How to Cut the Cord on TV: Complete Guide for 2026
Cutting the cord on cable TV is one of the fastest ways to free up $60–$100 per month without sacrificing the content you watch. This guide explains what cord-cutting means, what equipment you need, which streaming services best replace cable, and how to make the switch in five steps.
Cutting the cord means cancelling your cable TV subscription and replacing it with streaming services. Most cord-cutters replace cable with a combination of one live TV streaming service (YouTube TV, Sling, or Hulu Live), a free OTA antenna for local channels, and an on-demand service like Netflix. The average cord-cutter saves $60–$100/month vs traditional cable.
What Does "Cutting the Cord" Mean?
The term "cutting the cord" refers to the act of cancelling a traditional cable or satellite TV subscription and replacing it with internet-delivered content. The phrase emerged in the early 2010s as broadband internet became widely available and streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and eventually Sling TV began offering viable alternatives to cable.
People cut the cord for several reasons: cable bills have risen steadily for decades and now average $100–$150/month; streaming services offer no-contract flexibility; and the rise of smart TVs, streaming sticks, and fast home internet has made the transition technically straightforward for most households.
Today, cord-cutting is mainstream. More than 60 million US households have already ditched traditional pay TV, and the number grows by millions each year. The content landscape in 2026 is well-adapted to cord-cutters — virtually every major broadcaster and sports league now has a streaming presence.
What You Need to Cut the Cord
Cutting the cord requires three things: a fast internet connection, a device to stream on, and a streaming service to replace your cable package. An OTA antenna is optional but highly recommended.
Internet Connection (25+ Mbps)
HD streaming requires at least 25 Mbps. For households with 2–3 simultaneous streams, aim for 50–100 Mbps. Most US broadband plans in 2026 exceed this threshold.
Streaming Device
Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast with Google TV, or a smart TV with built-in streaming apps. Roku and Fire TV are the most popular and start under $30.
OTA Antenna (Optional)
A $25–$50 indoor antenna gives free access to local ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and PBS in HD. No subscription required. In most US markets, a basic antenna receives 20–50 channels.
Streaming Service
Choose at least one live TV streaming service to replace cable channels, plus one on-demand service (Netflix, Hulu, Max) for movies and original programming. Most households spend $40–$80/month total.
Best Streaming Services to Replace Cable
The following live TV streaming services are the strongest cable replacements available in 2026. Each offers a broad channel lineup, local channels in most markets, and no long-term contract.
| Service | Price/mo | Channels | DVR | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TVBest Overall | $72.99 | 100+ | Unlimited cloud | ✓ None |
| Sling TV | $40.00 | 30–50+ | 50 hrs (free) | ✓ None |
| Hulu + Live TV | $82.99 | 90+ | Unlimited cloud | ✓ None |
| Philo | $28.00 | 70+ | Unlimited cloud | ✓ None |
| DirecTV Stream | $64.99 | 75+ | 20 hrs (free) | ✓ None |
Philo is the best option for entertainment-focused viewers who do not need sports or local channels. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are the most complete cable replacements. Sling TV's lower price makes it attractive for budget-conscious households willing to accept a smaller channel count.
How Much Can You Save by Cutting the Cord?
The average US cable TV bill is $100–$150 per month in 2026, often bundled with internet and phone services that inflate the apparent savings. When separated from bundling, the typical pay TV component costs $80–$120/month.
Most cord-cutters build a streaming stack that includes one live TV service plus one or two on-demand services, totaling $40–$80/month. Adding a one-time OTA antenna purchase ($25–$50) provides free local channel access indefinitely. Annual savings typically range from $600 to $1,200.
Watch for streaming service price creep
Streaming services have raised prices significantly since 2020. YouTube TV was $35/month in 2020 and is now $72.99. To maximize long-term savings, periodically audit your subscriptions, cancel services you are not actively using, and look for promotional rates when re-subscribing.
Step-by-Step: How to Cut the Cord
Follow these five steps to successfully transition away from cable TV:
- Assess what you watch. Before cancelling cable, spend one week noting which channels and shows you actually watch. This prevents you from over-subscribing to streaming services to "replace everything" and helps identify whether a budget service like Sling or Philo covers your needs.
- Choose your streaming service(s). Select a primary live TV streaming service based on your channel needs and budget. If you need sports, local channels, and a large DVR, YouTube TV is the best choice. If budget is the priority and you can live without sports, Sling or Philo work well.
- Get a streaming device. If your TV is not a smart TV, purchase a Roku Stick 4K ($50), Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K ($50), or Apple TV 4K ($129). If your TV already has built-in Roku, Android TV, or Fire TV, no additional device is needed.
- Add an OTA antenna. Install a $25–$50 indoor antenna for free local channel access. Place it near a window for the strongest signal. Run a channel scan in your TV's settings to see available channels. Most US markets receive ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, PBS, and 15–40 additional sub-channels for free.
- Cancel your cable subscription. Contact your cable provider to cancel. Be prepared for a retention call with promotional offers — evaluate these offers against your actual streaming costs. Return all cable equipment promptly to avoid equipment fees. Your internet service (if from the same provider) can be kept or switched to a standalone broadband plan, often at a lower rate without the TV bundle.