Cable TV vs. Streaming Services: Who’s the Real Winner?

The days of flipping through hundreds of cable channels to find something to watch have long since passed. Today, streaming services are taking over as the top choice for watching movies and TV shows, leaving cable companies in the dust. But is this really a case of streaming services coming out on top? 

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each option to see who comes out on top in this battle.

Cable TV Pros and Cons

Cable television may be an older service, but it still has some advantages over streaming services. However, it also falls short in certain areas.

Pros:

• Cable TV provides access to broadcast television channels, including local news and sports broadcasts.
• It provides a wide range of channels and live content.
• Cable subscription packages can include access to premium channels and other services, such as DVRs, that are not available with streaming services.
• Many cable providers offer promos and deals streaming providers don’t.

Cons:

• Many cable channels come with expensive monthly fees.
• Cable companies often require customers to sign long-term contracts, making it difficult to switch providers.
• Cable companies often have poor customer service and are slow to fix any issues that arise with the service.

Streaming Services Pros and Cons

Streaming services offer a more modern approach to watching TV, but they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

• Streaming services are generally cheaper than cable packages.
• They often require no long-term contracts and allow users to cancel at any time.
• Streaming services offer access to a wider range of movies and TV shows, including exclusive content only available on the service.
• Many streaming services provide multiple user profiles so that family members can watch what they want on their own devices wherever they are.

Cons:

• Streaming services are not available everywhere and may have limited availability in certain areas.
• Not all streaming services provide access to local news or sports broadcasts, which is a major drawback for some viewers.
• The quality of streaming content can vary depending on the service and connection speed.
• Streaming services require users to have a reliable internet connection to enjoy the content.

So, Who’s the Real Winner?

Unfortunately, this isn’t a question that can be easily answered with a yes or no. Choosing between the two will require you to assess your own viewing preferences to determine which service is right for you. Here’s a quick guide to help you find the right platform for your needs.

1. Determine the content you want to watch. 

It’s important to evaluate what type of content you like to watch. If you prefer broadcast channels and local news, cable TV may be the better option. However, if you’re interested in exclusive shows or movies, streaming services are likely your best best. If you want both live channels and on-demand content, there are several streaming services that offer that kind of package, like Planet Dish.

2. Consider your budget. 

How much are you willing to spend every month for your home entertainment? Cable packages tend to be more expensive than streaming services, but they offer a wider range of channels and services. Streaming services are typically cheaper and can be customized to fit your budget. They also don’t have any contracts, so you only need to worry about a month-to-month payment basis.

3. Look for deals and promotions. 

If you’re on a tight budget, check to see if either cable or streaming services are offering any deals or promotions that can make the service more affordable. Often times these promotions can provide discounts of up to 50% off your subscription.

4. Check your internet connection.

Streaming services are dependent on having a reliable and fast internet connection. So, make sure you check your connection speed before committing to a streaming service. If your internet connection is too slow and you’re not willing to upgrade your current internet plan, you’re probably better with cable TV, as streaming services may not be able to provide an optimal experience.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, both cable television and streaming services have their advantages and disadvantages. When it comes to choosing what type of entertainment you want for your home, it will always come down to personal preference—some people prefer having access to tons of channels, while others are perfectly happy using one or two streaming services they pay for each month.

So, to answer the question, the real winner here is the one that fits your viewing needs and preferences.