Is Cable TV worth it anymore?

Cable TV, generally, is described as a system that distributes television signals by transmitting them viaeither fibre-optic or coaxial cables. The term cable TV, also includes systems that distribute television signals entirely via satellite. So, is it time to cut the cord and cancel your already existing cable TV subscription? Let us find out.

As technology advances and new innovations are made, multiple platforms designed to deliver a more immersive TV watching experience over the internet seem to be on the rise. With all the streaming TV options coming up, you may find yourself questioning whether Cable TV is still worth it. Well, Cable TV isn’t really worth the cost anymore considering the fact that you are able to enjoy a better TV watching experience when you have a reliable internet connection using TV streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max or Apple TV Plus among other popular options. However, cutting the cord really depends on your entertainment needs and personal preferences.

If you are inclined to channels such as CNN, ABC or HGTV, you may want to keep your cable box but if you are interested in having a wider and more personal collection of TV shows and movies that you can watch at your convenience, then you would be impressed with everything that streaming TV platforms have to offer. That said, let us take a few reasons as to why you may want to stick to cable and delve further into a few reasons as to why you should consider Streaming TV as an alternative to Cable TV.

Why should you consider sticking to your Cable Box?

In as much as Cable TV seems an outdated and traditional option, the best part about keeping your cable box is that you wouldn’t really suffer any delays or buffering because of heavy network traffic or bandwidth limitations that you may when using any streaming TV service.

Another reason would be because most providers tend to offer Cable TV as a bundled package thus saving you a ton in the process. This often comes in handy if you are getting both TV and internet access from the same service provider because all you get is one bill for both services. For some, this may be an advantage while for others it may seem a limitation. Whichever it is for you, you still get to save a great deal.

Perhaps we shouldn’t forget that more advanced cable boxes are coming up to match the pace at which technology seems to be advancing. Most companies and service providers are starting to own next-generation cable boxes with modern interfaces that support newer TV features including but not limited to 4K HDR and voice capabilities.With such advancements, you do not have to sacrifice your TV watching experience as much as you would with older TV boxes.

Now, it isn’t always rosy with cable TV. You are bound to experience issues with customer service and value addition. A huge problem that you may encounter is cost. Sometimes you may notice that your bill begins to get higher with time as compared to when you were signing up for the deal. And the worst part is that you can barely account for the price hikes. Certain cable companies tend to impose new fees for services that were previously included in the base rate for service and this may cost you a ton if you aren’t careful. At times, customer service may be a cause of frustration. Perhaps because they aren’t as responsive as you would want them to be or maybe they just aren’t as accommodative as they should be.

Why do Streaming TV platforms seem a better replacement for Cable TV?

Let’s just say that Streaming TV seem to be addressing all the problems that come up with Cable TV. Streaming TV services offer you a wide array of channels and library content that you can choose from for a lower price than Cable TV which may limit your options. In addition, you also have the chance to switch to a different tier or a different company without having to go through the hassle of an appointment with your cable provider/installer.

See, streaming TV services are quite advantageous because you can literally get a bunch of channels, including local broadcasts such as CNN, ABC and HGTV among others for as little as $15 every month. This is quite the discount when compared to the $50 you would need to pay to access these channels with cable TV. Also, you will not come across any issues associated with sudden price hikes when using streaming TV services. This is majorly because you are entirely in control of your payment options.

We can also establish that Streaming TV is a great option as you do not have to deal with any box rentals. Cable TV may need you to pay about $10 every month for a TV-box which could add up pretty fast to $120 annually, and this is just on the lower side. By contrast, any streaming service that exists requires you to use an app on a smart TV or any streaming device that directly plugs into your TV set. The great thing about this is that once you have your device, you do not have to pay any recurring hardware charges.

So, what streaming TV options can you consider for your home?

Live streaming TV options (just to mention a few)

Streaming Service
Channels
Multiple Streams
Price
Hulu + Live TV
60+
2
$64.99 -$70.99 per month
YouTube TV
85+
3
$64.99 per month
Philo
60+
3
$20 per month

 

On-demand TV streaming options (just to mention a few)

Streaming Service
Stats
Price
Netflix
Best overall
$8.99 – $17.99 per month
Prime Video
Best value
$12.99 per month
ESPN+
Ideal for sports lovers
$5.99 per month
HBO Max
HBO originals and exclusives
$14.99 per month
Apple TV Plus
Ideal for apple fans
$4.99 per month

 

Verdict: So, is Cable TV worth it anymore?

As long as you have a fast and reliable internet connection, you may want to settle for streaming TV services as an alternative to cable TV. Streaming TV services save you a ton and give you the chance to freely access live streams and on-demand videos.

In as much so, before you cut the cord, you should evaluate your TV watching habits. Try and ask yourself whether you enjoy live sports or whether you would want on-demand options. Also, confirm whether you have a stable internet connection. If none of these align with your preferences or demands, then a cable TV subscription is best for you.

FAQs

  1. Should I switch from cable TV to streaming TV?

Well, this entirely depends on your TV needs and personal preferences.

  1. Do I need a cable to access any streaming services?

No, you do not.

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