Bryant Veney - Copywriter, CableCompare
Date Modified: December 16, 2025
Streaming now accounts for over 47.3 of U.S. TV viewing, surpassing cable's 22.2%. While streaming offers flexibility and cost savings, cable still delivers reliable live sports, local news, and bundled convenience. Choosing the best TV option depends on your viewing needs, and may often be a mix of both.
Cord-cutting is canceling traditional cable or satellite TV subscriptions in favor of digital streaming platforms. The trend started in the early 2010s as high-speed internet became more accessible and streaming services like Netflix and Hulu offered compelling alternatives at lower prices.
Today, cord-cutting represents a fundamental change in how people consume television. Rather than paying for bundled channel packages, viewers can now:
The movement has grown from 37.3 million cord-cutting households in 2018 to 77.2 million in 2025, according to CableCompare's streaming vs. cable statistics. That's more than a 100% increase in just seven years.
As of 2025, 68.7 million U.S. households still subscribe to traditional cable or satellite TV. While that might sound substantial, it represents a steep decline from the 105 million households that had cable back in 2010.
Here's what the current TV landscape looks like:
*Data collected from Neilsen
Cable subscriptions rose in 2023, likely thanks to bundling deals and exclusive live sports coverage, but it wasn't enough to reverse the downward trend. According to cable cutting trends data, pay TV has lost approximately $17 billion in revenue over the past decade.
The primary drivers for leaving cable are cost and convenience. Cable bills can easily exceed $200 per month when you factor in regional sports networks, equipment rental fees, and taxes that inflate the final bill by an average of 24%.
Cost sensitivity tops the list: Cable bills can easily exceed $200 per month when you factor in regional sports networks, equipment rental fees, and taxes that inflate the final bill by an average of 24%. In contrast, cord-cutters who subscribe to three streaming services typically pay around $48 per month, or roughly $16 per service.
On-demand flexibility matters: Streaming platforms let viewers watch what they want, when they want, across phones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. This convenience aligns with modern lifestyles, especially for younger generations who value mobility and personalization.
Content variety drives decisions: Streaming services offer massive libraries of original programming, international content, and niche genres that traditional cable can't match. From Netflix's global originals to Disney+'s Marvel universe, streaming platforms deliver exclusive content that keeps subscribers engaged.
Some viewers return to cable for its simplicity and reliability, especially for live content. Cable means one bill, one remote, and one interface.
Simplicity appeals to certain households: Cable means one bill, one remote, one interface. There's no juggling multiple apps, no password management, and no buffering during crucial moments.
Live sports and local news remain cable's stronghold: While streaming platforms are making inroads (NFL on Prime Video, NBA on ESPN+), cable still provides the most comprehensive and reliable access to live sporting events, especially regional games and local news broadcasts.
Bundled savings can make financial sense: Many cable providers now offer hybrid packages that include internet, TV, and streaming perks at competitive prices. For households that already need high-speed internet, these bundles can actually cost less than paying for internet and multiple streaming subscriptions separately.
Your internet connection's speed and bandwidth are the foundation of a good streaming experience. Without an adequate connection, even the best streaming service will buffer, lag, or drop in quality at the worst possible moments.
Recommended Minimum Internet Speeds by Resolution
Upload speed is critical if you're streaming your own content on platforms like Twitch or YouTube, but it also impacts video calls and remote work. Cable internet typically offers asymmetric speeds with much slower uploads than downloads. In contrast, a dedicated fiber internet connection provides symmetric speeds, ensuring that your upload and download capabilities are equally powerful.
Data caps limit how much you can stream each month. A single hour of 4K streaming can consume 7GB of data, meaning a household that streams regularly could easily exceed monthly caps of 1TB or less.
Latency (ping time) affects how quickly your device communicates with streaming servers. High latency causes delays in loading content and can make interactive features feel sluggish.
Throttling occurs when internet providers intentionally slow your connection during peak usage times or after you've exceeded certain data thresholds, directly impacting streaming quality.
When comparing costs, streaming is generally more affordable than cable, but the total price depends on your needs. The average cable bill is $147 per month, whereas a household with three streaming services spends around $48. However, streamers must also factor in the cost of a high-speed internet plan, which is essential for a good viewing experience.
Cord-cutters save an average of $730 per year compared to cable subscribers. Over five years, that's $3,650 in savings, even when accounting for multiple streaming subscriptions.
