Thinking about cutting the cord on cable TV?
Before you do, there’s lots to consider. Check out our guide below to learn more about streaming, including the devices you’ll need, how much you may expect to pay, and the content included so you can pick the streaming services that best suit your family.
Here are some tips to help you understand streaming TV.
Tip 1:
Pick Your Streaming Service
Make a list of your favorite shows, then choose the services that work best for you.
Tip 2:
Pick Your Streaming Device
Unless you are using a smart TV, a streaming device will be needed for each TV that you plan to view programming on. Select your streaming device from these popular devices listed below.
Tip 3:
Pick Your Internet Speeds
Internet speeds are key to a great streaming experience. Select the Internet speed to meet your home's needs.
Streaming Services
View Pros & Cons
Pros: The closest you can get to having your regular cable lineup while still cutting the cord. Its large channel lineup mirrors ATMC’s digital cable packages and premium channels are available. Channel lineup similar to cable TV. Cloud DVR available.
Cons: Streaming device remotes do not have a numbered keypad. As a result, MergeTV users must select channels via the guide instead of simply keying in a channel number. MergeTV is not compatible with Roku devices.
As low as $4.99/mo.
View Pros & Cons
Pros: Live MLB, NHL, NBA, MLS, College Sports, PGA golf, Boxing, and Tennis. On Demand content of ESPN+ Original shows. All in HD.
Cons: Not a replacement for ESPN as you will still need a paid TV subscription to watch live ESPN channels.
As low as $14.99/mo.
Call 910-754-4311 to order!
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Pros: All of HBO’s original series and movie library as well as iconic favorites like Friends, Big Bang Theory, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Cons: High price for a streaming service that doesn’t offer live TV. Does not include Cinemax content.
As low as $0.00/mo.
View Pros & Cons
Pros: Streaming service from NBC that makes hundreds of NBC TV shows and Universal films available for free.
Cons: Peacock original shows only available through the premium packages.
No monthly fee.
View Pros & Cons
Pros: 250+ channels of free TV with thousands of on demand movies and TV shows.
Cons: No live sports programming and Pluto TV channels aren’t full broadcast channels that are available through a cable provider.
As low as $109.99/yr.
View Pros & Cons
Pros: Stream over 4,500 live & on demand matches from over 100 ATP & WTA events. 60 day free trail available.
Cons: Tennis Channel broadcast feed requires a cable subscription.
As low as $8.99/mo.
View Pros & Cons
Pros: Thousands of TV shows and movies available including original content.
Cons: No Live TV option, no local channels or sports.
As low as $8.99/mo.
with Amazon Prime
View Pros & Cons
Pros: Rent or buy movies, individual shows or seasons.
Cons: No Live TV option. You pay for each channel individually. Most national networks not included.
As low as $5.99/mo.
Live TV $50/mo.
View Pros & Cons
Pros: Current and past seasons of shows and originals. Live TV includes live sports, news, and entertainment.
Cons: Missing mainstream channels like AMC, Comedy Central, MLB Network, NFL Network, NFL Redzone, and more..
As low as $6.99/mo.
View Pros & Cons
Pros: Access to the best of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Unlimited downloads on up to 10 devices.
Cons: Not all original programming will be available at launch, with some not scheduled to premiere for a couple years.
As low as $6.99/mo.
View Pros & Cons
Pros: Lower price. Includes channels like AMC, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and BBC America.
Cons: No sports or local channels. Lacks 24-hour news networks, like Fox News & CNN.
As low as $65.00/mo.
View Pros & Cons
Pros: Unlimited DVR storage and local channels in most US households.
Cons: Missing channels: A&E, History, Lifetime, NFL Network, NFL Redzone, and more.
As low as $30.00/mo.
View Pros & Cons
Pros: Flexible channel packages, low price.
Cons: Missing channels: CBS, Animal Planet, Fox News, MLB Network, Nickelodeon, and more. Local channels require antenna.
As low as $55.00/mo.
View Pros & Cons
Pros: Offers more sports than any other streaming service, including ESPN. Local stations also included (except for ABC).
Cons: One of the higher priced options.
As low as $55.00/mo.
View Pros & Cons
Pros: Live TV with sports and 7 different channel packages. Cloud DVR included and you can stream on up to 3 different screens concurrently.
Cons: No original content. Only a small number of channels available (45+) in $55 package.
As low as $5.99/mo.
View Pros & Cons
Pros: Original content and expansive library of CBS and Viacom shows and movies. Live TV from CBS broadcast network, and only way to access local CBS channels without a cable subscription or antenna.
Cons: Few exclusive originals. Offline downloads only available with commercial free plan. No support for 4K or HDR content.
As low as $4.99/mo.
View Pros & Cons
Pros: Exclusive original shows, movies and documentaries. Stream on up to 6 screens. Low Price.
Cons: Not as much original content as other options and lacks a back catalog of older content.
As low as $4.99/mo.
View Pros & Cons
Pros: On demand streaming of 55,000 episodes and shows from Discovery family of networks.
Cons: Only offers reality TV or documentary series.
Streaming Devices
As an Amazon Associate ATMC earns from qualifying purchases.
ATMC is not endorsed by or affiliated with Apple®, Amazon®, Android®, or Google®, and all trademarks are those of their respective owners.
Have more devices in your home using streaming services? ATMC Internet Speeds of up to 1 Gig will keep you and your family streaming without interruption.
Need Wi-Fi in Every Room?
We've got you covered.
If you have a large home and want the ability to stream in every room, you may want to consider adding a managed Wi-Fi solution. Doing so can extend your Wi-Fi signal and provide seamless Internet coverage.
The content provided above is for informational purposes only. Streaming services’ prices, plans, and features are subject to change. Refer to streaming service provider and/or streaming device manufacturer for more information.
HBO Max is a streaming service, available at no extra charge with a subscription to HBO or for purchase as an add on service with Internet only. ATMC Internet speed of 50 Meg or higher required for HBO Max when purchased as an add on with Internet only. HBO Max may not be available on all devices. HBO Max™ and related service marks are the property of WarnerMedia Direct, LLC. All rights reserved.
