Emily Clarke

Is Streaming or Cable Cheaper?

Do you need help paying cable bill debts? You're not alone! While cable unlocks tons of entertainment, it's not cheap. Over the last decade or so, a seemingly cheaper alternative came into the spotlight.

We're talking about streaming! Netflix led the charge, but it wasn't long until other streaming services joined the "cable-cutting revolution." Nowadays, you can find streaming apps and services for huge media juggernauts, small niche entertainment channels and more.

When streaming started, many heralded it as a cheaper alternative to cable. But is that still true today?

The Cost of Cable

Cable costs can vary based on where you are in the country and what types of packages you get. Many service providers provide great discounts when bundling alongside Internet or phone services, but you can still expect to pay a pretty penny.

On average, the standard cable package with an Internet connection is around $130 a month. Cable-only plans are closer to $90, but most people need both and go for bundles. That's not including additional fees and taxes. You may need to pay more than $130 once you account for equipment rental fees.

It's no wonder that many people need help paying cable bill debts!

If you opt for premium cable and Internet, you can expect bills of $200 or more. Premium cable packages come with more channels and better features.

The Cost of Streaming

Standalone streaming services are relatively affordable, especially compared to cable. The cheapest plan from Netflix in 2023 is $6.99. However, there are higher-tier plans that allow for more users and better image quality. Even then, the most expensive Netflix plan is $19.99.

With streaming, you can easily choose which services to subscribe to. That means you can stick with one or two platforms, keeping the costs below cable. But that's a blessing and a curse.

To have broad entertainment options, you need to subscribe to multiple streaming services. For the lowest-tier plans for popular platforms like Netflix, Disney +, Hulu and HBO Max, you'll pay around $33 a month.

However, you must also consider the costs of a key requirement for streaming: Fast Internet! That's another $70-$80 a month, bringing your total for streaming to around the $110 point.

Generally, streaming is a cheaper alternative to cable. More importantly, you get flexibility. Sticking to streaming allows you to pick and choose what services you pay for, making it a more cost-effective choice no matter how you look at it.

Author Resource:-

Emily Clarke writes about cash advances, overdraft protection & finance apps. You can find her thoughts at bill tracker app blog.