Since Netflix and Amazon have become the standard for viewing TV shows, many people have reconsidered their cable subscriptions. Cable subscriptions can cost customers hundreds of dollars a month, which is a lot when compared to the monthly costs for streaming services. But it’s not that simple. You should consider various factors before you take the plunge and cancel your cable subscription. Read through the list, and you may start to rethink your decision to cut the cord.

What do You Watch?

Try to understand what you and your family members require from a cable subscription. Try to find out which stations are necessary and if you can find everything on streaming apps instead. You need to pay attention to sports channels and news channels specifically, as they are not easily available on streaming sites. College games may only be available on local sports channels, and you may be unable to see them anywhere else.

If you have a large family and have kids of all ages in your house, a cable TV subscription offers everyone something to watch. Your younger children can browse through PBS or Cartoon Network, while your teenager enjoys Teen dramas on CW. You can find adult shows on HBO, ABC, NBC, Fox, and so many other networks. Your choices are significantly limited if you cancel your TV subscription.

Which Streaming Options Are Available?

When you need to watch a TV show on cable, all you need to do is flip to the required network and watch it. Things are not that simple with a streaming app. You can’t simply opt to watch your favorite TV show unless you pay the streaming service for a monthly subscription. If you pay Amazon to watch Wheel of Time, you will have to pay Netflix separately to stream Arcane. And if you want to watch Euphoria, you have to pay HBO as well.

All of these subscriptions can add to your monthly expenses. In addition, if you want more family members to be able to access the streaming app simultaneously, you need to pay a higher fee to enable that feature.

How Much Can You Afford to Pay?

When you compare the monthly subscription fee that is offered by streaming services to cable TV, cutting the cord may seem like the right choice. But, there are other expenses you need to consider. If there is more than one member in the household who will also use the streaming service, the monthly subscription cost will rise for the additional screens.

If you are interested in multiple streaming services, you will be required to sign up for each service separately. Every service has some attractive options that may convince you to pay for them, but they will add up and cost you more than the amount you may have originally thought.

This brings us to the cost of the internet itself. Most cable subscriptions are offered in the form of bundles that allow you to save money. Instead of paying higher prices for each standalone service, you can save money and get access to a lot more. However, canceling the cable connection will cost you a lot more than cancellation fees.

You will have to pay for a standalone internet connection, and you can’t simply opt for the cheapest option. You need to consider the number of devices that are being used in the household. You will also need to pay for higher speeds if you and other members plan to stream HD videos. The speed has to be higher if you all will be streaming 4K videos simultaneously. You need a broadband connection, with high bandwidths, and high speeds to be able to view your shows without any lags.

In short, you may end up paying more than you did with a cable connection.

Can You Record Shows to Watch Later?

Some streaming apps offer you the option to download content to view it when you don’t have an internet connection. But, they may remove the show off the platform at a later stage and you lose them.

Cable TV allows you to watch shows at a later stage by offering services and devices that can record shows for later. You can also watch live shows and events at a more convenient time and enjoy them easily.

Can You Make a Compromise?

You don’t have to completely cut the cord if you want to enjoy streaming services as well. Many providers offer users the option to purchase customized packages that only contain the channels that they need. Instead of leaving behind all your favorite channels, you can just get rid of those you don’t use. You can find further details by contacting Directv Customer Service.

This is sensible because some streaming services require you to have a satellite or cable subscription. So, you may be able to access streaming channels for free, but only if you are already paying for the network through cable or satellite. It is not a common practice but can still occur.

What Does This Mean?

Canceling your cable connection may save you money, but you may end up paying more than you were. To make the right decision, browse through the Directv packages, and you may just find something that suits your needs!