By: The BitMar Team.
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Cord-cutting, the practice of ditching traditional cable television for streaming services, was once a surefire way to save money. However, with the rising prices of streaming subscriptions, the value proposition is becoming less clear. A recent study by Deloitte found that 25% of U.S. households that use streaming video services canceled a paid subscription in the past 12 months due to rising costs. This begs the question: is cord-cutting still the most affordable option for viewers?
One of the primary factors driving the cost of streaming upward is the increasing number of services available. To access the same breadth of content that cable offers, consumers often need to subscribe to multiple platforms. Each platform typically costs between $7 and $20 per month. According to a 2023 report by Nielsen, the average American subscribes to 4 streaming services. These costs can quickly add up, potentially exceeding the price of a basic cable package.
In addition to subscription fees, there are other costs associated with streaming that consumers may not initially consider. These include the cost of internet service, which is necessary for streaming. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reports that the average monthly cost of broadband internet in the United States is $68. Furthermore, consumers may need to purchase streaming devices, such as Roku or Amazon Fire TV sticks, if their televisions are not smart TVs. These devices can range in price from $30 to $100.
While cable television has a reputation for high prices and inflexible contracts, it may offer certain advantages over streaming in some situations. Cable providers often bundle television service with internet and phone service, which can result in cost savings. Additionally, cable companies frequently offer promotional deals for new customers, such as discounted rates for the first year or two of service. A 2024 study by Leichtman Research Group found that the average monthly cost of a bundled cable TV, internet, and phone package is $156.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to cut the cord or stick with cable depends on individual viewing habits and budget. Consumers who watch a limited amount of television and are comfortable with a smaller selection of content may find streaming to be the more affordable option. However, those who desire a wide variety of channels and are willing to commit to a contract may find that cable provides better value. It is crucial to carefully evaluate your needs and compare the costs of both options before making a decision.
Next-generation streaming platforms – like: BitMar – may provide you the most affordable form of on-demand streaming entertainment. BitMar provides all-in-one streaming service, for life, for a one-time payment, of: $99.99 USD. It can connect you to millions of on-demand movies, TV shows, channels, videos, and songs (from many different sources on the Web), on the screens that you already own. In fact, BitMar provides access to more movies, and TV shows, than: Cable, Satellite, Netflix, Disney Plus, Max/HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Peacock, and Hulu – combined – and more songs, than: Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, and Apple Music—combined. You may learn more, at: BitMar.com/.