r/Cordcutting • u/AJPizza • 2d ago
r/Cordcutting • u/The12shotRoute • 3d ago
Cordcutting ABC: Useful guide for when you want to cut the cord
Thinking about dropping cable? Good news: it’s easier than ever, and you don’t have to give up your favorite shows, sports, or movies. What you do need is a solid setup and a plan for which services (free or paid) fit your habits.
Here’s a full breakdown of tools, devices, services, and hacks to make cord-cutting as smooth and cheap as possible.
What you will need for starters:
- Internet: Aim for at least 10–20 Mbps per stream, but the more the better
- Streaming device: smart TVs, Fire TV Stick, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, gaming consoles - anything with app support.
- Streaming services: Pick what fits your needs (live TV, sports, movies, etc).
- Antenna (optional): Free local OTA channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, etc).
- VPN (recommended): For privacy, streaming abroad, and when you want to stream something specific.
Best Devices for Streaming
- Roku: User-friendly, great app selection, budget-friendly
- Fire TV Stick: Great for Amazon users
- Apple TV 4K: Premium device, especially good for iOS users
- Google TV (Chromecast): Good for search integration and flexibility
- Game consoles: PS5/Xbox Series X work fine as backup streaming hubs
Best VPNs to unblock blackouts, etc. (plus discounts)
- NordVPN:
redditoffer
- Surfshark:
redditspecial
- CyberGhost:
2YCOUPON
- Private Internet Access:
3Y4M
- Windscribe:
VPNSROCK
- PureVPN:
purered
Free Streaming Options (US)
No subscription cost, just ads:
Some also offer live TV channels, news, and classic shows.
Paid Streaming Subscriptions
Service | Type | Notes |
---|---|---|
YouTube TV | Live TV | Most complete, includes locals, unlimited DVR |
Hulu + Live TV | Live TV + On-Demand | Includes Disney+ and ESPN+ |
Sling TV | Live TV | Cheaper but fewer channels, no locals |
FuboTV | Live Sports | Best for sports fans |
Philo | Live TV (no sports) | Great budget option |
Netflix | On-Demand | Ad-supported or premium tiers |
Disney+ | On-Demand | Bundles with Hulu/ESPN+ |
Max (HBO) | On-Demand | High-quality shows/movies |
Peacock | On-Demand | Live NBC + on-demand |
Paramount+ | On-Demand | Includes CBS live for premium plan |
Amazon Prime Video | On-Demand | Some content now behind extra paywalls |
How to get a better deals on streaming?
While there are not direct discount codes for streaming, there are ways to save on
- Try the service, cancel early, then wait for the win-back offer Most platforms offer big discounts if you cancel your subscription and ignore them for a few weeks. Hulu, Max, and even Sling have been known to send 50% off deals to win you back.
- Use free trials strategically Philo, YouTube TV, and Apple TV+ still offer trials. Use them around big events, then cancel before they charge. Rinse and repeat with a different email if you have to.
- Take the annual plan if you know you’ll keep it Most services give you 15 to 40% off if you pay annually. Works best for Disney+, Max, and Paramount+. Only commit if you know you’ll use it year-round.
- Stack bundles The Disney+ bundle with Hulu and ESPN+ is cheaper than paying for them separately. Some mobile providers like Verizon and T-Mobile also throw in streaming bundles for free or at a heavy discount.
- Check student, military, and family discounts Hulu, Peacock, Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Spotify offer student deals. Peacock and Hulu also have military/first responder discounts. Some let you share across households too.
- Look for region hacks If you’re using a VPN, you can subscribe from a country where the same service is cheaper. For example, YouTube Premium is significantly cheaper if you buy it through India or Argentina. NBA League Pass and F1TV Pro have massive price gaps between countries.
- Rotate services Don’t keep them all at once. Subscribe to one or two, binge what you want, cancel, and move on. Keep a rolling calendar and avoid paying for five services “just in case.”
- Pay with gift cards when they go on sale Retailers often discount gift cards for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc. A $50 card for $40 is an instant 20% savings. Stock up during Black Friday, Prime Day, and holiday promos.