| Expense Type | Cable TV | Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Cost | $147 | $70 or less |
| Monthly Internet Cost | Often bundled | $50 - $100+ |
| Equipment Fees | $10-25/month | Usually none |
| Contracts Required | Often yes (1-2 years) | No contracts |
| Hidden Fees | Common (taxes, surcharges) | Rare |
| Installation Costs | $50-150 | $0 |
| Cancellation Penalties | $100-300 | None |
| Annual Total | ~$1,764+ | ~$1,440+ (incl. internet) |
| Expense Type | Cable TV | Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Cost | $147 | $70 or less |
| Equipment Fees | $10-25/month | Usually none |
| Contracts Required | Often yes (1-2 years) | No contracts |
| Hidden Fees | Common (taxes, surcharges) | Rare |
| Installation Costs | $50-150 | $0 |
| Cancellation Penalties | $100-300 | None |
| Annual Total | ~$1,764+ | ~$840 |
| Feature | Cable TV | Streaming Services |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | Stable, works without internet | Dependent on internet quality |
| Cost Over Time | Higher upfront, bundled deals available | Lower monthly, multiple subscriptions add up |
| Content Availability | Live sports, local news, scheduled programming | Exclusive originals, global libraries, on-demand |
| User Control | Limited channel selection, DVR recording | Full control over what and when you watch |
| Data Usage | Doesn't rely on bandwidth | Heavy internet data usage (up to 7GB/hour for 4K) |
| Device Flexibility | Requires set-top boxes per TV | Works on smart TVs, phones, tablets, laptops |
| Ad Experience | Frequent commercial breaks | Ad-free or minimal ads with premium tiers |
| Personalization | Same lineup for everyone | Tailored recommendations via algorithms |
| Live Content | Comprehensive live sports and news | Growing but still limited compared to cable |
| Contract Terms | Often 1-2 year commitments | Cancel anytime, no penalties |
Hybrid TV models, which combine traditional cable with streaming services, are becoming the preferred solution for many households. This approach allows viewers to enjoy the reliability of cable for live sports and news while accessing the vast on-demand libraries and exclusive originals of streaming platforms. Many setups also incorporate Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) channels like Pluto TV and Tubi for additional content at no cost:
Major providers now offer bundled packages that include popular streaming platforms:
These hybrid solutions solve common frustrations:
"Cord-stacking" describes households that maintain both cable and multiple streaming subscriptions. This approach is becoming increasingly common, especially among:
The future of TV viewing will be shaped by advancing technology and shifting consumer habits. The expansion of fiber and 5G internet will make high-quality streaming more accessible, while AI-powered recommendations will help viewers navigate the growing sea of content.
Fiber internet and 5G expansion will make high-quality streaming accessible to more households, including rural areas traditionally underserved by broadband. As of 2025, fiber is available to 46% of U.S. households, with projections showing continued growth.
AI-powered recommendations are becoming more sophisticated, creating personalized content discovery experiences that help viewers navigate the overwhelming amount of available content across platforms.
Cloud DVRs and cross-platform aggregation are emerging as solutions to subscription fatigue. Services that aggregate content from multiple platforms into a single interface (like Apple TV or Roku) simplify the streaming experience.
Younger audiences (18-34) are streaming-dominant and mobile-first. Approximately 80% regularly stream content, while 52% never watch traditional cable TV. This generation values:
Older households (65+) still prefer the stability and simplicity of cable, with 45% avoiding cable but 40% regularly streaming. This demographic values:
Middle demographics (35-64) are driving the hybrid model trend, with 43% avoiding cable while 72% regularly stream. They want the best of both worlds.
Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel are reshaping the TV landscape by offering:
FAST services ranks 28.2% in recent best-free-service surveys, indicating strong consumer adoption. These platforms are particularly appealing to:
Live sports remain cable's competitive advantage, but that's changing. Major leagues and networks are experimenting with:
As content rights agreements evolve and expire over the next few years, expect more live sports to migrate to streaming platforms, further eroding cable's remaining stronghold.
The streaming vs. cable debate isn't about choosing a winner anymore. It's about finding the right mix for your household's needs, budget, and viewing habits.
Streaming has fundamentally changed television consumption, offering unprecedented flexibility, content variety, and cost control. With over 47.3% of U.S. TV viewing now happening on streaming platforms, this trend shows no signs of reversing.
Cable television still serves important needs, particularly for live sports, local news, and households that value reliability and simplicity. The 68.7 million U.S. households still subscribing to cable in 2025 demonstrate that traditional TV maintains relevance for specific audiences.
Hybrid models represent the emerging middle ground, combining cable's strengths for live content with streaming's on-demand flexibility. As providers adapt their offerings and technology continues improving internet infrastructure, these balanced approaches will likely become the new standard.
The future of TV depends on several factors still evolving:
Your best next step: Compare cable and streaming options available in your area through CableCompare to see current pricing, package details, and bundle opportunities. Consider your household's specific needs, internet quality, and viewing habits to make an informed decision that balances cost, content, and convenience.
The perfect TV solution isn't the same for everyone, but with more options than ever before, there's never been a better time to customize your entertainment experience.
As of 2025, 77.2 million U.S. households have cut the cord, meaning they've canceled traditional cable or satellite TV subscriptions in favor of streaming services. This represents a significant increase from 37.3 million cord-cutting households in 2018, more than doubling in just seven years.
No, cable is generally more expensive. Cable customers pay an average of $147 per month, while cord-cutters with three streaming subscriptions typically spend around $48 monthly. Even when factoring in internet costs, streaming remains more affordable for most households. However, cable bundle deals that include internet and TV can sometimes offer competitive pricing compared to paying for premium internet plus multiple streaming services.
For smooth 4K streaming on a single device, you need at least 25 Mbps download speed. However, for households with multiple users streaming simultaneously, gaming, or working from home, 100 Mbps or higher is recommended. Keep in mind that 4K streaming consumes approximately 7GB of data per hour, so unlimited data plans are essential for heavy streaming households.
FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) channels are free streaming services like Pluto TV, Tubi, and The Roku Channel that offer linear programming similar to traditional cable but accessible on internet-connected devices. Unlike subscription streaming services (Netflix, Hulu), FAST channels are completely free and supported by advertisements. They differ from standard streaming apps by providing a more cable-like experience with scheduled programming rather than purely on-demand content.
Several factors drive viewers back to cable:
