How to Save on Your Cable TV Bill in 2025

Tired of overpaying for cable TV? With the average subscription now topping $100 per month, finding savings without compromising your favorite shows is more important than ever. Below, we’ve outlined practical strategies to lower your cable bill and keep the entertainment you enjoy.

Why Are Cable TV Costs Skyrocketing?

Excluding taxes and fees, here are a few reasons why cable bills are on the rise: 

• Rising Monthly Rates: The average cable bill is now $107/month. 
• Inflation-Beating Increases: Cable costs have surged nearly 200% faster than inflation over the last two decades. 
• Sneaky Promotional Pricing: Those “great” intro rates? They usually vanish after the first 12 months, leaving you stuck with inflated bills. 
• Streaming Pressure: With more affordable alternatives available, cable TV is struggling to compete. 

Proven Strategies to Slash Your Cable Bill

1. Negotiate with Your Cable Provider

Don’t assume your current rate is final. Cable companies want to keep your business, and they often have flexibility. Because of this, here are some tactics to help you negotiate and cut costs on your cable bill. 

Tactics that work: 

• Research competing offers before calling. Use them as leverage. 
• Know your goals. Want a lower rate, more channels, or faster internet? Be clear. 
• Play the “I might switch” card. Mention other providers’ deals to prompt discounts. 
• Ask for loyalty perks. Long-time customers can often get upgraded packages or reduced fees. 

Quick Tip: Be firm but courteous. Providers are more willing to work with customers who stay professional during negotiations.  

2. Drop Unnecessary Services

Take a closer look at your plan. Chances are you’re paying for extras you rarely use.  

Services to Consider Cutting: 

• Premium channels like HBO or Showtime  
• DVR service if you mostly stream or rarely record shows  
• HD or sports add-ons you don’t need regularly  
• International or niche channels you seldom watch  

Pro Tip: Audit your usage. If you haven’t used a service in the past month, it’s a prime candidate for elimination.  

3. Reduce Equipment Fees

Most cable companies charge $10–$20 per month for equipment rentals, such as modems and cable boxes. These small charges add up over time, but there are ways to save.  

How to Cut Costs: 

• Buy your own modem and router (one-time cost of $80–$120) instead of renting theirs.  
• Reduce the number of cable boxes. Do you really need a box in every room? Scaling back to just one or two TVs could save $20–$30 per month.  

Savings Tip: A single one-time equipment purchase can save you hundreds of dollars over a few years.  

4. Switch Providers

Sometimes, the best way to save is to make a change. Many cable providers prioritize new customers when offering deals, so don’t be afraid to shop around.  

Steps to Switching: 

1. Compare cable and internet combo deals in your area.  
2. Call your current provider to see if they’ll match competitor prices.  
3. Look for providers offering to cover early termination fees.  
4. Avoid long-term contracts with hidden price hikes.  

Heads-Up: Promotional deals often expire after a year or two, so be prepared to renegotiate or switch again when necessary.  

5. Downgrade Your Plan

Do you really need that all-inclusive channel lineup? Consider switching to a basic cable package and supplementing it with streaming services.  

Why This Works: 

• Basic plans focus on local channels and popular networks that deliver most of what you need.  
• Streaming services like Netflix or Hulu can fill the gaps for movies and on-demand TV.  

Combo Strategy: Combine a minimal cable package with a couple of streaming subscriptions for more variety at a lower cost.  

Explore Cable Alternatives

Live TV Streaming Services

Live TV streaming platforms like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV offer access to many of the same channels as cable but at a more affordable price. Learn more about the best way to stream your TV. 

• Cost: $50–$70 per month.  
• Bonus: Share accounts with family or friends and split the cost.  

Video On-Demand Platforms

Services like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max provide on-demand movies and TV shows without commercials.  

• Cost: $10–$20 per month.  
• Pro Tip: Only subscribe to the services you use frequently to avoid subscription overload.  

Free Over-the-Air TV

Yes, free TV still exists! A digital antenna allows you to access high-definition local channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, and PBS.  

What You’ll Need:

• $40 indoor antenna for city/suburban areas.  
• $150–$300 long-range antenna for rural areas.  

📺 No Monthly Fees Ever: While basic, this setup lets you enjoy free TV for life once installed.  

Quick Savings At-a-Glance

Strategy: Estimated Monthly Savings

Negotiate with provider: $20–$50+ 

Drop unnecessary services: $10–$40 

Reduce equipment fees: $10–$25 

Switch providers: Varies 

Downgrade your plan: $30–$60 

Cut the cord entirely: $40–$70 

Use free over-the-air TV: Up to $100/month 

Final Thoughts

Cable TV costs may be rising, but you don’t have to overpay. From renegotiating rates to exploring modern streaming alternatives, there’s a cost-saving method for everyone.

Start by reviewing your current plan today. A few small changes could lead to big savings while keeping your favorite shows within reach.

Looking for streaming advice? Check out our guide to the best ways to stream to your TV here.