What Is Cord Cutting?
"Cord cutting" refers to canceling your traditional cable or satellite TV subscription in favor of internet-based streaming alternatives. The term comes from literally cutting the coaxial cable that connected homes to cable providers. Today, millions of households have made the switch — and the transition is easier than ever.
Step 1: Audit What You Actually Watch
Before canceling anything, spend two weeks tracking which channels and shows you genuinely watch. Be honest. Many cable subscribers pay for hundreds of channels but regularly watch fewer than a dozen. This audit will guide every decision that follows.
Ask yourself:
- Do I watch live sports? If so, which leagues and teams?
- Do I rely on local news?
- Am I mostly watching on-demand content (movies, series)?
- Are there specific cable-only channels I can't live without?
Step 2: Check Your Internet Speed
Streaming TV requires a solid internet connection. General guidelines:
| Video Quality | Minimum Speed Needed |
|---|---|
| Standard Definition (SD) | 3 Mbps |
| High Definition (HD) | 5–10 Mbps |
| 4K Ultra HD | 25 Mbps |
| Multiple streams simultaneously | 50 Mbps+ |
Run a speed test at fast.com or speedtest.net to check your current connection. If your speeds are too low, consider upgrading your internet plan before cutting the cord.
Step 3: Get an Antenna for Local Channels
One of the simplest and most valuable cord-cutting tools is a TV antenna. It gives you free access to local ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and PBS affiliates in full HD — at no ongoing cost. A quality indoor antenna costs around $25–$50 and takes minutes to install.
Step 4: Choose Your Streaming Services
Build a stack of services that replaces what you watched on cable:
- For live TV + cable channels: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV
- For on-demand movies and original shows: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV+
- For Disney/Marvel/Star Wars fans: Disney+
- For NBC content and sports: Peacock
- For sports specifically: ESPN+, Paramount+ (CBS Sports), or league-specific apps
Pro tip: Don't subscribe to everything at once. Start with one or two services and add more only if you find yourself missing content.
Step 5: Get the Right Devices
You'll need a way to run streaming apps on your TV. Your options include:
- Built-in smart TV: Most modern TVs have apps pre-installed
- Amazon Fire TV Stick: Affordable, widely compatible
- Roku Streaming Stick or Box: Easy to use, large app library
- Google Chromecast with Google TV: Good for Android and Google users
- Apple TV 4K: Best option for Apple device users
Step 6: Cancel Your Cable Subscription
Call your cable provider and request a cancellation. Be prepared for retention offers — they may offer significant discounts to keep you as a customer. Evaluate any counter-offers against your full cord-cutting plan. Return all rented equipment promptly to avoid being charged.
How Much Can You Save?
Savings vary widely based on your current cable bill and the streaming services you choose. A household paying $120/month for cable might replace that with a $73/month live TV streaming service plus one or two on-demand subscriptions — saving $30–$60 per month or more.
Common Cord-Cutting Challenges
- Regional sports networks: RSNs are the hardest channels to replicate through streaming
- Internet reliability: If your internet goes down, so does your TV
- Subscription creep: Adding too many streaming services can bring costs back up to cable levels
Conclusion
Cord cutting in 2025 is more practical than ever. With the right combination of an antenna, a live TV streaming service, and one or two on-demand subscriptions, most households can replicate — and even improve upon — their cable experience at a meaningfully lower cost.