- Avoid paying for locals Use a digital antenna to get free access to ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, and others. Combine it with a DVR box if you need recordings. This avoids paying extra for YouTube TV or Hulu + Live just to get your local news.
- Check coupon sites for promos Sites like Slickdeals, Rakuten, DealDrop, and RetailMeNot occasionally list working codes for services like Fubo, Sling, and Peacock. Sometimes it’s a % off, sometimes free add-ons.
Mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating how many subscriptions you’re stacking
- Not checking internet speed needs
- Paying for locals when you could use an antenna
- Getting a device that doesn’t support your favorite apps
- Forgetting VPN for travel or region-locked content
- Assuming free VPNs will work (most are slow, sell your data, and are unsafe to use)
TL;DR / Quick Recap
- Don’t pay for locals → grab a $20 antenna and you’re set.
- Internet speed matters more than anything else (10–20 Mbps per stream minimum).
- Rotate your subs, don’t hoard them all at once.
- Free stuff exists (Tubi, Pluto, Roku Channel, etc.) - use it.
- Bundles and annual plans save $$ if you stick with them.
- VPN = peace of mind + unblocking blackouts/region hacks.
- Gift cards and win-back promos are your wallet’s best friend.
- Don’t overthink it: start with 1–2 services and adjust.
If you have any other good tips, or recommendations for cord cutting, let me know and I'll add them to my list!
r/Cordcutting • u/Responsible_Arm_5012 • 3d ago
Antenna for sports
Hello! I live in northern VA and am hoping to find an antenna that picks up commanders and possible Orioles games. The football games are more important. I rent, so I can't do the large antenna for rooftops. Any suggestions would be helpful!
r/Cordcutting • u/Dapper1975 • 6d ago
Breaking the shackles of cable TV
My journey has gone something like this:
- Several years ago, I got rid of Comcast (XFinity) internet access and cable TV for Verizon FIOS, basically as soon as it was available in my area. I pay $45/mo for 300Mb up & down. That is more than enough bandwidth for me, and the service has been rock solid for me.
- Eventually replaced FIOS cable TV with Youtube TV. I don't remember the exact cost, but it was at least half the cost, and I preferred it to regular cable. I want to say it was $50/mo.
- The honeymoon period with YTTV ended when they kept increasing the cost. I think it peaked at $95/mo.
- I have also had a combination of Amazon Prime, Peacock, Paramount+, HBO Max, Disney, and Apple TV+ at some point. Oh yeah - Netflix too.
- Basically, no more cost savings from the original Cable TV bill. (Boo!)
- At the beginning of 2025, I started looking to find a better setup. I set up a Plex server on a local Promox VM. I also purchased the lifetime Plex Pass for around $100 (good investment).
- I'm running the Plex app on my Samsung TV. It works great, no playback issues, but the UI can be a bit sluggish at times. It's a minor annoyance that I can live with. I may look at an Apple TV box to run the Plex client app if/when the new model comes out at the end of the year.
- A couple of months ago I suspended my YTTV subscription. I decided not to cancel outright, so I would have something to fall back on.
- I bought an inexpensive indoor antenna to get local OTA stations. While I don't watch a lot of OTA content, I needed to at least have local news and NFL coverage. The reception is pretty good, with the occasional drop out on a couple of stations. I will be experimenting with the location of the antenna to see if the drop outs can be eliminated. I am prepared to invest in a better antenna if it comes down to it.
- For the most part, the quality of the OTA picture is fantastic, noticeably better than compressed cable broadcast.
- I just installed a new HD Homerun and set up Plex to use it (easy peasy). I discovered over the past few weeks of watching OTA programming that I had become dependent of DVR functionality. I watched a bit of pre-season football the other night, and the inability to pause & rewind aggravated me. Problem solved!
- I also have access to the Samsung TV and Plex TV programming, so there's plenty of free content.
