The Battle of Streaming vs Cable TV: Which is Cheaper, the Car or the Bike?
The oldest debate that has been going on for many years is the one that compares streaming with cable television. Due to the latest methods of a show’s distribution such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and the like, many cable customers have subscribed to it to lessen costs. But is streaming cheaper than just paying for cable or satellite television? Here we make a comparison of the costs as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Another factor that has been found to impact the amount of money consumers positively spend on cable/satellite TV is the cost of the subscription services.
For several years now, cable and satellite TV service providers have been charging their subscribers more and more money. According to recent statistics, the average price per month for a cable television service is more than $100. DIRECTV’s packages begin from $69. 99, and if you think that is basic, you are right; it comes with something like 155 channels. To view all 285+ channels, packages cost $89. 99–$149. 99/ month. There are additional costs that have not been included for taxation, various fees for equipment rental, etc. Most cable/satellite providers’ bills easily cross $200 monthly for a full package of channels.
As for those consumers who have not signed any agreement with the providers, they will provide you with a special offer which costs for 12 months, to prevent you from canceling your subscription. However, you will be overcharged as soon as the one-year period is up and your monthly fee will rise again. A more annoying fact is the fact that consumers are forced to start calling every year, to get new rates.
The Cost of Streaming
Now let's look at the typical pricing for top streaming platforms:
- Netflix: subscribers are $9. 99 a month to $19. 99 a month.
- Hulu: Monthly prices range from $6. 99 for basic features to $12. 99 for premium features.
- Disney+: Click here to buy and get a 20% discount for the first month for $7. 99.
- HBO Max: Depending on the number of users, the range is between $9. 99 and $14. 99 per month.
- Amazon Prime Video: $8. 99 monthly or ($119/12) annually
If we compare streaming to DIRECTV's entry-level Select package, here's how the costs stack up:
DIRECTV Select: They offer distinctive plans with prices ranging from $69. 99 per month and going as low as $7. 99 per month.
Vs.
Netflix + Disney+ + HBO Max: $27. 97 monthly
Even with only three of the leading streaming services, you will be able to save $42 a month if you are a DIRECTV TV subscriber and opt for its cheapest package. It also means that each month, you have the flexibility to adjust which streaming options you want to subscribe to. Want to save more? Replace them over time if you have watched every show of interest that the service offers. When subscribing to DIRECTV, you’re in it for two years you sign contracts with the company.
Streaming Pros
- No contracts
- Flexibility, particularly in the services’ cancellation or change.
- On-demand viewing
- Original programming
- They can watch it wherever they are and on any device they have.
DIRECTV Pros
- Live sporting events & games
- Local channel availability
- Large channel selection
- Advanced DVR features
- 4K HDR programming
Weighing Your Options
When determining if streaming or DIRECTV is more affordable and suited for you, consider these key factors:
- Required bandwidth for the streaming of available internet speeds
- How many TVs are for repair
- If any one of the inhabitants in your house has an interest in live sports
- Your must-have channels
For those who mostly rely on content such as Netflix original series, HGTV, Disney Channel, etc. the concept of streaming is cheap. However, to those who belong to a house with many members that require TV on multiple devices and with no limit on storage space for recordings, then the DIRECTV satellite may still be more advantageous overall.
The Bottom Line
For all essential TV watching, current dominant streaming services are much cheaper than your average cable or satellite packages. However, direct satellite TV from DIRECTV does have some basic convenience, choices, and options at one’s fingertips. Identify your family’s viewing preferences, required channels, and the number of television sets that require connectivity to choose the best option for your household.
As with all individuals, the quantities indicate that today streaming can save you a considerable amount of money each month against the DIRECTV satellite service. Additionally, with new streaming services appearing from year to year, the gap the difference in the cost is only going to increase in the future.
Therefore, is streaming less costly compared to DIRECTV? In most cases, the answer is an unmistakable yes! Do some mental computations and determine which shows matter most and what your current situation calls for. For streaming only, cutting the cord is an affordable option; if you cannot survive without a large channel selection and an advanced DVR feature, it is not the best approach.
Transform your viewing experience with DirecTV! Call us today at +1 855-213-2250 to explore our plans and find the perfect package for you. Our experts are ready to assist you and get you set up with top-notch entertainment. Don’t wait—contact us now!
