Cutting the cord

Curated by Brad Hoffer w/ ChatGPT - www.xlyourfinances.com - updated w/ pricing as of May, 2023 

In an era of skyrocketing cable and satellite TV costs, many consumers are seeking alternative ways to enjoy their favorite shows and movies while saving money. Cutting the cord has become a popular trend, allowing individuals to break free from the shackles of traditional TV subscriptions. In this blog post, we'll explore various alternatives to cable or satellite TV, highlighting cost savings and specific examples of popular streaming services and other options.

Streaming Services
a) Hulu: Hulu offers a vast library of on-demand TV shows, movies, and original content at an affordable price. With subscription plans starting at $7.99 – 14.99 per month, Hulu provides a cost-effective solution for cord-cutters. It also offers a Live TV option, combining live channels with their on-demand library which starts at $70 per month.

b) Netflix: Netflix is a pioneer in the streaming industry and continues to dominate with its extensive collection of TV series, movies, and documentaries. Plans range from $8.99 to $17.99 per month, providing a range of options to suit different viewing preferences.

c) YouTube TV: YouTube TV is an excellent choice for those who want live TV streaming. It offers access to over 85 live channels, including local channels, sports, news, and entertainment. With a starting price of $73 per month, it's a compelling alternative to traditional cable or satellite packages.  Recently NFL Sunday Ticket was added as a buy-up option for YouTube TV subscribers to watch every out-of-market Sunday afternoon game on your TV and supported devices.

d) Sling TV: Sling TV is a flexible and customizable streaming service that offers a range of channel packages starting at $40 per month. It allows users to personalize their channel lineup by choosing from various add-on options based on their interests.

e) Disney Plus: Disney Plus has quickly become a favorite among families and fans of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content. Priced at $7.99 per month, it offers a comprehensive library of movies and shows from these beloved franchises.

f) Apple TV+: Apple TV+ provides a growing collection of original shows and movies. With a subscription cost of $6.99 per month, it offers an attractive option for Apple device users, complete with high-quality production and star-studded content.

g) Philo: Philo is a budget-friendly streaming service that focuses on entertainment and lifestyle channels. Priced at $25 per month, it offers a lineup of 60+ channels, including AMC, Food Network, and HGTV.

h) Amazon Prime Video: Included with an Amazon Prime membership ($139 per year), Amazon Prime Video grants access to a diverse range of TV shows, movies, and exclusive content. Prime members also enjoy additional benefits like free two-day shipping and music streaming.

Over-the-Air Antennas
For those interested in local network programming, an over-the-air (OTA) antenna can provide access to local channels without a subscription fee. OTA antennas allow you to watch high-definition broadcasts of local networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and PBS for free. While the channel availability may vary depending on your location, this option can be a great supplement to streaming services.

Television Channels Online
Many TV networks now offer their content online, either for free or with a subscription. Some networks, such as NBC, ABC, and FOX, provide free access to recent episodes of their shows on their websites or through dedicated apps. Others, like HBO and Showtime, offer subscription-based streaming platforms that grant access to their full catalogs.

DirecTV
Although we're discussing alternatives to traditional cable or satellite TV, it's worth mentioning that DirecTV offers streaming packages that can be accessed without a satellite dish. DirecTV Now (recently rebranded as AT&T TV) provides live TV streaming options starting at $75 per month.

There have never been so many streaming options available to consumers. By exploring alternatives like Hulu, Netflix, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Disney Plus, Apple TV+, Philo, Amazon Prime Video, local networks with an antenna, television channels online, and even DirecTV's streaming options, you can tailor your entertainment choices to your preferences and budget. With cost savings and the flexibility to watch what you want when you want, it's no wonder that more and more people are embracing cord-cutting as the future of home entertainment.