Ditch Cable for Good: The Best Streaming Options Revealed
March 27, 2025
6 min read
It wasn’t long ago that I found myself staring at a cable bill that kept climbing higher every year. Sound familiar? I was paying for 200+ channels, but most of my TV time was spent jumping between 10 or so favorites. That’s when I decided enough was enough. It was time to break free from cable and join the growing ranks of cord-cutters. If you’ve been thinking about doing the same, I’m here to guide you through it. Trust me, it’s simpler than you think, saves money, and puts you in charge of your viewing habits.
Here’s what I learned along the way and how you, too, can enjoy your shows without the hefty monthly price tag.
Why Switching to Streaming Was a Game-Changer
As indicated by Exploding Topics, there will be 80 million cord-cutting households in the U.S. by 2026, outnumbering pay-TV households for the first time. Honestly, this stat didn’t surprise me—I’ve seen this shift happening in my own life.
With streaming services offering better options, fewer headaches, and more control, it’s no wonder so many people are making the leap. And as someone who cut the cord myself, I can tell you it’s a game-changer. Here’s how I took the plunge and why streaming just makes sense.
I Only Pay for What I Watch
One of the biggest frustrations with cable was paying for tons of channels I never watched. I mean, why should I pay for 10 variations of sports channels when I’m only here for The Great British Bake Off? Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu completely changed that. Now, I can customize my entertainment without paying for fluff I don’t want.
Think of it this way—I created my own “a la carte” cable package by choosing only the streaming apps that have what I love. Best part? I save at least $50 a month compared to my old cable bill.
Weekly Nugget
“Start small by signing up for just one or two streaming services to avoid overwhelm. Expand only if you feel you’re missing something!”
Customized Viewing for Everyone
Another cable frustration in my household was negotiating what to watch. With streaming, I discovered how seamless it is for everyone in the family to have their own thing. Whether it’s my partner bingeing their favorite mysteries or my nieces watching cartoons on Disney+, there’s no more arguing over who gets to use the TV. Streaming fits everyone, individually.
And guess what? Setting it up was a breeze. All I needed was a strong internet connection and a compatible device, which brings me to…
Picking the Right Devices for Streaming
1. Smart TVs Are the Easiest Choice
If you’re just starting, a Smart TV is the simplest way to access streaming services. When I first set up mine, I was delighted to find built-in apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube already there. It was literally plug-and-play, and I was streaming in minutes.
If you’re not ready to upgrade your TV, worry not!
2. Affordable Plug-and-Play Media Hubs
For those of you with older TVs, media hubs like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, or Apple TV can instantly turn your traditional set into a modern streaming device. I went with the Roku stick (pro tip: it’s super budget-friendly and easy to use). Just plug it into your HDMI port, connect to Wi-Fi, and voilà! It’s like handing your TV a digital toolkit.
Weekly Nugget
“If you’re on the fence, try an affordable streaming stick before investing in a Smart TV. You’ll see how easy it is first-hand.”
3. Gaming Consoles Double as Entertainment Hubs
Have a PlayStation or Xbox? You’re already ahead of the game. These consoles aren’t just for gaming. I occasionally hop on my Xbox to stream Netflix or HBO, especially if I’m gaming and want a snack break. It’s multitasking done right!
The Best On-Demand Streaming Platforms (And Why I Love Them)
Now here’s where the magic really happens. With so many streaming options available, you can pick apps tailored to your tastes.
1. Netflix
Ah, the king of streaming! At just $8.99-$15.99 per month, Netflix is perfect for binge-watching those addicting originals like Stranger Things and The Crown. For me, the quirky docuseries and true crime offerings were an unexpected bonus. Whatever mood I’m in, Netflix delivers.
2. Hulu
For only $5.99/month, Hulu saved me from network TV withdrawal. You still get hit shows like Grey’s Anatomy and The Masked Singer. Bonus? You can bundle Hulu with Disney+ and ESPN+ for even more bang for your buck! I love having that option when I want variety on a budget.
3. Disney+
Disney+ is a must-have in my home. For $6.99/month, all the classics are there, plus Star Wars, Pixar creations, and Marvel movies. I even got emotional rewatching The Lion King. And when I had my younger family members visit, it became an instant win for its kid-safe content.
4. Amazon Prime Video
This was already part of my Amazon Prime membership ($139/year, $14.99/month standalone). It’s packed with blockbuster hits and binge-worthy originals like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. It felt like discovering a gem that I already owned.
Weekly Nugget
“Combine your subscriptions around must-watch content. Once you’ve seen those top shows, pause subscriptions to save money. Yes, you can do that!”
But Wait, What About Live TV?
For me, live TV was a tough habit to quit. Thankfully, I didn’t have to. Plenty of live-streaming options are out there for sports, news, and live events.
1. Hulu + Live TV
This one surprised me the most. For $64.99/month, I got access to live sports (hello, NBA playoffs!) while keeping all the on-demand programming. Honestly, that bundle deal with Disney+ and ESPN+ at $71.99/month is still what I recommend to friends.
2. YouTube TV
YouTube TV, also at $64.99/month, offered something similar but with even more live channel options (85+, to be exact). When my extended family visited, streaming local news from their hometowns on YouTube TV was a hit.
3. Sling TV
At just $30-$45/month, Sling packs a punch, especially for sports junkies. There’s even access to niche sports like cricket and international soccer leagues. I grabbed the Orange package to get channels like ESPN and Food Network all in one place.
Weekly Nugget
“Missing live TV doesn’t mean you can’t cut the cord. Many streaming apps mimic traditional cable but cost less. Shop around and find the best fit!”
What I Learned About Channel-Specific Apps
Maybe you love one specific network (I see you, CBS crime drama fans). Lucky for you, almost every big channel offers its own streaming app now.
1. CBS All Access/NBC Peacock
Whether it’s Survivor or nostalgic sitcoms like The Brady Bunch, CBS All Access gave me some of the old-school shows I missed after ditching cable. NBC Peacock took it a step further, letting me tailor my viewing by creating channels around my favorite genres like true crime or soap operas.
2. HBO Max
For $15.99/month, I found myself glued to HBO Max. From new blockbuster movies to premium shows like Succession and Euphoria, the app is worth every penny for drama lovers like me.
3. Niche Channel Perks
Smaller channel apps like History Vault and Hallmark Movies Now offer alternatives that are affordable (as low as $4.99/month). It’s a great tip for anyone looking to stay specific but budget-friendly.
Your Entertainment, Your Way!
Looking back, cutting the cord wasn’t just about saving money. It was about taking control. I no longer dread the bloated bills or scroll through endless channels just to find something I actually enjoy. The ability to pause subscriptions or switch services to try new things is a freedom I never had with cable.
Yes, the shift required a little adjustment in the beginning, but once you find the services and devices that fit your life, streaming offers more flexibility than traditional TV could dream of.
If you’re on the edge of making the switch, give it a try. I have no regrets.
