Cable versus Streaming Services in New Jersey: Comparing Costs and Cord-Cutting Options

If you’re thinking about “cutting the cord” and switching from traditional cable TV to streaming services, you might be wondering about the costs involved and how to make the transition smoothly. Let’s break it down and compare the options available in New Jersey.

First things first, take a moment to consider your viewing preferences. Make a list of the channels and shows you can’t live without. This will help you figure out which streaming services align with your must-have content.

One key factor to keep in mind is your internet connection. Both Optimum and Verizon offer internet plans that are perfect for streaming. Optimum, for example, has fiber internet plans starting at $40 per month with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. On the other hand, Verizon Fios offers fiber-optic internet plans like 300 Mbps for $49.99 per month and 1 Gig (940 Mbps) for $89.99 per month.

Now, let’s talk about the costs of cable versus streaming. Traditional cable packages from Optimum and Verizon offer a wide range of channels at different price points. For instance, Optimum’s Care TV package includes over 220 channels for $85 per month, while Verizon Fios’s Your Fios TV package offers 125+ channels for the same price. On the streaming side of things, platforms like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max all offer various content at different price points, so you can pick the one that fits your budget and viewing habits best.

If you’re a sports fan, don’t worry—you can still catch all the games you love without a cable subscription. Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV both offer access to sports channels, so you can root for your favorite New York teams from the comfort of your couch. Hulu + Live TV, in particular, carries channels like YES Network for Yankees and Nets games, SNY for Mets games, and MSG Network for Knicks, Rangers, and Devils games.

Sling TV, on the other hand, offers packages like Sling Blue with channels like FS1 and NBC Sports Network for national games. You can also add on the Sports Extra package for even more sports coverage, although it’s worth noting that these channels mainly cover national games rather than local team matchups.

So, whether you’re eyeing a cable package or considering a streaming service, there are plenty of options to explore in New Jersey. Just remember to assess your viewing habits, check your internet connection, and compare the costs before making the switch. Happy streaming!