Cable TV bills keep going up. Many households now pay $150 or more each month. Meanwhile, streaming services let you watch thousands of shows and movies for a fraction of the cost.
If you have been thinking about dropping cable but feel unsure where to start, this guide is for you. We will walk you through every step, from picking a streaming device to choosing the right services for your tastes.
What Does “Cutting the Cord” Mean?
“Cutting the cord” simply means canceling your cable or satellite TV subscription and watching shows through the internet instead. You use apps like Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube TV on a device connected to your television.
You still keep your TV. You just change how shows get to it.
What You Need to Get Started
Before you cancel cable, make sure you have these three things:
1. A Reliable Internet Connection
Streaming requires internet service. You probably already have this if you use email or browse the web at home. For smooth streaming, you need a speed of at least 25 Mbps (megabits per second). Your internet provider can tell you your current speed.
If you also cancel a cable TV bundle, ask your provider about an internet-only plan. These often cost $40 to $70 per month.
2. A Streaming Device
Your TV needs a way to run streaming apps. Here are your options:
- Smart TV: If your TV was made in the last five years, it probably has streaming apps built in. Check if you see apps like Netflix or YouTube on your home screen.
- Roku: A small device that plugs into your TV. Roku has the simplest menus and a straightforward remote. Prices start around $30. This is our top pick for seniors.
- Amazon Fire TV Stick: Similar to Roku, plugs into your TV. Works well if you use Amazon a lot. Prices start around $30.
- Apple TV: Best if you already use an iPhone or iPad. The picture quality is excellent. Costs around $129.
- Google Chromecast: Affordable and works with Google Assistant. Starts around $30.
3. A Streaming Service (or Two)
This is where you pick what to watch. We will cover the main options in the next section.
Comparing the Most Popular Streaming Services
There are dozens of streaming services. You do not need all of them. Most people do well with two or three. Here is a breakdown of the most popular ones.
For Live TV (Replaces Cable Channels)
If you want live news, sports, and the channels you are used to, these services act like cable but cost less:
- YouTube TV ($73/month): Over 100 channels including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CNN, ESPN, and local stations. Unlimited cloud DVR to record shows. This is the closest thing to cable.
- Hulu + Live TV ($83/month): Similar channel lineup to YouTube TV, plus access to Hulu’s library of shows and movies. Also includes Disney+ and ESPN+.
- Sling TV ($40 to $55/month): Fewer channels but the cheapest live TV option. Good if you only watch a handful of channels.
For Shows and Movies (On Demand)
These let you watch shows and movies whenever you want, like a giant library:
- Netflix ($7 to $23/month): The biggest library of shows and movies. Great for dramas, comedies, and documentaries.
- Amazon Prime Video ($9/month or free with Prime membership): Large selection of movies and original shows. If you already pay for Prime shipping, this is included.
- Max ($10 to $17/month): Home of HBO shows, plus movies from Warner Bros. Good for classic films and prestige dramas.
- Peacock ($8 to $14/month): NBC shows, live sports, and classic TV. Has a free tier with limited content.
- Disney+ ($8 to $16/month): Disney movies, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic documentaries. Great if you have grandchildren who visit.
- Apple TV+ ($10/month): Smaller library but high-quality original shows. Sometimes free for a few months with a new Apple device.
- PBS App (Free): Watch your favorite PBS shows at no cost.
Free Options
You can also watch many shows for free with ads:
- Pluto TV: Free live channels and on-demand shows
- Tubi: Free movies and TV shows
- The Roku Channel: Free if you have a Roku device
- PBS App: Free access to PBS programs
How to Set Up Streaming: Step by Step
Step 1: Check Your Internet Speed
Visit your internet provider’s website or call them. Ask what speed you currently have. If it is 25 Mbps or higher, you are good. If not, ask about upgrading.
Step 2: Pick a Streaming Device
If your TV is already a smart TV, try using the built-in apps first. If the apps run slowly or your TV is older, buy a Roku Streaming Stick. It is the easiest device for beginners.
Step 3: Connect the Device to Your TV
Plug the streaming device into an HDMI port on the back of your TV. Plug the power cord into a wall outlet. Turn on your TV and switch to the correct HDMI input. The device will walk you through connecting to your Wi-Fi.
Step 4: Create Accounts for Your Streaming Services
Start with just one or two services. You can always add more later. Each service will ask you to create an account with your email address and a password. Keep your passwords written down in a safe place.
Step 5: Learn the Remote
Most streaming remotes have just a few buttons:
- Home: Takes you back to the main screen
- Back: Goes back one screen
- OK/Select: Opens whatever you have highlighted
- Arrow keys: Move up, down, left, and right through menus
That is all you need to know. The rest is just browsing and picking what to watch.
Step 6: Cancel Cable (When You Are Ready)
Do not cancel cable right away. Try streaming for a week or two while you still have cable. Make sure you can find the shows you like. Once you feel comfortable, call your cable company and cancel.
How Much Will You Save?
Let us do some simple math:
- Cable TV: $150/month = $1,800/year
- Internet only ($50) + YouTube TV ($73) + Netflix ($16): $139/month = $1,668/year
- Internet only ($50) + Netflix ($16) + Peacock ($8): $74/month = $888/year
Even with a live TV service, you save money. If you skip live TV and just use on-demand services, the savings are even bigger.
Common Concerns (and Answers)
“I will miss my local news.”
Most live TV services include local channels. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV both carry local ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox stations. You can also get local channels for free with a digital antenna (about $20 to $40).
”What about my DVR?”
YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV both include cloud DVR. You can record shows and watch them later, just like your cable DVR.
”The menus are confusing.”
Start with Roku. It has the simplest interface of any streaming device. The home screen shows all your apps in big, clear tiles. Press Home on the remote and you are back to the start.
”I do not want to pay for five different services.”
You do not have to. Start with one service that has the shows you like. Many services offer free trials so you can test them before paying.
”What if my internet goes out?”
This is the one real downside of streaming. If your internet goes out, you cannot watch. A digital antenna ($20 to $40) gives you free local channels over the air as a backup. These work even without internet.
Tips for a Smooth Switch
- Start small. Pick one streaming device and one or two services. Get comfortable before adding more.
- Use a wired connection if possible. If your TV is near your router, connect them with an ethernet cable. This gives you a stronger, more reliable signal than Wi-Fi.
- Ask family for help. Many streaming services let you share an account with family members in the same household. A tech-savvy child or grandchild can help you set things up.
- Write everything down. Keep a list of your streaming services, usernames, passwords, and monthly costs. Review it every few months and cancel anything you are not using.
- Take advantage of free trials. Most services offer 7 to 30 days free. Try before you buy.
The Bottom Line
Switching from cable to streaming can save you hundreds of dollars a year. The setup takes about 30 minutes, and the learning curve is smaller than you might think.
Start with a Roku device and one or two services. Give yourself a couple of weeks to explore. You may find that you enjoy the freedom of picking exactly what you want to watch, when you want to watch it.
Reported by David Kim with additional research from the SeniorDaily editorial team. For corrections or updates, please contact us.
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