- I've gotten rid of all of my other streaming apps aside from Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime TV, which I don't pay extra for. (If I did, I'd drop that too)
Well, those are my major milestones. I have a feeling that I'll never to quite done.
r/Cordcutting • u/Floridaxmen • 8d ago
Best way to watch football online
I want to cord cut, however, what keeps me is being able to watch football. Is it possible yet to have 1 subscription to allow me to watch football or is it still multiple subs?
r/Cordcutting • u/HourPackage • 10d ago
Whole-home antenna + DVR over Ethernet (no coax)?
I have Fios internet only (no TV). Each TV is wired with Ethernet only (no coax). I’d like to use one digital antenna as a backup TV source for the whole house, ideally with DVR.
I looked at Tablo (HDMI + apps), but since I want the system to work offline when internet is down, I’m not sure Tablo is the best fit.
Is there any way to avoid relying on apps and make it feel more like a localized cable box? Ideally I’d plug the antenna into one box, connect that to my router, and have the signal distributed over Ethernet to each TV. Does such a setup exist?
r/Cordcutting • u/Short_Bandicoot_1144 • 15d ago
What’s everyone using these days instead of cable/Netflix?
Lately I’ve been getting tired of paying for 3–4 different streaming apps just to watch a couple of shows on each. It feels like I’m constantly switching between logins and still missing stuff I want.
The other day I came across this platform that says it’s got a crazy amount of live TV channels and movies/shows all in one place HD, 4K, the whole deal. Got me thinking…
Do you think these “all-in-one” streaming setups are actually worth it, or is it smarter to just rotate between Netflix, Prime, Disney+, etc.?
Would love to hear what’s been working for you guys lately especially if you’ve found something that covers both live TV and on-demand without being a total headache to use.
r/Cordcutting • u/Critical-Test-4446 • 16d ago
Streaming DVR?
I’m seriously considering cutting the cord with Xfinity, as my monthly bill seems to average $350 for internet service plus whatever package I have. Most of the family streams instead of watching the cable tv stations, but my wife really likes having the DVR and has a bunch of shows recorded. I would like to get rid of the DVR and the three additional cable boxes, cancel the program packages, and just keep Xfinity for their high speed internet service. Maybe replace the boxes with Apple TV’s or Roku’s. Wondering if there is a DVR for streaming that would keep my wife happy after making these changes.
r/Cordcutting • u/InevitableMode0 • 17d ago
MotoGP Live Stream: Free 24/7 Channel Launching in the US
MotoGP is launches a new free, ad-supported streaming TV channel to US fans starting August 13. The MotoGP Channel will air MotoGP live race weekends from all 22 circuits, including practice, qualifying, and full Moto2, Moto3, and MotoE races.
On top of MotoGP live stream coverage, there’ll be classic races, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes content. Available on Prime Video, LG Channels, FireTV, FuboTV, Plex, and Sling Freestream.
Finally, a proper home for MotoGP that doesn’t require a cable package.
If you’re outside the US (like me), you can still watch with a VPN. Plenty of good, affordable ones have decent speeds. I’ve used NordVPN (code: 'FORUM'), but I’ve also seen others discussed here on Reddit such as Surfshark (code ‘redditspecial’) and PureVPN (code ‘purered’) pick whichever works for you.
r/Cordcutting • u/penguinsgocrazy • 18d ago
Sling Announces New Day, Week, and Weekend Passes for Live TV
r/Cordcutting • u/cdtommy • 20d ago
ATSC 3.0 tuner with Raspberry Pi support
I'm trying to setup my Raspberry Pi and TVHeadend as a OTA gateway. I unfortunately do not have the budget for an HDHomerun right now and the lack of decryption worries me a bit.
I found this ADTH Tuner that can decrypt ATSC 3.0 broadcasts.
https://adth.com/product/adth-nextgen-tv-usb/
It says it's compatible with Google and Fire TV which technically run off Linux but without explicit wording for it I'm not sure it'd work.
Does anyone have experience using this tuner with Linux or a similar tuner?
r/Cordcutting • u/Pup-Recovery-1 • 22d ago
Antenna - 40 miles from local channels - cut years ago - now dumped HULU lol
Anyone have feedback with this newer Mohu Leaf Amplified for a 40+ mile distance installation?
Cut the cord years ago and went through a sling phase etc. Past 2+ years had been with Hulu +live et al - DONE with their 4 move restriction as well as INSANE $cost/month.
