Is Cutting the Cord Worth It? Real Costs and Savings of Ditching Cable TV

Are you tired of skyrocketing cable bills? You're not alone. In the US, pay TV prices have risen faster than inflation for years.

Millions have cut the cord, shifting to internet-based entertainment. But the big question remains: Do you truly save money when you add it all up?

The answer depends on your viewing habits and setup. Most cord-cutters blend these options:

• Streaming services like Netflix and HBO Now.
• A TV antenna for free local channels (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, PBS).
• IPTV services like Sling TV for cable channels online.
• Free platforms like YouTube and Hulu.

(We'll skip piracy here.) Savings hinge on your mix—some are one-time buys, others monthly. Cord-cutting demands habit changes and isn't for everyone, but it offers real advantages like flexibility and lower costs for many.

Focused on the US market (prices vary elsewhere, but principles apply globally), let's break it down.

How Much Does Cable Really Cost?

Cable users know their bills, but shoppers may not. Prices vary by region, and providers hide base rates behind bundles and promos.

Per 2013 FCC data (a solid baseline):

• Basic (~50 channels): $20/month
• Expanded Basic (~160 channels): $65/month
• Popular tier (~245 channels): $77/month

We'll use these as guides—your tier determines potential savings.

The Easy Wins: Shows and Movies

Binge-watching has gone mainstream with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. If that's your style, cord-cutting shines.

Key US options then:

• Hulu Plus: $8/month
• Netflix: $9/month
• Amazon Instant Video: $8.25/month (plus free Amazon shipping)
• HBO Now: $15/month

One service delivers thousands of hours. Rotate subscriptions as needed—$8-15/month total. Tools like iCanStreamIt help scout content across platforms.

All four? $40.25/month—beats basic cable, undercuts expanded, with on-demand access rivaling cable.

Trickier: Live TV Channels

Some crave channel-surfing. On-demand rules for most, but live options emerged around 2015.

• Sling TV: $20/month (21 channels incl. ESPN/Disney; $5 add-ons)
• PlayStation Vue: $50/month (50 channels; needs PS3/4)
• Apple's service: ~$30/month (25 channels; Apple ecosystem required)

Cheaper than expanded cable. Pair Sling TV + Netflix: $28/month—vast content, ultimate flexibility.

The Challenge: Sports

Sports fans face hurdles legally. Sling TV gets ESPN nationals, but locals dominate regional sports networks (RSNs)—absent from streams.

League apps help (out-of-market only; local/national blackouts apply):

• MLB.TV: $130/season (~$21/month)
• NHL GameCenter: $150/season (~$16/month)
• NBA League Pass: $125/season (~$14/month)

Sling + league pass: ~$40/month. Add Netflix: $49—over basic, under expanded. RSNs remain cable-locked.

Don't Forget: Broadcast TV is Free!

Majors (ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, Fox) are over-the-air free with an antenna like Mohu Leaf—often HD-better than cable.

Use FCC maps for local availability. Pair with a media center for endless free viewing.

Bonus: Free Online Content Abounds

YouTube, Shout Factory (e.g., Mystery Science Theater 3000), podcasts—endless no-cost gems if you explore.

Bottom Line: Yes, Unless You're a Die-Hard Local Sports Fan

Most save money, plus perks:

• Ad-free on-demand viewing
• Your schedule, not theirs
• Pay only for what you use

Caveats:

• Local sports? Cable likely needed.
• Live cable exclusives? Limited options.

Build your stack wisely—you'll often beat cable costs with more control. Crunch your numbers and share in comments: Ready to cut the cord?