Introduction
Remember when cutting the cord meant choosing between Netflix and Hulu? Those days are long gone. In 2026, cord-cutting has evolved into a full-fledged entertainment revolution, with more options, better hardware, and bigger savings than ever before. But here's the thing: the cable industry still rakes in billions from subscribers who haven't made the switch. Why? Because cutting the cord can feel overwhelming. Between streaming devices, subscription services, antennas, and privacy concerns, it's easy to see why some people stick with that $150 monthly cable bill out of sheer inertia.
That ends today.
What you'll save: The average American household pays $157 per month for cable television. A well-planned streaming setup costs $50-80 monthly, including internet. That's $900-1,200 back in your pocket annually.
Streaming Devices: Your New Cable Box
This is where the magic happens. A good streaming device transforms your TV into a smart entertainment hub. Let's compare the top options:
NVIDIA Shield TV Pro
Best for: Power users, gamers, and future-proofers
The Shield remains the gold standard in 2026. With AI upscaling that makes older content look spectacular, gaming capability, and a processor that laughs at anything you throw at it, this is the device for those who want the best.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Best for: Budget-conscious streamers, Amazon Prime users
The Fire Stick delivers incredible value. The 2026 model includes WiFi 6E support and a faster processor than ever.
Apple TV 4K
Best for: Apple ecosystem users, those who want a cleaner interface
Apple TV offers the most polished, ad-free interface of any streaming device.
Streaming Services Breakdown
Premium On-Demand Services
Netflix - The original streaming giant still leads in original content. $15.49-22.99/month
Max - HBO's premium library plus Warner Bros. movies. $15.99-19.99/month
Disney+ - Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar. $13.99/month
Hulu - Next-day access to current TV episodes. $7.99-17.99/month
Bundle tip: The Disney Bundle (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+) for $14.99/month is one of the best values in streaming.
Live TV Streaming Services
YouTube TV - $72.99/month, 100+ channels. Best for full cable replacement.
Hulu + Live TV - $76.99/month including Disney+, ESPN+. Best for Disney bundle fans.
Sling TV - $40-55/month. Best for budget-conscious live TV viewers.
Antenna for Local Channels
Here's a secret cable companies don't want you to know: local broadcast channels are free. ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS broadcast over-the-air in crystal-clear HD.
Cord-Cutting Cost Comparison
| Service Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Savings vs Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Cable | $100-150 | — |
| Streaming Only | $30-50 | $600-1,200/year |
| Streaming + Antenna | $25-45 | $660-1,260/year |
| Plex + Antenna + Free Services | $0-10 | $1,080-1,800/year |
Quick Service Recommendations
| Your Priority | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 🏈 Live Sports | YouTube TV, Fubo, Sling | Most sports channels |
| 📺 On-Demand Only | Netflix, Disney+ | Best content libraries |
| 📰 News & Live TV | Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV | All major news networks |
| 💰 Tight Budget | Pluto TV, Tubi, Plex | 100% free with ads |
| 👨👩👧👦 Family Content | Disney+ Bundle | Kids + adults covered |
| 🎬 HBO Shows | Max | Premium originals |
| 📡 Local Channels | HD Antenna (free) | Crystal-clear HD |
Free Streaming Services: The Hidden Gems
Before paying for anything, explore these completely free services. They're ad-supported but genuinely useful:
Tubi
Owned by Fox, Tubi has the largest free library: over 50,000 movies and TV shows. You'll find older films, B-movies, and a surprising number of decent titles. No account required.
Pluto TV
Pluto mimics cable TV with live channels and a grid guide. It's perfect for background viewing—news, sports highlights, reality TV, and classic movies. Over 250 live channels plus on-demand content.
Amazon Freevee
Amazon's free service includes original content and a solid movie library. If you already have an Amazon account, it seamlessly integrates with Prime Video.
Plex
Yes, Plex has a free streaming service with live TV channels and on-demand movies. If you're building a self-hosted media server, this is a nice bonus.
The Roku Channel
Even without a Roku device, you can watch The Roku Channel on any device. Good selection of movies and some original content.
Why free services matter: These fill gaps between paid subscriptions. When you finish that Netflix series and don't know what to watch next, Tubi and Pluto have thousands of options at zero cost.
Sports Without Cable
Sports used to be the #1 reason people stayed with cable. Not anymore. Here's how to watch every major sport in 2026:
Football (NFL)
Sunday Night Football: Free on NBC (antenna) Monday Night Football: ESPN (YouTube TV, Hulu Live, Sling Orange + Sports Extra) Thursday Night Football: Amazon Prime Video NFL Sunday Ticket: YouTube TV exclusively
Pro tip: If you only care about your local team, an antenna gets you most games for free. Sunday Ticket is only necessary for out-of-market games.
