How to Cut the Cord on Cable in 2024 | Save More Now!

[@FrugalRules]

What’s one challenge you’re facing when trying to save money on streaming TV?

[@swellkarl]

Alabama Crimson Tide football.

[@myrany8407]

Hulu Live TV works great for us and is in budget. Covers everything we watch from one menu. The issue we have is the show listing grid being REALLY hard for our aging eyes to read.

[@jeffj318]

KZbin TV has now raised my introductory price plus I was getting $10 a month discount from T-Mobile. Too bad I didn't have Philo last year and T-Mobile was giving $10 a month discount for a 1 year and now as increased that to 2024. We are going to do everything you were mentioning plus we are not a sports family so that helps.

[@FrugalRules]

@@jeffj318 Sorry to hear that re: YT TV. It certainly does help when you're not into sports. It can make saving a good bit easier, depending on what else you watch.

[@gemlayne1400]

@@myrany8407 Do you have the $7.99 package, to the $72.99 package? I have been looking into Hulu, but I would go with $7.99 package but with all the research I have done, I am not finding if I can watch channels such as HGTV on the $7.99 package.

[@dathyr1]

Simple answer to live TV ------ OTA antenna ---- works for me. TV Cost - Free. Just buy an indoor antenna and Wah Lah --- Live TV. I get 60 live digital channels in Chicago area. Thanks for the video. Enjoy your channel.

[@FrugalRules]

Exactly! If you're able to get reception via an OTA then you absolutely should be doing it.

[@Alltheglory-gg1oe]

What kind of antenna do you have

[@FrugalRules]

@@Alltheglory-gg1oe We use Mohu in our home. Here's our review of what we use - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioS9aJ2dmrKWl7M

[@dathyr1]

@@Alltheglory-gg1oe I got this recommendation from a great you tube installer and reviewer of antennas. I am using the Clearstream 2MAX antenna. I use it for indoors and have it aimed out my patio window towards Chicago. It picks up about 50-60 channels where I live.

[@littlegene6121]

I recently cut out all my streaming services. They keep raising their prices and now I'm back on antenna TV and I'm very happy with my decision. I get more than 40 channels for free. You can't beat that.

[@FrugalRules]

That's the way to do it!

[@alfredocuomo1546]

Why didn't you just create accounts on all the streaming services and watch their free content which can be done on many providers for free. Did you stop your internet too? I just can't watch network TV I would put my foot through the TV watching those Mutts.

[@coronaflo]

I got rid of my cable tv because I didn't watch local channels so I don't really care if they are available OTA.

[@CanItAlready]

Try that where I live. LOL. According to antennaweb there are 24 channels available from 6 OTA stations. With an indoor antenna I can get about 6 or 7 channels and none of those give me local news even though I live less than a mile from where my local nbc and fox affiliates broadcast. I love Pluto, Tubi and Freevee for streaming, though. Also trying Plex and the Roku channel along with a few others like sling TV's Freestream, though that one is pretty limited.

[@vrm86gt]

don't watch any live tv anymore, mostly watch youtube 90+% of the time, my wife does have a couple channels we get on black friday deals for a year long subscription. Definitely need to take advantage of the free trials and make sure you cancel before automatic renewal.

[@crosslink1493]

Just an OTA antenna for the broadcast channels plus free streaming services off the internet for movies (primarily Pluto and Tubi). Ongoing cost is just the internet service connection. My local public library has a great DVD/Blue-ray collection, too. It works for me.

[@quantanglement]

Plus, if you are a library member and your local one features this - you can take advantage of Kanopy and Hoopla (say, thru Roku) . You get a certain amount of borrows a month . Movies etc. Free.

[@nateg.2567]

There's always Philo and Frndly TV if you want something live but no sports but don't want to pay an arm and a leg, been a frndly subscriber for going on 3 years now, and enjoying the savings

[@jeffj318]

Absolutely correct!

[@mtnjeeps5422]

Me too. I don’t need the sports and u can get news thru KZbin

[@jamesorsby7553]

Philo, Amazon Prime and an ota antenna is good enough for me. I'm thinking about getting a Tablo for the tv guide, but I haven't made up my mind yet.

[@nicholelehner8850]

Go Cats! EMAW! Thank you for wearing this in all the videos I've watched so far. ;)

[@ericarmbrustmacher2023]

Thanks for all the great cord cutting info. As mentioned in this video, keep it to a minimum. Fortunately in my area, an antenna works for locals, and I added Hulu on a Black Friday deal

[@jerrycaughron7378]

Pluto,Freeview and Tubi ...These serves are FREE!

