Is Cord-Cutting Right for You?
Millions of households have already cut the cord — cancelling expensive cable or satellite subscriptions in favor of streaming services and over-the-air (OTA) television. But cord-cutting isn't one-size-fits-all. Done well, it can save you a significant amount each month. Done poorly, you might find yourself paying just as much as before, with more hassle. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.
Step 1: Audit What You Actually Watch
Before cancelling anything, spend two weeks noting which channels and shows you genuinely watch. Most people find that they regularly use a small fraction of the hundreds of channels they're paying for. This audit will reveal:
- Which shows are available over-the-air (free with an antenna)
- Which are available on streaming services you'd pay for anyway
- Which are exclusive to specific cable channels
Step 2: Get an Over-the-Air Antenna
An OTA antenna is the single most important cord-cutting tool. For free, you can receive local broadcast channels including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and PBS — in full HD. The major networks broadcast their signals over the air, and all you need is an antenna to receive them.
Choosing the Right Antenna
- Indoor flat antenna: Best for urban areas where broadcast towers are close. Compact, easy to install.
- Outdoor directional antenna: Ideal for suburban or rural areas where towers are further away. Better range and signal strength.
- Amplified antenna: Useful in weak signal areas, but can sometimes cause issues in areas with strong signals.
Use a free tool like AntennaWeb.org or TV Fool to check which channels are available in your area and how strong the signal is likely to be.
Step 3: Pick Your Streaming Services
Once you know what your antenna covers, you can fill in the gaps with streaming services. As a starting framework:
- Choose one or two major SVOD services (Netflix, Max, Disney+, etc.) based on your content priorities.
- Add a live TV streaming service (like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV) only if you need specific cable channels or live sports.
- Fill free content gaps with FAST services like Tubi or Pluto TV.
Step 4: Set Up Your Devices
To watch streaming content on your TV, you'll need one of the following:
| Device Type | Examples | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Smart TV (built-in) | LG, Samsung, Sony | Simplicity — no extra hardware |
| Streaming stick | Roku Stick, Fire TV Stick | Budget-friendly, easy to set up |
| Streaming box | Apple TV 4K, Nvidia Shield | Power users, 4K HDR content |
| Gaming console | PlayStation, Xbox | Multi-purpose households |
Step 5: Consider a DVR for OTA Channels
One thing cord-cutters miss most is the ability to record live TV. A digital video recorder (DVR) solves this problem for OTA channels. Options include:
- TiVo: A premium, user-friendly OTA DVR option.
- Channels DVR: Software-based solution that works with a compatible tuner device.
- AirTV: Integrates OTA channels into the Sling TV interface.
What to Expect in the First Month
The transition can feel bumpy at first. You may need to adjust how you find content — rather than channel surfing, you'll be searching across apps. Most cord-cutters find that after the initial adjustment period, they actually enjoy the more intentional viewing experience that comes with streaming. The key is patience and a willingness to learn a slightly new way of watching TV.