CORD-CUTTING GUIDE
Canceling cable doesn't mean giving up live TV. It means dismantling a $150/month bundle and replacing it with specific, cheaper components. Here is the exact blueprint.
Step 1: Audit Your Needs
Write down the 5 channels your household actually watches live. Ignore the other 145 channels. The most common dealbreakers are:
- Local broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX)
- Live sports channels (ESPN, FS1, Regional Sports Networks)
- 24/7 News (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC)
- Lifestyle (Bravo, HGTV, Food Network)
Step 2: Get an OTA Antenna
If you live within 40 miles of a broadcast tower, a $30 indoor digital antenna will give you free, uncompressed HD signals for ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and PBS. This handles 90% of NFL games and local news. See our Antenna TV Guide for setup instructions.
Step 3: Choose a vMVPD (If necessary)
If an antenna isn't enough (usually because you need ESPN or Cable News), you need a live TV streaming service. We recommend:
| Need | Recommendation | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Just the basics (News/Lifestyle) | Sling TV (Blue) | $40/mo |
| The exact cable experience | YouTube TV | $73/mo |
| Local Sports / RSNs | DirecTV Stream | $80+/mo |
Common Mistakes
- Re-creating the bundle: If you subscribe to YouTube TV, Netflix, Max, Hulu, Disney+, and Peacock simultaneously, you are paying cable prices. Rotate your subscriptions.
- Ignoring Internet Data Caps: Check if your ISP has a 1.2TB data cap. If they charge $30/mo for unlimited data, factor that into your savings.
FAQ
Do I need a smart TV?
No. If your TV has an HDMI port, a $30 Roku or Fire Stick is often faster and better supported than built-in smart TV software.
Can I pause live TV?
Yes. Services like YouTube TV include cloud DVRs that allow you to pause, rewind, and record just like a cable box.