Cord-cutting—ditching traditional cable TV for streaming services—was supposed to save us money. But over time, many people have started to wonder: are we really saving, or are these streaming services just as expensive as cable used to be? Let’s dive into this question and also look at how much more people in the U.S. are paying compared to other countries.
The Growing Cost of Cable-Replacement Streaming Services
Cord-cutting was supposed to save us money by replacing traditional cable with more affordable streaming options. Services like Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, and Philo offer live TV and cable-like packages, making them popular choices for those who still want traditional channels without the high cost of cable. But are they really a better deal?
Here’s a look at some popular cable-replacement streaming services in the U.S.:
- Sling TV: Starts at $40/month for the Orange or Blue package, or $55/month for both.
- DirecTV Stream: Starts at $74.99/month for the Entertainment package.
- Philo: $25/month, focusing on entertainment channels without sports or local programming.
While these prices might seem lower than cable at first glance, many users find that add-ons like sports packages, cloud DVR, or regional channels can significantly increase costs. Additionally, the lack of local channels or spotty availability of live sports can make these services less appealing compared to traditional cable.
When streaming started to take off, services like Netflix and Hulu were affordable alternatives to pricey cable packages. Back then, you could subscribe to one or two platforms and get most of what you wanted for a fraction of the cost. But today, there are dozens of platforms, and the costs add up quickly.
Here’s a rough breakdown of popular streaming services in the U.S.:
- Netflix: $15.49/month for the standard plan
- HBO Max: $15.99/month
- Disney+: $13.99/month (when bundled with Hulu and ESPN+)
- Hulu (no ads): $14.99/month
- Amazon Prime Video: $14.99/month (included with Prime membership)
If you’re subscribed to several services, you might easily pay $60-$100 a month. That’s not far off from what many cable packages cost—and it doesn’t even include add-ons like live sports or premium channels. Plus, streaming services increase their prices regularly, which can catch users off guard.
Are These Services Worth It?
Cable-replacement services can still be a good option if you carefully compare their offerings to what you had with cable. However, many users feel frustrated that these services often don’t include everything they want—or cost more than they expected when extra features are added. For example, services like DirecTV Stream can end up being as pricey as cable once you’ve added taxes and fees.
Philo remains one of the most affordable options, but it doesn’t include sports or local news, which are dealbreakers for some viewers. Sling TV offers more customization with its Orange and Blue packages, but combining them makes the price jump significantly.
Compared to the U.S., people in other countries often pay less for similar services. For instance, many international platforms bundle live TV and streaming for a fraction of the cost. This leaves U.S. consumers wondering why they are paying more for less flexibility.
What makes things even worse is that people in the U.S. often pay more for the same services than users in other countries. Here are some examples:
- Netflix: The standard plan costs $15.49/month in the U.S., but in countries like India or Turkey, the same plan can be as low as $4-$8/month.
- Disney+: In the U.S., it costs $7.99/month (ad-supported), but in places like Canada or Europe, it’s slightly cheaper.
- Spotify (for music streaming): In the U.S., a Premium subscription costs $9.99/month, while in many other countries, it’s around $3-$5/month.
Why the difference? It often comes down to regional pricing strategies. Companies charge more in wealthier markets like the U.S., assuming that people can afford higher prices. But that doesn’t mean Americans are happy about it.
How to Save Money on Cable-Replacement Services
If you’re using a cable-replacement service and feel it’s too expensive, here are some tips to cut costs:
- Choose the Right Package: Only pay for what you really watch. Philo, for example, is great if you don’t need sports.
- Limit Add-Ons: Avoid getting extras like premium channels or extended DVR unless you truly need them.
- Use Trials and Promotions: Take advantage of free trials or promotional pricing when switching services.
- Switch Services Regularly: Cancel and switch between Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, and others to take advantage of introductory offers.
- Consider Combining with Free Options: Use free local TV options like antenna broadcasts alongside your streaming service to save.
If you feel like you’re paying too much for streaming, here are a few tips to save money:
- Rotate Services: Only subscribe to one or two platforms at a time. Finish watching the shows you like, then cancel and switch to another service.
- Look for Bundles: Some services, like Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, offer cheaper bundle deals. Check if combining services saves money.
- Share Accounts: Many platforms allow multiple profiles on one account. Share the cost with family or friends (just make sure you’re not breaking any rules).
- Consider Free Services: Platforms like Pluto TV, Tubi, and Peacock (free version) offer a lot of content at no cost. They may have ads, but it’s a good way to save.
Conclusion
Cord-cutting isn’t as cheap as it used to be, especially in the U.S., where streaming services are more expensive than in many other countries. While streaming still offers more flexibility and fewer ads than cable, it’s important to be mindful of what you’re paying for. By managing your subscriptions wisely, you can still make it work without breaking the bank.