[@adorsey3149]

You guys are so good. Great content!

[@deborahglover0112]

Thanks for all the info. I have saved a bunch of money😊

[@Atis602]

Great video. I've got my needs already sorted out and I often speak to others about how to start streaming, this is the video I will be recommending as the best starting point.

[@FrugalRules]

Aw, thanks for that! 🙂

[@xanderpromeo]

I don’t do live tv, don’t care. I have Amazon prime and oodles of free streaming channels. Thanks for the info.

[@ElaineEvans-rm3nz]

Thank You so much for this advice!

[@spackar2720]

I cancelled my cable tv service in 2023 and bought an amazon fire cube in order to replace it as I do not have a smart tv. I then cancelled my subscriptions to several apps/channels that I was not watching very often. Finally, I bought a Motorola modem and returned my cable modem. I have not signed up for a non-free live tv streaming service. Because of these steps I am saving approximately $100.00 a month vs what I was paying when I had cable tv service.

[@shanew7361]

I agree $73 a month for KZbin tv is getting old, but like others have said, tne sports, etc.

[@jeffj318]

I had KZbin TV from a year ago paying about $54 per month with the T-Mobile discount included. My price just went up to the normal this month so goodbye KZbin TV and hello Philo and a couple streaming services. I have to use Comcast internet therefore I am getting Peacock as part of the package.

[@SportsTalkBoley]

Just switched to a antenna and Sling TV, because need to have ESPN also have NFL plus and watch game off my iPad because can’t get in fox

[@JohnnyReno71]

I have an antenna, sling orange, Disney bundle, Netflix and Peacock. Apple only on a free trial ( never even used it yet) and paramount also free with coupons and switching emails.

[@gaymerguy69]

I've had multiple months of Paramount + here, *and* with the same email. 😉 I even "canceled" my latest 30 day trial and they threw me another couple of months to stay. 😅

[@FrugalRules]

We had the exact same thing with them recently - on the premium plan. We were happy to get it for another two months.

[@danstar620]

THanks for the great info.

[@marydenise10]

Roku comes with Live TV and has a variety of channels.

[@CrowdPleeza]

An interesting article. "It's Official: Streaming Is Now Just Cable, But Somehow Much Worse" Jeremy Mathai Slash Film

[@leftymagoo2710]

Good. I will peruse your suggestions.🙏

[@MikeBirdman]

wish an antenna worked here but we can get about 2 channels reliably

[@faynee4157]

As a heavy DVR user for live shows like the Oscars and local news, it looks like the difference to my current Comcast and Hulu Live is not very much. Might as well keep cable.

[@FrugalRules]

It all depends on what you watch. If cable works for you, that's perfectly fine in our opinion. However, you also may not need an expensive live service like Hulu Live for most, if not all of your shows. A combination of a couple on-demand services could do the trick.

[@swellkarl]

After the Crimson Tide plays their last game in January, I will be cancelling KZbinTV and don’t plan to subscribe to a live TV service again. If ESPN still requires a live TV service in August, then I will subscribe to Sling Orange for 5 months.

[@Alltheglory-gg1oe]

I’m right with you

[@deniseg8312]

I figured this out about two years ago and ended live tv services.

[@deniseg8312]

Only thing I miss is tennis 🎾

[@donburton5323]

I see it this way plenty of other things to cut out like restaurants vacations going out on Saturday nights.

[@davepark1085]

Wish I had someone to help me do this, comcast is off the chain with the cost of cable & internet

[@deniseg8312]

Cord Cutters News on KZbin and Facebook would help you cut the cord. There's a web page too.

[@BartAdams-ti6wz]

Cutting the cord soon

[@brownshuga71]

Thank you for your advice. I've been trying to figure out how to cut cable. I can't afford it because the price keeps going up. I watch CNN, MSNBC and other other channels. What do you recommend? I currently have Verizon and I'm ready to get rid of it.

[@FrugalRules]

Sling Orange + Blue would be your most affordable choice to get CNN & MSNBC. It's currently $55 per month, but you can try the first month for $30.

[@walkingmiracles9706]

fubo is wonderful

[@JoseOrtiz-pp1vm]

you mean the service that doesnt have turner networks amc networks and a@e networks while charging u what others do? that wondeful service?.

[@walkingmiracles9706]

@@JoseOrtiz-pp1vm none of those are worth the $ to me

[@TOSStarTrek]

Just One plus free. Mom love Pluto.

[@jko0526]

What is the best DVR to pair with an antenna?

