In keeping with my Integrity Policy, I would like to inform you that at the bottom of this page, there is an Amazon Prime referral link. If you click the link and sign up, I will receive $5, and you will receive $5 off your subscription. There is also a referral link for CBS All Access (I receive $9 if you sign up).
Cable is a thing of the past. This cord cutting guide will help you to see how badly the cable companies are gouging you. You could purchase all the big name streaming services from this list and still spend far less than you would spend on an equivalent cable package.
That’s not to say that I think you should purchase all these streaming packages. In my opinion, you should cut the cord in this order:
- Cut cable off entirely.
- Determine whether an over the air antenna, combined with the free Hulu offerings, will meet your needs. Explore all the shows available and see if you can get away with a completely free entertainment package!
- If you need to purchase a subscription to get your streaming fix, reduce your internet bandwidth to the minimum package needed for the number of streams you will have in your house at once. So, for instance, two HD streams = 2 x 6 Mbit = Reduce to 12-15 Mbits/s of bandwidth.
- Subscribe to Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu, or if absolutely necessary, two of the above.
- Only subscribe to one of the remaining services if someone in your house will throw a fit if you don’t. Make sure to do the math and ensure that you are saving money, though in all likelihood, you will be.
My experience with cord cutting has been really positive. We haven’t missed out on anything. We watch all of the same shows we always did, and I have a $0 cable bill.
Cutting cable is not as scary as it sounds. The cable companies have been taking advantage of their customers for decades. They have only begun to improve their service now that other options are available. You owe them nothing besides a firm kick in the backside as you usher them out.
If you enjoy this infographic, please consider sharing this page on Twitter, Reddit, and Facebook. This page can only succeed with your help, and I will be eternally grateful!
Links
Amazon Prime (Affiliate Link, I get $5, you get $5 off)
CBS All Access (Affiliate Link, I get $9 if you sign up)
What do you think? Did I miss any streaming options or is there a topic I should cover better? Let me know in the comments below!
Integrity Policy Note: Above Amazon Prime link is a referral link.
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If you’re not a huge TV watcher most shows are available online, you usally have a month long window to watch it.
I live in Germany and Amazon prime is a great deal, I subscribe for the free shipping and get streaming video as an added bonus. Matter of fact was a prime member for many years before I even noticed they offered streaming video.
If you’re willing to pay for a DNS service BBC and ITV offer great free shows.
But to me the best part about streaming is no commercials!!!!
You’re right about the commercials– we were at a family celebration this week where something was on television and my fiancé exclaimed, “I forgot what commercials were like!” Everyone looked at her like she was crazy but I smiled and nodded approvingly. 😉