If your cable bill keeps climbing, you may be wondering whether you can watch your favourite programmes without paying for a traditional TV package. The good news is that you can often replace some or all of your cable service with streaming.
Learning how to cut the cord and switch to streaming does take a little planning. You will need to check your internet connection, decide which programmes matter most, and compare the total cost of the services you choose. This guide walks you through the process so you can make the change without losing track of what you watch.
What you’ll need
- A reliable home internet connection.
- A streaming device or a smart TV with streaming apps.
- A way to pay for any subscriptions you decide to use.
- Your current cable bill and contract details, so you can compare costs before cancelling.
Good to know: Streaming means watching programmes over the internet rather than receiving them through a traditional cable or satellite TV connection. Some streaming services are free, while others charge a monthly or annual fee.
Step 1: Review what you watch on cable
Before cancelling anything, take a look at your current TV package. Make a short list of the channels and programmes you actually watch.
Think about the categories that matter to your household:
- Local news and weather.
- Live sports.
- Films and television series.
- Children’s programmes.
- Documentaries and specialist channels.
- Live events or seasonal programmes.
Check whether the programmes you care about are available through streaming services. Some are included with general entertainment subscriptions. Others may require a specialist service, a separate purchase, or a live-TV streaming package.
Do not assume that every cable channel has a matching streaming app. Channel availability, live broadcasts, and programme libraries can differ by country.
Tip: Look at a typical week of viewing rather than choosing services based on one programme you might watch once. This helps you avoid paying for subscriptions you rarely use.
Step 2: Check your internet connection
Streaming uses your internet connection, so make sure it is suitable for the number of people and devices in your home.
Open a web browser on a phone or computer and try a speed test from a reputable provider. The result is usually shown in megabits per second (Mbps). This measures how quickly data can travel to your device.
The speed you need depends on video quality and how many people stream at the same time. High-definition video uses less data than 4K video, and several simultaneous streams need more capacity than one.
Also consider your internet provider’s data allowance, if it has one. A data cap limits how much internet data you can use in a billing period. Streaming regularly, especially in high resolution, can use a substantial amount.
If your Wi-Fi signal is weak in the room where you watch TV, try moving the router to a more central location or connecting the TV or streaming device to the router with an Ethernet cable, if supported.
Step 3: Choose how you will stream
You do not necessarily need to buy a new television. Many newer smart TVs have streaming apps built in. If your TV does not have the apps you need, you can connect a separate streaming device to an HDMI port.
- A smart TV: Connect it to Wi-Fi and install supported apps from its app store.
- A streaming stick or box: Plug it into the TV’s HDMI port and follow its setup instructions.
- A game console: Some consoles offer entertainment and streaming apps.
- A computer: Open a streaming service’s website in a browser and connect the computer to your TV if you want a larger picture.
Before buying a device, check that it supports the services you plan to use and works with your TV. Most modern TVs have HDMI, but older models may need a different connection.
Careful: Buy streaming equipment from a reputable retailer and check the exact model. Avoid very cheap devices advertised as providing every paid channel for free; they may be unreliable or unsafe.
Step 4: Compare streaming services and their costs
There are several kinds of streaming services. Understanding the difference will help you choose the right combination.
On-demand services let you choose films and programmes from a library. Some have exclusive original shows. They usually charge a subscription fee.
Free, ad-supported services offer selected programmes and films without a subscription. They include advertisements, and their catalogues can change.
Live-TV streaming services offer bundles of live channels over the internet. They may be closer to a traditional cable package, but channel line-ups and prices vary.
Network and broadcaster apps may offer selected programmes, live broadcasts, or catch-up viewing. Some content is free, while other content may require a subscription or a TV-provider login.
Write down the monthly price of each service you are considering. Include taxes where applicable, and check whether the advertised price is a temporary introductory offer. Also look for extra charges, such as premium add-ons or additional household-member fees.
A simple cost comparison can help:
| Cost | Cable package | Streaming plan |
|---|---|---|
| TV service | Your current bill | Add chosen subscriptions |
| Equipment | Rental or purchase | Device cost, if needed |
| Internet | Include if bundled | Include your internet bill |
| Extras | Premium channels or fees | Add-ons or rentals |
Compare the full household cost, not just the headline price of one streaming subscription. If your cable and internet are bundled, ask your provider what the internet-only price would be before making a decision.
Step 5: Set up your streaming device and apps
Once you have chosen your equipment and services, connect your TV or streaming device to your home network.
- Connect the device to an HDMI port on the TV, if it is a separate streaming device.
- Turn on the TV and select the correct HDMI input using the TV remote.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
- Open the device’s app store and find the streaming apps you want.
- Install each app, open it, and sign in or create an account.
You may need to activate an app by entering a code on the service’s website using a phone or computer. Follow the instructions shown on your TV.
Use a separate, strong password for each important account where possible. If the service offers two-step verification, consider turning it on. This adds an extra check when someone signs in.
Step 6: Test streaming before cancelling cable
Keep your cable service for a short overlap if your budget allows. During that time, test the streaming services on the TV and in the rooms where you normally watch.
Check that:
- The picture and sound are clear.
- Programmes start without repeated buffering.
- Everyone in the household can find the shows they watch.
- Live sports, local news, or other important channels are available.
- You understand how to switch between apps and return to the TV home screen.
Try watching at the busiest time in your home. If several people use the internet at once, this is when slowdowns are most likely to become noticeable.
Tip: Make a note of any missing channels or programmes during the trial period. You can then decide whether to add a service, use a free alternative, or keep a smaller TV package.
Step 7: Check your cable agreement before cancelling
When you are satisfied that streaming meets your needs, review your cable account carefully.
Check your contract end date, cancellation notice period, early termination charges, equipment-return rules, and any bundled discounts that may change. Ask the provider for the total amount due if you cancel on a particular date.
If you rent a cable box, modem, or other equipment, ask how and when to return it. Keep the return receipt or tracking confirmation. Also ask for written confirmation of the cancellation date and any final balance.
Do not cancel your internet service by mistake if you still need it for streaming. If cable TV and internet are part of one package, make sure the provider understands that you want to keep internet access.
Troubleshooting common streaming problems
The video keeps buffering.
Pause the video briefly and let it load. Check whether other devices are using a lot of bandwidth. Move the streaming device closer to the router or use a wired connection if possible.
An app is missing from my TV.
Your TV may not support that app. Check for a TV software update or use a compatible streaming stick or box instead.
I cannot watch a particular programme.
The programme may not be included in your subscription, or it may not be available in your country. Check the service’s programme information before paying for an additional plan.
My streaming costs are adding up.
Review your subscriptions every few months. Cancel services you no longer use, and check whether you can rotate subscriptions rather than paying for several all year.
Enjoy a TV setup that suits you
Cutting the cord does not have to mean giving up the programmes you enjoy. Start by checking what you watch, comparing the real costs, and testing your streaming setup before cancelling cable. A little preparation can help you build a simpler TV arrangement that fits your household and budget.