Basketball (NBA)
TNT games: Sling Orange, YouTube TV, Hulu Live ESPN games: Same options as above NBA League Pass: $14.99/month for all out-of-market games Local games: Bally Sports via DirecTV Stream (only option for many markets)
Baseball (MLB)
MLB.TV: $149.99/year for out-of-market games ESPN games: Any live TV streaming service Local games: Regional sports networks (availability varies)
MLB blackout trap: Local games are blacked out on MLB.TV. If your team is the Yankees, you can't watch them on MLB.TV from New York. You need YES Network via cable or DirecTV Stream.
Hockey (NHL)
ESPN+/Hulu: Many games exclusive to these platforms NHL.TV: Out-of-market games TNT games: Live TV streaming services
Soccer
ESPN+: Champions League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A Peacock: Premier League Paramount+: Champions League, Serie A Fubo: Best overall for soccer fans (beIN Sports, TUDN, ESPN)
Fubo deserves special mention—it started as a soccer streaming service and still offers the best soccer channel lineup.
Step-by-Step: The Cord-Cutting Process
Ready to make the switch? Here's your action plan:
Week 1: Assess Your Viewing
Before canceling, track what you actually watch:
- List your must-have channels: Not 200 channels—the 10-15 you genuinely watch
- Check streaming availability: Use a site like SupCompare.tv to see which services carry your channels
- Note your sports teams: Determine which streaming services carry their games
- Count your TVs: How many devices will you need?
Week 2: Buy Hardware and Test Free Services
- Order your streaming device (Shield Pro for power users, Fire TV Stick 4K Max for budget)
- Buy an antenna (even a $20 indoor model works in most areas)
- Create accounts for free services: Pluto TV, Tubi, Freevee, Plex
- Test your antenna placement—scan for channels and find the sweet spot
Week 3: Subscribe to Paid Services
- Start trials: Most services offer 7-day trials. Stagger them so you can test thoroughly
- Test YouTube TV (best overall cable replacement)
- Test alternatives: Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling
- Test on-demand: Netflix, Max, Disney+ based on your content preferences
Week 4: Cancel Cable and Optimize
- Call your cable company: Be prepared for retention offers. If they offer a deal that beats your streaming costs, consider it
- Return your cable box to avoid equipment fees
- Optimize your streaming subscriptions: Cancel anything you don't use
- Set up a recurring calendar reminder to review subscriptions monthly
Ongoing: Manage and Adjust
Streaming is flexible—that's the point. Don't hesitate to:
- Switch services based on what you're watching
- Subscribe for a specific show, then cancel
- Try new services when they launch
- Rotate subscriptions (Netflix one month, Max the next)
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Cutting the cord saves money, but watch for these expenses:
| Cost | Typical Price | How to Minimize |
|---|---|---|
| Internet | $60-100/month | Negotiate with ISP, consider 5G home internet |
| Streaming devices | $50-200 each | One device per TV, but they last 5+ years |
| Subscriptions | $30-100+/month | Rotate services, cancel unused subscriptions |
| Antenna | $20-100 one-time | Start cheap, upgrade only if needed |
| VPN (optional) | $3-12/month | Only needed for privacy or geo-unblocking |
Total typical cost: $50-100/month including internet, versus $150+ for cable.
The Bottom Line
Cutting the cord isn't just about saving money—it's about taking control of your entertainment. With the right streaming device, a mix of paid and free services, and a simple antenna, you'll have more content options than cable ever offered, at a fraction of the price.
Start with a quality streaming device, test the free services first, then add premium subscriptions based on what you actually watch. Your wallet will thank you.
FAQ
Do I need a smart TV to cut the cord? No. Any TV with an HDMI port works with a streaming device. In fact, a dedicated streaming device (Shield, Fire TV, Apple TV) is usually better than built-in smart TV apps, which get outdated quickly.
Can I record shows like with a cable DVR? Yes. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo all include cloud DVR. For antenna TV, use a Tablo or HDHomeRun tuner to record over-the-air broadcasts.
Will I miss out on local news? An antenna gives you local news for free. Most local stations also stream newscasts on their websites and apps. YouTube TV and other live TV services include local channels in most markets.
What about internet data caps? Streaming uses a lot of data—roughly 3GB per hour for 4K content. If your ISP has a 1TB cap, you might hit it with heavy streaming. Consider unlimited data plans or switching to an ISP without caps (some fiber providers don't have them).
Can I share my streaming subscriptions with family? Most services allow 2-6 simultaneous streams, making sharing possible. Netflix recently tightened sharing rules, but others remain lenient. Check each service's terms.
What's the easiest way to cut the cord? Start simple: Get a Fire TV Stick 4K Max, subscribe to YouTube TV, and plug in an antenna. This covers 90% of what cable provides for half the cost. You can always customize later.
Will cutting the cord affect my internet price? Some ISPs raise internet prices when you drop TV, but usually the total cost still decreases. Ask about internet-only pricing before canceling.