to pay for channels you don't watch. Meanwhile, streaming services offer:

Before making the switch, understand what you actually watch: Reliable internet is crucial for streaming. Here's what you need: Select streaming services based on your content needs: Cutting the cord can feel overwhelming at first with many choices, there are so many questions, but don’t worry, we are here to help you with this! With the right approach, you’ll find that ditching cable isn’t just doable; it’s easier than you think.

In fact, you might already have most of what you need to get started. We’re here to guide you through the process of canceling cable and transitioning to legal streaming services, so you can save money without missing your favorite shows. Fast forward to 2025, and cutting the cord has never been simpler. These days, the average household can access everything they love for less than the cost of cable. It’s a far cry from the complicated setups of the past. Ready to make the leap?

Here are five steps to help you become a confident cord cutter: With so many streaming platforms out there, the options might seem endless, but that’s actually a good thing! You’ll likely want to combine a few services to cover all your favorite shows and channels. The great news? Almost every streaming service offers a free trial, so you can test them out before committing. Finding the Right Live TV Streaming Service

Cable bills are only getting higher, and many people are looking for ways to save without losing access to their favorite shows. Bob from Plymouth, Massachusetts, reached out with this question: “Can you give me any tips on how to cut the cord? I have Verizon Fios right now. It’s getting too expensive. I am a senior on a fixed income.”

Whether you’re on a budget or just tired of overpaying for cable channels you never watch, cutting the cord can be easier (and cheaper) than you think. Here’s how to do it in 8 straightforward steps. Streaming services like Netflix and YouTube TV recommend at least 25 Mbps download speed for smooth HD streaming. If more than one person in your home is watching at the same time, you may need even faster speeds. To determine if your internet is fast enough for streaming, the easiest way is to run an internet speed test using popular, free online tools like: Call your current provider (like Verizon) and ask about their internet-only options.

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