If you’re an avid television watcher, you want to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. But with so many TV providers available, it can be tough to know if you’re making the right choice. One of the questions consumers often want to know is if streaming options truly are cheaper than cable TV. We got experts to share their thoughts on whether streaming or cable TV is a better financial move and how to choose. Plus, find out some of the cheapest cable deals and streaming bundles.
Are streaming TVs cheaper than cable TVs?
Why streaming may be better
The wide variety of streaming services these days means countless movies, television shows and even sporting events are at your fingertips. Plus, paying for multiple services can expand that viewing library for you even more.
It often doesn’t take long however for those multiple subscriptions to add up, leaving many customers under the impression that they’ve been overcharged thanks to rising monthly costs and hidden fees. Those price hikes can make it seem you’re better off getting cable, but that can be a common misconception.
“Cable TV often comes with extra fees for equipment and installation, making it significantly more expensive than it first appears,” says Destiny Chatman, consumer expert at TopCashback.com. “While having different subscriptions to streaming services can get pricey, the overall cost will never be as high as cable TV. Consumers are better off skipping the contracts and equipment and paying for the streaming services they need.”
Why cable can be more cost-effective
If you’ve been paying for cable television for years, you’ve likely seen numerous price increases on your bill. Because of that, ditching cable in favor of a streaming platform usually seems like an appealing option. However, some experts say that it might not be a good swap.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that cutting cable and switching to streaming services will automatically save you money, but that’s not always the case for every family,” says Melissa Cid, consumer savings expert at MySavings.com. “Multiple streaming subscriptions can add up quickly, and you still need a strong internet plan to support your streaming needs, which could end up costing more than a bundled cable and internet package.”
Most cable options come with various tiers, allowing you to choose a smaller package if there are only a select number of television channels you know you’ll be watching.
How to choose between cable TV and streaming
Since there are pros and cons to both streaming and cable, the decision ultimately comes down to what works best for you—and will save you the most money.
“The best way to determine if streaming or cable TV is giving you the best bang for your buck is to calculate all costs, assess your viewing needs, check flexibility and long-term pricing and watch out for bundle savings,” explains Chatman.
Here are specific factors you should consider:
- If you want a live broadcast. “Pay special attention to live TV and sports, local sports often have regional broadcast agreements and may only be available on specific streaming platforms, usually on higher-priced plans,” says Cid.
- How long you plan to watch. “Don’t want to commit to a viewing portal for one-two years? Stick with streaming services because most are ’cancel anytime’ while cable TV is contract only,” shares Chatman.
- The cost when bundled. “If your internet and TV come as a bundle, compare ‘Internet only’ plus streaming services versus the bundle to decide which option works best for you,” adds Chatman.
- How compatible your devices are with streaming. Before cutting cable or signing up for a streaming service, Cid suggests “giving streaming services a trial run by signing up for free trials to get a real sense of how the platforms perform on your home devices.”
The best cable TV deals
Cable TV prices can vary greatly depending on your chosen package, location and how long you’ve been a customer. Some providers, however, do offer better options than others.
Cheaper cable TV deals to consider (Note: These are on the lower end of the spectrum, and usually for new customers).
- Astound: $48 per month
- Optimum: $53 per month
- Philo: $28 per month
- Sling TV: $45.99 per month
- Sparklight: $54 per month
- Spectrum $40.00 per month
- Xfinity: $20 per month
Streaming TV deals to consider
If you think streaming may be a good fit for you and your family, there are some ways to save on those package costs, as well.
“You might already have access to some streaming services for free and not even know it!” shares Sid. “Right now, T-Mobile customers can get Netflix or Apple TV+ included with their phone plans, and Walmart+ subscribers get Paramount+ at no extra cost.”
Another great way to save? Opting for a streaming bundle.
Some of the most popular options:
- Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+: $16.99 per month with ads
- Amazon Prime and Starz: $10.99 per month
- Amazon Prime and Paramount+: $7.99 per month
- Amazon Prime and Hallmark +: $7.99 per month
- Amazon Prime and Apple TV+: $9.99 per month
- Disney+, Hulu and Max: $16.99 per month with ads
“Finally, keep an eye out for major sale events like Prime Day and Black Friday,” adds Sid. “Many streaming platforms offer steep discounts during these times, some as high as 75 percent off.”
