Cutting the cord, need advice

[HitMeAgainIAmStillMoving]

I plan to keep gig + internet, so that is my starting point. What do people here use to watch BTN and local channels e.g. CBS NBC ABC FOX?

 

[short ornery norwegian]

I plan to keep gig + internet, so that is my starting point. What do people here use to watch BTN and local channels e.g. CBS NBC ABC FOX?

question - do you live in or near a metro area? If so, you could add a fairly simple antenna to pick up local network channels. If you live in the boonies, that changes the equation.

 

[Ski U Mah Gopher]

I use Hulu Live. It has everything ecept Fan Duel Sports North.

 

[HitMeAgainIAmStillMoving]

question - do you live in or near a metro area? If so, you could add a fairly simple antenna to pick up local network channels. If you live in the boonies, that changes the equation.

Thank you

 

[HitMeAgainIAmStillMoving]

I use Hulu Live. It has everything ecept Fan Duel Sports North.

Thank you

 

[GophersInIowa]

We still use YouTube TV and largely like it. It's nice for sports with the multiview. Do not get Bally's or whatever the hell it's called now though.

I've gotten the free trial for Fubo a few times and that seems good for sports too but I think it's more expensive than youtube tv.

I haven't looked at it in awhile but if you want something pretty basic I believe Sling TV is generally cheaper and has BTN.

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

We still use YouTube TV and largely like it. It's nice for sports with the multiview. Do not get Bally's or whatever the hell it's called now though.

I've gotten the free trial for Fubo a few times and that seems good for sports too but I think it's more expensive than youtube tv.

I haven't looked at it in awhile but if you want something pretty basic I believe Sling TV is generally cheaper and has BTN.

Someone turned me on to YouTube TV a few years ago and I've never looked back. The customizable packages, customizable channel guides and lineups, the laundry list of available niche channels, etc.

I have recently added Hulu (begrudgingly, because I hate giving any money to ESPN/Disney), for the purpose of watching more NHL games.

I agree with SON completely; for what little I can imagine anyone possibly wanting anything to do with the network channels, just get it over the air if you can. Don't waste your money.

 

[short ornery norwegian]

So, there are two basic approaches to cord-cutting. (many of you know this - but I'm trying to answer the OP question).

there is the "Ala Carte" approach - where you add specific streaming services to get the shows you want, such as Disney+, Paramount+, ESPN+, Max, Hulu, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, etc. The cost can add up if you sign up for multiple services. Obviously, each service has different programs.

there are also bundled services - like Disney with its (Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+) bundle. can save some money this way.

then there is the MVPD - Multi-channel Video programming distributor. this is where you sign up to a streaming service that provides multiple channels - like cable TV only through a stream.
some of the major offerings and approximate prices: (assuming you are a sports fan)

Hulu+Live TV - $83 basic plan, but can add Disney+ and ESPN+ and make it $96.
DirecTV Stream - $102 for their Entertainment & Sports packages
Fubo - $80 basic plan. $100 to add their bigger Sports package
YouTube TV - $73 basic plan. add a sports package for $11.
Sling - $55 for the basic plan (with fewer channels), then there are a lot of add-on packages including Sports.

many of the MVPD services offer discounted offers - $20 off for 1st month and so forth.

disclaimer - the channel lineup does vary from service to service. need to check to see if it has the channels you want.

 

[Full Speed Ahead]

So, there are two basic approaches to cord-cutting. (many of you know this - but I'm trying to answer the OP question).

there is the "Ala Carte" approach - where you add specific streaming services to get the shows you want, such as Disney+, Paramount+, ESPN+, Max, Hulu, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, etc. The cost can add up if you sign up for multiple services. Obviously, each service has different programs.

there are also bundled services - like Disney with its (Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+) bundle. can save some money this way.

then there is the MVPD - Multi-channel Video programming distributor. this is where you sign up to a streaming service that provides multiple channels - like cable TV only through a stream.
some of the major offerings and approximate prices: (assuming you are a sports fan)

Hulu+Live TV - $83 basic plan, but can add Disney+ and ESPN+ and make it $96.
DirecTV Stream - $102 for their Entertainment & Sports packages
Fubo - $80 basic plan. $100 to add their bigger Sports package
YouTube TV - $73 basic plan. add a sports package for $11.
Sling - $55 for the basic plan (with fewer channels), then there are a lot of add-on packages including Sports.

many of the MVPD services offer discounted offers - $20 off for 1st month and so forth.

disclaimer - the channel lineup does vary from service to service. need to check to see if it has the channels you want.

Thanks SON. Do you, or anyone else, know which streaming services include Wild hockey? Is it just Fandual at $20/month?

 

[GophersInIowa]

Thanks SON. Do you, or anyone else, know which streaming services include Wild hockey? Is it just Fandual at $20/month?

Fubo has Fandual. It's probably the best streaming service if sports is your #1 concern. But weirdly, they don't have channels like TBS, TNT and Discovery I believe.

 

[short ornery norwegian]

Thanks SON. Do you, or anyone else, know which streaming services include Wild hockey? Is it just Fandual at $20/month?

I would have to check, but I believe DirecTV Stream carries FanDuel also.