The Best and Most Cost-Effective Way to Cut the Cord: A Comprehensive Guide

For many, life without cable is now the norm, and for good reason. With the advent of streaming services and over-the-air television, it's never been easier to cut the cord. How do you do it? What steps should you take? And what are the most cost-effective ways to ensure you never miss a show or movie again?

Watching TV Without Cable: Our Journey

Just over a decade ago, my family said goodbye to the cable. We were initially with Dish Network, but found it too expensive. When a salesperson from the cable company offered to pay our fees in exchange for switching, we made the move back to the cable service. However, we quickly realized that streaming could not provide the same local TV stations. So, we had to find a new way to enjoy our favorite shows and movies.

Since 2007, we've been living without traditional cable TV. We initially chose to go with Roku, and it worked well with our TV. Eventually, we upgraded to a new TV, which was a 4K smart TV with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Interestingly, we had to set up our streaming services on a computer at first, due to the initial setup complexity, but we found that most of the updates and maintenance could be done directly on the TV, making it much more user-friendly.

Currently, we enjoy Netflix, NPR Passport, and Amazon Prime. While we tried out BritBox, the endless struggle with technical maintenance and lack of user-friendly experience pushed us to abandon that service. The Roku is a great solution for those who want to manage multiple services, but for our needs, we found manual management of services to be more cost-effective.

How to Connect Your TV to the Internet

Setting up reliable streaming means ensuring your TV has proper internet access. If your TV needs to be connected via an Ethernet cable, make sure it's placed in a location that's easily accessible and well-organized. But if you prefer using Wi-Fi, the process is simpler: just connect the TV to your router and ensure it's within range.

Those who prefer a more DIY approach can consider burying the cable. It's a straightforward process: dig a trench at a 45-degree angle, bury the cable into the ground, and then tamp it down to avoid tripping hazards or damage. This method is eco-friendly and inexpensive.

Streaming Services and Antenna Options

For those looking to further reduce costs, consider using an antenna. In urban areas like the Metro NY region, you can access a vast number of free channels. With an antenna, you can view local TV stations for free, making streaming services a valuable supplement to your TV watching experience.

When it comes to streaming services, a rotational subscription approach can significantly reduce costs. Apps like Pluto TV, Xumo, and Tubi offer free with ads options, which can be supplemented by rotating through paid services. By signing up for one service at a time for a month, you can maximize your viewing options while keeping costs low. Take advantage of free or discount offers to further reduce expenses, making the total monthly cost range from free to $15 or less. This approach also allows you to experiment with different services and easily cancel subscriptions at any time.

Conclusion

Cutting the cord can be a significantly better experience when done strategically. Whether you're an avid fan of local TV stations or prefer the convenience of streaming services, there are numerous options to ensure you never miss a beat while also saving a significant amount of money. Explore the world of live streaming, and cutting the cord can prove to be a life-changer.