Over recent years, cord-cutting has surged globally, with cable TV providers losing subscribers at historic rates. This shift isn't driven by illegal streaming like Popcorn Time, but by accessible, legal options.
Apps like Plex and Kodi, paired with affordable services such as Netflix and Hulu, enable seamless access to local media libraries and on-demand content. Traditional TV's grip on entertainment is weakening.
Yet, full cord-cutting isn't ideal for everyone—particularly in the U.S. Enter 'cord shaving,' a growing trend that's reshaping how consumers approach cable bills.
According to eMarketer, 22.2 million Americans ditched cable subscriptions by the end of 2017—a 33% jump from 16.7 million in 2016.
The challenge? In the U.S., major cable companies dominate both TV and broadband with limited competition outside major cities. Most households choose from just two providers.
Cord-cutters often face steep internet-only price hikes unless they negotiate aggressively. Stories abound of users successfully pressuring providers to lower costs.
For many, cord shaving offers a balanced solution. What exactly is it, who benefits, and how much can it save?
At its core, cord shaving means retaining your basic cable TV and internet while ditching premium channels, packages, and add-ons to slash costs.
The term now extends to 'skinny bundles' from streaming services like Sling TV, DirecTV Now, and PlayStation Vue—fewer channels, greater flexibility, and lower prices. Sling TV vs. DirecTV Now vs. PlayStation Vue: How do they compare? In this article, you'll learn the differences between the three major OTT Internet TV streaming services: Sling TV, DirecTV Now, and PlayStation Vue. Read more.
Cord shaving is disrupting pay-TV networks. Viewership for ESPN, Disney, CNN, Nickelodeon, and Food Network has declined since early in the decade.
The top 40 cable channels have shed over 6 million subscribers since 2010, with losses accelerating—ESPN alone reached 7.4% fewer U.S. households in 2017 than in 2015.
Basic cable plans now account for nearly 20% of paid TV subscriptions, up from 8% in 2012.
Sports have long anchored cable subscriptions, but that's changing. ESPN's dominance stemmed from exclusivity, forcing inclusion in broad packages.
Leagues like WWE are now streaming directly to fans. Amazon and Facebook are snapping up broadcast rights—even eyeing the English Premier League.
News addicts gain too: CNN and Bloomberg often fit in basic bundles. Pair with free streaming news for cord-cutters. 5 Free Streaming News Channels For Cord Cutters One of the biggest drawbacks of canceling cable TV is the availability of news. Or the lack of it. Fortunately, things are changing, and there are plenty of free cord-cutter news channels here. Read More. Stay informed without premium bloat.
Slow connections hinder cord-cutting. Live TV streaming suffers, though VOD buffers fine. 6 Things That Could Be Slowing Down Your Home Network Your home networking knowledge becomes essential. But there are many factors that can slow down a home network, often quite easy to fix. Read more.
Cord shaving provides live basics via cable, supplemented by Netflix for on-demand hits.
Savings vary by approach. U.S. average cable bill: $103/month in 2017.
Comcast: Internet-only at 25Mbps for $39.99/month; add 10 channels for $49.99. Expect mostly locals and filler like shopping networks—free via antenna anyway. What can you watch with a TV antenna? How to get access to many of the big networks? I probably would. Well, it turns out there's a step up from the trusty TV antenna. Read More.
Charter: $29.99/month for 125 junk channels; internet-only up to $64.99.
Sling TV: $20/month; DirecTV Now: $35; PlayStation Vue: $39.99. Average ~$30, plus Netflix/Hulu under $80 total—$25+ savings vs. average bill.
Max savings: Minimal cable + antenna. Over 50% off average.
What's your take? Full cut or shave? Share pros, cons, and tips in the comments—especially if you've shaved successfully.
