How much does cable cost vs streaming? Is it legal to cut the cord? What do I need? The 10 most common questions, answered.
This page targets the long-tail questions people type into Google before pulling the trigger on cutting cable. The answers below lean on the same 2026 numbers we use across HonestTV's savings calculator and the broader cord-cutting guide, and they reflect what real households run into when they cancel their cable subscription. Want a personalized estimate instead of a generic range? Plug your monthly bill into the savings calculator and we'll email you the breakdown. Already on the home page answers? Jump back to the home FAQ.
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Cable averages $80–$120 per month in 2026, while live TV streaming services run $40–$83. Most households that switch are putting $40–$80 back in their pocket every month, which compounds to roughly $480–$960/year. HonestTV at $40 lands at the cheap end with 3,500+ channels included.
You need three things: a broadband internet connection (25 Mbps minimum for HD), a streaming-capable device like a smart TV, Fire Stick, Roku, or phone, and a live TV subscription. An OTA antenna is optional for free local channels. Most people finish setup in under 15 minutes.
Yes. Cutting the cord simply means canceling your cable subscription and opting out of the bundled TV service. Replacing cable with a legitimate, licensed streaming provider is fully legal. The only thing to avoid is unlicensed IPTV resellers that rebroadcast content they didn't purchase rights to.
Yes. Live TV streaming runs over the internet rather than a coaxial cable line. Most households get reliable HD on a 25 Mbps connection, while multi-viewer 4K households should plan for 50 Mbps or more. If your cable bill already includes internet, your real savings subtract that line item.
Usually no. Live TV streaming services carry local ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox affiliates in most US markets. If your area isn't covered, a $20–$40 indoor OTA antenna picks up your locals in HD for free. The combined stack covers virtually every US zip code.
Yes. ESPN, NFL Network, NBA TV, TNT, MLB Network, and NHL Network all stream through live TV services. In-market NFL coverage on NBC, CBS, and Fox arrives via streaming, and a small OTA antenna fills any remaining gaps. You won't miss the playoffs.
Three tiers. For free local channels only, a $20–$40 OTA antenna covers ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and PBS. For entertainment without sports, Philo runs $28/month. For a full cable replacement with sports, news, and movies, HonestTV at $40/month is the cheapest option that includes ESPN and NFL Network.
Call your cable provider's retention line and clearly state "I want to cancel service." Decline every retention offer, ask for a confirmation number, then return all set-top boxes and remotes within the 7–14 day window. Schedule a final billing date and download your last statement.
Yes — this is actually the most common move. After canceling cable, call the same provider and ask about internet-only pricing. Most ISPs quote $40–$80/month for standalone broadband, often less than today's bundle. Spectrum, Xfinity, and most regional ISPs all offer naked internet tiers.
Any of these work: Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, Apple TV, an Android TV box, a smart TV with built-in apps, a phone or tablet, or a desktop web browser. Setup takes under five minutes on any of them — sign in once, browse channels, watch live.
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