[@nancyludlum2646]

Thanks. To add on to another comment in this thread, if live TV just keeps going up, then aren't they putting themselves out of business? (e.g., live cable news channels) (or only the rich people will have it) That doesn't seem like a good business plan. Don't they want more viewers and not fewer viewers? Is the cost due to the big salaries of the news folks?

[@FrugalRules]

Good question! If something like that is playing a role, it's only a very minor one at best. Live TV price increases largely come down to two factors - live sports and access to local networks. The former is, by far, the most popular thing on TV and is expensive for services to offer so they pass the cost onto us. Local networks typically cost at least $15 to $20/month, depending on location, so that also gets passed onto us. Regardless of if you're with cable, satellite, or streaming you'd get hit with that cost, unfortunately. All that said, going out of business is *somewhat* of a concern for some of these companies as most platforms are still not profitable. A lot of this is why we believe we're going to see more consolidation, bundling, etc etc in the near future.

[@nancyludlum2646]

@@FrugalRules Thanks so much for your response! Appreciate your frugality and coverage on this. It would be great to cut cable, but there is something to be said for live news and convenience. (My time/patience is worth something, too....especially with limited time.)

[@spaceghost4474]

The biggest problem is that in order too follow my favorite teams, I just don't have a real alternative.

[@FrugalRules]

That is definitely becoming more and more of a problem. Services know it's a money-maker for them and, in part, that's what is continuing to spread out live sports to more platforms.

[@jeffj318]

You do not have an alternative except to wean yourself off of sports. 😂

[@spaceghost4474]

@@jeffj318 True, but I'm not at the point where I'll do that, YET.

[@johnadams5924]

Sirius xm is great for sports and music

[@FrugalRules]

Great point!

[@oldenyz3148]

Hi, typically I've been able to negotiate with cable but not anymore. Found your channel and appreciate the valuable info = sub'd. I will be cutting cable soon and will be streaming. However, upon doing my research I'm noticing some reccomend using a streaming device such as roku or fire stick even with a smart TV and others say you don't need one. I have 3 smart tv's. Your thoughts?

[@FrugalRules]

Great question! If you have a smart TV, you're generally fine...especially if it's a brand like Samsung, LG, Vizio, etc. If it's a newish TV (made in the last 5-6 years) it should have access to most of the common streaming services. You'd only need a streaming device IF your TV isn't compatible with a certain platform or you travel a lot and like access to all of your apps while on the road.

[@mexdrago3009]

I went back to Antenna and physical media. Live sport isn't even live as time goes by. I have my tv on the antenna and another tv screaming the same sports game. Streaming was way behind.

[@Godless-Being]

I’ve cut my cable in early 2022 cuz it got boring and too expensive, got myself a fire stick (or rather from a family friend) that had YTTV (I think she’s still paying the 70 sumn for it)and KZbin (and as of early 2024) now have Disney and Hulu(since merged together and paying 20 a month for duo bundle), I’ll take streaming over cable any day. I plan on staying that way until its demise and then forced to go back to cable.

[@sharonmitchel1377]

We just had ATT fiber installed! 🎉 nope! Direct TV streaming is sounding more expensive each time I look at the details. The box is still sitting unopened by the front door. We like you tube, amazon prime, local channels, golf, fox news and fox business. I’m missing the convenience of cable already!

[@kevingoehring5877]

The convenience of cable is nice. For me the cost difference between cable and Hulu live is only $30ish. My wife likes the cable menu/guide but I don’t really care. I like the idea of cutting cable but streaming keeps going up. Hulu live is now $76.99!!

[@sharonmitchel1377]

@@kevingoehring5877 The “no contract deal” turned out to be a 2 year contract on the DTV streaming, then the price will nearly double, making it more expensive than cable. We’ll enjoy it till then and will go through this again. The silver lining? I have been afraid of the process since I’m older. Other than a wrong password issue I got through the process easily.

[@Jean-ni6of]

Where do I go? I want to try this. Somebody please tell me.

[@dfizzbom]

Great channel- thank you! I'll make a request that you please invest in wired or wireless lava mics to clip onto yourselves. The camera mic alone is big time grating to listen to. There's a number of options. Please upgrade your audio- it'll be a worthy upgrade to your vids. Great content!

[@FrugalRules]

Thanks for the feedback, we do greatly appreciate it, 🙂 We actually use a wired mic, not a camera mic. We've not received feedback from anyone else on this, but we'll certainly keep it in mind.

