Guide to Streaming
Here's What You Should Know
Some consumers may choose to forgo a traditional television subscription and instead select individual internet-based streaming services in an effort to save money. This trend is continuing to grow as consumers look for ways to avoid the one-size-fits-all options from cable providers, especially now that so many streaming service options are available.
While going all in on streaming gives consumers freedom of choice, there is no single way to become a streaming-only household. Instead, consumers need to learn about the options at hand – from selecting the correct equipment and internet package to choosing the right streaming service to get the channels you need. Even so, the end goal is the same: to save money with streaming. Below, the experts at SmartMove run through all the factors that you need to consider as you begin the journey of discovering if making the move to streaming is right for you!
How to Make the Move to Streaming
Sorting through all the available streaming services advice on the web is a challenge -- what works for one person may not be the appropriate collection of services for everyone. That’s why SmartMove has gathered information about the many essential aspects of streaming services to help you make the best decision possible. What do you need to make the move to streaming only? Start with gathering the correct hardware, finding the right internet package for your streaming needs, and comparing available streaming services to fulfill your watching needs!
What are the Challenges to Streaming Only?
While streaming only has the potential to save money on monthly bills, there are a few challenges that make it more difficult than the traditional Cable Bundle. Some of the more noteworthy challenges include:
Channel surfing and instantaneous switching is not the same with streaming services. While they do include a guide to view live channels, the switch between channels may buffer or be slower than cable. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but be prepared for your TV viewing habits to shift.
Live Sports and Local News
There are two large issues with watching sports on streaming services. First, live sports are shown on a significant delay, so you’ll need to beware of spoilers. Secondly, sports availability differs drastically across services, meaning you’ll need to subscribe to a number of services to have complete sports coverage. On the same note, ensuring you get your favorite local news is a challenge for all streaming services. You'll need to review the channel lists for each streaming service provider to see what is available in your area.
Streaming Gaps
As with live sports, it’s a challenge to completely replicate a traditional TV package with streaming options. Unless you purchase a number of different streaming services, you’ll end up with some gaps in channels, meaning you’ll miss out on some of your favorite entertainment.
Increasing Prices
Saving money is one of the main drivers for moving to streaming only, but with prices for individual services continuing to increase, the equation may not add up anymore.
More Bills
With a traditional cable bundle, you have a singular bill to pay and track. If you choose to shift to streaming services only, prepare to have a number of bills to monitor each month. Streaming only is a more difficult of an undertaking for the disorganized or forgetful.
Will streaming only save me money?
There is no one size fit all option for cord cutting that stands out as the “best”. Instead, SmartMove recommends exploring all the options for internet, streaming services, and equipment to find the option that gives you the entertainment you need within your budget.
Yes, internet service is an essential component of cutting the cord. SmartMove recommends a speed of at least 25Mbps for clear streaming, however this speed depends on the number of devices in your household.
To successfully cut the cord, you’ll need an internet connection, a Smart TV or Media Device, and a subscription to one of the many streaming service options.