FINALLY “waking up to smell the coffee” so to speak and now would like to get local channels via an antenna - but approx 40 miles out from broadcasting stations (good ole country living) ha !
Thank you in advance
r/Cordcutting • u/Prestigious-Catch895 • 26d ago
Help me make a change re cable
Currently paying too much for tv that my family practically doesn’t watch at all. Have internet and Tv together in one bill and that’s easy but expensive. Spectrum in NYC. I really just want hbo max, the rest I don’t need. Any advice?
r/Cordcutting • u/foundhamstrung • 26d ago
Football (Soccer) streaming (Premier League, Champions League) with a VPN
Hello, does anyone have advice on the cheapest English-language streaming options for watching the Premier League, using a VPN?
Ideally, it would also include the Champions League, but it often seems that two separate services are necessary.
I've looked at Peacock ($11 USD/month), which is affordable, but of course, the Champions League isn't included. Adding a subscription to Paramount Plus to watch the UCL adds an extra $8 US/mth. This brings the price (11 + 8 = $19 USD/mth) very close to what it already costs me here in Australia (with Stan Sport), which is $20 US/mth.
Does anyone know of some better options? Again, I have a VPN so I can access services from other countries. Thanks!
[Edited because I got the pricing wrong for one of the services]
r/Cordcutting • u/crazyhorse198 • 27d ago
Best way to cut the cord w/ Optimum
Hi all,
Just joined this subreddit 2 minutes ago.
I’ve been wanting to cut the cord for 2 years now. I work 80 hours per week and for the first time in a long time I now have a few weeks off to take care of things like this. I’ve been wasting so much $ paying for phone and cable tv that I never use. I just need internet.
I live in an apartment in the USA, Optimum is the ONLY internet provider for my building.
When I call them Monday, are there any tips, or certain language to be used, when I ask to downgrade my “phone, internet, tv” to just internet?
I’m sure this question has been asked a thousand times so if there is a dedicated thread to this I’d be happy to check it out.
I looked for a few mins, couldn’t find one, admittedly it’s Saturday night and I was out drinking with my friends so likely chance I might have missed it.
Anyway, any help/tips in going internet only with Optimum in the USA (my only option) is very much appreciated!
Advance thanks to anyone who can help me out!
r/Cordcutting • u/moonman_1989 • 29d ago
How to watch all NFL games in Canada?
I want access to ALL NFL games for a reasonable price. I do not have any TV subscriptions. I do not care about other sports.
Last year, I had a DAZN subscription but the stream quality was truly awful. The quality did not improve no matter how I used the app, what device I was on, or the traffic on my wifi / network. It was the same when I tried watching the Mike Tyson/Jake Paul fight.
Had DAZN improved it's service quality since then? Do people here have tips on how I should use DAZN that I don't know about? Heard people recommend "DAZN VPN" but don't know what that is.
Also I've heard IP TV recommended. I'm open to that but kinda suspicious if it's safe or has viruses. My priority is getting all NFL games, with zero lag, for an affordable rate.
r/Cordcutting • u/d19285 • Jul 20 '25
What sports do you want on Netflix?
What sports should Netflix buy? Sunday afternoon football, MLB matches or something else? Or Netflix should not involved in live sports? Share your options! Will Netflix be involved in next sports streaming rights acquisitions or will stay away?Like to hear your thoughts! Should Netflix try to ad live tv channels ?
r/Cordcutting • u/rockscholar • Jul 16 '25
Where to Watch South Park?
With South Park's international streaming rights pulled from Paramount+, it's become harder to watch the show legally outside the US As of July 2025. It's no longer available on international streaming services due to a dispute, even as new episodes continue to be made.
Below, I’ve compiled a detailed guide on where to watch South Park, plus some tips on how you can use a VPN to get around restrictions and access content in other regions.
Where to Watch South Park for free?
- southpark.cc.com (US)
- Pluto.tv (US)
- southparkstudios.com (US)
- southpark.de (Germany).
