Have you ever thought about cord cutting but wondered how you were going to watch your favorite shows and movies. Online streaming services are the most popular option for those that want to watch their shows when they cut the cord. Here is a list of some of the most popular streaming services. Please note that some of them might only be available in the United States.
Hulu
Cost: $7.99 per month (with advertisements) | $11.99 per month (without advertisements)
Hulu has worked its way into many cord cutters’ hearts. It is a very affordable streaming service that allows you to watch both current and old television shows. It also offers a good selection of movies from a variety of eras. Hulu is probably the best option for anyone that wants to watch current television shows. They also have an ever expanding library of movies.
Netflix
Cost: $7.99 per month (Standard Definition/One Device) | $9.99 per month (HD/Two Devices) | $11.99 per month (Ultra HD/Four Devices)
Netflix is the original name when it comes to streaming services. The large company offers you a good selection of shows that have already aired. In some cases, they will offer past seasons of shows that are still on the air. They do not offer recent episodes though. Netflix also has its own original series and movies available for streaming.
Another feature that Netflix is known for is their DVD service where you can DVDs delivered to you in the mail.
Amazon Prime
Cost: $99 per year
Amazon Prime is a service that allows you to have 2-day shipping on most items on Amazon’s website. Not everyone knows that they have their own streaming service though. Amazon Prime Video allows you to stream a selection of television shows and movies. The selection is somewhat limited compared to Hulu but it is expanding. They also have their own original series and pilot episodes that users can vote on. One very popular Amazon Prime Video original is The Man in The High Castle.
Unlike other streaming services Amazon Prime comes with a wide variety of other services.
Sling TV
Cost: $20 per month (30+ Channels) | $25 per month (40+ Channels) | $40 per month (All Channels)
Sling TV is the service that plans to take over the cable world. They are a no contract service that allows you to watch popular television channels without a contract, via the internet. As the first company to offer this kind of service, they are pioneering the industry. The cost of all channels is also cheaper than most cable deals. Sling TV also allows you to watch on demand entertainment for those times when you can’t watch live television. For sports fans, they also offer sports channels.
PlayStation Vue
Cost: $50 per month
PlayStation wants to be part of the streaming world, and as such they have come up with their own plan for cutting cords. Without a contract you can get PlayStation Vue for $50. Like most other streaming services, you can watch all of your favorite on demand media while streaming. The service is available on PlayStation consoles, computers, and other supported streaming devices.
There are a variety of other streaming services that you can use. Most of the other services get a lot more specific. Here are a few of them:
- DirectTV Go – $35 per month
- HBO Now – $14.99 per month
- Showtime Anytime – $10.99 per month
- Starz Play – $8.99 per month
When it comes to streaming, make sure that you don’t forget to pick up a streaming device. You want to be able to send your content to the television or projector that you use. There are a variety to choose from so you have options. Keep in mind to look for your chosen streaming service(s) on the device before you buy it so you know that it will meet your needs.
Get out there and decide on a streaming service and make the conscious decision to cut the cords. There is no reason to allow cable companies to charge us outrageous amounts of money to use their services. Let us know when you make the switch and how it goes in the comments down below.
