We see many families debate on having cable TV vs. streaming service, and mostly end up signing up for both. However, if you were to make a calculated decision, and of course depending on the dynamic of your family, you can choose either of the two options and save yourself some money. Here’s a compiled list of the advantages and disadvantages of cable TV and streaming services that’ll help you make a choice this time around.

Streaming
Pros

• Better flexibility
  Online streaming is far more flexible than cable TV in all aspects, including real-time viewing, easy accessibility, no binding contracts, and no termination fee. All you need is an account that you can activate or deactivate, depending on your subscription need. If you stay on rent or your lifestyle involves a lot of traveling, it’s the ideal option for you.
• Cost-effective
  Online streaming options are far cheaper than those big cable providers. The online streaming package is priced, keeping in mind the resolution and the number of devices you own. Whereas, for cable TV, you have to pay a standard package fee depending on the resolution and are bound to a contract, which, if breached, comes with termination fees.
• Array of options
  Online streaming offers an array of content you can select from. It recommends shows and movies based on your choice of content viewed on the streaming service and notifies you with the trending ones to keep you updated. This service also offers multiple options of subscription with a varied price range.
• Ad-free and non-stop entertainment
  Pop-up ads can be annoying when watching an intense court scene from Suits or for that matter any other show or movie. This feature allows you to binge watch for hours without any interruption.

Cons

• Quality Internet
  Not many take into consideration the cost of high-speed Internet that’s a must for streaming. In fact, streaming is entirely dependent on the accessibility of the Internet. That means no Internet, no streaming!

Cable
Pros

• More channels
  If you like surfing through TV and the shows you’re hooked to are being aired on different channels, sticking with cable may be a better option for you.
• Sports
  Most people stick to cable only for sports; it’s best enjoyed on TV. All standard cable TV packages include major sports channels like ESPN, NFL, NBC, and more, whereas streaming services charge extra for live games.

Cons

• Pay more but watch less
  Any cable package comes at a hefty price that you may be paying for watching no other channel but news. It’s also possible for the price to fluctuate after you have signed a yearly contract.
• Weather and other dependencies
  A thunderstorm can easily disrupt the cable connection, leaving you without any entertainment option while you’re stuck indoors. Streaming services came out as the winner in this scenario since the Internet is uninterrupted due to weather conditions.

With the above-mentioned pros and cons of streaming services vs. cable TV packages, you will be able to make an informed decision. Make sure you choose the best according to your requirements.