Leaving cable TV to become a cord cutter can be a scary move. You want to watch your shows, and they are all there but how you get them is very different. However, when you figure it out, cord cutting is an amazing experience that goes far beyond just saving money.
So here are five tips to help you get the most from cord cutting.
#1 Look for Shows Not Channels
If you read just one tip read this tip. You don’t want the channels; you want the shows. Start thinking of services, such as Hulu and Netflix, as your new channels. Many of the shows you will want can be found on streaming services.
Don’t get the CW free with an antenna? Now there is a CW app on Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV that offers the shows the next day.
Don’t get FOX over the air for free? Hulu offers their shows the next day.
Many cable channels have apps but typically you need a cable login. Don’t get discouraged because there are typically options to still get it. (Or you could always get a season pass on Amazon if you cannot find it.)
Lastly if you really need it live check out live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu, and Sling TV.
#2 Get an Antenna
I was shocked recently when a study came out that showed only half of cord cutters have an antenna. I understand some people do not get reception for over-the-air TV. (I cut the cord with no over-the-air TV options.)
However, on average cord cutters get 30 channels including the big ones—ABC, CW, CBS, FOX, and NBC—along with a ton of other great channels 100% free! Wondering what you could get for free over the air? Go to AntennaWeb to find out.
#3 There Is No Rush
It took my family about two weeks to find all the shows we wanted across all the available services. Take your time and do not rush into cord cutting.
#4 Try It First
If you are thinking about becoming a cord cutter, try being a cord cutter before you cancel cable. Just unplug the cable box and give it a try. The best part of this is the fact that as you try to find shows on streaming services you have a safety net ready for you.
#5 There is no one-size-fits-all for cord cutters.
I often get asked what service is best for this or that. My suggestion is to take advantage of all the free trials out there and find out what works best for you. Sling TV for some will be a great fit; YouTube TV is a great fit for others.
Some people may enjoy just having Netflix but others may want Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon. The list goes on and on, and the best part is they all offer free trials.
Do you have a tip for cord cutters? Post it here and let everyone know what helped you become a cord cutter.