- SBS On Demand (Australia)
Paid Streaming Options:
- Max: Hosts regular episodes of South Park (US only)
- FuboTV: The primary platform for South Park streams in EU countries (available in several European countries, including France and Spain).
- Amazon Prime Video: Includes regular episodes of the series (available in the U.K. for subscribers).
- Now TV: Another streaming option available for U.K. users (subscription required).
How to Unblock South Park Using a VPN
If South Park is no longer available in your region,here’s how to watch South Park by using a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions and access the show on platforms available in other countries:
1.Choose a Reliable VPN: Popular options like NordVPN (discount code "redditoffer"), or Surfshark (discount code "redditspecial") are known to work well with streaming services. Refer to this comparison table to choose the best option for you.
2.Connect to the Appropriate Region:
- Use a U.S. server for Max, southpark.cc.com,Pluto.tv, southparkstudios.com (US).
- Use an EU-based server for FuboTV (for example Spain or France)
- Use a German server for southpark.de.
- Use an Australian server for SBS On Demand (free option).
3. Login and Stream: Once connected, log into your chosen platform, and you should now have access to episodes unavailable in your home country. Have in mind for some (e.g. Max you will need a subscription)
What About Banned Episodes?
Some South Park episodes remain unavailable on any digital or streaming platform due to ongoing controversies. These include:
- "200" and "201" (Season 14): Available in the Season 14 DVD set.
- "Cartoon Wars: Part 1 & 2" (Season 10): Included in the Season 10 DVD.
- "Super Best Friends" (Season 5): Found on the Season 5 DVD.
If you want to watch these episodes, physical DVD box sets remain the only legal avenue for accessing them right now.
r/Cordcutting • u/[deleted] • Jul 13 '25
Xtreme HD shut down?
I just got an email from Xtreme saying they are shut down for good. Can anyone confirm this as I’m at work and having trouble finding anything about it online?
Thanks
r/Cordcutting • u/Typical-Car2782 • Jul 11 '25
Best way to add HBO Max
I cut the cord recently and now have the following streaming subscriptions:
- Netflix
- Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle
- Showtime/Paramount+
- AppleTV+
- Peacock Premium (via Instacart)
- Amazon Prime
I added some of these when my family said we were missing their favorite shows.
Now I have a request for HBO Max.
It seems like I should be able to bundle with Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ plus but I don't see an option for all four in Hulu. There's a blurb about "add-ons" but I can't add them.
r/Cordcutting • u/Mo-Mo-MN • Jul 09 '25
Major Tennis Tournaments
I cut the cable but miss the coverage of major tennis tournaments. They do a great job of audio but I miss seeing the matches. Best solution?
r/Cordcutting • u/Slackdarren • Jul 02 '25
This group is more international.
Is there a similar group to this excellent one, but more aimed at the uk.
Thanks
r/Cordcutting • u/deten • Jul 01 '25
Is there a good website I can use to search for a movie, which tells me where its playing on a *live tv* app?
Thanks!
r/Cordcutting • u/Putrid_Draft378 • Jun 29 '25
How I Cut $600 From My Mom's Comcast / Xfinity Cable Bill - Cable Box Rip Off!
r/Cordcutting • u/clydeen • Jun 23 '25
switching from Comcast to YouTube TV
Hi. I am trying to switch from Comcast to YouTube TV. I have 5 days free and then an 89.99 plan. I was able to download the app with difficulty to my TV, which is a very great LG OLED TV, but from 2016 which was the first year they had the capability to download the app, so maybe that was the problem. All software UTD and spoke with LG tech support. The problem- the interface seems unbelievably clunky. There doesn't seem to be any search or guide, need to scroll slowly through channels, can't get all the channels that I know are there. Also, had to listen to multiple ads and was unable to fast forward through them. For example, I got into CNN finally and had to listen to at least 5 ads. I wonder if I am on a free promo offering rather than an actual plan, because I signed in with my independent email account rather than my Google email, which I rarely use.
r/Cordcutting • u/iBeeJayTee • Jun 20 '25
MASN Streaming App Issues!
Is there anyone else having issues with their MASN streaming app not working? Of course I’m having issues during tonights New York Yankees game. Uggh! 😤