[@dfizzbom]

@@FrugalRules You're using an overhead mic? There's too much 'room' in the audio to be body lava mics. I'm an audio guy so apologies for being picky, lol. But the upgrade would make your great vids more pro sounding and easier on the ears. Something to consider is all.

[@rdailey4]

I can get local channels through Peacock and Paramount but I can't get CNN and Fox News without Live TV. That is the bummer for me.

[@FrugalRules]

Fox News is the kicker there. You can get a good bit of CNN content via Max. Sling really is the best/cheapest option to get Fox News, unfortunately.

[@memphobro]

People still watch Fox News? Just buy a subscription of the National Inquirer and you'll get the same lies. Carry on.

[@blessedgirl2050]

Ditch the communist news network

[@brendamoote7304]

Hi, I am so not tech savvy. Can you please help me out of this mess I have an Amazon account. However, this Christmas my children bought me a Roku TV. What do I do? I also have older TVs that aren’t smart TVs and I would like to put one in my room. please help me understand this mess😅 .

[@skeeterman7144]

Want to watch live games and still be able to pause like traditional cable. How do I do this without paying for live tv?

[@davidkarl5192]

I bought a 50 dollar antenna and it found 25 channels but not NBC, ABC, CBS. The only 3 i wanted for football season, any advice?

[@FrugalRules]

Hm, we're not sure why that would happen as you should be able to get them. Have you tried rescanning the antenna? If not, here's our video on how to do that - kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4Okm2pppap-fNk

[@marshalynn2712]

I am a 67 year old retired ( now on a strict budget) tech dummy, and all this internet stuff is over my head . I want to get rid of my internet service and purchase an indoor antenna. I don't watch enough TV to have this internet cost. My question is this : I currently have an android straight talk phone at 50.00 a month plan. Do I have to have an internet service in my home to keep my phone operational ? TIA.

[@Tee-duck]

I need the cable for my Internet. I can’t cut cable. How do people get Internet without cable? Phone lines are to slow

[@billjones4986]

Hi all I need advice,live 60 miles away,can’t get anything with a indoor antenna,live in a condo won’t let me put up outdoor antenna.big city is south,only window faces south.Anyone have a ant ideas for me,I just want the locals,can’t afford lots of streaming services just to get the locals ,Help! ,

[@FrugalRules]

Do you want/need local news? If not, you could go with a combination of ad-supported Hulu, Peacock, and Paramount+. This would give you access to most shows the day after they air. If you do want local news, then you could opt for either of the ad-free Peacock or Paramount+ plans as they give you access to the local NBC and CBS, respectively, stations.

[@ursulafulgham5868]

I'm 80 yrs old and want to get rid of the cable box ( have a smart tv) how do I do that?

[@commentoria]

How to watch cable news networks such as MSBNC?

[@FrugalRules]

Sling Blue would be our go to choice. It's the most affordable option out there.

[@commentoria]

Thanks@@FrugalRules Is Sling Blue portable, like can you use it at someone else's home in a another state? Or does it only work in one location?

[@Linda-ic1il]

Why would anyone watch MSBNC!!!!!!!!!

[@commentoria]

@@Linda-ic1il The evening shows on MSNBC present the truth, like it or not. Tear yourself away from Fox and give it a try.

[@lindaschulman1789]

How w do you watch local news (nyc)and how do I get internet

[@bigtye37]

Antennas does not work in the city

[@FrugalRules]

Yes, that might be true in some cases but certainly not broadly. That's why we gave the recommendation of using on-demand services since even all combined are considerably cheaper than a live service.

[@dathyr1]

I agree with Frugal Rules. Not everyone has the capability like I do in my original comment to pick up OTA antenna channels. I guess I am very lucky to be located where I am in the suburbs of Chicago. Good luck in your method.

[@SlackJones1]

We don’t watch any live tv. There is nothing we are interested in on there anyway. We subscribe to a few individual streaming networks that have reasonable prices.

[@jlhugh]

ESPN stand-alone app is coming.

[@FrugalRules]

Yep, it'll be interesting to see how they price it...and, more importantly, how many people actually sign up to use it.

[@seanvankampen7373]

Hulu live is still much cheaper than my cable

[@brianvogelsong754]

Yes it is by 1/2

[@pcterm2]

they are pricing themselves out of the market---they just dont get it---simple greed

[@anneyrose]

I been paying $55mo for yrs no raise but i rather just do air tv.

