Long-term cost of ownership: comparing paid IPTV to traditional cable

[GregWifi]

After 4 years of using paid streaming services instead of cable, here is my honest cost analysis.

 

[SupportAlex]

My old cable bill was $120/month including DVR and box rental fees. Over 4 years that was $5,760.

 

[MaryLogin]

My streaming setup cost: one-time device $200, annual subscription $120, internet upgrade $20/month extra.

 

[NickCable]

Total 4-year streaming cost: $200 + $480 subscription + $960 internet upgrade = $1,640.

 

[MeshMaster]

That is a saving of $4,120 over 4 years compared to my previous cable package.

 

[AlexDigital]

Your math assumes you are upgrading internet speed purely for streaming. Many people already have fast internet.

 

[ISP_watcher]

True, if you already have fast internet the savings are even larger. Just add the one-time device cost.

 

[sarah_tech]

What about local channels? Cable includes those, streaming may not.

 

[HomeLab_Hans]

I use a digital OTA antenna for local channels. One-time cost of $40 for an indoor antenna.

 

[MaryLogin]

OTA reception is free and high quality. Sports in particular broadcast in excellent quality over OTA.

 

[DVR_Dan]

Does switching away from cable affect your internet bill? Some ISPs bundle pricing.

 

[ScamAlert]

Yes, check your bundle pricing carefully. Sometimes the internet-only price is higher than the bundle.

 

[RouterRob]

I saved $40/month overall after renegotiating my internet-only rate when leaving the bundle.

 

[DaveStreamer]

ISPs often have unpublished retention offers. Call and say you are leaving the bundle and negotiate.

 

[BoxReviewer]

The content quality with paid streaming has improved dramatically over the past 4 years too.

 

[IPTVreviewer]

I no longer miss any content I used to watch on cable. The transition was easier than I expected.