Best cable TV alternatives: Pros and cons of cutting the cord

With the advent of streaming services, it is easier than ever to watch TV without cable. More and more people are cutting the cord and getting rid of their cable subscriptions. And why not? You can get all the same content (and often more) without having to pay a hefty monthly fee. So, it's no wonder that the cable companies are starting to lose subscribers. The number of monthly cable subscribers has been on the decline in recent years. While cable providers have been trying to adapt by offering their own streaming platforms, it has not been enough to stem the tide of loss. But without traditional cable, how can you entertain yourself at home with friends and family? HomeLinkd looks at the pros and cons of cable TV, why you should consider cutting cable, what your alternatives are, and what internet speeds you may need if you're cutting the cord.

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Cable TV pros:

Affordability

Cable TV may be seen as outdated by some, especially with the advent of streaming services. However, cable TV still has its advantages. For one, it's more affordable than ever before. Cable TV is usually cheaper than other TV providers, such as satellite or fiber. However, the price of cable TV can vary depending on the provider and the package you choose.

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Plenty of channel options

There are also more channels available than ever before, so there's something for everyone. Cable television offers a wide variety of channels to its subscribers. The number of channels available depends on the provider and the package that is subscribed to. However, most providers offer at least a few hundred channels, and some offer over a thousand. This gives viewers a wide range of choices when it comes to finding something to watch.

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High-speed internet not necessary

Cable television companies generally require that you have a certain minimum level of Internet service to subscribe to their TV services. The specific minimum level of Internet service required varies by cable company, but is generally around 3 Mbps. If you have a slower Internet connection, you may still be able to watch TV, but you may experience buffering or other issues.

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Cable TV cons:

Reliability

Cable TV is also more reliable than wireless streaming services, which can often experience buffering issues. However, that doesn't mean that cable doesn't experience signal and buffering issues at all. Cable TV providers are constantly fighting buffering issues. This is because the nature of their services is such that they need to compress the signal in order to send it over the wires. This compression can sometimes cause problems with the quality of the signal, which can in turn lead to buffering issues. That's why cable TV channels are both on the pros and cons list for enjoying your favourite TV and movies without interruptions.

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Cost

Cable TV can be quite expensive, especially if you subscribe to a premium package with multiple channels.

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Limited selection

While there are many cable channels available, the selection is still limited compared to what you can find on other platforms like streaming services or satellite TV.

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Commercials

Unless you have a DVR, you will have to sit through commercials when watching cable TV. This can be quite annoying and disrupt the flow of your favorite show.

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Inflexible scheduling

Cable channels typically follow a set schedule, so you may have to wait a week or more for a new episode of your favorite show to air. This can be frustrating if you want to binge-watch a series or stay up-to-date on the latest episodes.

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Poor picture quality

Cable channels are often known for their poor picture quality, which can be disappointing if you're used to watching shows in HD or 4K resolution.

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What are streaming services and why are they better than cable TV?

Streaming services are online platforms that allow users to listen to or watch digital media content, such as music, videos, or movies, without having to download the files first. The media is instead downloaded in a continuous stream as it is being played. Streaming services have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they offer a convenient and affordable way to access a wide range of content. There are many different streaming services available, each with its own selection of content. Some of the most popular streaming services include Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube.

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Streaming is a better alternative to cable TV because it is cheaper, more flexible, and offers a wider range of content. With streaming, you only pay for the content you want to watch, instead of paying for a bundle of channels that you might not even watch. Streaming also allows you to watch content on your own schedule, instead of having to keep up with a TV schedule. Finally, streaming services offer a much wider range of content than cable TV, including exclusive original programming that you can't find anywhere else.

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What are the best cable TV alternatives?

There are several cable TV alternatives available that offer a variety of different channels and pricing options. Some of the most popular alternatives include Sling TV, Playstation Vue, and DirecTV Now. The other popular choice is streaming services.

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Each streaming service offers a different selection of channels, as well as features like no contracts, paperless billing, on-demand movies and shows, and much more, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs.

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Sling TV is one of the most affordable options, starting at just $20 per month for the basic package. Playstation Vue's prices start at $40 per month, but it offers a more robust channel selection. DirecTV Now’s prices start at $50 per month, but it also offers a free 7-day trial.

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What is the best streaming service to replace cable?

Watch your favourite sports networks and the best from live TV as well as series originals from streaming newcomers:

- Apple TV

- YouTube TV

- AT&T TV

- Amazon Fire TV

- Hulu

- Netflix

- Peacock TV

- NBA TV

- Sling TV

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What kind of internet speed do I need for live streaming services?

To stream live video content, you will need a minimum internet speed of 5-10 Mbps. However, for best results we recommend an internet speed of 25-50 Mbps or higher. If you want to watch live channels or your new streaming service in HD, 4K or 8K resolution, you will need 100 Mbps and higher. Browse and compare our internet packages here.

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Which devices can I stream TV shows, movies, live sport and more?

There are a number of devices you can use to stream TV shows. Some of the most popular include Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. Each of these devices has its own unique set of features, so you'll want to select the one that best meets your needs.

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What are you waiting for? Just cut the cord

If you're looking to cut the cable TV subscription you currently have, HomeLinkd is here to help you cut the cord. It's easier than you think! Get all the benefits of live and on-demand TV, as well as your favourite TV shows and movies, documentaries and originals from your new streaming service.

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Looking for alternatives to cable? Here you go!