How to Cut the Cord: A Complete Beginner's Guide

The average American cable bill is over $100 per month. By switching to streaming, most households can cut that cost in half — or more — while getting better content on their own schedule. Here's exactly how to do it.

Step 1: Audit Your Current TV Habits

Before you cancel anything, spend a week writing down what you actually watch. Most people discover they only use a handful of channels regularly. This list becomes your shopping list for streaming services.

Key questions to ask:

• Do you watch live sports? Which leagues?
• Do you watch network TV shows as they air?
• Do you need local news channels?
• What are your household's must-watch shows?

Step 2: Choose Your Streaming Services

Based on your audit, pick 2–3 streaming services that cover your needs. Here's a quick guide:

• For original series and movies: Netflix or Hulu
• For families with kids: Disney+
• For live sports on a budget: Sling TV
• For complete cable replacement: FuboTV

Remember: you can rotate services month-to-month. Subscribe to one for a month, binge what you want, then switch. No contracts.

Step 3: Pick a Streaming Device

If your TV is a smart TV made after 2020, you might already have everything you need built in. But a dedicated streaming device usually offers a better, faster experience.

Our top recommendations:

• Best for most people: Roku Streaming Stick 4K ($49.99)
• Best premium option: Apple TV 4K ($129)
• Best for Alexa homes: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K ($49.99)

Check out our full Best Streaming Devices of 2025 ranking for more options.

Step 4: Set Up Your Internet

Streaming requires a solid internet connection. Here's what you need:

Most households should aim for at least 50 Mbps. If you have 3+ people streaming simultaneously, look for 100 Mbps or higher.

Pro tip: Use a wired Ethernet connection for your primary streaming device if possible. Wi-Fi works fine for most people, but Ethernet eliminates buffering entirely.

Step 5: Cancel Cable

Call your cable provider and cancel your TV service. Keep your internet service — you'll need it. Some tips:

• Be firm. They will offer you deals. If the deal is genuinely good, consider it — but most "retention offers" expire after a few months.
• Return equipment. Return your cable box and DVR to avoid monthly rental fees.
• Check for an antenna. A digital antenna ($20–40) picks up local broadcast channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX) in HD for free.

Step 6: Set Up and Enjoy

Plug in your streaming device, connect to Wi-Fi, download your chosen apps, and start watching. The whole setup takes about 15 minutes.

How Much Will You Save?

Let's do the math:

That's nearly $900 a year back in your pocket. And you're not locked into any contracts — cancel or switch services anytime.

Common Concerns

"What about live sports?"

Services like Sling TV and FuboTV offer live sports channels. For NFL specifically, Amazon Prime has Thursday Night Football, and most Sunday games are on broadcast channels you can get free with an antenna.

"What about local news?"

Many local news stations stream free on their websites or apps. A digital antenna also picks up local broadcasts in HD.

"Is the picture quality as good?"

With a 4K streaming device and a decent internet connection, streaming picture quality often exceeds cable. Cable is typically compressed to 720p or 1080i — streaming delivers true 4K with HDR.

Ready to Cut the Cord?

Start with our streaming service comparison to find the right services for your household, then grab a streaming device and make the switch. Your wallet will thank you.