The Complete Cord-Cutting Guide for 2025
Tired of expensive cable bills? Here's everything you need to know to successfully cut the cord and build your perfect streaming setup.
Potential Savings
Average Cable Bill
$217/mo
Streaming Bundle (3 services)
$45/mo
💰 Save ~$2,064/year by cutting the cord
Cable TV subscriptions have become increasingly expensive, with the average bill exceeding $200/month when you include equipment rentals, broadcast fees, and regional sports networks. Meanwhile, streaming services offer more flexibility, better on-demand options, and significant cost savings.
But cord-cutting isn't just about canceling cable—it's about building a sustainable streaming setup that meets your needs without sacrificing the content you love. This guide walks you through every step.
Step 1: Assess What You Actually Watch
Before canceling anything, spend a week tracking what you actually watch on cable. Most people discover they only watch 10-15 channels regularly despite paying for 200+.
Key Questions
- Do you watch live sports? (NBA, NFL, MLB, etc.)
- Do you need live news channels?
- Are you mainly watching on-demand shows and movies?
- How many people in your household watch TV simultaneously?
- Do you have must-watch shows on specific networks?
Step 2: Build Your Streaming Bundle
You don't need every streaming service. Start with 2-3 core services and add specialty options as needed.
Core Services (Pick 1-2)
Netflix ($6.99-$22.99/mo)
Best for: Variety and original content
Disney+ ($7.99-$13.99/mo)
Best for: Families and franchise fans
Prime Video ($8.99/mo or with Prime)
Best for: Amazon Prime members
For Live TV & Sports
YouTube TV ($72.99/mo)
85+ channels, unlimited DVR
Hulu + Live TV ($76.99/mo)
95+ channels + Hulu on-demand library
Sling TV ($40-$55/mo)
Budget option with customizable packages
Specialty Add-Ons (As Needed)
• HBO Max — Premium movies and originals
• Apple TV+ — Award-winning originals
• Paramount+ — CBS shows and sports
• Peacock — NBC content and originals
💡 Pro Tip: Start with just 2 services and add more only if you find yourself wanting specific content. You can always subscribe for a month, watch what you want, then cancel.
Step 3: Choose Your Streaming Device
You'll need a streaming device unless your TV has apps built-in (most modern smart TVs do).
Roku Streaming Stick ($50)
Simple, reliable, and works with everything. Best for most people.
Easy to use
Universal app support
Apple TV 4K ($129)
Premium option with excellent performance. Best for Apple users.
Best picture quality
Integrates with Apple ecosystem
Amazon Fire TV Stick ($40)
Budget-friendly and Alexa-enabled. Best for Amazon Prime users.
Cheapest option
Voice control
Google Chromecast ($50)
Cast from your phone or use Google TV interface. Best for Android users.
Phone casting
Google Assistant
Step 4: Ensure Adequate Internet Speed
Streaming requires reliable internet. Here's what you need:
💡 When you cancel cable TV, you can often negotiate a better internet-only rate with your provider.
What You Might Miss (And Solutions)
Live Sports
Solution: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or sport-specific apps (ESPN+, NFL+, NBA League Pass) depending on your teams.
Channel Surfing
Solution: Most streaming services have "live TV" guides. You'll adjust to browsing on-demand content instead.
DVR for Everything
Solution: Live TV services include cloud DVR. On-demand content doesn't need recording.
Your Cord-Cutting Action Plan
Week 1: Trial Services
Sign up for free trials of 2-3 streaming services. Test them while you still have cable.
Week 2: Buy Hardware
Purchase your streaming device(s) and get comfortable using them.
Week 3: Optimize Internet
Call your ISP to negotiate an internet-only plan. Often cheaper than bundled packages.
Week 4: Cancel Cable
Once you're confident in your setup, cancel cable. Return equipment to avoid rental fees.
The Bottom Line
Cord-cutting isn't about sacrifice—it's about taking control of what you pay for and how you watch. Most cord-cutters report being happier with their viewing experience and saving $1,500-$2,500 per year.
Start small, experiment with services, and adjust as you go. You can always change your streaming lineup month-to-month—that flexibility is the whole point!