People had been faithful to cable TV service for a long time before deciding that the steadily rising rates were no longer acceptable. Even while the prices continue to rise, there has been little change on the broadcast end, and there are no further benefits available for long-term users.
We are not claiming that all providers are the same, as it is quite clear that Spectrum plans provide excellent value for money, with 125+ TV channels including ESPN, Discovery, Lifetime, and more. However, significant portions of the industry’s providers are simply stealing people’s money. As a result, many people are looking for alternatives to cable TV, and many are cutting the cord and using streaming services instead. There are two sorts of services available.
One type provides customers with access to large libraries of on-demand content, such as movies and TV shows, at any time and a low cost. The other version provides live TV via an app that you may access via your internet connection.
These services began tiny, but as people were dissatisfied with their cable TV services, they quickly grew in popularity, which is expected to continue to rise in the year 2022. Let us take a look at some of the best-rated streaming services that are now available for purchase. First, let us discuss some of the basics of cutting the cord. Keep reading!
Choosing whether or not to cut the cord
It may seem self-evident, but before you cut the cord, make sure it is the correct decision for you. New contracts, as well as activation fees, will get pricey if you change your mind. You will be required to calculate how much your cable or satellite bill actually is before you make the decision to cut the cord. This can be done by looking at your monthly statement.
Given that you are considering cord-cutting, it is safe to assume that it is already far higher than you would like. When you look at the amount of your statement, you will be able to compare the additional charges you will incur after selecting any of the alternatives below. Of course, the ultimate goal is to save money.
Take a few minutes while you are examining your monthly bill to discover if there’s a lower bundle that you might like. Cord-cutting is becoming more popular, and cable companies are beginning to offer leaner bundles at a reasonable price.
You could find one that suits your needs. If you plan to use streaming services, make sure your internet connection can handle the amount of streaming you will be performing. You may check this out by performing an internet speed test.
Watching live television without the need of a cable box
If you enjoy watching live television, you have a variety of options, with more being added all the time. Arranging an antenna or signing up for a streaming service with a live TV option are both viable options. If you go with the latter option, you will need to figure out how to get it on your TV, a set-top box, or a game console.
Using an Antenna to watch local stations
An antenna is the most cost-effective option to keep your local channels on the air. Antennas, which were once considered obsolete, are now all the rage and modern technology has ensured that they perform better than the rabbit ears you may recall.
You will be able to view all of those network stations for free if you buy a fine antenna and follow the instructions for setting it up. Keep in mind that the channels you may get using an antenna will be limited by what is available in your area. You do not have to watch your shows live if you have live TV. DVRs that can record over-the-air TV shows are available at all price points.
- Sling TV
Sling TV’s popularity is not quite as high as YouTube’s, but it still has a sizable user base. It is understandable. It comes with a slew of unique characteristics. Sling Free, for starters, enables you to take advantage of Sling’s features without committing to a long-term contract. Having the ability to switch between streaming services is a huge benefit in today’s environment, where something new and better appears every minute.
The second benefit that Sling TV provides is the ability to receive fifty hours of cloud DVR storage. This means you will be able to watch your favorite episodes and movies whenever you want. This is a particularly useful feature as life becomes increasingly chaotic.
- YouTube TV
In the United States of America, YouTube TV is among the widely used streaming services. Even though it only began a some years ago, it now has a large number of subscribers. Its appeal stems from its extensive channel selection, many streaming options, and gadget compatibility. More than 85 channels are available on YouTube TV, including premium networks.
It also broadcasts educational networks as well as children’s programs such as Nickelodeon. We are sure there must be countless occasions when your children preferred watching their TV shows, which were obviously completely different from what you desired on watching. If you are nodding your head, then a YouTube TV agreement may be the best option for you.
This is because YouTube TV can be seen on about three separate devices! The second thought that might cloud your head is that you do not really possess three television displays at home. That is not a problem at all! You might be pleased to learn that YouTube TV is compatible with a wide range of devices.
Streaming Services and Cutting the Cord
It is no surprise that cord cutters are big fans of streaming services. They have a lot of content, including movies and TV shows. Before you sign up for a streaming service, make sure you have a device with which to watch it. Thoroughly go through all the services that are appealing to you and double-check that you have the gadget, or are willing to invest in one, to access the titles.
You will also want to learn about password sharing for streaming services, which could save you money. Renting DVDs of your favorite movies and TV episodes is also an option, with the library being a good place to start because rentals are free.
- Netflix
Currently, Netflix is the most famous streaming service. You can choose from three different plans, each with distinct HD content possibilities and the number of screens that can simultaneously watch Netflix. A one-month free trial is available on all Netflix plans.
- Amazon Prime
On top of your Prime membership, Amazon Prime Video offers free streaming access to TV series and movies. Within the player, you may also rent or buy new movies and TV episodes. You receive more than just streaming video with Prime Video: free two-day shipping, on-demand music, unrestricted reading of thousands of books, free limitless photo storage, and more.
- Vudu
Because there is no subscription plan with Vudu, you have more flexibility than with other streaming services. You only pay for the movies and TV series that you desire to buy or rent. Vudu is also completely free to use because there are so many free movies available to stream.
Final words
For the time being, that is all there is to it. We wish you the best of success in determining which streaming service best suited your needs.