[@viennehaake9149]

Yep- live TV when most of it is annoying ads- its hard to break the habit of just staring at crumy tv hoping fo something entertaining which usually doesnt happen. And the ads are so insulting, stupid, gross- Im just not going to watch it. So I have an antenna- watch some Olympics, some local and evening network news- But just regular You Tube can be fun and you can learn a lot- I mute the ads which is doable. and I read a lot more for entertainment- I havent found a streaming service thats good and a good value- Getting read to even cancel Netflix because 95% of the selection is so bad. I guess wer are all just weaning off TV

[@htorres11]

no comments on an internet source?

[@Earthmoonstars-el6rd]

You say 20,000 customers a day leave cable T.V. thats 7.3 million a year times that by 4 years = 29,200,000 people that had enough of the big corprate cable scam business in the last 50 + years. Also ,I no longer care about Pay stations like HBO ,SHOWTIME ,CINEMAX etc because of the cable/satellites corporate illogical point of view. Which in my opinion ,They should give those station free for what they want💵💵💵, for your basic cable T.V. line up.

[@harryhoesch3793]

Shouldn't they pay us to watch soccer?

[@alirezaNikkhah]

No way you can watch quality stuff for free , who will watch sports or even trading move or TV shows with one week Gap? Just imagine Lakers plays tonight but you will watch it next week!!?😂 Yes you have to spend money to stream good stuff but if you like show from 60,s you right there is lots of free content

[@FrugalRules]

Nothing was said about waiting a week to watch live sports. There was also nothing said about waiting a week to watch a popular TV show...waiting a day is much different than a week. And, it's not uncommon at all for free services to have shows from the 2000s and 2010s. In fact, reports show that people much prefer to watching classic or comfort TV shows instead of current stuff.

[@Solosmooth]

KZbin Premium w my student discount 4 da win!! I also got peacock for $20 for a yr.

[@Pro1er]

I don't watch TV, never really have so I can't understand why someone would spend so much money to watch the garbage they produce today.

[@ohiopics]

Some do, some don’t, so what

[@mscm4592]

How is cutting cable and then paying multiple streaming service subscriptions saving? They are doing the exact same thing as cable TV - jacking up prices - good old American corporate greed. So why would I switch to streaming and paybmore and have multiple accounts to manage and log into? And you get some favorite shows certain streams and others only on others - what a headache! Stupid - greatest nation on earth...

[@FrugalRules]

Yes, corporate greed is going on. However, it also is in virtually every other space. If you don't need live TV, why would you continue to spend loads of cash to get cable? Or, an expensive live streaming service for that matter? That's why we recommend ditching live TV. Pair an on-demand service or two together, where most cost ~ $10 and pocket all of the savings. Yes, there are multiple accounts to manage, but saving $100+ a month can certainly make it worth it to many.

[@vinny15135]

Cord cutting what a joke. You never cut the cord you need it for internet that will cost you $85 to $100 a month, and if you watch the free channels, Tubi, Pluto etc. you are flooded with commercials and now the pharmaceutical commercials are on there as well just like cable. Netflix has priced itself out unless you want commercials so no TY. The only deal out there now is starz, I get it for $2 a month, I used to have peacock for $2 a month but, they raised their prices, to support their new combo with netflix and apple, basically it is no longer cheaper than cable. In fact, it is going the opposite direction.

[@janetwoodville3643]

CBS is so bad when it comes to OTA

[@FrugalRules]

What you can receive OTA can vary widely on a number of factors, including your location. It's not that CBS isn't good OTA, it just may not for your location.

[@ejc1956]

Exaggerating the truth to get KZbin views is just plain DISHONEST

[@FrugalRules]

Explain to us how we're exaggerating the truth.

[@alfredocuomo1546]

I just cut the cable and went from $256.07 to $97.12 with a $7.99 Hulu package and since I don't watch sports since these Commies started taking a knee I'm glad I made the move. Also what you didn't mention is only get live sports for the time it's on like football then cancel it for the rest of the year.

[@FrugalRules]

Nice job on the savings! We did mention that, specifically, near the end of the video. We also have on numerous other videos. 🙂

[@alfredocuomo1546]

you are correct but I wrote the comment about the middle of the video & didn't go back and edit it, sorry. Just cut the cord hopefully I get a lot more informed as I move forward. Thanks for the reply.@@FrugalRules

[@bradc6199]

Give up the sports idolatry and streaming is affordable.

[@ClicktheMaverick]

Absolute facts. Stop worshiping multi millionaires who couldn’t care less about you and you’ll definitely save money.

[@brianvogelsong754]

I wish I could just get the hockey and NFL packages then I won’t need to buy any other channels. They’ll save me a bunch also and no ESPN is not the source for hockey. actually not many services are, which is very frustrating