I often get asked what cord cutting services I use. That is a tough question, because I subscribe to a ton of services for work. I currently have a subscription to every live TV service except YouTube TV. (I have researched YouTube TV but live/work outside of the area it is offered. Google has not responded to requests for a review account.) I do have a subscription to Sling TV, PlayStation Vue, DIRECTV NOW, Hulu’s live TV beta, and Fubo TV.
I also subscribe to many video on-demand services for testing that I don’t typically use. Whether that be testing out a service such as CuriosityStream or Shudder, I often rotate through them so I can do reviews and recommend services I enjoy.
However, I want to show you the services I use every day at home.
What I used when I became a cord cutter:
When I cut the cord, we already had Netflix and subscribed to Amazon Prime Video. (We had Amazon Prime mostly for the free shipping.) So we added Hulu for a total new cost of about $8 a month. (That is an important thing to remember. Many cable subscribers already pay for one or more streaming services such as Netflix.)
I used the LiveStream app to stream my local news because we lived in an area with no over-the-air reception. I also used Twonky Beam, a free app that would cast YouTube videos to your Roku before YouTube had an official app. (Anyone remember Twonky Beam?) I also used a few other free services here and there, but none really stand out in my memory.
Total new cost: $8 a month (Not counting services I paid for when I had cable).
What I use today as a cord cutter:
I still use Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon. Recently I moved, so I now use an antenna in my attic installed by DISH and a Tablo DVR to stream it to all the devices in my house.
As for live TV services if it was not for my work at Cord Cutters News I would only subscribe to them twice a year. First during the Walking Dead I would get Sling TV, because it is the least expensive option. Second I would pay during football season.
During the college football season I typically use PlayStation Vue. I am a huge Big Ten fan. I love that Sling has the Pac 12 Network but, sadly, it does not have the Big Ten network; however, this year I think I may test out Hulu’s live TV beta. (Assuming it gets a Roku app.) I live in a market that has to pay $10 more a month, so PlayStation Vue costs $45 a month to get the Big Ten Network and ESPN. Hulu gives both for just $40 a month in my market. (If Sling TV gets the Big Ten Network, I will go with them for $35 a month during football season.)
I also use several free services. Pluto TV has a ton of great content, and I use NewsON for local news when I want it. Crackle and Tubi TV are all great ways to watch a ton of free content.
Total new cost: $48 a month (Not counting services I paid for when I had cable.)
Want to see what devices I use? You can find a full break down of the hardware I use HERE.
So what cord cutting services do you use? (Please only post legal services. Posting pirated services may result in a ban.)
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