How much does cable TV cost you each month? More importantly, how much value are you getting from it? Many households pay for a lineup of channels they barely watch. With the average cost of cable TV, including fees and taxes, hovering around $600 annually, it’s time to reconsider whether cable is worth the expense.

According to recent reports, traditional pay-TV providers continue to lose subscribers staggeringly. Leichtman Research Group reported over a million video subscriber losses in the third quarter of 2023 alone, signaling a growing trend toward cutting the cord.

The Rise of Streaming Services

Streaming services have fundamentally reshaped the way we consume entertainment. They offer flexibility, affordability, and a level of personalization that cable can’t match. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular streaming options:

Netflix

• Standard with Ads: $6.99/month
• Standard (No Ads): $15.49/month
• Premium (4K UHD, No Ads): $22.99/month

Hulu

• With Ads: $7.99/month
• No Ads: $17.99/month
• Hulu + Live TV (With Ads): $76.99/month
• Hulu + Live TV (No Ads): $89.99/month

Amazon Prime Video

• Included with Amazon Prime: $14.99/month or $139/year
• Standalone Prime Video (With Ads): $9.00/month
• Ad-Free Upgrade: Additional $3.00/month

Disney+

• With Ads: $7.99/month
• No Ads: $10.99/month
• Bundles:
  • Duo Basic (Disney+ and Hulu with Ads): $9.99/month
  • Trio Basic (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ with Ads): $12.99/month
  • Trio Premium (Disney+ and Hulu No Ads, ESPN+ with Ads): $19.99/month

Apple TV+

• $9.99/month
• 7-day free trial available; 3-month trial with Apple device purchase

Max (formerly HBO Max)

• With Ads: $9.99/month
• Ad-Free: $15.99/month

Equipment and Accessibility

You’ll need a streaming device or a smart TV to stream your favorite shows and movies. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable options:

• Roku: Starting at $29.99
• Amazon Fire TV Stick: Starting at $29.99
• Apple TV 4K: Starting at $129.99
• Google Chromecast with Google TV: Starting at $29.99

Many gaming consoles, such as Xbox and PlayStation, also support popular streaming apps. Additionally, most smartphones and tablets have apps for streaming services, enabling you to watch content on the go.

Free and Niche Streaming Channels

Streaming doesn’t have to be expensive. Many free channels cater to specific tastes:

• Pluto TV: Free live TV and on-demand content
• Tubi: Free movies and TV shows
• The Roku Channel: Free curated content
• Crackle: Classic TV and movies

Depending on your preferences, these options can complement your paid subscriptions or even replace them entirely.

The Financial Benefits of Cutting the Cord

Even with a mix of paid subscriptions, you’ll likely spend less on streaming than cable. For example:

• Netflix + Hulu (No Ads) + Amazon Prime Video = ~$50/month
• Compare that to an average cable bill of ~$120/month, and the savings add up quickly.

Additionally, streaming lets you pay only for what you actually use, eliminating the waste associated with cable packages.

Final Thoughts

Cutting the cable isn’t just about saving money—it’s about taking control of your entertainment choices. Streaming services offer unparalleled flexibility, a wide variety of content, and significant savings compared to traditional cable. As technology continues to improve, streaming will become even more accessible and versatile.

By switching to streaming, you’ll reduce your monthly expenses and tailor your entertainment experience to suit your preferences. Streaming is the smarter, more affordable option, whether watching the latest blockbusters, binge-watching classic TV shows, or exploring niche content.

It’s time to cut the cord and embrace the future of entertainment—on your terms.