Cutting the cord can feel overwhelming at first with many choices, there are so many questions, but don’t worry, we are here to help you with this! With the right approach, you’ll find that ditching cable isn’t just doable; it’s easier than you think. In fact, you might already have most of what you need to get started. We’re here to guide you through the process of canceling cable and transitioning to legal streaming services, so you can save money without missing your favorite shows.
Fast forward to 2025, and cutting the cord has never been simpler. These days, the average household can access everything they love for less than the cost of cable. It’s a far cry from the complicated setups of the past.
Ready to make the leap? Here are five steps to help you become a confident cord cutter:
Step 1. Explore Streaming Services
With so many streaming platforms out there, the options might seem endless, but that’s actually a good thing! You’ll likely want to combine a few services to cover all your favorite shows and channels. The great news? Almost every streaming service offers a free trial, so you can test them out before committing.
Picking a Live TV Streaming Service
Finding the Right Live TV Streaming Service
Not everyone needs a live TV streaming service—many cord cutters skip it entirely. However, if live channels like ESPN or AMC are a must-have for you, then a live TV streaming service is the way to go. With the number of live TV streaming services constantly growing, you can pick from Sling TV, Hulu, YouTube TV, Fubo, Philo, and DIRECTV STREAM to name a few.
Not sure if Sling TV, Fubo, and DIRECTV STREAM, or others are right for you? Check out our head-to-head comparison of these services HERE.
Worried you will miss your DVR? Don’t! All these services offer a built-in DVR option, so you will never miss your favorite show.
Most Popular On-Demand Streaming Services
Netflix—With fresh content added every week, Netflix offers thousands of hours of movies and TV shows, making it the world’s largest streaming platform. From major network hits to blockbuster movies, Netflix delivers. Plus, it leads the pack in original content you won’t find anywhere else.
Hulu—Want to catch your favorite shows the day after they air? Hulu is perfect for staying up-to-date with current programming from networks like ABC, FX, and original content.
Amazon Prime Video— A Prime membership isn’t just about free two-day shipping and music; it also grants access to thousands of movies and TV shows. Prime Video also offers live sports like One Fighting, and NFL, with NASCAR & NBA streaming later this year.
While Amazon Prime doesn’t include everything on the Amazon Video platform, you can rent TV episodes from cable networks the day after they air, starting at $1.99. You can also rent or buy recently released movies, making it a fantastic all-in-one entertainment option.
These are just the beginning. With more than 200 streaming services available, there’s plenty to explore. Take advantage of free trials to find the perfect mix for your streaming needs!
Step 2. Choose Your Streaming Device
Next up, you’ll need a device to stream your favorite shows and movies directly to your TV. The most popular options are Roku, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Apple TV. Each one has its own perks, so take a moment to compare features and choose the one that fits your preferences.
Before you buy anything, check to see if you already have a streaming-capable device. Many modern TVs come with built-in streaming apps, and some DVD players or gaming consoles can handle streaming services too. You might already be good to go!
Step 3. Invest in an Antenna
An antenna is a game-changer for cord cutters. Most Americans can pick up 30+ channels for free, including many of the most popular TV shows broadcast in HD. It’s simple to watch TV for free with an antenna and enjoy sports, news, and your favorite programs without any subscription fees.
The number of channels you’ll get depends on your location. To find out what’s available in your area, visit Antenna Web and use their channel finder tool by entering your address. This will also help you decide whether you need an indoor antenna or a roof-mounted one to access the channels you want.
Worried about recording live TV? No problem! There are excellent DVR options for antennas, including devices from Tablo, Channel Master, and TiVo, so you’ll never miss a moment of your favorite shows.
Step 4: Get the Right Internet
A reliable Internet connection is essential for cord cutting. Keep in mind that when you switch from a bundle to Internet-only service, you might not get the best deal right away, Internet providers often reserve their best prices for new customers. But don’t worry, we’ve got some tips to help you save.
Start by shopping around for Internet service providers in your area. Many people assume cable is the only option for fast Internet, but that’s no longer the case for most Americans.
Fiber Optic Internet offers lightning-fast speeds and excellent reliability. Unlike cable, fiber optic connections can handle higher bandwidth and are less prone to interference. Providers like Verizon Fios, Frontier, Google Fiber, and others offer fiber optic Internet at competitive prices.
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) has made significant improvements over the years. A great trick? Do what I do: switch between DSL and cable Internet when one provider won’t offer you a deal. Each time I switch, I snag new customer pricing. In fact, at one point, my DSL service was faster than my cable Internet!
5G Home Internet is another exciting option. Companies like T-Mobile and Verizon are rolling out 5G Internet services across the U.S., offering high-speed alternatives to traditional providers. While availability is currently limited, these services reached over half of U.S. households by the end of 2024.
Step 5: Give It a Test Run
Now that everything’s set up, it’s time to try cord cutting before you officially cancel cable. Unplug your cable box and spend a month exploring your new streaming setup. When my family made the switch, it took us about two weeks to find all our favorite shows. Once we had everything figured out, we never looked back! But it was reassuring to know we still had cable as a fallback during the transition.
Congratulations! You are a cord cutter!
You’ve done it! You’re officially ready to cancel cable and enjoy the freedom of streaming. All that’s left is to call your cable provider and cancel your subscription. Be sure to ask them to add you to their “Do Not Call” list to avoid constant sales. If you’re unsure how to do this, click HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Remember to take a look at our guide on how to avoid the five most common mistakes people make when they cut the cord.
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