As the world turns to streaming as a way to cut the cord, it’s hard to pick just one streaming service that gives you everything you need. Truth be told, there’s not one streaming provider out there that will give you everything you want. You’ll have to compare services, find the right options, and open your wallet. Let’s look at how to choose the right streaming service or services for you and your family.
So, Exactly Which Streaming Service is Right for You?
There’s three primary types of streaming services out there: Current TV, old TV and movies, and live TV. Depending on what you’re looking to get, one or more of these types of streaming services might be right for you. Here are some examples of services you may be familiar with in each category:
- Current TV: Hulu, HBO Now, CBS Access, Showtime Go
Old TV: Original Programming and Movies: Netflix and Amazon Instant Video
Live TV: Sling TV
When cutting the cord, this is where consumers have issues with pricing. If you need a combination of services, you still have to pay for internet access plus the services you need. If you don’t mind waiting a season to watch your favorite TV shows, going to a service like Amazon or Netflix is best. If you want to stay up to date with your favorite shows during a given season, going with Hulu or a channel-specific provider is the best way to go.
Sling TV is an oddball, as not many streaming services have been able to do what it’s been able to do in the last year. Sling TV allows you to watch live TV through its box, over the web for a monthly fee. You choose one of two Sling boxes, depending on the channels you want, and you’re good to go to watch when you want. However, Sling is still battling with TV networks and sports providers to get the best of the best into homes so it may not necessarily work out for your viewing needs.
Most households who choose to cut cords go with one or more services to get all the programming they want. Depending on the cost of a cable and internet package, it may be worth the cost; in some cases, it may be better to go with a cable and internet package, even if it’s more expensive because you’re getting what you want when you want it in your home.
Choosing the right streaming services comes down to one important question: What do you want to watch and when do you want to watch it? If you can’t narrow that down enough between streaming services, it may be better to continue paying for cable and the internet through a company like DIRECTV or Comcast.
