Cord-cutting… a viable option?
Cord-cutting refers to the practice of canceling TV services from cable providers. With the continuous rise of online streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Video, and Hulu + TV, using cable is becoming a thing of the past.
Before you jump in to try and cut the cord, it’s important that you look at what you’re getting for the money you’re spending. For this article, we’re going to look at mostly Hulu because it’s the most comparable to your traditional cable-viewing experience.
Hulu + Live TV is exactly what it sounds like. It is Hulu that offers live television along with its library of content. The base plan gives you access to 60+ networks, including ABC, CBS, ESPN, Fox, and NBC. For those who don’t always have the ability to watch the shows they love when they air, Hulu + gives its subscribers 50 hours of cloud DVR. Record away!
For $44.99 at this writing, this seems like a good deal. Hulu + does have add-ons that’ll make the experience even better. And that’s where it gets a little pricy.
First, Hulu + does give subscribers the option to access premiere movie channels. The breakdown for those is as follows:
- HBO: $14.99
- Cinemax: $9.99
- Showtime: $10.99
- STARZ: $8.99
Assuming you’d want these channels, you’re going to spend an extra $45. That brings your monthly television cost up to $90.
The next add-on is Enhanced DVR. This gives the subscriber an additional 150 hours of cloud DVR, bringing your total recording space up to 200 hours. This add-on costs $9.99
If you want to view these shows in multiple rooms in your house, shell out an extra $9.99 a month and you’ll upgrade from the base two screens to unlimited screens with the Unlimited Screen Add-on. Assuming you’d bundle the DVR and Unlimited screen, you can save money and only have to pay $14.98 instead of $20. Hulu + also offers an Español add-on for $4.99.
So, let’s look at what you’re paying:
$45 (Hulu +) + $45 (premiere channels) + $15 (DVR/Screen Bundle) = $105
Get Spanish language and it’s brought up to $110. Let’s also assume you have Netflix and Amazon, so we’ll add $16 and $9 respectively. So, let’s call it $135.
Is cutting the cord really worth it? That depends on your situation and viewing habits. However, here’s one last thing to consider. If you get Internet service from your cable provider, you’re probably getting a lower rate by having that bundled with your TV service. Cancel the TV service and your cost of Internet will go up.
