Last year, the number of cord cutters within the U.S. reached 33 million.
But is streaming really a better alternative? And for that matter, what’s going to help you save the most money?
Keep reading to learn more about the cable vs streaming debate and see which offers the most for your money.
Is Cable Still King?
Though it’s true that people are ditching cable in droves, there are still many cases in which a cable package may be the better choice for your household.
In certain cases, choosing cable over streaming may even save you a few dollars.
Cable providers offer discounts to customers who bundle multiple services. So, for instance, if you’re already using Comcast as your Internet or mobile provider, you might be able to add a cable package to your bundle for only a few dollars.
Likewise, cable doesn’t have to be expensive. The trick is to buy through an authorized third-party seller.
Satellite TV packages through authorized resellers are comparable to what you’d pay with a service like YouTube TV or PlayStation Vue.
Of course, it isn’t all good news. More often than not, cable is far more expensive than streaming thanks to hidden fees and long-term contracts.
Plus, providers are notorious for raising the rates of these add-on fees. You may end up paying an extra $20 per month in fees alone.
The Skinny on Streaming
It’s been over a decade since Netflix revolutionized the idea of video streaming. In the years since we’ve seen tons of additional companies tossing their hats in the ring.
Now, it’s entirely possible to catch up on your favorite shows and movies without ever having to give cable conglomerates a penny. In fact, if you subscribe to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, you’re more or less set.
Of course, the major caveat to this strategy is that you’ll have to wait for your favorite shows to become available. And due to licensing rights, it’s hard to tell what shows will land where.
But where does this leave those who love live TV?
Well, you can still watch all of your favorites live without cable. There are several great over-the-top services that allow subscribers to stream live cable via the Internet.
Services like Sling TV, as well as the aforementioned YouTube TV and PlayStation Vue, are all worth looking into.
You’ll still get all of the great features of a traditional cable package — including DVR and on-demand access — but at a much lower price.
Most wireless cable TV services run about $40 per month and come contract-free.
Cable vs Streaming: Our Final Verdict
So, in the battle of cable vs streaming who leaves victorious?
Our pick is streaming.
It’s more affordable since you don’t have to worry about extra fees and hardware rentals, you can ditch streaming services whenever you want, and the versatility of each platform’s programming should keep you busy for thousands of hours.
If you’re still considering cable, make sure to read up on your contract. Contact us today for a template and read up on what you’re signing.
