I was one of the people who didn’t think I could live without cable but now I know differently after helping my parents review options after they canceled their cable and looking into canceling my own cable since I don’t watch TV that much anyway (I still have cable....I’m married so compromise).
So here are a few options I researched if you have been thinking of ditching your cable (you still need internet).
Sling TV: Sling TV has several packages but the cheapest starts at $20/month. With their packages, you get access to several major network channels. They also have channel package add-ins, such as Sports, Comedy, Lifestyle, etc., for $5 each.
Netflix: Netflix has 3 different pricing plans to choose from ranging from $7.99 to $13.99 a month. Netflix provides you with the opportunity to stream TV series, movies and Netflix original shows to your SMART TV, video game console, pc, mac, phone, tablet, etc.
Amazon Prime Video: If you have an Amazon Prime membership for that free two-day shipping, there are other benefits it provides, such as the ability to borrow books in the Kindle Library, Amazon Music Unlimited and unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows. The cost is $99 a year or $10.99 a month. You can also get Prime Video only for $8.99 a month.
Hulu: Hulu is similar to Netflix and they are currently running a limited time offer of unlimited access to their streaming library of movies, full season series, original shows and more for $5.99 a month (for the first year, $7.99 a month after). They are also currently beta testing a Live TV option (similar to Sling and PS Vue) where you can watch live TV online, iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Xbox. You will also receive access to the streaming library for $39.99 a month. Both options allow you to add HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax for an additional fee.
Playstation Vue: Allows you to live stream tv shows including sports and the news. They even have a cloud-based DVR. They have a 5-day free trial and their prices range from $39.99 for the Access plan which covers popular live TV channels like ABC and Bravo to the Ultra plan for 74.99 a month which includes in movies and premium channels like HBO. That Ultra plan is similar to regular cable prices, so I prefer the Access plan.
So if you're thinking about cutting the cord. There are many options to choose from including some I did not mention in this post. Even if you cut it temporaily, just to reach a goal. My parents actually choose PlayStation Vue and my brother chose SlingTV. They really enjoy it and don’t miss paying for cable.
If you have researched other options or let me know in the comments below.
