Not too long ago, the streaming service Hulu announced that its cheapest TV service plan would cost users $64.99. Because of the whopping price jump, several regular television viewers were left wondering: is cable worth it?
This question provokes an enticing debate that might seem logical to some and illogical to others. For starters, streaming services don’t have too much going for them since it seems like 2020 was the year of price hikes due to the global pandemic.
There’s not much debate about the fact that since most regular users of these platforms were forced to sit at home because of a social distancing protocol, binge-watching and catching up with the crowd became a great way to pass the time. To leverage this increased demand for a streaming service, companies started to increase their prices left, right, and center.
YouTube TV announced an increase in the price in July, while fuboTV introduced a price hike, too. While other streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, YouTube TV and fuboTV are still favorites for cable users.
YouTube TV continues to be one of the top choices for users because solid channels like NBC, CBS, Fox, and ABC are in the collection of channels the service offers. An internet connection can cost you an average of $50-70 a month, and the mean price tag for a streaming service in 2021 is around $65.
This gives you a monthly cost of around $120 to $140 a month. On the other hand, cable TV providers like Xfinity can give you a package that has an internet connection of 200 Mbps Standard+ cable package and you can get this subscription for just $90 for a year!
Sounds amazing, right? If you start reading the fine print in the terms and conditions of Xfinity, you may notice this: “Equipment, installation, taxes, and fees, Broadcast TV Fee (up to $19.45/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $14.45/mo.) and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after the promo. After promo, or if any service is canceled or downgraded, regular rates apply. Comcast’s monthly service charge for Standard+ is $109.99 (subject to change).”
If you’re still undecided and are thinking, “is cable worth it?” think about how you want to consume content. If the sole channel you see is on cable TV and you’re content, there’s no need to get a streaming service! But if you like to switch things up a bit – get a streaming service, split the bill 4ways, and enjoy the freedom!
