Tips on Becoming a Successful Cord Cutter in 2019

In early 2019 the main objective for cutting the cord was to save money. Now consumers have realized that cord cutting also gives you the power to watch what you want when and wherever you want. It’s like a-la-cart TV.

58% of U.S. citizens have cut the cord but 71% still have Cable or Satellite TV, those numbers don’t add up. Either way many Americans are jumping on board and looking for the right path on how to get started. Many websites tell you about the different services available, which makes sense, but it’s clear that there are still a ton of people who don’t know where to start.

This article is gonna be a crash course on how to cut the cord, step by step without the Fluff.

There are 2 steps you need to take to successfully become a cord cutter.

First, you need to find the right streaming device(s)
Second, Select your streaming service. You need to know what your needs are. What type of programming/features do you like or require. DVR? On-Demand?

What's a Streaming Device?

A streaming device or streaming player is a device used to access streaming services like Hulu, Disney+, Netflix or any of the other thousand streaming services.

Streaming Device names you may hear:

Roku
AirTV Mini
Android TV
Android TV Box
NVidia Shield
FireStick
Amazon FireStick
Fire TV
Smart TV’s

Each streaming device has its pros and cons. For example, Roku does not give you the option to connect to ANY bluetooth device, you can only connect to their brand of bluetooth devices. Games on Roku interface are mediocre and some streaming services aren’t available on Roku. (HBO Max)

Roku’s platform is the most user-friendly, they make it extremely easy to search your favorite actor, movie or TV show.

Amazon Firestick and Android TV boxes on the other hand allow you to connect to almost any bluetooth headset, game controller, speaker or soundbar. Their gaming graphics are high quality making their platform perfect for both kids and adults.

Smart TV’s come with some streaming apps pre-installed. They usually only have popular apps, so if your into something that is under the radar your Smart TV may not have it. Plus Smart TV’s don’t allow you to install apps.

Game Consoles also act as streaming devices. Most give you the option to download streaming apps.

Select a streaming service

All streaming services don’t offer live TV or local stations. Most streaming services offer on-demand and simultaneous/multiple streams. The amount of streams allowed at once varies by streaming service. Click here for streaming service list

List of streaming services offering live TV and Local stations:

Hulu with Live
Sling TV
Fubo TV
YouTube TV
At&t TV

These services are more popular because they directly mimic Cable and Satellite tv packages. Services that offer Live TV, Sports and Premium Movie channels tend to be more expensive than on-demand only services.

Pluto TV- offers live TV (alternatives)
Tubi TV
Carckle
FilmRise
PBS Kids
Fox News Channel

With free streaming services there is no credit card needed, just your eyes. These platforms make money by showing commercials and tend to have a great selection of content.

Crackle even has Original content. The services listed above air content from popular networks like MTV, BET, Animal Planet, Discovery, Lifetime, CNBC and more. Free platforms usually don’t have a limit on the number of devices you can watch from. Paid platforms tend to limit the number of devices you can watch from simultaneously.

List of foreign language streaming services:

HotStar
VIKI Rakuten
Telemundo
Haiti TV Live
Eros Now
BritBox

Foreign or International streaming services are considered to be a Niche genre but as cord cutting becomes more popular these platforms are expanding to accommodate consumers needs. Sling TV also offers international channels.

Sports?

Most streaming services that offer Live tv also offer your basic cable stations known for airing sports, such as ESPN, TNT, TBS, NBA TV, MLB ECT.

DirecTV has sole rights to NFL Sunday Ticket until 2022. ( Type a sport or Network in the Search bar located to the right for a list of streaming services offering that channel)

List of Sports Streaming services:

ESPN
Fox Sports
NFL
NBA TV
WWE
NHL
Gamepass (football)
Tennis Channel
Flo Sports
DAZN
Willow ( available with Sling TV also)
MLB TV
Bow Hunting

Sports isn’t just limited to balls and baskets. If you’re into hunting, Fighting, Pool, Darts and fishing there are apps for that as well. Some streaming services offer them as add-ons.

If you’re looking to cut the cord and still have access to your local stations on the go but don’t want to pay a monthly fee there are devices available to help you.

With these devices you’ll need to use your existing TV antenna. These devices allow you to use their Network to access your Over-the-air channels from anywhere. (Some may charge a fee for advanced guide access).